Abstract

In this work, space-resolved analysis of polyethylene terephthalate surface functionalization induced by an atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet has been conducted. In particular, the plasma jet footprint has been determined by examining radial water contact angle profiles. For the first time, space-resolved X-ray photoelectron measurements have also been carried out and have been correlated with the results of the water contact angle profiles. Different plasma treatment conditions, like discharge power, exposure time, sample distance and gas flow, have been varied to observe their effect on the plasma jet radial profiles. From this investigation, it has become clear that variations in exposure time and sample distance can strongly influence the radial hydrophilic region, while changes in gas flow rate and discharge power only result in small differences.