How to modify a surface with argon plasma

If needed, move plasma unit to fume hood for use.

Put on personal protective clothing (safety glasses, non-conducting gloves).

Open main argon tank valve until the pressure regulator indicates a tank pressure.

This should only require less than a full turn. Do not fully open the tank to the stop.

Adjust the regulator valve so that the step down pressure is between 10-20 psi.

10 psi is sufficient to produce a plasma.

Turn on main power switch at the back of the unit (near the incoming 120-V AC supply).

Turn gas flow valve fully clockwise (i.e., flow=off).

Turn PLASMA INTENSITY to 0 (zero).

Put wand in position near the surface to be modified.

Prior to modifying the surface, you will turn on and adjust the plasma intensity.

Hold wand with handle (it is electrically isolated from the high voltage electrode).

Touching the electrode or tubing can result in shock or death!

Press green button.

Shock potential: The electrode and wand are electrified.

Increase flow to 30 SCFH (Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) by turning counter clockwise to increase.

Slowly increase PLASMA INTENSITY until the desired plasma intensity is obtained.

Shock potential: The electrode and wand are now electrified at thousands of volts.

Plasma is present even if it is not visible.

Tune the plasma with the fine adjustment (if desired).

With plasm gun within 5 mm of surface, modify the desired are with the plasma.

Modification produces trace reaction by-products. Exposures in excess of 10 s should be done in a fume hood.

Minimize inhalation in vicinity of plasma.

Turn off plasma immediately when finished modifying surface.

Stop plasma.

Turn off power to Duradyne.

Close main argon tank

Return Duradyne to original location if moved to the fume hood.