Modification of Polymer Surface with Shielded Plasma
- Technology Benefits
- The same plasma process can be used to selectively modify the surface biochemical and topograghy properties without altering the bulk characteristics.The extent of crosslinking as a function of depth for very thin (nanometer scale) surface layers can be determined by a direct nanomechanical probing method -- which is not possible using conventional techniques (such as gel fractionization).
- Technology Application
- Adhesion and wear characteristics of polymers used in various industrial and biomedical applications.
- Detailed Technology Description
- None
- Application No.
- 8168074
- Others
-
Related Technologies
- Method For Grafting Hybrid Crosslinked-uncrosslinked Fluorocarbon Films On Biopolymer Surfaces
- Method For Controlling Cell Adhesion And Growth On Biopolymer Surfaces
Tech ID/UC Case
17785/2007-061-0
Related Cases
2007-061-0
- *Abstract
-
Plasma-induced surface crosslinking might significantly affect the adhesion and wear characteristics of polymers used in various industrial and biomedical applications.
To take advantage of these affects, researchers at UC Berkeley have investigated polymer surface modifications by ions, uncharged particles, and photons. These studies have resulted in the development of a method for varying the degree of crosslinking at polymer surfaces by controlling the type and intensity of the different plasma species that interact with the polymer. The Berkeley researchers have also developed an associated method of quantifying the degree of crosslinking imparted by each type of plasma treatment using direct nanomechanical probing techniques.
Methods and systems for modifying a surface of a polymer with a shielded plasma are provided. The surface may be modified to create a surface with increased crosslinking and/or a particular mechanical property, such as a coefficient of friction. A shielding arrangement is used to modify the plasma to which the polymer surface is exposed, thereby providing a surface with the desired mechanical properties. In one aspect, a single source that provides multiple species of plasma particles is advantageously used instead of having to switch or move in multiple sources. The extent of crosslinking is evaluated using a surface force microscope to determine a frictional property that is correlated to the crosslinking, e.g., via calibrated values determined from reference surfaces.
- *IP Issue Date
- May 1, 2012
- *Principal Investigator
-
Name: Kyriakos Komvopoulos
Department:
Name: Satomi Tajima
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
