Hydrophobization of polymer particles by tetrafluoromethane (CF4) plasma irradiation using a barrel-plasma-treatment system

In this study, tetrafluoromethane (CF4) plasma-treatments of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) powder were performed using a polygonal barrel-plasma-treatment system to improve the PMMA's hydrophobicity. Characterization of the treated samples showed that the PMMA particle surfaces were fluorinated by the CF4 treatment. The smooth surfaces of the particles changed into nano-sized worm-like structures after the plasma-treatment. The hydrophobicity of the treated PMMA samples was superior to that of the untreated samples. It was noted that the hydrophobicity of the treated samples and the surface fluorination level depended on the plasma-treatment time and radiofrequency (RF) power; high RF power increased the sample temperature, which in turn decreased the hydrophobicity of the treated samples and the surface fluorination because of the thermal decomposition of PMMA. The water-repellent effects were evaluated by using paper towels to show the application of the plasma-treated PMMA particles, with the result that the paper towel coated with the treated sample was highly water-repellent.