  This comprehensive review begins by tracing the historical development and
progress of cold plasma technology as an innovative approach to polymer
engineering. The study emphasizes the versatility of cold plasma derived from a
variety of sources including low-pressure glow discharges (e.g., radiofrequency
capacitively coupled plasmas) and atmospheric pressure plasmas (e.g.,
dielectric barrier devices, piezoelectric plasmas). It critically examines key
operational parameters such as reduced electric field, pressure, discharge
type, gas type and flow rate, substrate temperature, gap, and how these
variables affect the properties of the synthesized or modified polymers. This
review also discusses the application of cold plasma in polymer surface
modification, underscoring how changes in surface properties (e.g.,
wettability, adhesion, biocompatibility) can be achieved by controlling various
surface processes (etching, roughening, crosslinking, functionalization,
crystallinity). A detailed examination of Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor
Deposition (PECVD) reveals its efficacy in producing thin polymeric films from
an array of precursors. Yasuda's models, Rapid Step-Growth Polymerization
(RSGP) and Competitive Ablation Polymerization (CAP), are explained as
fundamental mechanisms underpinning plasma-assisted deposition and
polymerization processes. Then, the wide array of applications of cold plasma
technology is explored, from the biomedical field, where it is used in creating
smart drug delivery systems and biodegradable polymer implants, to its role in
enhancing the performance of membrane-based filtration systems crucial for
water purification, gas separation, and energy production. It investigates the
potential for improving the properties of bioplastics and the exciting
prospects for developing self-healing materials using this technology.
