Antifouling properties of glass substrates irradiated with acetylene plasma

Abstract

Carbon films were grown on glass substrates via 13.56-MHz radio frequency (RF) plasma deposition at 1-, 3-, and 5-min deposition times. Admixtures of argon (Ar) and acetylene (C2H2) plasma were used with working pressure of 100 Pa and RF power of 50 W. The surface of the glass substrates was pretreated with hexamethyldisiloxane to improve film adhesion. Water contact angle and surface free energy of the glass surface significantly decreased on deposition of C2H2, indicating a hydrophobic surface. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of carbon moieties on glass, where the optimum carbon deposition was found at 3-min deposition time. The glass specimens were then subjected to a biofilm assay using Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where the number of adhered cells significantly decreased on the plasma-treated substrates. This study illustrated the potential application of carbon films deposited via RF plasma for antifouling applications.