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Nastuta AV, Asandulesa M, Spiridon I, Varganici CD, Huzum R, Mihaila I. Effects of Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet on 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:1848. [PMID: 38673204 PMCID: PMC11051423 DOI: 10.3390/ma17081848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Polymers are essential in several sectors, yet some applications necessitate surface modification. One practical and eco-friendly option is non-thermal plasma exposure. The present research endeavors to examine the impacts of dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric pressure plasma on the chemical composition and wettability properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene surfaces subject to the action of additive manufacturing. The plasma source was produced by igniting either helium or argon and then adjusted to maximize the operational conditions for exposing polymers. The drop in contact angle and the improvement in wettability after plasma exposure can be due to the increased oxygen-containing groups onto the surface, together with a reduction in carbon content. The research findings indicated that plasma treatment significantly improved the wettability of the polymer surface, with an increase of up to 60% for both working gases, while the polar index increased from 0.01 up to 0.99 after plasma treatment. XPS measurements showed an increase of up to 10% in oxygen groups at the surface of He-plasma-treated samples and up to 13% after Ar-plasma treatment. Significant modifications were observed in the structure that led to a reduction of its roughness by 50% and also caused a leveling effect after plasma treatment. A slight decrease in the glass and melting temperature after plasma treatment was pointed out by differential scanning calorimetry and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Up to a 15% crystallinity index was determined after plasma treatment, and the 3D printing process was measured through X-ray diffraction. The empirical findings encourage the implementation of atmospheric pressure plasma-based techniques for the environmentally sustainable manipulation of polymers for applications necessitating higher levels of adhesion and specific prerequisites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Vasile Nastuta
- Physics and Biophysics Education Research Laboratory (P&B-EduResLab), Biomedical Science Department, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, M. Kogalniceanu Str., No. 9–13, 700454 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Asandulesa
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Iuliana Spiridon
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | | | - Ramona Huzum
- Integrated Center of Environmental Science Studies in the North-Eastern Development Region (CERNESIM), Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I No. 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ilarion Mihaila
- Integrated Center of Environmental Science Studies in the North-Eastern Development Region (CERNESIM), Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I No. 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania
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Nastuta AV, Asandulesa M, Doroftei F, Dascalu IA, Varganici CD, Tiron V, Topala I. Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Exposure of Polylactic Acid Surfaces for Better Adhesion: Plasma Parameters towards Polymer Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:240. [PMID: 38257039 PMCID: PMC11154260 DOI: 10.3390/polym16020240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymers play a crucial role in multiple industries; however, surface modification is necessary for certain applications. Exposure to non-thermal plasma provides a viable and environmentally beneficial option. Fused deposition molding utilizes biodegradable polylactic acid, although it encounters constraints in biomedical applications as a result of inadequate mechanical characteristics. This study investigates the effects of atmospheric pressure plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge system using helium and/or argon on the modification of polylactic acid surfaces, changes in their wettability properties, and alterations in their chemical composition. The plasma source was ignited in either He or Ar and was tailored to fit the best operational conditions for polymer exposure. The results demonstrated the enhanced wettability of the polymer surface following plasma treatment (up to 40% in He and 20% in Ar), with a marginal variation observed among treatments utilizing different gases. The plasma treatments also caused changes in the surface topography, morphology, roughness, and hydrophilicity. Plasma exposure also resulted in observable modifications in the dielectric characteristics, phase transition, and structure. The experimental findings endorse the utilization of plasma technologies at normal air pressure for environmentally friendly processing of polymer materials, specifically for applications that necessitate enhanced adhesion and have carefully selected prerequisites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Vasile Nastuta
- Physics and Biophysics Education Research Laboratory (P&B-EduResLab), Biomedical Science Department, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi, M. Kogalniceanu Str., No. 9–13, 700454 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mihai Asandulesa
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.); (F.D.); (I.-A.D.); (C.-D.V.)
| | - Florica Doroftei
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.); (F.D.); (I.-A.D.); (C.-D.V.)
| | - Ioan-Andrei Dascalu
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.); (F.D.); (I.-A.D.); (C.-D.V.)
| | - Cristian-Dragos Varganici
- “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Gr. Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.); (F.D.); (I.-A.D.); (C.-D.V.)
| | - Vasile Tiron
- Research Center on Advanced Materials and Technologies (RAMTECH), Department of Exact and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I No. 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Ionut Topala
- Iasi Plasma Advanced Research Center (IPARC), Faculty of Physics, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Blvd. Carol I No. 11, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
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Helium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Effects on Two Cultivars of Triticum aestivum L. Foods 2023; 12:foods12010208. [PMID: 36613422 PMCID: PMC9818699 DOI: 10.3390/foods12010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of cold plasma in the treatment of seeds before sowing presents a promising technique for sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of cold plasma treatment on the morphology of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L. 'Dacic' and 'Otilia'), their germination, biochemical composition, and the nutritional quality of wheat grass. Wheat seeds were morphologically and elementally characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray computer tomography (CT), and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). Helium was used as a working gas for plasma generation and the analysis of the species produced showed the presence of NOγ, OH, N2 and N2+ and O. Evaluation of germination and plant growth for 10 days (wheat grass stage) highlighted a specific trend for each cultivar. The biochemical analysis of wheat grass highlighted an increase in the chlorophyll content in the plasma-treated variants, an increase in the flavonoid and polyphenol content in 'Dacic'-treated variant, while the soluble protein content, antioxidant activity, and color were not affected. The analysis of the nutritional quality of wheat grass by the FT-NIR analytical technique highlighted an increase in the ash content in the plasma-treated wheat cultivars, while the humidity, proteins, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and energy values were not affected.
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Pilot study on the use of cold atmospheric plasma for preservation of bread. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22003. [PMID: 36539471 PMCID: PMC9768121 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is used as an emerging technology for food preservation. In this study, CAP treatment has been applied to bakery products for the first time. The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of the use of CAP on the amount of microorganisms during bread storage. Basic physicochemical properties and bread texture were determined during storage for 0, 3, and 6 days. The study material included gluten-free and mixed wheat-rye bread treated with CAP for 2 and 10 min. The results showed that no mesophilic bacteria or fungi were found after ten minutes of the bread exposure to CAP. In addition, only 2-min non-thermal sterilization resulted in complete inhibition of yeast and mould growth in the gluten-free and wheat-rye bread. A decrease in the microbial growth in the bread was noted; however, a simultaneous decrease in the moisture content of the bread was observed. After the application of plasma for 2 or 10 min, both the gluten-free and mixed wheat-rye bread was characterized by reduced humidity, which also resulted in a significant increase in the hardness and a slight increase in the springiness of the bread. The use of CAP in storage of bread is promising; nevertheless, it is necessary to further study the effect of this treatment in bread with improvers, especially with hydrocolloids and fibers.
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Li S, Sun J, Sun R, Pan J, Wang L, Chen C, Chen Q, Liu Z. Characteristics of Radio Frequency Dielectric Barrier Discharge Using Argon Doped with Nitrogen at Atmospheric Pressure. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:7647. [PMID: 36363237 PMCID: PMC9656361 DOI: 10.3390/ma15217647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the characteristics of radio frequency dielectric barrier discharge (RF-DBD) using argon doped with nitrogen at atmospheric pressure, electrical and optical diagnoses of the discharge with different nitrogen ratios from 1% to 100% were carried out, and the self-organizing form of the filamentous plasma was studied through a transparent water electrode. At the same time, an ICCD camera was used to study the spatiotemporal evolution filamentous discharge during one cycle. Different from discharge using pure argon, using argon doped with nitrogen made the discharge change from glow discharge to filamentous discharge when the voltage increased to a certain value, and a higher nitrogen ratio made the filaments thicker and more sparsely arranged. Under different input power and nitrogen content conditions, several forms of glow discharge, hexagonal/irregularly arranged filamentous discharge and local filamentous discharge were obtained, all of which have potential applications to reduce the high cost of using inert gases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- Department of Information and Intelligent Engineering, Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Jiazhen Sun
- Department of Information and Intelligent Engineering, Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, Shanghai 200093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Science & Technology of Ministry of Education/Shandong Province, Faculty of Light Industry, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Rui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Science & Technology of Ministry of Education/Shandong Province, Faculty of Light Industry, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
| | - Jie Pan
- Department of Information and Intelligent Engineering, Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Information and Intelligent Engineering, Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Information and Intelligent Engineering, Shanghai Publishing and Printing College, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Laboratory of Plasma Physics and Materials, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhongwei Liu
- Laboratory of Plasma Physics and Materials, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
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Frontiers in Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technology. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Atmospheric pressure plasmas represent a feasible and eco-friendly alternative to conventional physicochemical methods used in technology today for facing materials [...]
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Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Operated in Ar and He: From Basic Plasma Properties to Vacuum Ultraviolet, Electric Field and Safety Thresholds Measurements in Plasma Medicine. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Application desired functionality as well as operation expenses of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) devices scale with properties like gas selection. The present contribution provides a comparative investigation for a CAP system operated in argon or helium at different operation voltages and distance to the surface. Comparison of power dissipation, electrical field strength and optical emission spectroscopy from vacuum ultraviolet over visible up to near infrared ((V)UV-VIS-NIR) spectral range is carried out. This study is extended to safety relevant investigation of patient leakage current, induced surface temperature and species density for ozone (O3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). It is found that in identical operation conditions (applied voltage, distance to surface and gas flow rate) the dissipated plasma power is about equal (up to 10 W), but the electrical field strength differs, having peak values of 320 kV/m for Ar and up to 300 kV/m for He. However, only for Ar CAP could we measure O3 up to 2 ppm and NOx up to 7 ppm. The surface temperature and leakage values of both systems showed different slopes, with the biggest surprise being a constant leakage current over distance for argon. These findings may open a new direction in the plasma source development for Plasma Medicine.
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