Atmospheric plasma treatment (APT) - Understanding the basics

Abstract

This paper describes the results of an ongoing experimental program aimed at optimising atmospheric plasma technology and its application within the CRC Smartprint. It is concerned, in the first instance, with a better understanding of the basic science as a precursor to a series of application studies under consideration. Commissioning of the laboratory equipment in the CRC laboratories at Clayton is discussed, together with the design and installation of an auxiliary device based on optical emission spectroscopy (OES) that permits identification of the major chemical species generated in the plasma discharge. The ability to characterise the vapour phase for active reactants is seen as absolutely fundamental in optimising process conditions and product performance. The application of the technique to a range of potential treatment gases is described, together with the assignment of prominent intensity peaks. The paper also discusses the results of a comparative study of performance between the newly purchased atmospheric plasma equipment with a related device based on plasma treatment at low pressure, using cellulose acetate as the common substrate. Show more