Effect of nitrogen plasma on Makrofol polycarbonate by optimizing cold conical cathode plasma source

Abstract Polymers modification is the process of altering the chemical structure, surface properties, or physical behavior to enhance their performance. Since raw polymers often lack specific characteristics required for advanced or specialized applications, therefore modification is suitable to customize polymers for targeted use. The significance of impact nitrogen plasma ions on Makrofol polymer lies in the ability of nitrogen ions to modify the surface chemistry and morphology of the polymer to enhance its performance for various applications. In this paper, simple, compact and low power consumption d.c. cold plasma source is adapted to use for studying impact of nitrogen plasma ions on Makrofol polycarbonate samples. Optimization of electrical discharge characteristics, of this plasma source employing plane disc anode and cold conical cathode, is done at different pressures using nitrogen gas. It is found that exposing Makrofol polycarbonate sample placed on the collector plate, at the optimum distance between ions exit aperture from the conical cathode and the collector plate, to nitrogen plasma ions discloses changes in its surface properties. Investigation procedures using OM, SEM, FTIR, UV, surface roughness and wettability are introduced to analyze the polycarbonate sample in order to reveal sample surface alterations before and after exposure to nitrogen plasma ions. In addition, a transmittance spectrum carried out assures the difference in transparency of Makrofol sample before and after exposure to nitrogen plasma ions.