Surface Modification of Nitrile Rubber by Plasma Polymerization

Radio frequency plasma polymerization of vinylidene fluoride was used to modify the surface properties of nitrile rubber. The chemistry and frictional properties of the plasma films were characterized. FTIR transmission spectra and EDX analysis of plasma polymer films deposited on NaCl windows showed that the degree of fluorination of the plasma polymers increased as plasma power was increased from 25 to 50 W, and then decreased monotonically at higher powers. An estimation of the actual F/C ratio from EDX data indicated that the plasma polymer films contained approximately one fluorine atom for every 2–5 carbon atoms. Sliding friction tests on a Delrin countersurface showed that the coefficient of friction of the plasma treated rubbers was lower than untreated rubber, but slighly higher than rubber coated with silicone oil. Repetitive sliding friction testing showed that silicone oil treated samples had a longer lubricating lifetime than plasma treated samples. However, cyclic friction tests conducted with nitrile rubber o-rings yielded similar frictional behavior and lubricating lifetimes for silicone oil and plasma treatments. There was no correlation between chemical composition and the frictional and wear properties of the plasma films. Environmental scanning electron micrographs showed that the plasma films were brittle and tended to crack and flake off during wear testing.