Comparing the growth of PVD silver nanoparticles on ultra thin fluorocarbon plasma polymer films and self-assembled fluoroalkyl silane monolayers

Abstract

Adsorbed silver nanoparticles were prepared by means of electron beam evaporation of silver on ultra thin Si-supported heptadecafluoro-1-decene plasma polymer films and self-assembled heptadecafluorodecyl-trimethoxysilane monolayers. The morphology of the silver nanoparticles, characterized by their size, size distribution, shape and interparticle separation, was observed to depend on the type, chemical composition and surface energy of the sub-layer as well as the amount of silver deposited. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy was used to study the change in the morphology of the silver nanoparticles as a function of the preparation parameters. The silver nanoparticles on the ultra thin plasma polymer films demonstrated a much smaller and narrower size distribution due to the cross-linking within the film, which more effectively hinders the penetration of silver through the film in comparison to the self-assembled monolayers. Moreover, the optical properties of the resulting silver nanoparticles on the ultra thin fluorocarbon plasma polymers and their correlation to size and size distribution were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry in the wavelength range between 300 and 800 nm.

Nanostructured thin films for icephobic applications =

“…The higher CF3/CF2 ratio observed in the spectrum, in contrast to other reports indicates that the FAS-17 molecules are oriented in such a way that their CF3 head groups are preferentially aligned away from the surface of the dielectric [167]. Moreover, the CF3 and CF2 concentrations from the spectra which are 10.86% and 52.21%, respectively, are higher than the theoretical values obtained from the molecular structure, which are 6% and 41%, respectively, indicating that the low surface energy CF 3 and CF 2 components comprise the outermost surface of the passivation coating.…”

Silver Particulate Films on Compatible Softened Polymer Composites

“…Fig. 21 (c) shows the optical spectra for films of varying thickness on PS/P4VP, 50:50.The shift in plasma resonance towards higher wavelength indicates close proximity of silver nanoparticles with increasing thickness of silver particulate films [15]. Fig.…”

“…The main advantage of this method is to control the properties by varying the blend compositions [15]. A compatible blend is needed to have desirable combinations of properties of both the polymers.…”

Structural properties of silver particulate films deposited on softened polymer blends of polystyrene/poly (2-vinyl pyridine)

“…Polymer matrices have been frequently used as particle stabilizers in chemical synthesis of metal colloids since these prevent agglomeration of the particles [3]. Polymeric matrix provides the ability of processing and flexibility.…”

“…Polymer blending is a common way to develop new polymer materials with desirable combinations of properties. The main advantage of this method is to control the properties by varying the blend compositions [3]. In the present paper, we have discussed morphology of silver particulate films on PS/ P2VP blends.…”