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Title: Green Thin Polymer Film Metallization using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Crystallography

It is shown that low-density polymer layers created by supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO{sub 2}) processing can be exploited to enhance metallization of thin polymer films. Spun-cast thin films were exposed to scCO{sub 2} within the narrow temperature and pressure regime known as the 'density fluctuation ridge', where excess swelling of the polymer thin films was induced, and the swollen structures could be subsequently preserved by quick evaporation of CO{sub 2}. X-ray reflectivity (XR) measurements proved that the 'expanded' films had a broader interfacial width between the polymer and deposited metal layers, regardless of the polymer film thickness or choice of polymers. Furthermore, standard peel test showed a drastic enhancement in adhesion between the polymer and metal layers, which correlates with the XR result: the broader interfacial width indicates increased adhesion.

Research Organization:
Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States). National Synchrotron Light Source
Sponsoring Organization:
Doe - Office Of Science
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-98CH10886
OSTI ID:
930375
Report Number(s):
BNL-81097-2008-JA; JACGAR; TRN: US200904%%528
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Crystallography, Vol. 40; ISSN 0021-8898
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English