Surface Treatment of Polyethylene Terephthalate Film Using a DBD Non-Thermal Plasma Reactor

Abstract

Non-thermal plasma treatment technologies using air as gas to oxidize at atmospheric conditions applied on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film lead to modification of chemical and physical surface properties without altering the internal properties. The oxidation degree and the surface modifications during the ageing were studied through sessile drop method using a goniometer and surface tension was measured by an Arcotest pink ink. The goal is to assess the effect of a discharge from a barrier discharge reactor (DBD) on two PET surfaces in order to increase the hydrophilic proprieties on these surfaces. This work was performed using a DBD reactor with generated electric discharge at 20 kHz frequency between two circular plane electrodes placed at a gap of 7 mm one from each other, powered by an AC high voltage power supply. The DBD treatment effect is highlighted through smaller values of water contact angles and better surface tension.