Plasma-Induced Surface Functionalization of Polymer Powders for Integration into UV-Resistant Functional Composites

This study investigates the effects of plasma surface treatment on the thermal and morphological properties of polyamide 12 (PA12) powder. The powders were treated for 1 h and 2 h under full power in an air environment. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results demonstrated that the plasma action improved the maximum decomposition temperature from 449.3 °C for the untreated polyamide 12 to 461.7 °C for the 2-h-treated sample, indicating improved thermal stability. The analysis of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a marked increase in the temperature of crystallization (Tc) from 133.31 °C for the untreated PA12 sample to 141.7 °C for the 2-h sample, while the melting temperature is approximately constant at 185 °C. The SEM images demonstrated that plasma treatment resulted in a roughened, more homogeneous surface morphology with significantly fewer surface defects and irregularities. Plasma treatment enhanced the wettability and water dispersion of PA12, as plasma-treated powders showed fast spreading and stable suspension in water due to the introduction of polar groups and increased surface pores. The change from a water-hating grouping to a water-loving scattering provides a strong basis for water-based processing and future composite design that will need strong interfacial interactions. Thus, these results confirmed the importance of plasma treatment as an environmentally friendly method in tailoring the properties of PA12 for UV-resistant applications.