Analysis of microscopic modifications and macroscopic surface properties of polystyrene thin films treated under d.c. pulsed discharge conditions

Abstract

Using a d.c. pulsed plasma for the polymer surface treatment allows the attainment of macroscopic modifications of the surface, such as an important increase in wettability. At the same time microscopic variations of the surface structure are mainly linked to low-depth chemical modifications, even if very weak roughness changes appear. This technique thus presents two major interests: the low power consumption compared with other techniques such as radiofrequency or microwave plasmas makes it economical; and very significant treatment (macroscopic) is realized under soft conditions without degradation of the polymer. The results of macroscopic and microscopic studies on polystyrene surfaces may allow a macroscopic interpretation to be made of the interaction between the polymer and the d.c. pulsed plasma. Treatment is divided into two temporal stages: cleaning and functionalization. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.