Structural Characteristics of Polymer Surfaces Modified by DC Glow Discharge Plasma

Abstract

In this work, a low-pressure dc glow discharge plasma was generated and diagnosed using the electric probing method. Three different gases (Ar, N₂, and SF₆) were used to generate the discharge plasma. The generated plasma was used to treat the surfaces of thin films of polymeric materials (polycarbonate and polymethyl metha acrylic) prepared by solution cast method. The treatment process was performed at different treatment times. The morphological and topographical characteristics of the treated surfaces were introduced and compared to untreated surfaces. Results showed reasonable modifications in the surfaces as their roughness has increased. Also, the surfaces treated with SF₆ gas showed better characteristics than those treated with Ar and N₂.