Abstract: A barrier coating is formed on a polymeric article, such as on the interior of a thermoplastic container. An oxidizing gas is converted to a plasma in a plasma chamber remote from the treatment chamber. The resulting plasma-activated oxidizing species are delivered to the interior of the container. An organosilicon reactant vapor is separately but simultaneously delivered to the interior of the container so that the organosilicon vapor and oxidizing active species mix within the container. An electric qfield is also applied to the container, so that the reaction products are deposited under the influence of the electrical field to form the barrier coating.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a hollow article comprises a step of introducing an oxidizing working gas into at least an interior portion of the hollow article, while a sub-atmospheric pressure is being maintained therein. Then, an electric field is applied, so as to convert the oxidizing working gas within at least the interior portion of the article into a low temperature plasma. This leads to oxidizing substances situated at least within the interior portion of the hollow article.

Abstract: A barrier coating is formed on a polymeric article, such as on the interior of a thermoplastic container. An oxidizing gas is converted to a plasma in a plasma chamber remote from the treatment chamber. The resulting plasma-activated oxidizing species are delivered to the interior of the container. An organosilicon reactant vapor is separately but simultaneously delivered to the interior of the container so that the organosilicon vapor and oxidizing active species mix within the container. An electric qfield is also applied to the container, so that the reaction products are deposited under the influence of the electrical field to form the barrier coating.

Abstract: A barrier coating is formed on a polymeric article, such as on the interior of a thermoplastic container. An oxidizing gas is converted to a plasma in a plasma chamber remote from the treatment chamber. The resulting plasma-activated oxidizing species are delivered to the interior of the container. An organosilicon reactant vapor is separately but simultaneously delivered to the interior of the container so that the organosilicon vapor and oxidizing active species mix within the container. An electric field is also applied to the container, so that the reaction products are deposited under the influence of the electrical field to form the barrier coating.

Abstract: The exterior surface of a hollow container is treated under the influence of an electric field. The electric field is applied through an electrode and an electrically conductive gas inside the container. The electrically conductive gas conducts a potential from the electrode to the inside surface of the container.

Abstract: In a method of treating a hollow article, a first gas substantially fills the inside of the article. A second gas including electrically charged species is provided on the outside of the article. The two gases are maintained separate from one another. The first gas is maintained is an electrically conductive state as, for example, in an ionized state. An electrical potential is applied to a first electrode in contact with the first gas. Because the first gas is conductive, this first potential is applied at the interior surfaces of the article and, therefore, influences the electrically charged species in the second gas on the outside of the article. The electrically charged species in the second gas interact with the exterior surfaces of the article under the influence of the electrical potential applied through the first gas. The second gas may be a plasma and a reactant may be introduced into the second gas so that reaction products are formed and deposited on the exterior surface of the article.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for treating particles with plasma activated species. Through the use of the present invention, particles can be functionalized, coated or grafted.