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Controllable surface morphology and properties via mist polymerization on a plasma-treated polymethyl methacrylate
1Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Materials and Textile, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Xiasha Higher Education Zone, Hangzhou 310018, P.R. China. liuxd2007@gmail.com.
Soft Matter
|May 20, 2014
Summary
Mist polymerization creates thin polymer layers on plasma-treated surfaces. Process parameters like monomer concentration and solvent polarity control layer morphology and surface hydrophobicity, enabling tailored material properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Surface modification enhances material properties.
- Polymer grafting is a key strategy for surface functionalization.
- Controlling polymer layer morphology is crucial for specific applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate mist polymerization for creating thin polymer layers on plasma-treated substrates.
- To explore the influence of process parameters on polymer layer morphology and surface properties.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanism of mist polymerization and polymer deposition.
Main Methods:
- Plasma treatment of substrates.
- Mist stream delivery of monomer solutions.
- Controlled variation of monomer concentration, exposure time, and solvent polarity.
- Surface characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
Main Results:
- Uniform nanoparticle formation and porous layer development with methyl methacrylate in ethanol.
- Morphology and increased hydrophobicity achieved by adjusting solvent polarity.
- Formation of microspheres on activated surfaces using 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate.
- Correlation between process parameters and resulting polymer layer structure.
Conclusions:
- Mist polymerization is an effective method for controlled surface modification.
- Plasma-induced active species initiate rapid in situ polymerization.
- Phase transformation mechanisms govern polymer deposition, leading to diverse morphologies.
- Tailoring process parameters allows for precise control over surface properties and layer architecture.
