MODIFICATION OF FLUOROPOLYMER SURFACES WITH ELECTRONICALLY CONDUCTIVEPOLYMERS

We describe methods for coating fluoropolymer surfaces with thin films of electronically conductive polymers. Modification of the fluoropoly mer surface prior to coating with conductive polymer is necessary to a chieve good adhesion between the fluoropolymer membrane and the conduc tive polymer coating. We describe four different procedures for modify ing the fluoropolymer surface so as to promote strong adhesion. These procedures are based on a wet chemical treatment of the fluoropolymer or on exposure of the fluoropolymer surface to a hydrogen plasma, an u ltraviolet laser or an electron beam. Finally, we show that it is poss ible to 'write' patterns with the conductive polymer onto the fluoropo lymer surface.