Wettability Control of VACNT Array through Atmospheric Plasma Treatment

Abstract

Wetting characteristics of the vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) array surface can be modified by atmospheric plasma treatment with masks. The plasma treatment of the VACNT array surface was performed by moving an atmospheric pressure plasma jet system (Plasmatreat GmbH, Steinhagen) at a fixed speed of 0.167 m/s through a mask with holes. The hole diameter is fixed equal to 250 µm. The distance between holes varies between 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.The Easy Drop Shape Analyzer (KRUSS GmbH) was used for contact angle measurement. Experimental results show that the wetting characteristics of the VACNT array surface can be modified from a contact angle of 140° to 0° depending on the distance between holes.