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--- electro-technic_treater [2023/01/30 22:08] – bdincau
+++ electro-technic_treater [2024/09/26 20:04] (current) – epace
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 |  {{ :tools:electro-technictreater:electro-technic_treater.jpg?nolink&200 |}}   |
 | **Tool Type:**                  Surface treatment                         |
-| **Location:**                   Microfluidics Lab                           |
+| **Location:**                   Elings 3430                           |
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 ===== About =====
-Corona discharge wands use a high frequency electric field to ionize the surrounding air over a very short range. In principle, their operation is similar to a tesla coil, which accumulates charge until a high enough voltage is reached to produce a spark. In this case, the spark rate is around 100-120 Hz, double the line frequency. Each spark produces a small amount of plasma (as indicated by the light produced) which creates active ions that increase the surface energy of polymers.
+Corona discharge wands use a high frequency electric field to ionize the surrounding air over a very short range. In principle, their operation is similar to a tesla coil, which accumulates charge until a high enough voltage is reached to produce a spark. Each spark produces a small amount of plasma (as indicated by the light produced) which creates active ions that increase the surface energy of polymers.
+The primary reason to increase the surface energy of a polymer is to make is stickier. For instance, many paints, inks, and functional biological & chemical reagents will adhere to corona-treated polymers much better than untreated polymers. Additionally, some polymers, such as PDMS, will stick to each other after corona treatment.
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 ===== Operating Procedures =====
+) Plug the device in. \\
+) Bring the electrode tip near a large metal object or a ground connection. \\
+) Power on the device with voltage knob set to minimum. \\
+) Adjust the voltage knob to obtain the desired spark length. (Test the spark length against your metal object or ground connection. Start with 1/8" to 1/4" if this is a new recipe.) \\
+) Treat your sample with the discharge wand by bringing the electrode close to the surface and sweeping it with the spark. Treatment distance and time will depend on your substrate and desired effect. \\
+) When finished, set the voltage to minimum, power off the device, then unplug it.
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 ===== Detailed Specifications =====
+See attached reference documentation for full specification.\\
+\\
+Output voltage - 10 to 48 kV \\
+Frequency - 4 to 5 MHz \\
+Operation - Continuous \\
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