Plasma Technology for
Surface Modification
a fifteen minute introduction
Thierry Corporation
Plasma Science and Technology
George Osenga
Topics of Discussion
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Plasma definition, an introduction
Surfaces, an introduction
Plasma surface, modification defined
Plasma applications for manufacturing
Conclusions
Plasma Definition Introduction
• Plasma is a (partially) ionized gas in which
ions, electrons, and photons are present
as well as radicals and molecules in an
excited state
Plasma Definition Introduction
• Plasma is a (partially) ionized gas in which
ions, electrons, and photons are present
as well as radicals and molecules in an
excited state
• GASES GONE WILD
Plasma Definition Introduction
• Currently in industry we use two types of
plasma.
– Plasma generated in a vacuum or low
pressure plasma
– Plasma generated at near atmospheric
pressure
Plasma Definition Introduction
• Plasma is also defined by the gas or
gases used to make up the plasma
• Common gases used in generating
plasma in manufacturing today are:
oxygen, argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulfur
hexafluoride and many more
Plasma Definition Introduction
• Cold plasma discharges are generated by
passing enough electrical current through
a gas to cause the gas to change state
• This electrical current often defines the
process to generate the type of plasma:
radio frequency, microwave, inductively
coupled, and pulsed direct current
Introduction to Surfaces
• Surfaces commonly found in
manufacturing that are plasma treated are
defined by their composition
• Examples of common materials: metals,
plastics, rubber, elastomers, polymers,
glass, ceramics, powders and liquids
Introduction to Surfaces
• There are virtually no size or shape
limitations when it comes to plasma
processing
• Plasma systems are built to process
something as small as a contact lens or as
large as an aircraft wing
• Plasma conforms to the shape of the
articles or items it surrounds
Introduction to Surfaces
• Surfaces can also be treated when moving
• Surfaces are treated during in-line process
• Surfaces are treated when tumbled
• Surfaces are treated in roll to roll
• Surfaces like powders or liquids
Plasma Applications
for Manufacturing
• Plasma Clean
• Plasma Activate
• Plasma Etch
• Plasma Deposition/Coating
Plasma Applications
for Manufacturing
Plasma Clean
Inorganic Compounds
- oils, mold release, polymer bleed, drill smear,
fingerprints, solder flux, carbon ash
Inorganic
- metal oxides, metal oxide reduction
Decontamination
- extracellular debris, pyrogens, proteins,
DNA, RNA
Plasma Applications
for Manufacturing
Plasma Activate
• Surface Activation – THE MOST COMMON
(raise the surface energy)
• Surface Passivation
Plasma Applications
for Manufacturing
Plasma Etch
• Chemical Etch
• Physical Etch
Plasma Applications
for Manufacturing
Plasma Deposition/Coating
Hydrophobic (does not like water)
- Fabrics, Footwear, Electronics, Medical Devices
Hydrophilic (likes water)
- Fabrics, Contact Lenses, Medical Devices
Oleophobic (does not like oil)
- Electronics, Optics, Marine Products
Conclusions
• Plasma processing in manufacturing is:
safe, clean, and cost effective
• Plasma equipment and technical experts
are available
• Plasma processing increases: quality,
productivity, and profit
Topics Discussed
• Plasma definition, an introduction
• Surfaces, an introduction
• Plasma surface, modification defined
• Plasma applications for manufacturing
• Conclusions
Thierry Corporation
Plasma Science and Technology
George Osenga
Director of Operations
North America, Mexico & Canada
george.osenga@thierry-corp.com
Phone: (248)-549-4581