Changes in Surface Characteristics of BOPP Foil after Treatment by Ambient Air Plasma Generated by Coplanar and Volume Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is a highly transparent polymer defined by excellent mechanical and barrier properties applicable in the food packaging industry. However, its low surface free energy restricts its use in many industrial processes and needs to be improved. The presented study modifies a BOPP surface using two different atmospheric-pressure plasma sources operating in ambient air and capable of inline processing. The volume dielectric barrier discharge (VDBD) and diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) were applied to improve the wettability and adhesion of the 1-10 s treated surface. The changes in morphology and surface chemistry were analyzed by SEM, AFM, WCA/SFE, and XPS, and adhesion was evaluated by a peel force test. Comparing both plasma sources revealed their similar effect on surface wettability and incorporation of polar functional groups. Additionally, higher surface roughness in the case of VDBD treatment contributed to slightly more efficient adhesion in comparison to DCSBD. Although we achieved comparable results for both plasma sources in the term of enhanced surface wettability, degree of oxidation, and stability of induced changes, DCSBD had less effect on the surface deterioration than VDBD, where surface structuring caused an undesirable haze.