Effects of Monomer Flow Rate, Flow Configuration, and Reactor Geometry on the Rate of Plasma Polymerization

Exploiting Reactor Geometry to Manipulate the Properties of Plasma Polymerized Acrylic Acid Films

A number of different reactor geometries can be used to deposit plasma polymer films containing specific functional groups and result in films with differing properties. Plasma polymerization was carried out in a low-pressure custom-built stainless steel T-shaped reactor using a radio frequency generator. The internal aluminium disk electrode was positioned in two different geometries: parallel and perpendicular to the samples at varying distances to demonstrate the effect of varying the electrode position and distance from the electrode on the properties of plasma polymerized acrylic acid (ppAAc) films. The surface chemistry and film thickness before and after aqueous immersion were analysed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry, respectively. For a perpendicular electrode, the ppAAc film thicknesses and aqueous stability decreased while the COOH/R group concentrations increased as the distance from the electrode increased due to decreased fragmentation. For films deposited at similar distances from the electrode, those deposited with the parallel electrode were thicker, had lower COOH/R group concentrations and greater aqueous stability. These results demonstrate the necessity of having a well characterized plasma reactor to enable the deposition of films with specific properties and how reactor geometry can be exploited to tailor film properties.

Electron dynamics of low-pressure deposition plasma

When the electric field in the dark gas phase reaches the threshold value, an electron avalanche (breakdown) occurs, which causes dissociation of organic molecules, excitation of chemically reactive molecular gas, and/or ionization of atomic gas, depending on the type of gas involved. The principles that govern these electron-impact reactions are collectively described by the term "electron dynamics". The electron-impact dissociation of organic molecules is the key factor for the deposition plasma. The implications of the interfacial avalanche of the primary electrons on the deposition plasma and also other plasma processes are discussed. The system dependency of low-pressure plasma deposition processes is an extremely important factor that should be reckoned, because the electron dynamic reactions are highly dependent on every aspect of the reaction system. The secondary electron emission from the cathode is a misinterpretation of the interfacial electron avalanche of the primary electrons described in this paper.

Ultrathin coating of plasma polymer of methane applied on the surface of silicone contact lenses

Silicone rubber has great advantages as a contact lens material because of its very high oxygen permeability, softness, and excellent mechanical strength and durability. Practical application is hampered by inherent characteristics of elastomers, i.e., high tackiness and highly hydrophobic surface properties. By applying a thin layer, e.g., 5 nm, of plasma polymer of methane, it was found that all these disadvantages can be eliminated without sacrificing high oxygen permeation rate, e.g., less than 15% reduction. Optimization of operational parameters to achieve this task has been investigated. It was also found that under optimum conditions the coating withstood severe and repeated flexing of the contact lens.