Plasma polymerization of cyclopropylamine in a low-pressure cylindrical magnetron reactor: A PIC-MC study of the roles of ions and radicals

Stella Mathioudaki, Cédric R. Vandenabeele, Romain Tonneau, Andreas Pflug, Jonathan Tennyson, Stéphane Lucas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A study of plasma polymerization of cyclopropylamine in a low-pressure cylindrical magnetron reactor is presented. Both experimental and numerical approaches are used to investigate thin film growth mechanisms and polymer film properties depending on the magnetic field strength. Combining both approaches enables the consistency of the numerical model to be checked while acquiring data for understanding the observed phenomena. Samples are first analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and ion beam analysis to illustrate the differences in degrees of chemical functionalization and cross-linking between the regions of high and low magnetic fields. 3D particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision simulations are then performed to shed light on experimental results, after implementing a set of electron-cyclopropylamine collision cross sections computed using the R-matrix method. The simulations enable the main radicals produced in the discharge to be tracked by determining their production rates, how they diffuse in the plasma, and how they absorb on the reactor walls. Additionally, the cyclopropylamine ion (C3H7N+) behavior is followed to bring insights into the respective roles of ions and radicals during the plasma polymerization process.

Original languageEnglish
Article number033003
JournalJournal of Vacuum Science and Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces and Films
Volume38
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2020

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Plasma polymerization of cyclopropylamine in a low-pressure cylindrical magnetron reactor: A PIC-MC study of the roles of ions and radicals'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this