Classification and uniformity optimization of mesh-plate DBD and its application in polypropylene modification

The classification of spatial characteristics and discharge modes of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) are gaining increasing attention in industrial applications, especially in the field of surface treatment of materials. In this work, gray level histogram (GLH) and Fourier energy spectrum based on the digital image processing technology are applied to investigate the spatial structure and discharge mode of mesh-plate DBD. The coefficient of variation (CV) is calculated to describe the uniformity of the discharge. The results show that the discharge mode of mesh-plate DBD changes from periodic discharge to filamentary discharge when the applied voltage increases from 11–15 kV. Moreover, a more regular spatial structure is obtained under lower applied voltages during the discharge process. It is also found that the apertures of mesh electrodes which are below 1mm have smaller values of CV compared to plate electrodes, indicating more uniform discharge. Finally, polypropylene is treated by mesh-plate DBD for surface modification. The hydrophilicity is significantly improved as the water contact angle decreased by 64°, and the dyeing depth is also enhanced.