Accession Number:

ADP011018

Title:

Nanoparticles and Nanocomposites in RF Plasma

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV UNIVERSITY PARK

Personal Author(s):

• Cao, Jin
• Matsoukas, Themis

Report Date:

2001-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

6.0

Abstract:

The use of low pressure radio-frequency rf plasma for nanoparticle formation and the deposition of thin film on particulate substrates are reported. Plasma polymer particles are synthesized in a capacitively-coupled Armonomer discharge at rf power of 15-30 W. A variety of particle structures are observed, including monodispersed nanospheres and liquid-like viscous nano-droplets. Styrene in particular is observed to produce hollow nanospheres. By manipulating the process parameters, films of plasma polymers can be deposited onto suspended submicron particles. We take advantage of the electrostatic trapping of dusty plasma to suspend small particles in plasma for extended periods of time until the desired coating thickness is achieved. Sub-micron silica particles introduced into a low pressure rf Armonomer plasma are coated with film of thickness ranging from 2 to 70 nm.

Descriptors:

• *COMPOSITE MATERIALS
• *PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• *NANOSTRUCTURES
• POLYMERS
• SYNTHESIS(CHEMISTRY)
• THIN FILMS
• ANISOTROPY
• PARTICULATES
• RADIOFREQUENCY
• NANOTECHNOLOGY

Subject Categories:

• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE