POLYION · Polymer surface modification by ion implantation
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2004-08-01 → 2006-07-31
- EU contribution
- €150,856
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- IIF
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - POLYION (Polymer Surface Modification by Ion Implantation)
The aim of the project was to develop polymer / silver-nanoparticle thin films for biosensor applications. Silver nanoparticles exhibit surface plasmon polariton resonances in the visible region of the optical spectrum. These resonances enhance the electric fields in the vicinity of the particles by many orders of magnitude, and consequently enhance the Raman signal of organic molecules adsorbed on or near the particles. This effect, known as Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), has the capability to detect single organic molecules. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles in thin polymer films is expected to provide stable, reproducible and re-usable substrates for SERS. Investigating the formation of the nanoparticles is also of fundamental importance. The films were produced by two methods; dual magnetron sputtering of silver and poly(tetrafluoroethylene), and; temperature induced formation of silver nanoparticles in spin coated polystyrene and poly(vinyl alcohol). Real time monitoring of the material optical properties during processing was achieved by in situ Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). The deposition of silver nanoparticles by magneton sputtering was recorded using in situ SE. Extraction of the optical properties of the films by appropriate modelling revealed the evolution of the surface plasmon polariton resonances during the particle growth. The plasmon resonances provide a unique opportunity to indirectly monitor the size of the particles growing in polymer matrices by modelling the ellipsometric data. Temperature induced decomposition of organometallic precursors dissolved in a polystyrene film, approximately 100 nm thick, resulted in the diffusion, nucleation and growth of silver nanoparticles. Subsequent heating of the film evaporates the polymer and the particles can be left partially or completely uncovered on the substrate surface. By depositing polymer films of different thickness the concentration of the silver particles after evaporation of the polymer can be controlled. Heating silver ions dispersed in a poly(vinyl alcohol) thin film reduces them to silver atoms which then also diffuse to form nanoparticles. This process was recorded and modelled using real time spectroscopic ellipsometry.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
It has been demonstrated that ion implantation can effectively modify the surface properties ofpolymers by scission and cross-linking of the high-molecular weight molecules within the material.Advantageous bulk properties such as low-weight, ease of formab ility and relatively low cost can bemaintained whilst surface properties such as biocompatibility, hardness, optical properties and electricalconductivity are improved. The aim of this project is to utilize the facilities and expertise at theForschungszent rum Rossendorf (FZR) to modify the surface properties of polymers commonly used forbiomédical purposes. Control of the surface wettability and roughness, gas permeability, scratchresistance, the degree of carbonization, and the stimulation of surface chemi cal reactions by scission ofsurface bonds will be explored. Additionally, changes in biocompatibility by the deposition of ultra-thinfilms of known biocompatible and bio-stimulating, and also bio-inhibiting materials will beinvestigated. Analysis of the bi ocompatibility of the modified surfaces will be undertaken and themechanisms for surface modifications promoting improved biocompatibility will be investigated.Application of the plasma immersion ion implantation technique to impart observed improvements t ocomplex shaped objects, such as are commonly found in biomédical applications, will be undertaken.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM ROSSENDORF E.V. · WEISSIG - DRESDENCoordinatorCity levelGermany
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union