Contributions to the synthesis of thin organic films via low-pressure non-equilibrium plasma deposition

Summary form only given. Plasma polymerization offers an ecological, potentially tunable route to selectively and controllably change the physics and chemistry of the outer surface of a material. It presents an exciting chance to produce pinhole free, conformal thin films, containing high concentrations of specific functional groups at the surface, deposited on most supports, by complex reactions in the plasma environment, but makes difficult to predict and characterize their chemistries. In the investigation, an experimental study and physical-chemical analysis of the initiated plasma polymerization are described. A low pressure non-equilibrium plasma deposition process is useful for the preparation of ultra thin films from a homologous series of alkyl acrylates from methyl to butyl, deposited on planar supports of organic and inorganic nature (paper, glass). The resulting polymers harmonized well spectroscopically with those from classical polymerization, indicating that stoichiometric polymers with no evident crosslinking can be achieved in the plasma environment. The surface free energy of the films was evaluated by a CAM computer controlled video based instrument. The morphology of films was studied by atomic force microscopy, operated in the tapping mode. We consider that these coatings will exhibit protective characteristics against environmental agents (light, temperature, humidity, fungus) and they will find utility in the field of protection and consolidation of artifacts with historical and artistic significance in the restoration of Cultural Heritage.