Atmospheric pressure plasmas: polymerization

Abstract

Atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization (APPP) has been revealed as a real alternative to other lowpressure methods for the deposition of a wide range of polymer materials and with industrial applicability. The influence of the deposition conditions on the plasma and polymer film properties has been studied in order to understand the mechanisms responsible of the polymerization and, therefore, allow the possibility to modify the film characteristics as required. In this entry, the authors present the versatility and applicability of APPP for the deposition of polymer films and how the experimental conditions (gas carrier, monomer nature, discharge power, etc.) have a high impact on both the films and the plasma properties. Results about hydrophilic (e.g., polyethylene oxide–like polymers and acrylic polymers) and hydrophobic (e.g., fluorocarbon and organosilicon) polymers are presented in order to have a general overview of APPP.