Supercritical Fluid Processing of Polymer Thin Films: An X-ray Study of Molecular-Level Porosity

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2006 · Advances in Colloids and Interface Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2006.11.020· OSTI ID:929794

Koga, T; Rafailovich, M; Chu, B; Douglas, J; Satija, S

This paper reviews our recent experimental results that address the effects of solvent density inhomogeneities in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO{sub 2}) on polymer thin film processing. The key phenomenon is excess sorption of CO{sub 2} molecules into polymer thin films even when the bulk miscibility with CO{sub 2} is very poor. We have found that the amount of the excess sorption is attributed to the large density fluctuations in scCO{sub 2} near the critical point. Further, taking advantage of the vitrification process of polymer chains through quick evaporation of CO{sub 2}, we can preserve the 'expanded' structures as they are. The resultant films have large degree of molecular-level porosity that is very useful in producing coatings with low dielectric constants, enhanced adhesion, and metallization properties. These characteristics can be achieved in an environmentally 'green' manner, without organic solvents, and are not specific to any class of polymers.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
• Sponsoring Organization: Doe - Office Of Science
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 929794
• Report Number(s): BNL--80341-2008-JA
• Journal Information: Advances in Colloids and Interface Science, Journal Name: Advances in Colloids and Interface Science Vol. 128-130
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
ADHESION
CARBON DIOXIDE
COATINGS
EVAPORATION
FLUCTUATIONS
FLUIDS
MOLECULES
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
PERMITTIVITY
POLYMERS
POROSITY
SOLUBILITY
SOLVENTS
SORPTION
THIN FILMS
VITRIFICATION
national synchrotron light source