Plasma polymerized coating for polycarbonate: single layer, abrasion resistant, and antireflection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Polycarbonate substrates require protective coatings to enhance durability and optical properties.
• Vinyltrimethoxy silane offers potential for creating functional thin films via plasma polymerization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the deposition and properties of plasma polymerized vinyltrimethoxy silane films on polycarbonate.
• To evaluate the protective capabilities of these films against abrasion.
• To assess their performance as antireflection coatings.

Main Methods:

• Plasma polymerization of vinyltrimethoxy silane onto polycarbonate substrates.
• Posttreatment of films using oxygen glow discharge.
• Abrasion resistance testing.
• Antireflection property evaluation.
• Characterization using Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and infrared (ir) spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• The deposited films were adherent, clear, and provided protection against substrate abrasion.
• The films functioned effectively as antireflection coatings.
• Oxygen glow discharge posttreatment significantly improved the abrasion resistance of the films.
• Elemental analysis confirmed film composition.

Conclusions:

• Plasma polymerized vinyltrimethoxy silane films are effective protective and antireflection coatings for polycarbonate.
• Oxygen glow discharge is a viable method for enhancing the durability of these functional films.