Plasma treatment of polymers: the effect of the plasma parameters on the chemical, physical, and morphological states of the polymer surface and on the metal-polymer interface

The results of the characterization of plasma-treated polypropylene (PP) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic, atomic force microscopic (AFM), and surface resistivity measurements are presented. Chemical, physical, and morphological modifications of the polymer surface were investigated. The importance of the neutral gas of the electron cyclotron resonance-radio frequency (ECR-RF) plasma treatment is principally demonstrated. Large differences between the effects of noble and reactive gas plasmas were observed by AFM and surface resistivity measurements. However, the maximum sticking coefficient of evaporated Mg on PP is similar for both Ar and N2 plasma treatments.