Ageing of plasma-mediated coatings with embedded silver nanoparticles on stainless steel: An XPS and ToF-SIMS investigation

Zanna, S; Saulou, C; Mercier-Bonin, M; Despax, B; Raynaud, P; Seyeux, A; Marcus, P

HERO ID

699081

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

HERO ID 699081
In Press No
Year 2010
Title Ageing of plasma-mediated coatings with embedded silver nanoparticles on stainless steel: An XPS and ToF-SIMS investigation
Authors Zanna, S; Saulou, C; Mercier-Bonin, M; Despax, B; Raynaud, P; Seyeux, A; Marcus, P
Journal Applied Surface Science
Volume 256
Issue 22
Page Numbers 6499-6505
Abstract Nanocomposite thin films (170 nm), composed of silver nanoparticles enclosed in an organosilicon matrix, were deposited onto stainless steel, with the aim of preventing biofilm formation. The film deposition was carried out under cold plasma conditions, combining radiofrequency (RF) glow discharge fed with argon and hexamethyldisiloxane and simultaneous silver sputtering. XPS and ToF-SIMS were used to characterize Ag-organosilicon films in native form and after ageing in saline solution (NaCl 0.15 M), in order to further correlate their lifetime with their anti-fouling properties. Two coatings with significantly different silver contents (7.5% and 20.3%) were tested. Surface analysis confirmed the presence of metallic silver in the pristine coating and revealed significant modifications after immersion in the saline solution. Two different ageing mechanisms were observed, depending on the initial silver concentration in the film. For the sample exhibiting the low silver content (7.5%), the metal amount decreased at the surface in contact with the solution, due to the release of silver from the coating. As a result, after a 2-day exposure, silver nanoparticles located at the extreme surface were entirely released, whereas silver is still present in the inner part of the film. The coating thickness was not modified during ageing. In contrast, for the high silver content film (20.3%), the thickness decreased with immersion time, due to significant silver release and matrix erosion, assigned to a percolation-like effect. However, after 18 days of immersion, the delamination process stopped and a thin strongly bounded layer remained on the stainless steel surface.
Doi 10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.03.132
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Plasma deposit; Surface characterization; Ageing; Silver nanoparticles; Organosilicon films
Is Qa No