Plasma Polymerisation
Deposition or polymerisation of specific chemistries is readily achievable using gas plasma technology.
At Innovatek Medical, the complexity of chemical structure deposited on the surface is not limited by those precursors which are only available in gaseous form. Using proprietary monomer delivery systems, a range of liquid chemistries can be vapourised and presented to the plasma chamber for the polymerisation or deposition process.
By controlling the plasma process parameters, the initial chemical functionality of the monomer or gas can be maintained enabling the desired tailored surface properties to be achieved.
During the plasma process, the gas or vapour introduced to the chamber undergoes controlled fragmentation. The ions produced react with themselves to form the desired polymerised chemistry. The degree of fragmentation and recombination are dictated by parameters such as pressure and power. Several processes are available from Innovatek Medical to produce ‘super-hydrophobic’ coatings to hydrophilic polymers for a wide range of applications. The density of films can also be controlled ensuring pin-hole free film formation.
Gases such as oxygen, argon, helium, nitrogen, ammonia and hydrogen are often employed to prepare the surface for polymerisation in a pre-modification process. Following this precursors in the gas phase (individually or mixed) can be used to deliver a range of hydrocarbon or fluorocarbon based films for example, with diverse properties. Application areas include drug delivery systems and non-stick surfaces for devices, or for use on devices requiring low friction or improved barrier performance.
Delivery of monomers to the system sourced in liquid form open up exciting opportunities. Allyl amine, ethylenediamine, acrylic acid, styrene, hydroxyethylmethacylate, diaminopropane, butylamine, hexamethyldisiloxane, tetramethyl silane, polyethylene glycol and a range of fluorocarbons and silicones are only a few of the liquid monomer possibilities. Depositing films incorporating groups such as carboxyl, silane or amino chemical functionality are suitable for application areas as diverse as tissue engineering, applications requiring protein immobilisation and contact lens surfaces.
Appropriate choice of monomer and plasma parameters can be used to control physical performance as well as chemical properties. Films with defined contact angle (as measured by aqueous or other fluid systems), can be deposited to suit your performance needs. Defined area patterning for deposition in critical areas only is also possible.