RF plasma-polymerization of acetylene: Correlation between plasma diagnostics and deposit characteristics

Clay-polymer nanocomposites are developed to obtain better mechanical, electrical or permeability properties controlled by the interaction energy between polymer chains and filler dispersed in polymeric blend. The dispersion of clay particles in polymers was achieved by chemical pre-treatment of the individual clay layers. The technique of acetylene plasma deposition is proposed as an alternative route to alter hydrophilic character of the clay. Since the clay is a complex material, plasma-polymer, coated silicon wafer was used as reference and characterized by different surface techniques. Different plasma parameters were chosen to lead to the most hydrophobic coating. Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) was also used to establish the relationship between the plasma chemistry and the properties of the deposit layer.