Enhanced printability of polyethylene through air plasma treatment

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foils were surface-modified by using non-thermal non-equilibrium oxidative air 40 kHz frequency, radiofrequency (RF) and microwave (MW) discharge plasma treatment. The pristine and treated specimens were morphologically and chemically characterised by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurement with surface energy evaluation. In addition, printability and ink adhesion tests were carried out on the samples, and quantitatively appraised by UV–VIS transmission spectroscopy. The overall outcome indicated chemical and physical changes after each treatment, and the improvement of printability. The present approach could serve as a viable and promising method to improve printability of polyethylene.

► Polyethylene (PE) foils were modified by using air plasma treatment.
► PE printability was enhanced.
► Air plasma represents a cost-effective method to improve PE printability.