Impact of Ionic Wind-Driven DBD Plasma on the Surface Electrical, Mechanical and Chemical Characteristics of Polyethylene, Polypropylene and CR-39

Atmospheric plasma treatment is widely used for surface activation of polymers; however, the influence of ionic wind-driven dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on combined electrical, mechanical, and chemical surface characteristics has not been systematically examined. This research investigates the application of Ionic Wind, generated via Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma to enhance Nitrogen ion (N⁺) implantation in Polymers. Treatments at 18 kV for up to 50 minutes induced significant modifications in surface morphology and material properties. SRIM/TRIM simulations indicated that 45 keV N⁺ ions penetrated 0.17 µm in PE/PP and 0.2 µm in CR-39. Microscopy revealed ion track alignment and trench formation, while FTIR confirmed distinct chemical alterations. Electrical and mechanical analyses showed improved conductivity and hardness, notably in CR-39 (20–40 min) and in PE/PP at 40 min. These findings establish DBD-assisted ion implantation as a promising technique for surface functionalization of polymers in advanced engineering applications. The observed surface-confined electrical, mechanical, and chemical responses provide insight into ionic wind–polymer interaction mechanisms. Such surface tuning is relevant for advanced polymer applications, including photovoltaic encapsulation systems where PE and PP are widely employed.