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Experimental and Numerical Modeling of the Controllable Wettability Gradient on Poly(propylene) Created by SF 6 Plasma
Author(s) -
Mangindaan Dave,
Kuo WeiHsuan,
Wang YiLin,
Wang MengJiy
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
plasma processes and polymers
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1612-8869
pISSN - 1612-8850
DOI - 10.1002/ppap.201000021
Subject(s) - wetting , materials science , contact angle , plasma , scaling , concentration gradient , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemical engineering , composite material , chemistry , chromatography , geometry , physics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , engineering
A continuous and scalable wettability gradient of water contact angle (WCA) (20–135°) were successfully prepared on poly(propylene) film by applying O 2 plasma for pretreatment followed by SF 6 plasma treatment under a specially designed mask. Moreover, the role of mass transfer processes in the plasma treatment leading to the gradient formation was clearly described in mathematical terms. By mathematical analyses, a mass transfer coefficient calculated from the sample of 1 cm was employed for scaling‐up process to create gradients on sample length of 5 cm and 7 cm. ESCA analysis revealed that the incorporation of C–F bonds resulted in hydrophobicity on the surface and the formation of the gradient. The wide‐range wettability gradient was demonstrated as an effective tool for screening cell behaviors as demonstrated by culturing L‐929 fibroblast cells on the gradient.