System and method for grafting molecular code onto material by atmospheric plasma treatment

Abstract

To provide material surface treatment system and method for grafting an encoding substance (for example, a molecular code) onto a material through a surface treatment process.SOLUTION: A material surface treatment system includes a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code, and an electrode that generates a discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and the vapor, and applies the plasma to a material near the electrode, and the application of the plasma grafts the molecular code onto the material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 044,861, filed June 26, 2020, entitled "Systems And Methods For Grafting A Molecular Code Onto A Material By An Atmospheric Plasma Treatment." The entire disclosure of the above-cited U.S. application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Some material surface treatment systems utilize high voltage electrodes to treat the surface of an article, such as a foil or film, by electrical discharge. Conventional treatment systems are used to modify the properties of the material being treated. However, when adding information to a material, conventional systems are limited to traditional printing methods that are easily altered, copied, or removed. Therefore, manufacturers would benefit from a material surface treatment system or method that embeds information onto a material in a more permanent manner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A system and method for treating a material surface is disclosed that grafts a coding substance onto the material through a surface treatment process. In particular, the system and method utilize an electrode to generate a plasma containing the coding substance, which is then grafted onto the material during the plasma surface treatment process.

[0004] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

[0005] The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary material surface treatment system according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is another exemplary schematic diagram of a material surface treatment system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is yet another exemplary schematic diagram of a material surface treatment system according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating example machine-readable instructions that may be executed by the example material surface treatment system of FIGS. 1-3 to graft molecular code onto a material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, like or identical reference numbers are used to refer to like or identical components.

[0008] The present disclosure describes a material surface treatment system and method for grafting an encoding substance (e.g., a molecular code) onto a material through a surface treatment process. In some examples, the material is subjected to a plasma discharge containing a molecular code, and the molecular code is grafted onto the material at a molecular level, thereby having little or no effect on the properties of the treated material.

[0009] In some examples, a material surface treatment system and method for grafting an encoding substance includes a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code. The vaporizer produces a vapor having the molecular code, which is then exposed to an electrode that generates a plasma from the ionized process gas and the vapor by electrical discharge. The plasma is then applied to a material near the electrode, causing the molecular code to be grafted onto the material by the plasma.

[0010] Material surface treatment systems can be equipped to treat a variety of materials (e.g., plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene) that have surfaces with low surface tension that inhibit bonding by surface treatments such as printing inks, coatings, and / or adhesives. Material surface treatment systems are utilized to modify the properties of specific materials (e.g., plastics and / or flexible substrates) for specific applications (e.g., inks, coatings, adhesives, and / or laminations). For example, plastic films generally require some type of surface treatment to achieve proper chemical bonding by inks, adhesives, etc. This is in contrast to porous materials such as paper, which allow ink to penetrate the medium.

[0011] Such systems and methods can be used to effectively process a wide variety of materials, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, vinyl, PVC, PET, metalized surfaces, foil, paper, and paperboard stock.

[0012] Various techniques have been implemented to provide desired material properties for such materials. For example, corona treatment is a surface treatment that utilizes a relatively low-temperature corona discharge to change the surface properties of a material. Corona treatment, which utilizes one or more electrodes, provides desired adhesive properties at an affordable cost. Corona electrodes generate high-voltage discharges and are effective for modifying the surface energy of workpiece materials (e.g., plastics, paper, foils, etc.).

[0013] Another example is plasma treatment, in which a gas is injected into the electrode discharge to treat the surface of a material. For example, some materials are more likely to undergo plasma treatment than corona treatment to achieve desired material properties, such as bonding characteristics.

[0014] Plasma treatments are often associated with increased costs and complexity compared to corona treatments, such as the use of more complex electrodes and more process control, which limits their use on a larger scale in industry. However, some materials respond more favorably to plasma treatments than corona treatments (e.g., fluoropolymers, polypropylene, etc.).

[0015] As disclosed herein, both corona treatment systems and plasma treatment systems utilizing corona electrodes and plasma electrodes, respectively, can be utilized to graft coding substances (e.g., molecular codes) onto materials through surface treatment processes, as provided in the examples below.

[0016] The disclosed material surface treatment systems and methods are advantageously configured to graft molecular codes onto materials without affecting the desired properties of the treated material. Additionally, because the material surface treatment systems and methods incorporate the molecular codes into the material at a molecular level, the coding information can be extremely difficult to introduce, alter, or remove, providing strong protection for the material manufacturer.

[0017] In a disclosed example, a material surface treatment system includes a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code, producing a vapor having the molecular code, and an electrode that generates a discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and the vapor, applies the plasma to a material near the electrode, and grafts the molecular code onto the material by applying the plasma.

[0018] In some examples, the material surface treatment system further includes a grounded roll configured to engage the material, the material being subjected to the plasma emitted from the electrode as the plasma is attracted to the grounded roll, the grounded roll being electrically connected to a reference voltage.

[0019] In examples, one or more properties of the material are modified as a result of applying the plasma, in examples, the material is one of a polymer, a synthetic woven and / or nonwoven fabric, a natural fiber woven fabric, a filament, a yarn, an elastomer, or a metal.

[0020] In some examples, the ionized process gas forms hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, carbonyl groups, or amines. In some examples, the non-ionized process gas is introduced into a vaporizer, which includes a heater that heats the non-ionized process gas and the molecular solution to combine or vaporize the non-ionized process gas and the molecular solution.

[0021] In some examples, the electrode includes one of a plasma electrode or a corona electrode. In some examples, the electrode is connected to a power source configured to provide an electrical current to activate the electrode.

[0022] In some examples, the material is a rolled web. In examples, the material is a flat structure. In examples, the material is a polyhedron.

[0023] In some disclosed examples, a material surface treatment system is configured to treat a flat object, the system including: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode that generates a discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and the vapor; and one or more rollers that convey the flat object toward the electrode and apply the plasma to a material of the flat object near the electrode, where application of the plasma grafts the molecular code onto the material.

[0024] In some examples, the material surface treatment system further includes a ground block on an opposite side of the electrode from the material, the material being subjected to the plasma emitted from the electrode as the plasma is attracted to the ground block, the ground block being electrically connected to a reference voltage. In examples, one or more properties of the material are modified as a result of applying the plasma.

[0025] In some disclosed examples, a material surface treatment system is configured to treat an object having a non-uniform geometry, the system comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode that generates a discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and the vapor; and a nozzle that applies the plasma to a material of the object proximate the electrode, where application of the plasma grafts the molecular code onto the material.

[0026] In some examples, the electrode extends within the body. In examples, the device further comprises a filter disposed within the body and serving as a partial barrier between a first volume configured to receive the vapor and a second volume including one or more dielectric elements. In examples, the second volume is configured to generate a plasma by subjecting the vapor to an electrical discharge between the electrode and the dielectric elements.

[0027] In some examples, the material surface treatment system further comprises a non-linear conveyor configured to apply the molecular code by moving the nozzle around the material. In some examples, the electrode comprises one of a plasma electrode or a corona electrode.

[0028] As used herein, the term "power source" refers to any device capable of supplying power to a material processing system when power is applied, including, but not limited to, inverters, converters, resonant power supplies, quasi-resonant power supplies, etc., as well as control circuitry and other associated support circuitry. The term can include energy storage devices and / or circuitry and / or connections that draw power from various external sources.

[0029] As used herein, "circuitry" or "circuitry" includes any analog and / or digital components, power and / or control elements, e.g., microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), software, etc., discrete and / or integrated components, or portions and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] As used herein, "power conversion circuitry" and / or "power conversion circuit" refer to circuitry and / or electrical components that convert electrical power from one or more first forms (e.g., power output by a generator) to one or more second forms having any combination of voltage, current, frequency, and / or reaction characteristics. Power conversion circuitry may include safety circuitry, output selection circuitry, measurement and / or control circuitry, and / or any other circuitry that provides suitable features.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "first" and "second" may be used to list different components or elements of the same type and do not necessarily imply any particular order.

[0032] 1 illustrates a material processing system 10 including a discharge electrode 14 in electrical communication with a power source 12. The electrode 14 can be disposed within an enclosure 24, which can create a controlled environment (e.g., controlled pressure, temperature, by-product contamination, etc.) for conducting the material processing process. In some examples, a grounded roller 16 (e.g., a grounded bare roll with a path to ground or other reference voltage) is utilized and positioned to pass a web of material 22 (e.g., textile, paper, plastic, film, etc.) near the electrode 14 for treatment with the plasma 32 generated by the discharge of the electrode 14.

[0033] In some examples, the discharge electrode 14 comprises a dielectric tube (e.g., ceramic) or a stainless steel electrode, and the grounded roller 16 comprises a stainless steel roller or a ceramic or glass-coated grounded roller, both of which cooperate to distribute the high voltage charge evenly along the length of the electrode 14.

[0034] The power source 12 that provides the power input may include a high voltage transformer, a power converter, and / or a power source (e.g., a utility power source). In some examples, the power source 12 provides an applied power density to the discharge electrode 14 of approximately 10 watts-minutes per square meter to 110 watts-minutes per square meter, and in some examples, approximately 20 watts-minutes per square meter to 60 watts-minutes per square meter, although other ranges are contemplated.

[0035] As shown, system 10 includes a vaporizer or flash evaporator 26 that receives one or more inputs, such as a gas or fluid. In the example of Figure 1, the inputs include a solution and / or process gas that includes a molecular code. The molecular code can include information about specific traits that can be grafted onto material 22 at the molecular level. The information can include, for example, a location, an entity, or a process, which can later be revealed by analysis of the material's chemical composition.

[0036] In some examples, the molecular code solution comprises approximately 20 to 110 parts deionized water to 1 part molecular code solution, and in some examples, approximately 40 to 80 parts deionized water to 1 part DNA solution, although other ranges are contemplated. In some examples, the molecular code solution is introduced into vaporizer 26 at a rate of approximately 0.1 milliliters per centimeter of electrode length per minute to 1.0 milliliters per centimeter of electrode length per minute, and in some examples, approximately 0.3 milliliters per centimeter of electrode length per minute to 0.8 milliliters per centimeter of electrode length per minute, although other ranges are contemplated.

[0037] In some examples, the process gas can include a mixture of different gases, including a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. For example, the process gas mixture can include nitrogen at a concentration of approximately 99% to 80%, and in some examples, approximately 97% to 88%, although other ranges are contemplated. The plasma gas mixture can include oxygen at a concentration of approximately 20% to 1%, and in some examples, approximately 12% to 3%, although other ranges are contemplated. In some examples, the process gas or gas mixture, upon ionization, can form certain functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, carbonyl groups, or amines, as a non-limiting list of examples.

[0038] Vaporizer 26 receives vapor 28 having a molecular code and / or process gas, which is then transported via conduit 27 (e.g., via a fan, pump, etc.) to the region between electrode 14 and grounded roller 16. In examples, vaporizer 26 includes heater 34 that generates heat to convert the input to vapor 28. For example, vaporizer 26 can heat the input to a temperature between approximately 100 degrees Celsius and 250 degrees Celsius, and in some examples, between approximately 180 degrees Celsius and 220 degrees Celsius, although other ranges are contemplated.

[0039] In some examples, one or more sensors (e.g., flow meters, pressure sensors, etc.) or valves can be utilized to monitor and / or control the rate and / or amount of the molecular-code solution and / or process gas entering flash evaporator 26 and / or enclosure as vapor 28. As such, once the molecular-code solution is vaporized, vapor 28 can be carried by the process gas to electrode 14 at a flow rate of approximately 1 liter per centimeter of electrode length per minute to 10 liters per centimeter of electrode length per minute, and in some examples, approximately 2 liters per centimeter of electrode length per minute to 5 liters per centimeter of electrode length per minute, although other ranges are contemplated.

[0040] When the vapor 28 reaches the electrode 14, a high-voltage discharge creates a plasma 32 that ionizes the process gas and the molecules of the molecular code. For example, functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl groups) of the ionized molecules in the process gas act as binders for the molecular code. The ionized molecules are then attracted to the grounded roll 16, which attracts the plasma 32 bearing the molecular code to the material 22. The plasma 32 also propagates the collisions of the ionized molecules. As a result, the molecular code is grafted onto the material 22. For example, the molecular code is grafted at the molecular level, thereby having little or no effect on the properties of the treated material. In particular, during a material surface treatment process, one or more properties of the material can be modified, such as to adjust the porosity, adhesion capacity, or strength of the material, to list a non-limiting list of properties. Exemplary material treatment processes may produce one or more byproducts 30 (e.g., water vapor, non-reactive gases, ozone), which can be diverted from the treatment area as exhaust and / or for further processing.

[0041] In the disclosed examples, the material is one of the following non-limiting properties: polymer, synthetic woven and / or nonwoven fabric, natural fiber woven fabric, filament, yarn, elastomer, or metal. In either case, the material may be presented for processing in various configurations. For example, the material may be presented as a substantially flexible web, film, foil, etc., and the material is transported from a source roll 20 to a receiving roll 18. In some examples, the material is presented as a substantially flat, e.g., rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, sheet, plate, board, etc. (See, e.g., the exemplary system of FIG. 2). In some examples, the material is presented with a non-uniform geometry, and application of the molecular code can be performed through the use of a non-linear conveyor and / or a movable electrode configuration (See, e.g., the exemplary system of FIG. 3). In each exemplary configuration, the system and method are designed to apply the molecular code in accordance with the disclosed techniques.

[0042] In some examples, material processing processes are controlled by one or more programs executed by one or more control circuits, such as on an integrated or remote computing platform. For example, the control circuitry, control circuitry, and / or controller can include digital and / or analog circuitry, discrete and / or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or other logic circuitry, and / or associated software, hardware, and / or firmware. The control circuitry or control circuitry can be located on one or more circuit boards that form part or all of the controller and are used to control the material processing process. The control circuitry can include memory for storing information, such as program instructions, executed by the control circuitry, and the memory can include volatile and / or nonvolatile memory devices and / or other storage devices.

[0043] Materials processed by the processes disclosed herein can be tested to reveal the embedded coded information. For example, the material can be subjected to one or more chemical testing techniques (e.g., electrophoresis, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, etc.) to decompile the information contained within the molecular code. The results of such testing indicate the presence or absence of the molecular code.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary material processing system 10 configured to process substantially flat articles for processing. As shown in FIG. 2, the transport system includes one or more platforms and / or belts 41 upon which the material structure 36 (e.g., a substantially flat structure, e.g., a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible sheet, plate, board, etc.) rests as it traverses the region between the electrode 14 and the ground block 38. In some examples, the platform 41 is driven by one or more rollers 40, 42 and operates as a conveyor for the material structure 36. In additional or alternative examples, the material structure 36 rests on the one or more rollers 40, 42 and is transported through the enclosure 24 without the assistance of the platform 41.

[0045] 3 provides yet another example material surface treatment system 50 configured to treat an object 70 having a non-uniform geometry. For example, the object 70 may be a three-dimensional object having multiple surfaces, one or more of which are treated to graft a molecular code onto the material of the object 70. As such, application of the molecular code may be performed by use of a non-linear conveyor and / or by movement of an electrode around the article and / or movement of the article around the electrode.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 3 , power supply 12 provides power to electrode 54 extending into body 52. ​​Filter 60 is disposed within body 52 and serves as a partial barrier between a first volume 76 configured to receive vapor 64 and a second volume 78 containing one or more dielectric elements 62. Vapor 64 is transported from vaporizer 26 via conduit 56, where vapor 64 includes a molecular code and / or process gas. Vapor 64 is introduced into second volume 78 and subjected to an electrical discharge between electrode 54 and dielectric element 62, thereby generating plasma 66 that is applied to object 70 via nozzle 58. In this manner, molecular code is grafted onto the material of object 70 in areas exposed to plasma 66.

[0047] In some examples, a precursor gas, such as nitrogen, can be introduced into body 52 via conduit 74. Additionally or alternatively, system 50 can be fully or partially enclosed within an enclosure. In some examples, object 70 can be grounded either via a direct path to ground or via a connector to ground or a reference voltage.

[0048] 4 provides a flowchart illustrating example instructions 100 that may be executed by the example material surface treatment system of FIGS. 1-3 to graft a molecular code onto a material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. At block 102, a solution containing a molecular code is received, such as in an evaporator or vaporizer. At block 104, the solution and treatment gas are vaporized and introduced to an electrode at block 106. At block 108, the vapor is ionized to create a plasma, and at block 110, the plasma is applied to the surface of the material to graft the molecular code onto the material.

[0049] As used herein, "and / or" means any one or more of the items in the list connected by "and / or." As an example, "x and / or y" means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y." As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z." As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the term "for example" begins a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0050] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the systems, blocks, and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Instead, the present method and / or system includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents. Some embodiments of the present invention are described below in sections [1]-

[20] . [1] 1. A material surface treatment system comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode for generating a discharge to create a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and the vapor, and applying the plasma to a material near the electrode, the application of the plasma grafting the molecular code onto the material; and A material surface treatment system comprising: [2] Item 1. The material surface treatment system of item 1, further comprising a grounded roll configured to engage the material, wherein the material is subjected to the plasma emitted from the electrode when the plasma is attracted to the grounded roll, and the grounded roll is electrically connected to a reference voltage. [3] Item 10. The material surface treatment system of item 1, wherein one or more properties of the material are modified as a result of applying the plasma. [4] Item 10. The material surface treatment system of item 1, wherein the material is one of a polymer, a synthetic woven and / or nonwoven fabric, a natural fiber woven fabric, a filament, a yarn, an elastomer, or a metal. [5] Item 1. The material surface treatment system according to item 1, wherein the ionized process gas forms a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a carbonyl group, or an amine. [6] Item 1. The material surface treatment system according to item 1, wherein a non-ionized process gas is introduced into the vaporizer, and the vaporizer includes a heater that heats the non-ionized process gas and the molecular solution to combine or vaporize the non-ionized process gas and the molecular solution. [7] Item 1. The material surface treatment system according to item 1, wherein the electrode comprises one of a plasma electrode or a corona electrode. [8] Item 1. The material surface treatment system according to item 1, wherein the electrodes are connected to a power source configured to provide an electric current to activate the electrodes. [9] Item 1, wherein the material is a rolled web.

[10] Item 2. The material surface treatment system according to item 1, wherein the material is a flat structure.

[11] Item 2. The material surface treatment system according to item 1, wherein the material is a polyhedron.

[12] 1. A material surface treatment system configured to treat a flat object, comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode for generating an electrical discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and said vapor; one or more rollers that convey the flat object toward the electrode and apply the plasma to the material of the flat object near the electrode, the application of the plasma grafting the molecular code onto the material; and A material surface treatment system comprising:

[13] Item 13. The material surface treatment system according to item 12, further comprising a ground block on an opposite side of the electrode from the material, the material being subjected to the plasma emitted from the electrode when the plasma is attracted to the ground block, the ground block being electrically connected to a reference voltage.

[14] Item 13. The material surface treatment system of item 12, wherein one or more properties of the material are modified as a result of applying the plasma.

[15] 1. A material surface treatment system configured to treat an object having a non-uniform geometry, comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode for generating an electrical discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and said vapor; a nozzle for applying the plasma to a material of the object near the electrode, the application of the plasma grafting the molecular code onto the material; and A material surface treatment system comprising:

[16] Item 16. The material surface treatment system of item 15, wherein the electrode extends within the body.

[17] 17. The material surface treatment system of claim 16, further comprising a filter disposed within the body and acting as a partial barrier between a first volume configured to receive the vapor and a second volume containing one or more dielectric elements.

[18] Item 18. The material surface treatment system of item 17, wherein the second volume is configured to generate the plasma by subjecting the vapor to an electrical discharge between the electrode and the dielectric element.

[19] Item 16. The material surface treatment system of item 15, further comprising a non-linear conveyor configured to apply the molecular code by movement of the nozzle around the material.

[20] Item 16. The material surface treatment system according to item 15, wherein the electrode comprises one of a plasma electrode or a corona electrode.

Claims

1. 1. A material surface treatment system comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode for generating a discharge to create a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and the vapor, and applying the plasma to a material near the electrode, the application of the plasma grafting the molecular code onto the material; and A material surface treatment system comprising:

2. 10. The material surface treatment system of claim 1, further comprising a grounded roll configured to engage the material, the material being subjected to the plasma emitted from the electrode as the plasma is attracted to the grounded roll, the grounded roll being electrically connected to a reference voltage.

3. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein one or more properties of the material are modified as a result of applying the plasma.

4. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the material is one of a polymer, a synthetic woven and / or nonwoven fabric, a natural fiber woven fabric, a filament, a yarn, an elastomer, or a metal.

5. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the ionized process gas forms a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, a carbonyl group, or an amine.

6. 10. The material surface treatment system of claim 1, wherein a non-ionized process gas is introduced into the vaporizer, the vaporizer comprising a heater for heating the non-ionized process gas and the molecular solution to combine or vaporize the non-ionized process gas and the molecular solution.

7. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the electrode comprises one of a plasma electrode or a corona electrode.

8. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the electrodes are connected to a power source configured to provide an electrical current to activate the electrodes.

9. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the material is a rolled web.

10. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the material is a flat structure.

11. The material surface treatment system of claim 1 , wherein the material is a polyhedron.

12. 1. A material surface treatment system configured to treat a flat object, comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode for generating an electrical discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and said vapor; one or more rollers that convey the flat object toward the electrode and apply the plasma to the material of the flat object near the electrode, where the application of the plasma grafts the molecular code onto the material; and A material surface treatment system comprising:

13. 13. The material surface treatment system of claim 12, further comprising a ground block on an opposite side of the electrode from the material, the material being subjected to the plasma emitted from the electrode when the plasma is attracted to the ground block, the ground block being electrically connected to a reference voltage.

14. The material surface treatment system of claim 12 , wherein one or more properties of the material are modified as a result of applying the plasma.

15. 1. A material surface treatment system configured to treat an object having a non-uniform geometry, comprising: a vaporizer that receives a solution containing a molecular code and produces a vapor having the molecular code; an electrode for generating an electrical discharge to produce a plasma composed of an ionized process gas and said vapor; a nozzle for applying the plasma to a material of the object near the electrode, the application of the plasma grafting the molecular code onto the material; and A material surface treatment system comprising:

16. The material surface treatment system of claim 15 , wherein the electrode extends within the body.

17. 17. The material surface treatment system of claim 16, further comprising a filter disposed within the body and acting as a partial barrier between a first volume configured to receive the vapor and a second volume containing one or more dielectric elements.

18. 20. The system for treating a material surface of claim 17, wherein the second volume is configured to create the plasma by subjecting the vapor to an electrical discharge between the electrode and the dielectric element.

19. 16. The material surface treatment system of claim 15, further comprising a non-linear conveyor configured to apply the molecular code by movement of the nozzle around the material.

20. 16. The system for treating a material surface according to claim 15, wherein the electrode comprises one of a plasma electrode or a corona electrode.

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