Macroscopic control of plasma polymerization processes

Abstract

Plasma polymerization covers a broad range of plasma deposits from soft to hard coatings. Nanoscale coatings are formed within a dry and eco-friendly process on different substrate materials and structures. To gain a deeper insight into plasma polymerization, a macroscopic approach using the concept of chemical quasi-equilibria might be useful. Following this macroscopic approach, the reaction parameter power input per gas flow W/F, which represents the specific energy invested per particle within the active plasma zone, solely determines the mass deposition rate. Hence, plasma polymerization can be described by measuring the deposited mass and examining the power input and gas flow which contributes to it. Thus, the control, investigation, and up-scaling of plasma polymerization processes are enabled. Different examples are given to make use of the macroscopic approach.

Experimental Study of the Plasma Polymerization of Ethyl Lactate

“…Both Yasuda and Hegemann approaches report an initial linear increase of R D with φ followed by a decrease of R D depending on the wattage used. Our observations are therefore in line with the state of the art …”

Plasma Polymer Deposition and Coatings on Polymers

“…Fluorocarbons, however, show a different behavior, since the surface itself can be the source for film-forming species such as CF 2 (74). Fluorocarbons, however, show a different behavior, since the surface itself can be the source for film-forming species such as CF 2 (74).…”

Growth Mechanism of Oxygen-Containing Functional Plasma Polymers

“…[15,49] The use of Equations (1)- (4) provides useful information for the control, the investigation and the up-scaling of plasma polymerization processes (regarding both surface and gas phase processes). [50] a-C:H First, pure hydrocarbon discharges with ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) were examined in order to enable a comparison with the oxygen-containing hydrocarbon coatings. Two sets of experiments were performed with low (8 sccm) and high (16 sccm) monomer gas flow covering an overlapping range of specific energy input W/F.…”