Fluoropolymer films prepared by radio frequency glow discharge (RF-glow dis
charge) are of interest as biomaterials coatings. Previous studies focused
on hexafluoroethane (C2F6, HFE) and tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4, TFE) as the
monomer precursor have shown such surfaces to exhibit unique protein bindin
g capabilities. In this study, slow, surface directed deposition of hexaflu
oropropylene (C3F6, HFP) films is shown to confer surface functional group
presentation that promotes high protein retention. The surface chemistry is
controllable over a range of values, and C3F6 films prepared by RF-glow di
scharge are smooth, homogeneous, and defect free. Surface patterns of the f
luoropolymer can be created by direct or photolithographic techniques. Scan
ning probe microscopic analysis indicates a surface modulus in the range of
1.2 < E-HFP < 5.5 GPa. These results are discussed in terms of the applica
bility of C3F6 films for coating biomaterials. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevi
er Science S.A. All rights reserved.