Patterned polymer multilayer fabrication by controlled adhesion of polyelectrolytes to plasma-modified fluoropolymer surfaces

The adhesion of polyelectrolytes such as poly(aniline) (PANI), poly(pyrrole) (PPY), and sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) to modified fluoropolymer and self-assembled monolayer film surfaces is investigated. Radio frequency glow discharge (RFGD) H2CH3OH plasma modification of poly(tetra-fluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene) (FEP) produces surfaces of tunable chemical functionality, charge, and surface energy. The level of adhesion of the polycations to RFGD modified FEP surfaces is directly correlated with production of anionic sites by controlled defluorination of FEP; complete adhesion (withstands ultrasonication and tape peel testing) is achieved on surfaces with F:O ratios of ~4:1 or less. FEP substrates, modified by the RFGD plasma in selected regions, are used as templates for fabricating patterned electrically conductive PANI or PPY films, or patterned multilayer films constructed of alternating layers of PANI and PSS.