Improved Adhesion of PTFE Surfaces via Low-Power DC Plasma and Fast Neutrals Flow
Source abstract
Abstract
A method for enhancing the adhesion properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surfaces is presented. The approach employs a fast neutrals flow generated by a DC glow discharge plasma with a grid neutralizer. Low power levels (≈6 W) provided by the stable DC discharge prevent physical sputtering and surface damage, while strong UV radiation from pure argon promotes efficient defluorination. The choice of working gas composition, discharge parameters, and treatment duration was informed by plasma emission spectroscopy, water contact angle (WCA) measurements, and systematic optimization. The combined effect of low-energy neutral particles and UV radiation leads to a significant increase in surface energy to 82 mN/m and a reduction in WCA to 13°, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method. Thanks to its simplicity, scalability, and reliability, the method holds significant potential for industrial applications.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Metal and Thin Film Mechanics · Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity · Diamond and Carbon-based Materials Research
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Physical Electronics and Technology, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI”, ul. Professora Popova 5, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
Funding
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation within the framework of the state assignment
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