Development of an Airflow-Type Plasma Reactor for Surface Modification of Fine Polymer Particles

Abstract

We have developed an airflow plasma reactor for hydrophilic treatment of 3 μm PE powder. In the R&D, we designed and manufactured an air flow plasma reactor and evaluated its production capacity and processing capability. The PE powders enable hydrophilization in an extremely short period of time by ensuring uniform dispersion in the airflow. On the other hand, the reactor with an electrode inserted inside the reactor was found to have problems in terms of continuous processing, such as blockage due to particle adhesion and particle melting at the electrode. Therefore, a new helical plasma reactor without electrodes inside was developed to solve the problems, and continuous treatment was realized by using the helical plasma reactor.

Graphical Abstract

Plasma generation of spiral tube plasma reactor and plasma treated powder, (a) plasma generation in spiral tube plasma reactor, (b) inside of the reactor, (c) plasma treated powder.