Amorphization and Polymorphism Modification of Polyamide-6 Films via Open-Air Non-Equilibrium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Treatment

Surface activation of polymers by atmospheric pressure plasma is an economically important process for bonding technologies. Although most of the studies are focused on the modification of the surface chemistry, this study investigates the modification of the topmost surface and the deeper layers of a polyamide-6 sheet treated by an open-air atmospheric plasma jet system. The plasma jet used in this study is a unique combination of highly reactive species (e. g. O degrees, degrees OH center dot center dot center dot) and a high temperature gas estimated (from 600-1 000 K) which leads to surface functionalization, amorphization and polymorphism modification. The results have shown that an amorphization of the polyamide occurs on the top surface. Moreover, a crystallization of the amorphous phase in the a form was also highlighted in the depth of the material.