Optical and surface characterization of radio frequency plasma polymerized 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene thin films

Ahmad, Jakaria, Bazaka, Kateryna, and Jacob, Mohan V. (2014) Optical and surface characterization of radio frequency plasma polymerized 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene thin films. Electronics, 3 (2). pp. 266-281.

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Abstract

Low pressure radio frequency plasma-assisted deposition of 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene thin films was investigated for different polymerization conditions. Transparent, environmentally stable and flexible, these organic films are promising candidates for organic photovoltaics (OPV) and flexible electronics applications, where they can be used as encapsulating coatings and insulating interlayers. The effect of deposition RF power on optical properties of the films was limited, with all films being optically transparent, with refractive indices in a range of 1.57–1.58 at 500 nm. The optical band gap (Eg) of ~3 eV fell into the insulating Eg region, decreasing for films fabricated at higher RF power. Independent of deposition conditions, the surfaces were smooth and defect-free, with uniformly distributed morphological features and average roughness between 0.30 nm (at 10 W) and 0.21 nm (at 75 W). Films fabricated at higher deposition power displayed enhanced resistance to delamination and wear, and improved hardness, from 0.40 GPa for 10 W to 0.58 GPa for 75 W at a load of 700 μN. From an application perspective, it is therefore possible to tune the mechanical and morphological properties of these films without compromising their optical transparency or insulating property.

Item ID: 35148
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 2079-9292
Keywords: plasma polymerization; thin film; 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene; γ-terpenine; optical properties; AFM
Additional Information:

© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).

Funders: Australian Research Council (ARC), James Cook University (JCU)
Projects and Grants: ARC DE130101550, JCU PRS, JCU ECR
Date Deposited: 04 Sep 2014 03:40
FoR Codes: 09 ENGINEERING > 0912 Materials Engineering > 091209 Polymers and Plastics @ 100%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970109 Expanding Knowledge in Engineering @ 100%
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