Optimization of microwave plasma treatment conditions on polydimethylsiloxane films for further surface functionalization

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was surface functionalized by a 3-steps process. Firstly, the PDMS surface was activated by means of a microwave Ar/O-2 plasma treatment, that was optimized in this paper. Secondly, the activated surface reacted with mercaptosilanes and finally a thiol-ene photopolymerization of a vanillin derivative monomer was performed. The bio-based monomer was used with the aim of giving antibacterial and antifouling properties to the PDMS surface. Grafting and photopolymerization were successfully evidenced by different analytical means and especially X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

Automated summary

The surface of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was functionalized through a three-step process involving microwave plasma treatment, reaction with mercaptosilanes, and thiol-ene photopolymerization. The purpose of using a bio-based monomer was to give antibacterial and antifouling properties to the PDMS surface. Grafting and photopolymerization were successfully confirmed through various analytical methods, particularly X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.