Using a He + N2 dielectric barrier discharge for the modification of polymer surface properties

In this paper we report on the optimization of an experimental arrangement of DBD type, aiming to work in a He + N2 environment, applied to the surface treatment of polymers. Here the discharge was systematically investigated on an extended range of the gas mixture composition, using electric parameter measurement and emission spectroscopy. The effects of the He + N2-DBD treatment on the surface of a test material are examined, compared with results obtained on the He-DBD treatment. The surface characterization was performed using contact angle measurement, AFM imaging and XPS analysis, so allowing the selection of treatment parameters for reproducible, efficient and stable surface modification