Selected area functionalization of polymeric components by gaseous plasma

Printability of electronic components is usually inadequate so it should be optimized for optimal performances. The activation of polymer surface is nowadays usually performed by plasma treatment which is gradually replacing traditional chemical methods such as application of primers which are ecologically inadequate and often even carcinogenic. While the method is widely used in industry for large-scale activation of two-dimensional objects such as textiles and foils, the activation of three-dimensional components of complex shape is feasible only using low-pressure discharges. Namely, atmospheric-pressure discharges are famous for large gradients of reactive species. In practice it means that a segment of a three-dimensional object is insufficiently treated and other segments are over-treated. For ink-jet printing on the components produced by industrial partner, only a small surface of dimension just above a cm2 has to be activated, but the activation should be accomplished in a fraction of a second to meet the pace of the production line. Such treatment represents not only a technological, but also a scientific challenge. Since it is not feasible to assure for appropriate fluence of oxidative radicals, the synergy between said radicals and VUV radiation will be employed to obtain the appropriate surface finish. The influences of VUV radiation and oxidative radicals on the surface finish will be first elaborated separately to obtain the appropriate fluences. In the next step, the synergistic effects will be studied thoroughly to find the optimal combination of VUV and radical’s fluences. Finally, an atmospheric plasma jet that assures for appropriate VUV radiation and density of oxidative radicals will be tested. Scientific aspects will be published in topical journals, and a patent application will be submitted to EU office as soon as the concept is proved.