PLASMA POLYMERIZATION OF ORGANIC MONOMERS WITH ADDITION OF I2

Abstract

Plasma polymerization of several organic compounds under a low pressure was carried out in the presence of a small amount of vaporized iodine (I2), and the effects were investigated. The polymer deposition rates increased significantly by the addition of I2, and the promotion of plasma polymerization was indicated. The effects of I2-addition on the polymerization were evaluated from the deposition rates, which were obtained from the weight increasing profiles of the deposits with the reaction time. Degree of the polymer deposition rate was dependent on the monomer type, and the activation was more prominent for the inherently less reactive monomers in glow discharge plasma; e.g., non-polymerizable compounds of ethanol and acetone become polymerized with I2. The similar activation effects were observed in the plasma polymerization with CH2I2 added as an iodine source instead of I2. Judged from the polymer deposition behaviors and also the changes in the polymer properties, the function of iodine in the plasma polymerization was considered from the two aspects; i.e., the effective activation of polymerization and the incorporation in the polymer deposits.