Enhancing surface characteristics of glass and stainless steel through atmospheric-pressure air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment

Abstract In this study, we investigate simultaneously the effects of atmospheric-pressure air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on the surface properties of stainless steel (SS) and borosilicate glass (BG). Surface modifications were characterized through water contact angle (WCA) measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrate that plasma treatment significantly enhances surface wettability by effectively removing organic contaminants and introducing polar oxygen-containing functional groups, thereby increasing surface energy. WCA measurements revealed a sharp decrease in contact angles for both materials, with more pronounced effects at higher plasma powers and longer treatment times. Ageing studies showed that while SS gradually lost its hydrophilic character over several days, BG maintained stable hydrophilicity. SEM analysis on glass surfaces exhibited localized micro-fusion and surface blistering after plasma exposure, indicating a thermal response unique to the glass substrate. XPS analysis further confirmed the cleaning and oxidizing effects of the plasma on SS and BG surfaces, evidenced by a substantial decrease in surface carbon and an increase in oxygen and oxide-related species. These findings highlight the potential of DBD plasma as an effective, environmentally friendly surface activation method for improving adhesion properties of both metallic and glass substrates.