Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of polymeric powders

► An atmospheric pressure plasma jet is modified to treat PE particles. ► After treatment 7 at.% O and 1 at.% N are incorporated at the particle surface. ► The treated PE has an improved dispersability in water, which is resistant to aging. ► The O-content at the surface can be increased by adding CO2 in the plasma afterglow. ► A more efficient treatment of PE is possible in an up-scaled reactor.