Changes in the wettability of calcium pyrophosphate induced by glow discharge radio frequency plasma and conventional furnace heating

Abstract

The effect of plasma treatment and conventional muffle furnace heat treatment on a potential bio-ceramic was investigated using zeta potential, vapour sorption and contact angle measurements. Plasma treatment of the powder increased the magnitude of the zeta potential, and similarly so did conventional heat treatment. However, the plasma treated powder adsorbed more water suggesting increased wettability, whereas the muffle furnace treated powder did not adsorb as much water. This implies a decrease in wettability. Both treatment techniques shifted the isoelectric point of the powder to higher pH values. All three measurement techniques gave an insight into how the surface chemistry can be manipulated and possibly optimised for dispersion.