Plasma-polymer interactions in a dielectric barrier discharge

Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of polymers is routinely used to improve surface properties such as adhesion and wettability. These changes in properties occur by functionalization of the surface by radicals and ions generated in the plasma, typically oxidizing the surface and increasing surface energy. One such device used, a dielectric barrier discharge, is modeled in this study. Images show the progress of the electron avalanche across the gap and the enveloping of surface features on the polymer by the plasma.