Microstructures and electrical properties of polypropylene bombarded by pulsed high energy density plasma

Pulsed High Energy Density Plasma (PHEDP) was produced by evaporating and ionizing the surface materials of coaxial metallic electrodes fixed in the plasma gun. The results of the characterization of metallic plasma-bombarded polypropylene (PP) by Fourier infrared-ray spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface resistivity measurements were presented. The condensation process of the plasma with single pulse in polymers was investigated. The crystallinity of PP decreased with the applied voltage. The microstructures of PP after plasma bombardment were observed with plan and cross-section view. Metallic particles were deposited on the surface of PP substrates, whereas metallic atoms implanted into PP bulk. The absence of significant decrease of the PP surface resistivity would be discussed.