Plasma the Chemistry Tool for the 21st Century

One hundred years ago, Sir William Crooke stated ".... the investigation of the fourth state of matter plasma will be one of the most challenging and exciting fields of human endeavor". Even though it has found a major niche market (in excess of $ 1 billion) for the fabrication of semiconductor devices, plasma remains an emerging technology still in its embryonic stage in the industrial market place. The product designer by using plasma technology is unlimited in the choice of materials at his/her disposal for the design of any specific component. The surfaces of materials can be easily and effectively modified via plasma treatment for a variety of end uses without altering the properties of the bulk material. Thus the designer may chose a plastic best suited for the application by its mechanical properties and subsequently modify only the surface for optimum performance in a secondary operation such as painting or bonding. Plasma processing offers a means for cost effective surface engineering to provide performance and permanence to painting of even the most difficult to paint plastics. And, plasma processes are workplace safe and environmentally friendly. However, as will be discussed in this paper the most optimum results are most readily achieved when the materials and paint suppliers as well as the manufacturer work in collaboration.