Effects of coating pressure on the thermal and mechanical properties of glow discharge polymer films

The glow discharge polymer (GDP) films for laser fusion targets were successfully fabricated by plasma polymerization technology at different coating pressures. The chemical structure of GDP films was characterized by the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum. The thermal stability was evaluated by thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical properties were measured by nano-indentation technology. The thickness of GDP films was measured by profile meter. The results show that the deposition rate of GDP films increases with increasing coating pressure. The olefinic structure, the ratio of carbon/hydrogen, and the content of CC in GDP films increase as the pressure increases. At the lower coating pressure, the thermal stability, hardness and Young's modulus of GDP films were well. By calculation, the buckle strength of the GDP films can meet the ICF experiments.

► The olefinic carbon double bond in GDP films increases, while terminal methyl group decreases, as the coating pressure decreases.
► Thermal stability of GDP films at lower pressure is better.
► Hardness and Young’s modulus of GDP films increase with decreasing the coating pressure.
► The GDP shell deposited at coating pressure of 10 Pa can endure 112 atm.