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Plasma?induced formation of coatings on vegetable ivory microparticles immersed in silicone oil: Enhancing surface coverage using natural products

In this study, microparticles of vegetable ivory, a porous and hygroscopic material obtained from Amazonian palm seeds, were treated by an air plasma jet while immersed in silicone oil. As a result, coatings were formed on their surface and a reduction in water vapor sorption was obtained. The reduction in water sorption was enhanced by mixing silicone oil with copaiba oil?resin, which acted as an interfacial agent between silicone oil and the particles during the in?liquid plasma treatment.Aiming to enhance the potential applications of bioproducts, we developed an innovative approach for their hydrophobization using plasma activation of liquids. In this study, microparticles of vegetable ivory, a porous hygroscopic material, were treated by an air plasma jet while immersed in silicone oil. The in?liquid plasma treatment formed coatings that reduced particle water vapor sorption. Pore surface coverage and sorption reduction were enhanced by mixing silicone oil with copaiba oil?resin (Copaifera spp.). Mulateiro extract (Calycophyllum spruceanum) was not as effective, owing to a lower affinity with silicone oil. For the first time, we demonstrate the plasma?induced coating formation on particles immersed in liquid mixtures, a process in which liquid–liquid interfacial properties play a fundamental role.

Publication date: 31/10/2023

Author: Yuri Ferreira da Silva, Giana Almeida, Anderson Thiago Vasconcelos Veiga, Renata Nunes Oliveira, Patrick Perré, Renata A. Simao

Plasma Processes and Polymers

      

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 870292.