Homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge reactor with L-shaped electrodes for surface treatment of polymeric substrates

Summary form only given. Low surface energy of polymers is the chief obstacle to prevention of their wide application. Homogeneous non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure allows functional groups to be grafted on the surface of polymeric substrates, which is highly effective for the improvement in their printability and adhesion. We propose a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor consisting of two back-to-back L-shaped electrodes, driven by bipolar voltage pulses of opposite polarity. The discharge characteristics inside and outside the reactor are analyzed with the help of specifically designed reactor structure. The time-averaged image and temporal evolution of the discharge are taken by using an intensified charge-coupled device for different voltages. The discharge image is synchronized with the voltage-current waveforms by using the trigger pulse from the power supply. Finally, the applicability of the DBD reactor to the polymer surface treatment is discussed based on the experimental results.