Studies on cold plasma-polymer surface interaction by example of PP- and PET-films

This paper presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies aimed at developing mathematical models for plasma–polymer interactions. Experiments on plasma treatment of polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) foils were carried out with the use of atmospheric pressure plasma sources operating with ambient air and purified nitrogen as plasma forming gases. Water contact angle was measured, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of the treated samples was done. A theoretical model based on a mechanism proposed by Kushner for plasma processing of PP foil is described. A comparison between experimental and theoretical results for oxygen enrichment of PP-polymer samples is presented.