Cross-Linking Poly(lactic acid) Film Surface by Neutral Hyperthermal Hydrogen Molecule Bombardment

Constructing a dense cross-linking layer on a polymer film surface is a good way to improve the water resistance of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). However, conventional plasma treatments have failed to achieve the aim as a result of the unavoidable surface damage arising from the charged species caused by the uncontrolled high energy coming from colliding ions and electrons. In this work, we report a modified plasma method called hyperthermal hydrogen-induced cross-linking (HHIC) technology to construct a dense cross-linking layer on PLA film surfaces. This method produces energy-controlled neutral hyperthermal hydrogen, which selectively cleaves C-H bonds by molecule collision from the PLA film without breaking other bonds (e.g., C-C bonds in the polymer backbone), and results in subsequent cross-linking of the carbon radicals generated from the organic molecules. The formation of a dense cross-linking layer can serve as a barrier layer to significantly improve both the hydrophobicity and water vapor barrier property of the PLA film. Because of the advantage of selective cleavage of C-H bonds by HHIC treatment, the original physical properties (e.g., mechanical strength and light transmittance) of the PLA films are well-preserved.

Cross-Linking the Surface of Cured Polydimethylsiloxane via Hyperthemal Hydrogen Projectile Bombardment

Cross-linking of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is increasingly important with recent focus on its top surface stiffness. In this paper, we demonstrate that hyperthermal hydrogen projectile bombardment, a surface sensitive cross-linking technology, is superior in enhancing the mechanical properties of a cured PDMS surface without significantly degrading its hydrophobicity. Both water contact angle measurements and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry are used to investigate the variations in surface chemistry and structure upon cross-linking. Using nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy, we confirm that the thickness of the cross-linked PDMS is controllable by the bombardment time, which opens opportunities for tuning cross-linking degree in compliance with arising requirements from the practice.

Enhanced water vapor barrier property of poly(chloro-p-xylylene) film by formation of dense surface cross-linking layer via hyperthermal hydrogen treatment

C–H bonds on PPXC film were preferentially cleaved by hydrogen bombardment and then formed a cross-linking moisture barrier layer.