Plasmachemical patterning of polymer surfaces

Abstract

The work in this thesis has been primarily aimed at the production of composite surfaces, comprising regions of differing chemistries. The use of these surfaces as templates for guided self assembly of aqueous species and production of controlled bifunctional surfaces is investigated. Guided self assembly of aqueous species was achieved through production of surfaces exhibiting areas of high and low water contact angle. These were produced through successive plasma treatments, photo-lithographic patterning, and macromolecular self assembly in polymer films. Also investigated was the effect of surface charge deposition from an AFM tip on phase segregated polymer films, with components exhibiting differing charging characteristics. Also investigated was the plasma modification of polymer cords to improve adhesion into a rubber matrix. The aim of this work was to provide a dry plasma process capable of replacing current wet chemical processing techniques.