Modification of barrier properties of polymeric films of LDPE and HDPE by cold plasma treatment

In the present work barrier properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) films have been modified by argon cold plasma surface treatments. This kind of treatment is commonly used to produce modifications on the surface layers of the polymer. The effect on LDPE and HDPE films has been a decrease in the permeability values, with a consequent improvement of their barrier properties. Such effects are strictly related to the operative parameters of the plasma apparatus, transport gas, electrical characteristics and polymer structure