Polymer-metal interface formation and film growth on plasma and ion-treated polymer surfaces

A study of polymer-metal interface formation after plasma treatment and low-energy ion bombardment is presented. In situ surface analysis by XPS leads to well-defined surface compositions. Different types of bonding of an evaporated metal overlayer with the polymer surface are observed. Depending on the surface treatment, an island growth mode of the metal with different degrees of coverage is observed. Measurements with an atomic force microscope show that the surface treatment also leads to increased surface forces. (Author)