Polymers Treated by Plasma for Optical Devices and Food Packaging

I introduce my Doctorate work, entitled as: “Commercial Polymers treated by plasma for optical devices and food packaging”. This work actually started in February 2008, when I decided to modify the chemical structure of PVC and PET for the same application. However, PVC is not proper for food packaging, because of the presence of Chloride. In this sense, i decided to include the Low density polyethylene, because of its low cost, its good transparency at visible light and also, it is a flexible and smooth. On the other hand, the wettability is not suitable for packaging application; hence, the life-time of the product (food in pack) is short. By means of radiofrequency plasma treatment, coupled to a vacuum system, we can provide the surface properties for polymers in general, which they became hydrophobic (using fluorine plasmas), and smooth (low surface roughness, at nanoscale). In addition, the same condition, depending on the plasma technique applied, and gas used in the chamber, we can improve the optical transmittance at visible light. All of this features, is considered, by the literature, useful for food packaging.