The relationship between surface structure and characteristics of plasma-polymerized films investigated by means of probe microscopy

The relationship between the surface morphology of the polymer films formed on steel substrates in glow-discharge plasma in heptane and their physico- chemical and mechanical characteristics was studied by means of the AFM, XP S, the chemical technique, and contact angle measurements. It was assumed t hat the variation of the surface morphology and film characteristics with t au (pl) is connected with the deformation of the films in the process of re laxation of internal stresses growing as the degree of crosslinking increas es. Protruding macromolecular fragments were detected on the film surfaces, with their quantity, shape and sizes reflecting the degree of the polymer strain. If some critical polymer strain is exceeded, the coalescence of a m acromolecular sample, as well as deterioration of strength and protective c haracteristics of films takes place.