Comparison of AC and RF atmospheric-pressure homogeneous plasma effects on polymer functionalization

We studied the effect of plasma treatment on polymer comparing alternating-current (AC) and radio-frequency (RF) driven plasmas using dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. The developed reactor shows spatially homogeneous plasmas in helium without streamers, and it produces abundant nitrogen and oxygen radicals by intruding ambient air. Because of electron density and temperature difference, AC and RF driven plasmas present distinct radical generation characteristics. Polymer surface chemical composition supports that formation of functional-groups over the surface are closely related to the generated radical species determined by specific plasma characteristics. Finally, this contribution will discuss effective polymer treatment by selecting adequate plasmas between AC and RF power operation.