Enhanced Vapor Transmission Barrier Properties via Silicon-Incorporated Diamond-Like Carbon Coating

In this study, we describe reducing the moisture vapor transmission through a commercial polymer bag material using a silicon-incorporated diamond-like carbon (Si-DLC) coating that was deposited using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The structure of the Si-DLC coating was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, selective area electron diffraction, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) testing was used to understand the moisture transmission barrier properties of Si-DLC-coated polymer bag material; the MVTR values decreased from 10.10 g/m(2) 24 h for the as-received polymer bag material to 6.31 g/m(2) 24 h for the Si-DLC-coated polymer bag material. Water stability tests were conducted to understand the resistance of the Si-DLC coatings toward moisture; the results confirmed the stability of Si-DLC coatings in contact with water up to 100 & DEG;C for 4 h. A peel-off adhesion test using scotch tape indicated that the good adhesion of the Si-DLC film to the substrate was preserved in contact with water up to 100 & DEG;C for 4 h.

Automated summary

In this study, a silicon-incorporated diamond-like carbon (Si-DLC) coating was used to reduce moisture vapor transmission through a commercial polymer bag material. Various analysis techniques were employed to study the structure of the Si-DLC coating, and testing showed a significant decrease in moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) with the coated material. Additionally, water stability tests confirmed the stability of the Si-DLC coatings in contact with water, and peel-off adhesion tests demonstrated the good adhesion of the Si-DLC film even in wet conditions.