| abstract |
A method for increasing the hydrophobic characteristics of a surface. The surface is exposed to an ionizing gas plasma at about atmospheric pressure for a predetermined period of time. The ionizing gas plasma is formed from a mixture of a carrier gas and a reactive gas. The reactive gas may be comprised of one or more hydrocarbon compound such as an alkane, an alkene, and an alkyne. Alternatively, the reactive gas may be a fluorocarbon compound. |