Change in Wettability on the Aluminum Surface by Plasma Irradiation

Abstract

Plasma irradiation temporarily improves wettability of the metal surface. Experimental study of surface wettability has been performed on three kinds of aluminum surface; normal surface, plasma irradiated surface, plasma irradiated infinitesimal irregularity surface. The relationship between contact angle and irradiation time were examined for these surfaces. The terminal contact angle of these surfaces is about 70°, 3°(superhydrophilic), and about 0°(spreading wetting), respectively. For these three surfaces, we measured change in contact angle with lapsed time after plasma irradiation, and the evaporation time and the wetting limit temperature of water droplet.