Enhanced printability of polyethylene through air plasma treatment

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foils were surface-modified by using non-thermal non-equilibrium oxidative air 40 kHz frequency, radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) discharge plasma treatment. The pristine and treated specimens were morphologically and chemically characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurement with surface energy evaluation. In addition, printability and ink adhesion tests were carried out on the samples, and quantitatively appraised by UV-VIS transmission spectroscopy. The overall outcome indicated chemical and physical changes after each treatment, and the improvement of printability. The present approach could serve as a viable and promising method to improve printability of polyethylene. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.