Methods, systems, and polymer substances relating to consideration of H2O levels present within an atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge

A method of treating a polypropylene surface with an atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge, comprising:

• generating the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge;
• applying the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge to the polypropylene surface to form a treated surface;
• determining a difference between an unwashed advancing contact angle and a washed advancing contact angle for the treated surface;
• and
• when the difference is larger than five degrees, then decreasing the level of H2O present in the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge for a subsequent application of the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge to the polypropylene surface.

A method of treating a polypropylene surface with an atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge, comprising:

• generating the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge;
• applying the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge to the polypropylene surface to form a treated surface;
• determining a ratio of added nitrogen-to-added oxygen for the treated surface;
• and
• when the ratio is less than about 1.5, then decreasing the level of H2O present in the vicinity of the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge for a subsequent application of the atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge to a subsequent polypropylene surface.