AVS 51st International Symposium
    Plasma Science and Technology Monday Sessions
       Session PS2-MoA

Invited Paper PS2-MoA5
Plasma Surface Modification for In-line Commercial Applications

Monday, November 15, 2004, 3:20 pm, Room 213B

Session: Emerging Plasma Applications
Presenter: A. Yializis, Sigma Technologies Int'l Inc.
Authors: A. Yializis, Sigma Technologies Int'l Inc.
R.E. Ellwanger, Sigma Technologies Int'l Inc.
Correspondent: Click to Email
Plasma is the most common state of matter in the visible universe and has been used for decades in commercially important processes. However, such processes have historically tended to be limited to fairly small scale vacuum applications. The idea of using plasma, particularly atmospheric plasma, to add substantial value to a product by modifying the surface of a moving substrate with either added functionality or a thin functional coating is indeed compelling. Emerging applications include elevation of surface energy to promote adhesion or wetability, ablation to remove unwanted residue or material, sterilization, and deposition of a thin functional coating. Sigma Technologies has been at the leading edge of efforts to commercialize these concepts for the past several years and recent results in the aforementioned application areas are presented.