Silane-Based Coatings on Polypropylene,Deposited by Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge Plasmas

The aim of this paper is to show the possibility to synthesize silicon-based deposits on a polypropylene substrate, using a glow dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure, and to correlate the gas phase behavior with the properties of the thin film deposits. The discharge is generated in a mixture of nitrous oxide and silane, diluted in nitrogen. The influence of the [N₂O]/[SiH₄] ratio on the layer characteristics is mainly studied. Deposits are analyzed by XPS, SSIMS, AFM and wetting angle measurements. The discharges are also characterized by their optical emission spectra. Measurements are made as a function of the distance from the gas inlet, and they allow one to correlate these spectra with the film thickness and its chemical composition. Finally, chemical kinetics of the reactive gas decomposition reactions are proposed.     

The Role of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Atmosphere and Physics on Polypropylene Surface Treatment

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is the discharge involved in corona treatment, widely used in industry to increase the wettability or the adhesion of polymer films or fibers. Usually DBD's are filamentary discharges but recently a homogeneous glow DBD has been obtained. The aim of this paper is to compare polypropylene surface transformations realized with filamentary and glow DBD in different atmospheres (He, N₂, N₂ + O₂ mixtures) and to determine the relative influence of both the discharge regime and the gas nature, on the polypropylene surface transformations. From wettability and XPS results it is shown that the discharge regime can have a significant effect on the surface transformations, because it changes both the ratio of electrons to gas metastables, and the space distribution of the plasma active species. This last parameter is important at atmospheric pressure because the mean free paths are short (m). These two points explain why in He, polypropylene wettability increase is greater by a glow DBD than by a filamentary DBD. In N₂, no significant effect of the discharge regime is observed because electrons and metastables lead to the same active species throughout the gas bulk. The specificity of a DBD in N₂ atmosphere compared to an atmosphere containing oxygen is that it allows very extensive surface transformations and a greater increase of the polypropylene surface wettability. Indeed, even in low concentration and independently of the discharge regime, when O₂ is present in the plasma gas, it controls the surface chemistry and degradation occurs.     

Comparison Between Air Filamentary and Helium Glow Dielectric Barrier Discharges for the Polypropylene Surface Treatment

Recently, a glow like dielectric controlled barrier discharge (GDBD) working at atmospheric pressure has been observed. Such a discharge could replace a filamentary dielectric controlled barrier discharge (FDBD) used in corona treatment systems to improve the wettability or the adhesion of polymers. So it is of interest to compare these two types of discharges and their respective effect on a polymer surface. This is the aim of an extensive study we have undertaken. The first step presented here is the comparison of a filamentary discharge in air with a glow discharge in helium. Helium is the most appropriate gas to realize a glow discharge at atmospheric pressure. Air is the usual atmosphere for a corona treatment. The plasma was characterized by emission spectroscopy and current measurements. The surface transformations were indicated by the water contact angle, the leakage current measurement and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results show that the helium GDBD is better than air FDBD to increase polypropylene wettability without decreasing the bulk electrical properties below a certain level. Contact angle scattering as well as leakage current measurements confirm that the GDBD clearly results in more reproducible and homogeneous treatment than the FDBD.     

辉光放电等离子体对聚丙烯纤维的表面改性

在对电晕、介质阻挡放电、γ射线辐射接枝对化纤改性的简要介绍基础上，重点论述了辉光放电等离子体对聚丙烯纤维的改性。并按等离子体技术的发展过程，对低压和常压辉光放电等离子体对聚丙烯纤维与织物改性的特点、原理及发展前景进行了扼要综述，指出常压辉光放电等离子体是一种很有潜力的表面改性技术。     

Micro Plasma Generation Using Liquid Sampling-Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge

In open air and without any type of inert gas, stable and bright micro plasma was successfully obtained using Liquid Sampling Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge (LS-APGD). The discharge current varied between 20 to 80 mA with a maximum voltage 550 V, discharge gap 0.5–2 mm and solution pH of 1. The produced plasma operates in the normal glow discharge region at a low power (11–40 W). For analytical application the linear dynamic range is obtained up to 500 μg mL⁻¹. Limits of detection based on 3σ of the background intensity determined for Ca I (422.673 nm), Cu I (324.754 nm), Fe I (497.5 nm), and Zn I (213.856 nm) are 0.3, 0.65, 0.1, 0.7 μg mL⁻¹ respectively.     

Comparison of the Plasma Temperature and Electron Number Density of the Pulsed Electrolyte Cathode Atmospheric Pressure Discharge and the Direct Current Solution Cathode Glow Discharge

A novel-pulsed electrolyte cathode atmospheric pressure discharge (pulsed-ECAD) plasma source driven by an alternating current (AC) power supply coupled with a high-voltage diode was generated under normal atmospheric pressure between a metal electrode and a small-sized flowing liquid cathode. The spatial distributions of the excitation, vibrational, and rotational plasma temperatures of the pulsed-ECAD were investigated. The electron excitation temperature of H T_exc(H), vibrational temperature of N₂ T_vib(N₂), and rotational temperature of OH T_rot(OH) were from 4900?±?36 to 6800?±?108 K, from 4600?±?86 to 5800?±?100 K, and from 1050?±?20 to 1140?±?10 K, respectively. The temperature characteristics of the dc solution cathode glow discharge (dc-SCGD) were also studied for the comparison with the pulsed-ECAD. The effects of operating parameters, including the discharge voltage and discharge frequency, on the plasma temperatures were investigated. The electron number densities determined in the discharge system and dc-SCGD were 3.8–18.9?×?10¹⁴?cm^–3 and 2.6?×?10¹⁴ to 17.2?×?10¹⁴?cm^–3, respectively.     

电解液阴极大气辉光放电原子发射光谱检测水硬度

在自制的电解液阴极大气辉光放电原子发射谱(ELCAD-AES)装置上,研究了钙镁标准溶液的特征发射光谱,定量检测了Mg和Ca的含量,两元素的检出限分别为0.2mg/L和0.8mg/L。通过准确性和加标回收实验,以及与乙二胺四乙酸二钠盐络合滴定(EDTA滴定)法测量结果的比较,证明了ELCAD-AES方法测量水硬度的可靠性。测定了沸腾前后的自来水和地下水,以及湖水中Mg和Ca的含量,获得了这些水样的硬度。所建立的ELCAD-AES方法可用于水体硬度或金属元素的快速在线监测。     

Novel AC and DC Non-Thermal Plasma Sources for Cold Surface Treatment of Polymer Films and Fabrics at Atmospheric Pressure

Novel types of non-thermal plasma sources at atmospheric pressure based on multi-pin DC (direct current) diffusive glow discharge and AC (alternative current) streamer barrier corona have been elaborated and tested successfully for cold surface treatment of polymer films [polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),] and polyester fabric. Results on physical properties ofdischarges mentioned and output energy characteristics of new plasma sources as well as data on after-treatment changes in wettability of films and fabrics are presented. The main goal of this study was to find out the experimental conditions for gas discharge and surface processing to achieve a remarkable wettability change for a short treatment time.     

Surface Modification of Polypropylene Non-Woven Fabrics by Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Activation Followed by Acrylic Acid Grafting

Polypropylene (PP) non-woven fabrics have been activated by an atmospheric-pressure plasma treatment using surface dielectric barrier discharge in N₂ and ambient air. Subsequently, the plasma activated samples were grafted using catalyst-free water solution of acrylic acid. Surface properties of the activated and polyacrylic acid post-plasma grafted non-woven were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, surface energy and dyeability measurements. The grafted non-woven exhibit improved water transport and dyeing properties. The plasma activation in nitrogen plasma gas was more efficient than in air.     

Diagnosis of OH Radical by Optical Emission Spectroscopy in Atmospheric Pressure Unsaturated Humid Air Corona Discharge and its Implication to Desulphurization of Flue Gas

OH radical in the corona discharge with pipe–nozzle–plate electrode has been diagnosed by optical emission spectroscopy. Spatial variations of OH radical emission in discharge gap have been measured. Relative intensity of OH radical emission spectroscopy increases with increasing water vapor flux injected into the reactor or intensity of electric field supported. In positive pulsed corona discharge, relative intensity is higher than that in positive DC corona discharge and lower than that in negative DC corona discharge. Strongest intensity of OH radical spectrum appears within the range of 5 mm near the discharge nozzle- electrode. In addition, it is proved that the efficiency of desulphurization from flue gas by pulsed corona discharge plasma processes can be improved when OH radical is produced in the reactor.     

Development of Atmospheric Pressure Low Temperature Surface Discharge Plasma Torch and Application to Polypropylene Surface Treatment

We have finally succeeded in producing the plasma jet by use of the surface discharge plasma torch that can be expected to make larger the diameter of torch in the comparatively easy way. It can be checked that the active species in the jet obtained are different depending on the direction of connection, and also it was clearly found that much O and N₂ is included in them. Consequently, etching was confirmed at the position of 10 mm from the torch end in the surface treatment of polypropylene film, but etching was not confirmed at the position of 20 mm.     

Surface Modification and Characterization of Dichloromethane Plasma Treated Polypropylene Film

Surface of polypropylene (PP) film was modified in plasma of dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂). The nature of surface modifications and formation of cross-linked layer due to plasma polymerization was studied by surface energy measurements and solubility test. Surface modification achieved by CH₂Cl₂ plasma was compared with the reported work on chloroform (CHCl₃) and carbontetrachloride (CCl₄) plasma modifications. Modified surface characterized by ATR-FTIR technique indicated formation of saturated and unsaturated cross-linked product. On the basis of relative intensity change of the specific bands, the site of attachment of chlorine on PP surface was investigated. Adhesive strength of modified film was measured by T-peel test method. Stability of modified surface was studied by measuring surface energy and peel strength after two months.     

Determination of the Nitrogen Atom Density in the Afterglow of a Nitrogen and Helium,Nonequilibrium, Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

Three methods have been examined for evaluating the concentration of nitrogen atoms in the afterglow of a nonequilibrium, helium-stabilized, atmospheric pressure plasma. These are nitric oxide titration, absolute emission intensity of N₂(B ³_g) and temporal decay of the N₂(B ³_g) emission. To employ the second method, the rate constants for the recombination of N atoms into N₂(B ³_g), at different vibrational levels of the B state, were determined. The third newly developed method has three advantages over the other two techniques: (1) it can predict the N-atom density for the entire afterglow, (2) it does not require calibration of the N₂(B ³_g) emission intensity, and (3) it does not disturb the gas flow. According to these measurements, the atmospheric pressure plasma produced a high density of nitrogen atoms, exceeding 4.0×10¹⁵ cm^–3 at the edge of the discharge for 10 Torr N₂ in 745 Torr He at 375 K and 15.5 W/cm³.     

Reactions in a Mixture of CH_4 and CO_2 under the Action of Microwave Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure

Reactions between CH_4 and CO_2 under the action of continuous microwave discharge at atmospheric pressure were studied in a special homemade reactor. The main products were CO and H2, while acetylene and ethylene were also found in the products. Experimental results show that conversions of CH4 and CO2 could be higher than 90% without the presence of any catalyst. Effects of CO2/CH4 molar ratio and total flow rate of the feed gas on the reaction were also investigated.     

Surface Functionalization at Atmospheric Pressure by DBD-Based Pulsed Plasma Polymerization

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-based plasma deposition at atmospheric pressure, using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA, methacrylic acid-[2,3-epoxy-propyl ester]) as a prototype precursor was investigated in order to evaluate the applicability of dielectric barrier discharges to obtain plasma polymers with a high degree of structural retention of the starting precursor. Using pulsed excitation of the discharge, up to about 90% of the epoxy groups of GMA can be retained in plasma polymers obtainableat deposition rates in the order of 3–5nm/s. Preliminary investigations of the mechanism of film formation under pulsed plasma conditions indicate that the reaction of intact monomer molecules withsurface radicals generated during the pulses play a prominent role.     

Structural Evolution of Pt,Au and Cu Anodes by Electrolysis up to Contact Glow Discharge Electrolysis in Alkaline Electrolytes**

Applying a voltage to metal electrodes in contact with aqueous electrolytes results in the electrolysis of water at voltages above the decomposition voltage and plasma formation in the electrolyte at much higher voltages referred to as contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE). While several studies explore parameters that lead to changes in the I–U characteristics in this voltage range, little is known about the evolution of the structural properties of the electrodes. Here we study this aspect on materials essential to electrocatalysis, namely Pt, Au, and Cu. The stationary I–U characteristics are almost identical for all electrodes. Detailed structural characterization by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical approaches reveal that Pt is stable during electrolysis and CGDE, while Au and Cu exhibit a voltage-dependent oxide formation. More importantly, oxides are reduced when the Au and Cu electrodes are kept in the electrolysis solution after electrolysis. We suspect that H₂O₂ (formed during electrolysis) is responsible for the oxide reduction. The reduced oxides (which are also accessible via electrochemical reduction) form a porous film, representing a possible new class of materials in energy storage and conversion studies.     

空气电晕辐照对聚酯薄膜表面组成及形貌的影响

分析了聚酯薄膜经空气电晕等离子体辐照处理后,其表面组成和形貌的变化。 结果表明,聚酯薄膜表面的活性基团在亲水环境中更倾向于迁移至表面,而不是向次表面或者基材本体内迁移。 薄膜表面C=O和O-H的引入量随电晕辐照强度的增加而增大,XPS结果表明,C-O、C=O和O-C=O的总含量增大,O1s谱图中新峰的结合能为532.49 eV,对应于聚酯薄膜表面过氧化物的-O-O-键。 原子力显微镜研究表明,聚酯薄膜经电晕辐照后,表面形成离散的球状颗粒,表面粗糙度变化范围在10 nm左右。     

表面解吸常压化学电离源的研制及应用

根据表面解吸常压化学电离源(SDAPCI)对表面痕量待测物进行常压解吸化学电离的原理,自行研制了SDAPCI电离源及其与线性离子阱(LTQ)质谱仪的接口,成功地在LTQ上实现了表面解吸常压化学电离。此方法无需样品预处理,直接利用电晕放电产生的H3O 在常压下对待测样品进行表面解吸化学电离,避免了甲醇等有毒试剂的使用。在优化的仪器参数条件下,分别用正/负离子模式成功地检测了片剂药品中的氯雷他定、乙酰氨基酚等活性成分和其它不同表面上TNT、氨基酸和多肽等物质,对这些常见物质的检出限不高于10pg/cm2。采用氩气作为电离试剂,观测到乙酰氨基酚、多肽等物质形成的自由基阳离子,提出了在氩气氛围中获得自由基阳离子的可能机理。实验表明SDAPCI具有灵敏度较高,选择性好,适用范围宽等特点,适合用于药品、食品等非破坏、无污染检测以及对复杂基体物质进行快速现场分析。     

Numerical Modeling of a He–N2 Capillary Surface Wave Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure

A self-consistent steady-state spatially averaged collisional-radiativemodel in which the rate coefficients involving electrons are calculatedfrom the solution to the electron Boltzmann equation has been developedfor describing an atmospheric pressure plasma in helium–nitrogen(He–N₂) mixtures. The influence of small nitrogenconcentrations (typically less than 1%) on the discharge characteristicsis studied and compared with available experimental data. It is foundthat nitrogen is highly dissociated and that the density of metastablehelium atoms is considerably reduced by the presence of nitrogen, evenat such low concentrations.     

Electrical and Optical Diagnostics of Dielectric Barrier Discharges (DBD) in He and N2 for Polymer Treatment

Synchronous, real-time optical and electrical diagnostics have been carried out on dielectric barrier discharges in flowing gases (air, He, N₂) at atmospheric pressure. A true Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge (APGD) is observed in N₂ when O₂ and H₂ concentrations are below 500 ppm and 2500 ppm,respectively, and the APGD regime can be beneficially modified by suitably chosen dielectric coatings. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses of some APGD-treated polymer surfaces are presented.