PLASMA MODIFICATION OF THE SURFACE OF POLYPROPYLENE FILMS AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE

Polymer self-adhesive materials are widely used in various industries (construction, medicine, packaging, automotive, advertising, electronics and consumer goods). Their popularity is due to their operational characteristics: resistance to external influences and ease of use. The results of studies of the surface properties of polypropylene (PP) films modified using low-temperature plasma of atmospheric pressure glow discharge are presented. The treatment time was 3, 5, 10, and 15 seconds, and the plasma was initiated in technical argon, air, and mixtures thereof in the proportions of 70:30, 50:50, and 30:70. The study shows that the plasma modification significantly improves the adhesive properties of polypropylene, doubling them compared to the original sample. The maximum adhesion performance (135.5 MJ/m²) of PP was achieved with modification in argon for 15 seconds, which doubled the adhesion properties compared to the initial sample. An increase in the processing time of more than 15 seconds does not affect the adhesive properties and the wetting edge angle. A mixture of argon and air was used to reduce argon consumption. The optimal 50:50 ratio ensured an edge wetting angle of 42 ± 1° and an adhesion of 127.9 MJ/m² (close to the values of pure argon). An increase in the surface roughness of modified PP films was noted from 52.6 to 199.4 nm in argon, to 133.1 nm in an argon‒air mixture (50:50). Increasing the roughness facilitates the application of glue and strengthens the adhesive bond. The study investigated the kinetics of changes in the electret properties of PP films and their effect on adhesive properties. The results obtained during the study are recommended for the development of basic materials for self-adhesive products with improved performance properties.

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