Publication
Title
Understanding polyethylene surface functionalization by an atmospheric plasma through combined experiments and simulations
Author
Abstract
High density polyethylene surfaces were exposed to the atmospheric post-discharge of a radiofrequency plasma torch supplied in helium and oxygen. Dynamic water contact angle measurements were performed to evaluate changes in surface hydrophilicity and angle resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was carried out to identify the functional groups responsible for wettability changes and to study their subsurface depth profiles, up to 9 nm in depth. The reactions leading to the formation of CO, C = O and OC = O groups were simulated by molecular dynamics. These simulations demonstrate that impinging oxygen atoms do not react immediately upon impact but rather remain at or close to the surface before eventually reacting. The simulations also explain the release of gaseous species in the ambient environment as well as the ejection of low molecular weight oxidized materials from the surface.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Journal of physics: D: applied physics. - London
Publication
London : 2014
ISSN
0022-3727
DOI
10.1088/0022-3727/47/22/224007
Volume/pages
47 :22 (2014) , 12 p.
Article Reference
224007
ISI
000336207900008
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
CalcUA as central calculation facility: supporting core facilities.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 15.05.2014
Last edited 22.01.2024
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