Nanotopography Engineering on Homopolymeric Surfaces Using Cold Plasma Generated Charges

Summary : Cold plasma as source for charged particles was used to induce nanotopographies on homopolymeric surfaces (nylon 12, PMMA, PMA, etc.). Hydrogen and helium plasmas were successfully used for surface nanoengineering of polymers using inductively coupled or atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium barrier discharge reactors. AFM analyses reveal the presence of nanotopographies on the treated surfaces. Physical factors control the process below the T_g and chemical factors dominate the process above T_g. Pyrolysis GC/MS analyses have been performed in order to obtain more information about the plasma processes. Cold plasma chemical processes, including charges effects are discussed as tools that open-up new ways for nanoengineering of the polymers' surfaces with specific functionalities and / or topography. Future nanomanufacturing techniques can generate anti-scratch, superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic properties on surface of every day use polymeric products by simple and convenient plasma enhanced processes.