Corrosion protection of metal surfaces by atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment

In this paper the corrosion protection of silicon-organic coatings applied by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system was studied on copper (Cu) and aluminium (Al). The influence of a plasma pre-treatment on the defect density and the adhesion of the subsequently deposited plasmapolymer coating are presented. The quality of the coating was studied via visualization of defects by means of silver precipitation. Use of a reductive gas mixture for the plasma pre-treatment led to a significant reduction of the defect density. Additionally, the implementation of chromate-free corrosion inhibitors in the plasmapolymer layer enables an active corrosion protection of Al surfaces.

► APP-jet system for deposition of plasma polymers with excellent corrosion protection. ► Plasma pre-treatment is identified to be a key issue for achievable coating quality. ► Implementation of inhibitor compounds results in an active corrosion protection. ► Realization of in-line compatible AP-plasma processes for copper and aluminium.