Functionalization of sisal fibers and high‐density polyethylene by cold plasma treatment

Chopped sisal fibers and finely powdered high‐density polyethylene were surface functionalized using dichlorosilane (DS) under radio frequency (RF)‐plasma conditions and characterized by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) and fluorescence labeling techniques. A high‐capacity (10 L), rotating, 13.56 MHz, electrodeless plasma installation, specially designed to allow the uniform surface modification of powdery and particulate matter of irregular shape, was used. A three‐factor fractional experimental design was employed to evaluate the effect of RF‐power, pressure, and reaction time on the ESCA‐based relative atomic composition of plasma‐treated samples. It was demonstrated that SiHxCly functionalities are present on plasma‐exposed surfaces and these functionalization reactions can be controlled by selecting proper plasma parameters.