Plasma effect on polyhydrosilane/metal interfacial adhesion/cohesion interactions

Interactions between a polyhydrosilane film and some metals – gold, silver, aluminum – were theoretically estimated from the work of spreading. This parameter was calculated from disperse and polar components of surface tension corresponding to the polymer and metal. The polyhydrosilane surface properties were experimentally determined from contact angle measurements introduced in the Fowkes relation. To enhance the polymer/metal compatibility, nitrogen plasma exposure was applied, revealing that after this treatment the cohesion interactions are lower than the adhesion ones. An increase in surface polarity was reflected in a higher work of adhesion between metal and polymer substrates, particularly with gold. To confirm the theoretical results regarding the adhesion properties, an atomic force microscopy experimental method was applied in order to determine the adhesion between a gold covered tip and a polyhydrosilane film surface. These results are essential for optimizing polymer surface features for designing reliable electronic components.