Optimization of Plasma Polymerized Ethylenediamine Film Chemistry on Quartz Particles

Abstract

Ethylenediamine plasma polymerization has been investigated to modify the surface of quartz particles to optimize the nitrogen concentration of coatings produced via a rotating barrel plasma reactor. Plasma polymerized ethylenediamine (ppED) films were deposited at varying powers, flow rates, and polymerization times. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that plasma power appeared to have little effect on ppED chemistry while increasing the ethylenediamine flow rate and polymerization time increased the nitrogen concentration due to reduced fragmentation and increased film thickness respectively. Time of flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry demonstrated uniform distribution of nitrogen species across the particle surface. Ethylenediamine plasma polymerization using a rotating plasma reactor has shown to be a successful method for producing nitrogen rich particle coatings.