Surface modification of polytetrafluoroethylene thin films by non-coherent UV light and water treatment for electrowetting applications
Journal article, 2020

Hypothesis: The electrowetting on dielectric or EWOD phenomenon is used in a wide range of applications, such as Liquid Lenses, Lab-on-Chip devices, or EWOD displays, among others. Its chemical resistance, electrical stability, ease of application, and low cost make polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) the preferred hydrophobic dielectric layer for such applications. However, the hydrophobic behaviour represents a challenge for spin coating other layers over its surface. As a consequence, several techniques are implemented to modify the surface of PTFE. These methods are complex, time-consuming, and produce morphology changes over the surface that are difficult and sometimes impossible to recover. In this work, we propose a new surface modification method that is based on a non-coherent UV light exposition method and a specific water treatment, that lead to a change from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, and a perfect recovery from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behaviour. Experiments: In this work, the fabrication of the hydrophobic layer treatment starts with the creation of a thin layer of alumina (Al2O3) over a glass substrate using an atomic layer deposition technique (ALD). A mixture of 10:1 FC40 solvent and Teflon Dupont AF1600 was coated over the alumina layer. The Teflon film was exposed to UV light produced by a low-pressure mercury (Hg) lamp for a period that ranges from 3−6 min. The results were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and static deionized water contact angle measurements.
Findings: Contact angles dependent on UV light exposure time were observed. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis, it was confirmed that the UV treatment does not produce morphology changes over the surface. Nevertheless, the x-ray spectroscopy revealed that the UV exposed samples react when they are brought into contact with deionized water, improving the adhesion of the surface. The original hydrophobic behaviour of the surface is recovered (up to 98 %) after 3 h of thermal treatment. Furthermore, the thermal recovery analysis reveals a correlation between the recovery percentage and the applied temperature.

polytetrafluoroethylene thin films

Author

Cristian Daniel López

Chalmers, Space, Earth and Environment, Onsala Space Observatory

Michelle Cedeño-Mata

Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Manuel Dominguez-Pumara

Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Sandra Bermejo

Polytechnic University of Catalonia

Progress in Organic Coatings

0300-9440 (ISSN)

Vol. 149 105593

Subject Categories

Polymer Chemistry

Polymer Technologies

Other Chemistry Topics

DOI

10.1016/j.porgcoat.2020.105593

More information

Latest update

12/23/2021