The main interactions between the species generated by the plasma and the surface can be :

> SURFACE ACTIVATION AND GRAFTING

New specific chemical functions are created on the surface through the rupture of polymer chains, ejection of certain types of atoms and the grafting of certain atoms known for their particular properties. These functions also confer new properties on the surface : oxidation, fluorination, etc. The surface energy is thus completely modified.

The use of oxygen or nitrogen plasma will promote the increase of surface energy (energy> 65 mJ/m²) This property will promote the spreading of paints, varnishes, adhesives ... At the same time, their adhesion is improved.

The use of fluorinated gases will reduce the surface energy (<15 mJ/m²). The treated surface becomes hydrophobic.

However, some materials such as PTFE require special processing (contact us).

> ETCHING AND CLEANING

The plasma species may react with impurities on the surface and transform them into volatile compounds. Depending on the nature of the process gas used, it is possible to etch numerous materials.

For example, Oxygen plasma is used for etching organic compounds .

> EXEMPLES OF APPLICATIONS

• Electronique : PCB cleaning and etching before varnishing.

• R.I.E ou reactive Ion Etching

• Metal : Cleaning before welding orbrazing for aeronautic industry

• Automotive parts : surface activation before painting of floking

• Medical : many polymer components are treated in order to increase their hydophilic properties.

• Others : Pre-treatment before painting, gluing, printing or coating.

> THIN FILMS DEPOSITION
Some plasma processes lead to radical species which can condense onto surface to be treated and form a thin amorphous film. Depending on the process gas used, this film may have special properties : gas diffusion barrier, hardness, hydrophilic properties, etc.

We can thus deposit silica thin films (SiOx), hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a:C-H) for its barrier properties to oxygen diffusion, amorphous fluorinated carbon for its barriers properties to the diffusion of hydrocarbons, diamond-like-carbon (or DLC) for its hardness properties.

Many sectors benefits from these applications : Packaging, optics, automobile industry, aeronautics, electronics, etc