Adhesion Characteristics of Polymer Material Treated by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

We studied the adhesion characteristics of polymer films (PC, PET, EVA) treated by atmospheric pressure plasma. The process parameters were the frequency, gas flow, and treatment time; we studied the effects of these parameters on the adhesion characteristics of the polymer materials. We used de-ionized water and diiodomethane as the polar and nonpolar solvents, respectively, for measuring the contact angles, and subsequently calculated the surface free energy of each polymer film. The adhesion characteristics were studied by carrying out a 180 degrees peel-off test. The polymer films treated with plasma developed a hydrophilic surface, which led to increased surface free energy and improved adhesion properties. From the results for contact angle, surface free energy, and adhesion strength, we obtained the optimal plasma-treatment conditions.