Surface modification of polystyrene by dielectric barrier discharge in atmospheric pressure

The surfaces of polystyrene (PS) films were modified by atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in ambient environment. The surface microstructures and properties of the modified PS were characterized with atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and water contact angle measurement. The impacts of the surface modification conditions on the surface properties were studied. The results show that the surface modification significantly affects the surface morphology and properties. For example, the modification improves its surface wettability, roughens its surface, and introduces O- and N-functional groups. Possible mechanism is that the surface roughening and incorporation of O- and N-functional groups result in hydrophilicity improvement.