New Method for Optimization of Polymer Powder Plasma Treatment for Composite Materials

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Thermoplastic powders require effective adhesion for composite applications.
• Existing methods for assessing film adhesivity have limitations.
• Enhanced bonding is critical for joining plastics to dissimilar materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel testing method for thermoplastic powder film adhesivity.
• To evaluate the impact of oxygen plasma treatment on powder adhesion.
• To optimize plasma treatment parameters for improved composite material development.

Main Methods:

• A modified EN 15337 standard was adapted for film adhesivity testing.
• Polyethylene powders were treated in an oxygen atmosphere (0-1200 s).
• Adhesion, wettability, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Adhesion to metal increased by 580% and to glass by 1670% after 1200 s treatment.
• Plasma treatment time significantly influenced powder sintering and melting behavior.
• XPS confirmed the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups (C-O, C=O, O-C=O).

Conclusions:

• The developed method effectively quantifies thermoplastic powder film adhesivity.
• Oxygen plasma treatment is a viable strategy for significantly enhancing polymer-substrate adhesion.
• This research facilitates the optimization of plasma treatments for advanced polymer powder applications and composite materials.