The influence of plasma polymerization on adhesion of polyester cords to rubber matrix

In this paper an attempt has been made to understand the influence of plasma polymerization of propane-butane gas with nitrogen admixture on adhesion properties of polyester cords to rubber. Plasma was generated by Diffuse Coplanar Surface Barrier Discharge (DCSBD) at atmospheric pressure. As a result of plasma polymerization a new non-polar layer has been created on the polymer surface. Changes in morphology as well as in chemical structure of modified polyester cords leads to increase of adhesion strength to rubber matrix. The changes were investigated by XPS, SEM, AFM and contact angle measurements.