Plasma modification of solid and porous polyethylene

The use of electron beam generated plasmas to modify the surface of solid and porous polyethylene substrates is discussed. In both cases, the hydrophobicity of the material was increased by exposing the substrates to electron beam generated plasmas produced in Ar/SF6 mixtures. The solid material studies served as a basis for understanding the plasma-induced changes at the substrate surface, while the porous material was treated using a system designed for two-sided processing applications and proved to be the best way to maximize treatment. Plasma diagnostics were used to characterize the ion and neutral fluxes at the substrates and thereby obtain a better understanding of the plasma-polymer interaction.