Application of VUV radiation and plasma radicals for adequate wettability of plastic housings (L7-60162)

Project Leader: Dr Tomaž Gyergyek (University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering)

Investigator: Prof. Dr Miran Mozetič (Jozef Stefan Institute)

A non-equilibrium gaseous plasma rich in neutral radicals and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation will be used to modify the surface properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to achieve the desired wettability for adequate adhesion of fillers in the housings of electrical components. A low-pressure, highly nonequilibrium gaseous plasma will be sustained by an electrodeless radiofrequency discharge. The radiation arising from such plasma will be determined with a calibrated VUV spectrometer in a broad range of experimental conditions. The fluxes of photons arising from hydrogen plasma and from plasma sustained in mixtures of argon and hydrogen will be determined as a function of absorbed discharge power and discharge tube pressure. The results will be interpreted and prepared for publication. The best conditions for VUV flux will be used for the treatment of PTFE samples. The influence of both VUV radiation and plasma radicals on the surface finish will be elaborated. VUV photons and plasma radicals’ fluence will be adjusted separately, thus enabling a detailed study of the effects caused by either VUV radiation or radicals. The synergistic effects will be elaborated on as well.