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S2-3 · Trends in plasma applications
R. Barni, S. Zanini, R. Siliprandi, P. Esena, C. Riccardi
Dipartimento di Fisica G.Occhialini, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, P.za della Scienza, 3 – I-20126 Milano, Italy
Abstract: Plasma processing of materials are an innovative technology which is quickly developing and offers several opportunities in industrial sector like textiles, packaging, energy and biomedical. Plasma technology is a very efficient tool since it is able to produce chemically reactive environment in gas-phase, usually precluded to the usual wet chemistry. We will review results obtained in the recently instituted Center of Excellence PlasmaPrometeo aimed to the research, development and technological transfer in the field of plasmas. Research activity focuses on the development of suitable diagnostics of plasma processing, on modeling of plasmas and their interactions with material surfaces and on the development of new processes of surface modification and functionalization of polymeric materials. Advanced plasma diagnostics tools could be applied to study plasma processing and the interaction of plasma with material surfaces. Here we discuss results obtained in the characterization of atmospheric pressure discharges. In particular we presents results about the streamer regime of a dielectric barrier dicharge in a controlled high pressure gas mixture. Interesting features have been observed in the statistical properties displayed by this kind of intermittent discharges. Plasma modeling includes the development of numerical simulations aimed to the study of the evolution of the chemical kinetics of the plasma gas-phase in discharges at low pressure as well as at atmospheric pressure. We presents results concerning the simulation of streamer regime in dielectric barrier discharges and an analysis of the capability of spark discharges for the use as compact hydrogen reformer devices. The application of plasma processing in several industrial sector gets strongly enhanced whether it is possible to realize treatment of the materials at atmospheric pressure, avoiding the need of vacuum technology. Here we presents results concerning the functionalization of polymeric materials by means of atmospheric pressure plasmas. We discuss grafting processes on textiles and fibers aimed to achive specific surface properties like wettability and hydrorepellence. We presents also results about the deposition of polymeric thin films on material surfaces employing an atmospheric pressure discharge feeded with a suitable monomer vapour.
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Paper (pdf)