Nanoscale structure and morphology of thin films of poly(2-chloroxylylene) synthesized by the CVD method on different liquids

Poly(2-chloroxylylene) (PCX) thin films are obtained on the surface of liquids with different density and surface tension values. Morphology of these films is different showing increasing roughness and hydrophobicity in correlation with aforementioned physical parameters. A detailed study by means of vibrational spectroscopy, XRD and TEM of the structure of PCX at the interface with the liquid is reported. The results here obtained prove the possibility to tailor the surface of thin solid films of PCX changing the liquid substrate thus addressing the surface functionalities.

Graphical abstractPoly(2-chloroxylylene) thin films obtained on the surface of various liquids have different morphology showing increasing roughness and hydrophobicity. These finding indicates that one can manage the nanostructure of thin solid films of PCX changing the liquid substrate thus tailoring surface properties.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► This study shows the difference in morphology and structure of parylene onto liquids. ► Both the orientation and the roughness are tuned by changing the substrate. ► The possibility of preparation of super-hydrophobic surface is envisaged.