Method for treating an elongated object, apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for treating an elongated object using a plasma process. The method comprises the steps of providing an elongated object in a planar electrode structure, and applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma process. Further, the method comprises at least partially surrounding the elongated object by a unitary section of the guiding structure, the electrode structure being associated with the unitary section.

Claims

1. An elongated object comprising polyethylene yarn which is free of spin finish which has been treated by a process for generating a plasma comprising the steps of: (i) applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma, (ii) at least partially cross-sectionally surrounding the elongated object by a guiding structure which includes a curved unitary section that is cross-sectionally concave, the electrode structure being associated with the curved unitary section, wherein the electrode structure comprises a dielectric body provided with a curved section integrated with the curved unitary section, and at least one electrode arranged at the radial inner side of the dielectric body section or embedded in the dielectric body, and wherein the elongated objected treated by the plasma exhibits an increased adhesion of the polyethylene yarn to a polymeric bonding matrix as compared to an identical spin finish free polyethylene yarn not treated by the plasma.

2. An elongated object comprising a polyethylene yarn which is free of spin finish, the elongated object having increased surface energy and adhesion bonding to a polymeric bonding matrix by treatment with a plasma generated by a plasma-generating apparatus, the apparatus comprising: (i) a guiding structure for guiding the elongated object, and (ii) an electrode structure for generating the plasma, wherein the guiding structure comprises an elongated object receiving curved unitary section that is cross-sectionally concave and arranged for at least partially cross-sectionally surrounding the elongated object, and wherein the electrode structure is associated with the curved unitary section, and wherein the electrode structure comprises a dielectric body provided with a curved section integrated with the curved unitary section, and at least one electrode arranged at the radial inner side of the dielectric body section or embedded in the dielectric body, and wherein the electrode structure applies a potential difference between the at least one electrode arranged at the radial inner side of the dielectric body section or embedded in the dielectric body and at least one other electrode of the electrode structure to generate the plasma and thereby obtain the elongated object having increased surface energy and adhesion bonding to the polymeric bonding matrix.

3. An elongate object comprising polyethylene yarn which is free of spin finish and which has been treated by a plasma generated between electrodes of a planar electrode structure so as to exhibit an increased surface energy and thereby an increase adhesion of the polyethylene yarn to a polymeric bonding matrix as compared to an identical spin finish free polyethylene yarn not treated by the plasma.

4. The elongate object according to claim 3, wherein the polyethylene yarn comprises a disordered system of polyethylene filaments.

5. The elongate object according to claim 3, wherein the polyethylene yarn is a felt.

6. The elongate object according to claim 3, wherein the polyethylene yarn comprises an ordered system of polyethylene filaments.

7. The elongate object according to claim 3, wherein the polyethylene yarn comprises high tenacity polyethylene filaments.

8. A composite article which comprises a polymeric bonding matrix and the elongate object according to claim 3 embedded in the polymeric bonding matrix.

9. The composite article according to claim 8, wherein the polymeric bonding matrix comprises a polyurethane.

10. The composite article according to claim 8, wherein the polyethylene yarn exhibits a surface energy in a range of 84-90 mJ/m.sup.2 after the plasma treatment.

11. An elongate object having increased surface energy and adhesion bonding to a polymeric bonding matrix which is made by a process comprising: (i) providing at least one elongated object in the form of a spin finish free polyethylene yarn and a planar electrode structure, and (ii) positioning the elongated object near and/or on the electrode structure and applying potential differences between electrodes of the electrode structure to generate a plasma and thereby obtain the elongate object having increased surface energy and adhesion bonding to the polymeric bonding matrix.

12. The elongate object according to claim 11, wherein the elongated object is guided between a pair of planar electrode structures arranged opposite with respect to each other.

13. A product which comprises a plurality of the elongate objects according to claim 11.

14. The product according to claim 13, wherein the elongate objects comprise an ordered system.

15. The product according to claim 14, wherein the ordered system of elongate objects comprises a unidirectional fabric.

16. The product according to claim 13, wherein the elongate objects comprise a disordered system.

17. The product according to claim 16, wherein the disordered system of elongate objects comprises a felt.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. In some instances, a sub-label is associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiple similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a depositing apparatus;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of a plasma electrode structure;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the plasma electrode structure of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a schematic plan view of a second embodiment of a plasma electrode structure;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a schematic cross sectional view of the plasma electrode structure of FIG. 4;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an outlet port of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an outlet port of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a detail of a second embodiment of a depositing apparatus;

(10) FIG. 9 shows a schematic view of a detail of a third embodiment of a depositing apparatus;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(12) FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(14) FIG. 13 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(15) FIG. 14 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(16) FIG. 15 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a detail of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(17) FIG. 16 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(18) FIG. 17 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a eighth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(19) FIG. 18 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a ninth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(20) FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a tenth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention;

(21) FIG. 20 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a eleventh embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention; and

(22) FIG. 21 shows a schematic plan view of an electrode structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(23) While various aspects and features of certain embodiments have been summarized above, the following detailed description illustrates a few embodiments in further detail to enable one of skill in the art to practice such embodiments. The described examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

(24) In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that other embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Several embodiments are described and claimed herein, and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated with other embodiments as well. By the same token, however, no single feature or features of any described or claimed embodiment should be considered essential to every embodiment of the invention, as other embodiments of the invention may omit such features.

(25) Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used herein to express quantities, dimensions, and so forth used should be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise, and use of the terms “and” and “or” means “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. Moreover, the use of the term “including,” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included,” should be considered non-exclusive. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one unit, unless specifically stated otherwise.

(26) FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 for plasma treatment of elongated object, preferably plurality of elongated objects, for example, for deposition a polymer layer containing nanomaterial on an array of filaments. The apparatus 1 comprises filaments carriers having a first and a second set of bobbins 2, 3 for winding the array of filaments 4. The array of filaments 4 between the two sets of bobbins 2, 3 is guided by means of a first and a second guiding roller 5, 6 in an atmospheric pressure plasma chamber 7. The configuration of the bobbins 2, 3 and the rollers 5, 6 form a guiding structure for guiding elongated objects to be treated. The plasma is generated by means of an electrode structure 8 having a substantially flat boundary plane 23, which is arranged near a bottom surface 9b of the array of filaments 4 to be treated. The plasma electrode structure 8 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-5.

(27) The apparatus 1 further comprises a transport structure 10 for providing a polymerization material near the top surface 9t and/or bottom surface 9b of the array of filaments 4 to be treated, as well as for conducting a flow near the surface 9t of the array of filaments 4, the flow comprising a nanomaterial. The transport structure 10 comprises a carrier gas tank 11, e.g. a gas bottle, a pipe segment 12, a feed line 13 and an outlet port 14. The carrier gas tank 11 is connected with the pipe segment 12 to generate a flow in the feed line 13. The feed line 13 is interconnected with the pipe segment 12 via a connection module or valve 15. The end of the feed line 13 is mounted on the outlet port 14 so that during use the flow streams through an upper opening in the outlet port 14. The outlet port 14 is arranged opposite to the plasma electrode structure 8 so that it faces the top surface 9t of the array of filaments to be treated. As will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the outlet port 14 is provided with openings to provide the flow near the top surface 9t of the array of filaments 4. As a consequence, the array of filaments 4 to be treated is substantially located between the outlet port 14 and the substantially flat boundary plane 23 of the plasma electrode structure 8.

(28) It is noted that the polymerization material can also be provided by means of a gasified liquid precursor or a sublimated solid precursor, instead of the gaseous precursor according to the shown embodiment.

(29) As indicated, the transport structure 10 is further arranged to conduct a flow comprising nanomaterial towards the top surface 9t of the array of filaments 4 through a valve 20, the feed line 13 and the outlet port 14. The transport structure 10 comprises a vessel 17 with a liquid polymerization material (precursor) connected with a liquid gasifier 18 which is connectable with the feed line 13 by means of the valve 20. Further, the transport structure 10 comprises a vessel 19 with a gaseous polymerization material (precursor) which is connectable with the feed line 13, via a second valve 21. It is noted that the polymerization material can also be provided by means of a sublimated solid precursor, instead of the gaseous precursor or a gasified liquid precursor according to the shown embodiment. Nanomaterial is supplied in the form of a dispersion in the liquid precursor in the vessel 17 and/or in the form of a dry powder that is mixed with the gaseous precursor in the vessel 19 and/or is injected directly into the flow in the feed line 13, after the valves 15, 20 and 21.

(30) By opening at least one of the first or second valve 20, 21 or by injecting a dry nanomaterial directly into the feed line 13, the flow comprising a carrier gas, a polymerization material and a nanomaterial reaches the top surface 9t of the array of filaments 4 via the outlet port 14. Optionally, the feed line 13 may be split up and also feed a second outlet port 50 which is placed in the plasma chamber 7 below the treated array of filaments 4 and before the electrode 8. By the outlet port 50, the flow reaches the bottom surface 9b of the array of filaments 4.

(31) Hence, the flow arriving at the surface of the array of filaments 4 via the outlet port 14 and/or 50 comprises a carrier gas, a precursor and the nanomaterial. The carrier gas is the main gas that flows from the gas tank 11 and in which the discharge is generated and may comprise any gas or a mixture of gases. The precursor is a polymerization material, which is the building material for the polymer layer and may be supplied directly as a gas, as a liquid (which is gasified) or potentially as a solid (which is turned into gas by sublimation). Optionally, a mixture of several carrier gases and several precursors may be used. The gas(es), precursor(s) and nanomaterial(s) can be delivered in various ways. The following four embodiments are given to illustrate some examples. The embodiments are not exhaustive.

(32) In a first embodiment a carrier gas is delivered from the tank 11. Nanomaterial is mixed with a liquid precursor in the vessel 17, the mixture of the nanomaterial and precursor go through the gasifier 18, valve 20 and is mixed with the carrier gas in the feed line 13.

(33) In a second embodiment a carrier gas is delivered from the tank 11. Nanomaterial is mixed with a gaseous precursor in the vessel 19 and the mixture of the nanomaterial and precursor goes through the valve 21 and is mixed with the carrier gas in the feed line 13.

(34) In a third embodiment a carrier gas from the tank 11 and a gasified liquid precursor from the vessel 17 are delivered into the feed line via the valves 15 and 20, respectively. Nanomaterial is injected directly into the flow in the feed line 13, after the valves 15,20 and 21.

(35) In a fourth embodiment a carrier gas from the tank 11 and a gaseous precursor from the vessel 19 are delivered into the feed line via the valves 15 and 21, respectively. Nanomaterial is injected directly into the flow in the feed line 13, after the valves 15, 20 and 21.

(36) The nano material may comprise metal oxide nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) to impart UV absorption, an opalescent effect and/or photo catalytic activity for providing e.g. antifouling benefits, a flame retardant surface and/or a support layer in a dye solar cell. Other metal oxide nanoparticles include for example magnesium oxide (MgO) for providing a self-sterilizing function and zinc oxide (ZnO) for providing UV shielding and reducing static electricity. Further, the chemical activity of for example TiO.sub.2 and MgO nanoparticles can be used to protect against biological and chemical agents. Instead of metal oxide nano-particles, the method according to the invention is suitable for using any nanomaterial, both organic and inorganic and organic-inorganic, and including not only nanoparticles but, for example, also nanotubes may be deposited in a polymer layer.

(37) It is noted that a combined functionality of polymer layer and of embedded nanomaterial or of several types of nanomaterials may be beneficial for the simultaneous protection against a variety of chemical and biological agents.

(38) Depending on the choice of nanomaterial, a self-decontaminating coatings and/or coatings providing permanent protection may be achieved, e.g. in the case of applying metal oxide nanoparticles.

(39) By the application of another type of nanomaterial, such as functionalized carbon nanotubes, a sensor-like coating may be deposited.

(40) By the employment of the method, the characteristics of the deposited nanomaterial, e.g. its size and size distribution, and its deposit, e.g. surface density, uniformity and homogeneity, may be better controlled. Homogeneous deposition of small-size nanoparticles with narrow size distribution may be beneficial for the efficiency of decontamination.

(41) The method is plasma-based and has advantages following from the dry plasma treatment such as environmental friendliness and no need for drying, as indicated above.

(42) FIGS. 2 and 3 show in plan view and in cross sectional view, respectively, an electrode structure 8 according to a first embodiment in more details. The structure 8 comprises a block-shaped dielectric 22 having a substantially flat upper boundary plane 23 facing the bottom surface 9b of the textile in the atmospheric pressure plasma chamber 7. On the upper boundary plane 23 a comb-like electrode structure is arranged, forming a first electrode 24, see in particular FIG. 2. On the opposite side, the lower side of the dielectric 22 a second, substantially rectangular-shaped electrode 25 is arranged. The electrodes 24, 25 are connected with output ports of a power source 26. Application of a voltage between the first and second electrode 24, 25 generates a plasma near the first electrode 24. The electrode structure 8 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is known as surface DBD (dielectric barrier discharge).

(43) FIGS. 4 and 5 show in plan view and in cross sectional view, respectively, a plasma electrode structure 8 according to a second embodiment in more detail. Instead of arranging the first and second electrodes 24, 25 on boundary planes of the dielectric 22, both electrodes 24, 25 are embedded in the dielectric 22, see in particular FIG. 5. Both electrodes have a comb-like structure, wherein at least one extending portion 27 of the first electrode 24 is positioned between two extending portions 28, 29 of the second electrode 25. The second embodiment of the electrode structure 8 is known as coplanar DBD and has a longer lifetime compared with a surface DBD structure since the generated plasma on the substantially flat, upper boundary plane 23 is not in contact with the metallic parts of the electrodes 24, 25.

(44) FIGS. 6 and 7 show a schematic perspective view of the outlet ports 14 and 50, respectively. The outlet port 14 comprises a box-shaped structure with an upper opening (not shown) for connection with the feed line 13. The box-shaped structure is provided with openings in the lower plane 30 in order to achieve a substantially homogenous distribution of the mixture of a carrier gas, precursor and the nanomaterial near the top surface 9t of the filament 4 to be treated. The openings are implemented for example as substantially parallel oriented slits 31.

(45) The outlet port 50 also comprises a box-shaped structure, which has a side opening (not shown) for connection with the feed line 13. The box-shaped structure is provided for example with evenly distributed round apertures 32 in order to achieve a substantially homogenous distribution of the mixture of a carrier gas, precursor and the nanomaterial near the bottom surface 9b of the array of filaments 4 to be treated.

(46) Optionally, another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention can be arranged in such a way that on one side of the plurality of elongated objects 9 to be treated a system of outlet ports 50 and plasma electrode structures 8 are placed in series, so that the plurality of elongated objects 9 is subsequently treated by a flow and a plasma process, and vice versa. In FIGS. 8 and 9, examples of such configurations are shown. On the other side of the plurality of elongated objects 9 to be treated a series of other outlet ports 14 is arranged for similar treatment of the plurality of elongated objects with a flow. During the process, the plurality of elongated objects 9 moves in a process direction D.

(47) It is noted that the polymerization material and the nanomaterial can be provided near the surface of the material on which the polymer layer containing nanomaterial is to be deposited, either together or separately, both in time and place. The following embodiments are given to illustrate some examples. The embodiments are not exhaustive.

(48) In a first embodiment the polymerization material and the nanomaterial are provided near the surface simultaneously and on the same place via one feed line 13 and outlet port 14 and/or 50, as described above.

(49) In a second embodiment, which may optionally be combined with the first embodiments, the polymerization material and the nanomaterial are provided consecutively in time via one single feed line 13 and outlet port 14 and/or 50. The array of elongated objects material is moved batchwise. The process of providing polymerization material and nanomaterial can be repeated. It is of course also possible to provide the polymerization material via a first outlet port 14a and/or 50a and the nanomaterial via a second outlet port 14b and/or 50b. In the latter case a continuous process can be obtained.

(50) In a third embodiment, which may optionally be combined with previous embodiments, the process is modified to obtain a plasma assisted grafting process. By “plasma assisted grafting” is meant a grafting (creating a polymer layer) process, which does not occur in a plasma but which takes place after a step of activating a treated surface by a plasma. In this process, the surface to be treated is initially processed by a plasma process to form chemically active sites on the surface. During this process, a carrier gas is blown over the surface via a first upper outlet port 14a and/or a first lower outlet port 50a. Then, polymerization material and nanomaterial are deposited simultaneously at the same place (via a second upper outlet port 14b and a second lower outlet port 50b, see FIG. 8) or at distinct places (the polymerization material via a second upper outlet port 14b and/or a second lower outlet port 50b, and the nanomaterial via a third upper outlet port 14c/or and a third lower outlet port 50c, see FIG. 9) to form the deposited polymer layer. In the latter case, nanomaterial can also be supplied not only via the third outlet ports 14c, 50c, but also via the second outlet ports 14b, 50b. Eventually, the polymerization material may also be delivered together with the nanomaterial via the third outlet ports 14c, 50c. The steps of supplying the polymerization material and the nanomaterial can be repeated if desired. A carrier gas is provided near a filament at each step involving a plasma treatment.

(51) In the fourth embodiment, which may optionally be combined with previous embodiments, the plasma treatment comprises a so-called plasma induced polymerization technique. This is a two-step process in which polymerization material and nanomaterial are provided on the surface of elongated objects followed by the exposure of the said surface to plasma environment. Polymerization is initiated by plasma species like radicals, metastables and photons.

(52) In this process, polymerization material and nanomaterial are blown onto the surface via a first lower outlet port 50a (see FIG. 8). Eventually, polymerization material and nanomaterial are deposited simultaneously at the same place (via a second upper outlet port 14b and/or a second lower outlet port 50b and/or a third lower outlet port 50c, see FIG. 9) or at distinct places (the polymerization material via a second lower outlet port 50b and/or a third lower outlet port 50c, and the nanomaterial via a second upper outlet port 14b, see FIG. 9) after the surface of elongated objects is activated by first plasma stage generated by first electrode structure 8a and before the array of elongated objects is guided through second plasma stage generated by second electrode structure 8b. Moreover, polymerization material and nanomaterial can be applied on the surface from solution by wet processing techniques like soaking, spraying, dipping, padding, printing, and dip coating before the array of elongated objects is guided through first plasma stage generated by first electrode structure 8a (see FIG. 8 or FIG. 9).

(53) The plasma induced polymerization has also been identified as plasma induced grafting.

(54) FIG. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention. The apparatus 60 has a guiding structure comprising a curved unitary section that is arranged for at least partially surrounding an elongated object. The guiding structure may further comprise rollers and bobbins for further guiding an elongated object to be treated. The unitary section is cylindrically shaped to enclose the elongated object. Further, the apparatus 60 has an electrode structure that is associated with the unitary section. In particular, the electrode structure defining a process channel 80, comprises a dielectric body provided with a curved section integrated with the curved unitary section. The dielectric body is implemented as a cylinder shell dielectric 61. Further, two electrodes 62, 63 are arranged on an inner and outer surface 64, 65 of the dielectric 61, respectively. As such, one electrode 62 is arranged at the radial inner side of the dielectric body section. The shell dielectric 61 therefore forms part of both the electrode structure and the guiding structure. Thus, the inner surface of the shell dielectric 61 guides an elongated object to be treated by the apparatus. The electrode structure is tubular version of a so-called surface DBD. Due to the hollow structure of the dielectric 61 a filament formed as an elongated object can be fed through the passage 80 that is surrounded by the dielectric 61. The cylinder shell 61 and the outer electrode 63 are tubular having a circular cross section. The inner surface 64 of the dielectric shell 61 defines the process passage 80 for receiving the elongated object to be treated. In particular, the outer electrode 63 connected to a first voltage port of a voltage supplier 66 is a plate 63 attached to the outer side of the dielectric shell 61. The plate 63 serves as an induction electrode and can be manufactured by curing a conductive sheet or mesh. The inner electrode 62 is implemented as a spiral and is connected to a second voltage port of the voltage supplier 66. Further, both electrodes 62, 63 could be implemented as spirals, so that the electrodes have helical forms. Eventually, the inner electrode 62 can be implemented as a comb-like structure collateral to a longitudinal axis of the dielectric shell 61.

(55) FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention wherein the configuration of electrodes 62, 63, also called a coplanar DBD arrangement, is embedded in the dielectric body implemented as dielectric shell 61 and are formed as spirals. Further, both electrodes 62, 63 could be embedded in the dielectric shell 61 as comb-like structures wherein the comb-like structures are collateral to a longitudinal axis of the dielectric shell 61, wherein at least one extending portion of electrode 62 is positioned between two extending portions of the second electrode 63.

(56) If for a fixed voltage amplitude applied to the electrodes, typically in the order of kV, e.g. ranging from circa 1 kV to circa 10 kV, the diameter of the opening defined by the inner surface 64 of the dielectric is small enough, e.g. in the order of several millimeters or smaller, the activated plasma process is distributed over the entire cross section of the electrode structure. On the other hand, if the diameter of the opening defined above increases, the plasma concentrates near the inner surface 64 of the dielectric shell 61.

(57) During the process according to the invention, an elongated object such as an endless fibre is guided through the channel 80 defined by the inner surface 64 of the dielectric shell 61.

(58) In contrast with disadvantages identified above with respect to the prior art pulsed surface discharge process (aborted arc), the method according to the invention allows a stable operation at atmospheric pressure and homogeneous surface treatment for virtually any gaseous environment. In an embodiment according to the invention, a polymerization material is provided near a surface of the elongated object, a flow is conducted near the surface of the elongated object, the flow comprising a nanomaterial, and a polymer layer containing nanomatarial is deposited on the surface of the elongated object by applying a plasma polymerization process. Thus, the apparatus according to the invention allows the deposition of polymer coatings and nanocomposites, i.e. polymer coatings containing nanoparticles, by plasma polymerization without any limitation on the type and concentration of a precursor and the number of precursors.

(59) Further, the apparatus according the invention allows plasma induced polymerization, plasma activation and plasma assisted grafting.

(60) As the plasma that is applied according to the invention is non-thermal, the treatment is suitable also for heat sensitive materials.

(61) Further, in principle, there is no limitation with respect to elongated object diameter with respect to the apparatus according to the invention.

(62) FIG. 12 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a third embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention. The plasma electrode structure comprises a dielectric body provided with a curved section integrated with the curved unitary section. The dielectric body is implemented as a cylinder dielectric shell 61 defining a channel 80 wherein an elongated object to be treated can be fed. Further, two annular shaped electrodes 67, 68 are arranged mutually offset on the inner surface 64 of the dielectric 61. As such, the electrodes are arranged at the radial inner side of the curved dielectric body section. The dielectric shell 61 is made of ceramic. However, also other materials having dielectric properties could be used, such as glass. During operation of the apparatus, a voltage difference is applied between the two electrodes 67, 68.

(63) By applying an electrode structure wherein the electrodes 67, 68 are arranged on the inner surface 64 of the dielectric shell 61, there is always a triple point where the electrode, dielectric and gas meet. Therefore, a lower electric potential difference is sufficient to ignite discharge.

(64) FIG. 13 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention wherein a third electrode 69 is arranged for controlling the plasma process and/or reducing an ignition voltage. The third electrode 69 is arranged on the outer surface 65 of the dielectric. In principle, however, the third electrode could also be arranged elsewhere, e.g. in the dielectric material.

(65) Further, in FIG. 14 showing a fifth embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention, being an alternative of the fourth embodiment, one of the two electrodes 67, 68 has been removed, so that the plasma is activated by an electrode 67 inside the dielectric 61 and an electrode 69 outside the dielectric shell 61. Alternatively, instead of applying an electrode outside the dielectric, an electrode embedded in the dielectric 61 can be used.

(66) FIG. 15 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a detail of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention, wherein the cylinder shell dielectric shell 61 comprises a substantially conical end 70, so that the inner room of the dielectric shell 61 is not reduced by the presence of the electrode 67 that is located near the end of the dielectric shell 61.

(67) FIG. 16 shows a schematic cross section of a seventh embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention. The curved unitary section of the guiding structure is formed as a groove 90a in a substantially flat guiding surface 91 of a dielectric body 92. During operation of the apparatus 60, the groove 90a partially surrounds an elongated object to be treated. On the surface of the groove 90a, at the radial inner sides of the dielectric body, electrodes 93a, 93b, 93c are arranged to generate plasma in cooperation with a ground electrode 94 on the opposite side of the dielectric body 92.

(68) The apparatus shown in FIG. 16 has a multiple number of grooves 90a, 90b, 90c each being provided on its surface with electrodes 93a-93j illustrating different electrode arrangements. Obvious, also other electrode structures can be applied, as the person skilled in the art knows. By providing a multiple number of grooves surrounding partially objects to be treated, the productivity of the apparatus 60 can be enhanced considerably.

(69) In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of substantially flat structures meeting each other and being provided with at least one pair of opposite arranged grooves forming a passage for receiving the elongated object.

(70) It is noted that the idea of multiplication might also be applied to cylindrically shaped structures. Hence, a multiple number of cylindrically shaped guiding structures as e.g. shown in FIGS. 10-15, may be comprised in a single apparatus forming an eighth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for enhancing the productivity. Such an apparatus is schematically shown in FIG. 17 wherein an individual cylindrical guiding structure 86 might treat an individual elongated object.

(71) FIG. 18 shows an ninth embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention wherein the plasma generating electrodes 95a-f are embedded in the dielectric body, just below the groove surface, thus forming a coplanar variant of the system shown in FIG. 16.

(72) FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross sectional view of a tenth embodiment of an apparatus 60 according to the invention, wherein an endless elongated object 81 is continuously treated by a plasma process in the channel 80 (not shown in FIG. 19) in a process direction D. The reactor 71 comprises one of the cylindrically shaped electrode structures described above so as to optimize a homogenous and efficient plasma process. Further, means for allowing the deposition process to occur are implemented, as described with reference to FIG. 1. In particular, it is mentioned that modules, such as outlet ports can also be formed cylindrically. In FIG. 19, a gas inlet port 72 and a gas outlet port 73 are depicted. FIG. 20, showing an alternative, eleventh embodiment of the apparatus 60 according to the invention has similar inlet and outlet ports 72, 73 located elsewhere on the apparatus 60.

(73) The inlet port 72 to deliver any combination of gas, and/or gaseous and/or gasified liquid precursor, and/or non-polymerizable gasified liquid, and/or nanomaterial (e.g. only one gas such as N.sub.2, mixture of several gases such as N.sub.2+O.sub.2, mixture of gas and gasified precursor such as N.sub.2+HMDSO) can be either on the side of electrode element where the treated endless elongated object enters the reactor, see FIG. 19 and/or in any place along the length of electrode element, see FIG. 20.

(74) Further, the elongated object 81 can be impregnated, for example by a liquid precursor, dispersion of liquid precursor and nanomaterial etc., before entering the plasma reactor 71. In plasma-assisted grafting, the treated elongated object is exposed to precursor after leaving the plasma reactor. For multi-stage treatment, a sequence of electrode elements might be put in series allowing thus for example plasma activation in the first stage, deposition of a coating by plasma polymerization in the second stage, followed by plasma deposition of another, for example protective coating in the last stage. The number of stages and combinations of plasma treatments are not limited. Further, the process is not only suitable for multi-stage processing, but is also relatively easily scalable.

(75) During operation of the plasma apparatus, voltage frequencies can be applied to the electrodes in a range substantially extending from circa 1 kHz to circa 1 MHz. The voltage signals can be applied in a continuous manner or in a pulsed manner.

(76) Further, FIG. 21 shows a schematic plan view of a planar electrode structure according to FIG. 4 wherein the elongated object 74 is arranged in a zigzag configuration. By using the zigzag configuration of the fibre 74, the fibre 74 can efficiently be treated using a planar electrode structure. The line can also be arranged in a straight direction passing the electrode structure without substantial bends. It is noted that a planar electrode structure is not necessarily flat, but can also comprises bended portions. The planar electrode structure extends in a plane. The plane wherein the structure extends may be flat or curved. As an example of a curved planar electrode structure, the plane wherein the structure extends comprises a constant or varying curvature radius. Further, the plane wherein the structure extends may comprises bended portions. Preferably, the line of elongated object 74 is endless, so that a continuous process can be applied. It is noted that the zigzag configuration can also be applied to other planar and coplanar electrode configurations, such as shown in FIG. 4 of this application. Preferably, a guiding system is provided for guiding the elongated object, thereby making the process more robust. Alternatively, the elongated object can be treated using an elongate planar electrode structure, e.g. a rectangular structure, wherein its length is much larger than its width.

(77) As an alternative, an elongated object structure can be treated by the apparatus shown in FIG. 21, wherein the elongated object structure can comprise plurality of individual elongated objects, for example array of filaments, or a substantially uni-directional fabric having a plurality of substantially parallel arranged filaments to be used for example in a reinforced material. In one embodiment, the matrix structure further comprises a number of substantially transversely arranged additional elongated objects thus forming a matrix structure for improving the strength of the structure, e.g. for providing material for tyre production. As an example, the ordered fibre structure system can be embedded in plastic. However, the fibre structure can also be embedded in other materials, such as glass.

(78) Further, also a disordered system of filaments can be treated by the apparatus as shown in FIG. 21, such as felt.

(79) By incorporating a filament into a matrix, reinforced composite materials can be constructed. Further, by using a method for treating an elongated object according to the invention printability and dyeability features of elongated objects can improve.

(80) As indicated, plasma treatment of elongated objects may be performed using surface or coplanar DBD planar structures. These electrode structures are particularly suitable for the treatment of flat materials such as textiles, paper, leather, foils and membranes. According the invention, preferably a simple guiding system can be added for guiding elongated objects in the plasma over the surface of electrode. The thickness of plasma over the flat electrode surface can e.g. be circa 1 mm, depending on e.g. gas environment, while the properties of plasma, such as the density of reactive radicals, depends on the distance form of the electrode surface. The diameter of elongated object that might be homogeneously treated is therefore restricted. To the certain extent, adding additional electrode structure opposite to the first electrode structure helps to improve the homogeneity of treatment of hose shape object. For treating relatively thick elongated object structures, i.e. having relatively large diameter, it is recommended to apply the apparatus having electrode structures with grooves, preferably a coplanar variant shown in FIG. 18, or cylindrically shaped electrodes defining a process channel.

(81) Applications of fibre structures treated by the plasma process include, but are not limited to composite materials, e.g. for the improvement of filament adhesion to a rubber, epoxy or other matrix, the improvement of dying and coating. Examples of concrete applications are belts, such as seat belts or conveyor belts, tubes, hoses, car tyres, fishing lines and rods, racket springs, ropes, filtration fabrics, civil engineering building materials or various fibre reinforced injection molded products for concrete or slates and materials for concrete shield construction. Other possible areas of applications include nets, sails, canvasses, apparel, artificial flowers and lawn, brushes, optical fibres and fibres used to suture wound. Possible applications cover the whole spectrum from low-tech to high-tech volume products to expensive, specialty and high added value products.

(82) As indicated above, the method and apparatus according to the invention can be applied to several types of elongated objects, such as filaments, tubes and rods. Such structures can be manufactured from several materials, such as polymer, wood, ceramic or glass. Preferably, an outer diameter of the elongated object to be treated is smaller than approximately 1 cm. The elongated objects are not necessarily endless.

(83) It is noted that in general, electric pulses or harmonic signals can be applied to the electrodes of the plasma electrode structures described above.

(84) Further, it is noted that the structures described in this application can be used for depositing a polymer layer containing nanomaterial on an elongated object structure by applying a plasma polymerization process, but also for other purposes, such as plasma activation and/or deposition of polymer coatings using a plasma process. Further, nanocomposites, i.e. polymer coatings containing nanomaterial, can also be deposited otherwise, e.g. by plasma-assisted grafting.

(85) As an experiment, spin finish free polyethylene yarn has been treated by plasma activation in N.sub.2 plasma using the methods according to the invention employing a planar shaped electrode structure and a cylindrically shaped electrode structure defining a process channel, respectively. In particular, the electrode structure shown in FIG. 10 has been used. Further, the effect of plasma treatment on surface energy has preliminary been studied. The results are summarized in Table 1.

(86) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Surface energy results after plasma treatment Polyethylene yarn treatment time [s] surface energy [mJ/m.sup.2] untreated — 36-38 planar electrode 34 58 cylindrical electrode 30 >104

(87) It is noted that the preliminary results suggest a very good surface energy performance using the planar electrode structure. Surprisingly much higher surface energy was achieved even within a shorter treatment time using the cylindrical electrode structure. Using standard measurement techniques, it was not possible to measure the surface energy after the treatment using the cylindrical electrode structure precisely, because the surface tension of test liquids, which were used in the evaluation of surface energy, was not sufficiently high. In the preliminary tests, no process optimization has been performed. No plasma process parameters were changed when interchanging the electrode structure, except for the treatment time.

(88) In an additional experiment, other polyethylene yarn has been treated at similar conditions. Around three times shorter treatment time was sufficient to achieve the same level of surface energy.

(89) In another experiment plasma activation in N.sub.2 plasma was performed in order to increase the surface energy of a polyester fibre. Again, the plasma process was not optimized. The surface energy of untreated and washed fibre was circa 46 mJ/m.sup.2. After 30 seconds of plasma activation, the surface energy increased to a value in the range of 84-90 mJ/m.sup.2, depending on process conditions, again a surprisingly good surface energy performance.

(90) In a further experiment, plasma activation in CO.sub.2 plasma and N.sub.2 plasma was performed using the planar electrode structure during a period of 10 seconds. The adhesion of the first mentioned polyethylene yarn to polyurethane improved surprisingly extremely highly by approximately 400%. The adhesion test was performed by a pull-out test of a yarn, which was embedded in a 2 mm long matrix made of polyurethane.

(91) In yet another experiment, polyester yarn used in carpets' production has been treated by a cylindrically shaped electrode structure in N.sub.2+O.sub.2+HMDSO atmosphere. Due to the structure of the yarn, water droplet penetrated in to the yarn immediately. Contrary, water droplet could not be absorbed by the yarn after already 10 seconds plasma treatment.

(92) The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein.

(93) In the case of surface DBD the electrodes could be covered by a protective layer in order, for example, to minimize sputtering. In the case of coplanar DBD electrodes, metal tracks do not need to be embedded in the dielectric at the same level. Also, an additional ceramic layer can be added to the surface of coplanar DBD electrode element in order to reduce the ignition voltage.

(94) It is noted that dimensions in the shown embodiments, such as thickness of electrodes, thickness of dielectric structures, and distance between electrodes can be chosen such that optimal homogeneity is obtained.

(95) In addition, groove like structures described in relation with FIGS. 16 and 18 can also be combined with the structures shown in FIGS. 10-15.

(96) Further such variants will be obvious for the man skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.