Change in charging characteristics of polymer powder by plasma treatment

Polyethylene powder was treated in Ar, O2 and N2 gas plasma in a rotating small glass bottle with larger stainless steel beads in order to prevent blocking of powder particles. After the treatment of 40 s in plasma at 0.55 W, the charging characteristics of the powder were remarkably changed. The charge on the powder particles generated by mixing with the stainless steel beads was 8, 12 and 13 times as large as those before treatment. Each powder particle was confirmed to be well treated by using this procedure.