Hybrid method involving atmospheric plasma treatment and inkjet deposition for the development of conductive patterns on flexible polymers

► Polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) was modified under dielectric barrier discharges. ► Atmospheric helium-oxygen and helium-water vapor plasma improved wettability. ► Improved wettability is due to oxidation of the surface and not increased roughness. ► Atmospheric plasma treatment improved inkjet-printed lines of a conductive polymer. ► Helium-water vapor plasma treatments led to a more homogeneous drop deposit.