Abstrakt
Plasma polymerised PEO-like films were deposited from tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) and diethylene glycol vinyl ether (DEGVE) using an atmospheric plasma jet. Films formed from TEGDME with COC retention >50% showed anti-fouling properties, while DEGVE films with COC >60% did not.
TEGDME films deposited at higher monomer flow rates had a lower density and more amorphous phases in the polymer network. Consequently, these films more readily facilitate penetration and binding of water to their surface in comparison to the denser DEGVE films.
The difference in fouling properties identified through this comparative study has shown that % COC retention may not alone be an indication of non-fouling behaviour. Other factors such as polymer network structure may also play a crucial role in the prevention of surface fouling.