Functionalization of Hydrogen-free Diamond-like Carbon Films using Open-air Dielectric Barrier Discharge Atmospheric Plasma Treatments

TitleFunctionalization of Hydrogen-free Diamond-like Carbon Films using Open-air Dielectric Barrier Discharge Atmospheric Plasma Treatments
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsJose L Endrino, Jose F Marco, Phitsanu Poolcharuansin, Ayalasomayajula R Phani, Matthew Allen, José M Albella, André Anders
JournalApplied Surface Science
Volume254
5323
Issue17
Date Published08/2008
KeywordsCell viability, DLC, Ion implantation and deposition, wettability, XPS
Abstract

A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technique has been employed to produce uniform atmospheric plasmas of He and N2 gas mixtures in open air in order to functionalize the surface of filtered-arc deposited hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. XPS measurements were carried out on both untreated and He/N2 DBD plasma-treated DLC surfaces. Chemical states of the C 1s and N 1s peaks were collected and used to characterize the surface bonds. Contact angle measurements were also used to record the short- and long-term variations in wettability of treated and untreated DLC. In addition, cell viability tests were performed to determine the influence of various He/N2 atmospheric plasma treatments on the attachment of osteoblast MC3T3 cells. Current evidence shows the feasibility of atmospheric plasmas in producing long-lasting variations in the surface bonding and surface energy of hydrogen-free DLC and consequently the potential for this technique in the functionalization of DLC-coated devices.

DOI10.1016/j.apsusc.2008.02.065
LBNL Report Number

LBNL-265E