PLASMA MODIFICATION OF THE INNER SURFACE OF A RUBBER HOSE

In order to coat a sufficiently bonded barrier layer onto the inner su rface of a rubber hose, plasma modification of the rubber surface prio r to the coating was investigated. A stable plasma generation in the r ubber hose was obtained when a piece of metal wire was inserted into t he hose, while no plasma was available without a wire. Though the surf ace energy of the rubber was significantly increased by plasma exposur e, it decreased with the extended treatment time. The rubber modified by oxygen plasma showed excellent adhesion to coated nylon compared wi th that treated in argon plasma. With this technique, a high performan ce, durable hose can be obtained. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.