In situ ATR-FTIR study of the formation of hydroperoxides through postdischarge treatment of thin polymer films

Hydroperoxide groups on polymer surfaces are of interest as initiators for the grafting of polymers such as poly(N-ispropylacrylamide), forming thermoresponsive layers for biomedical applications. In the present study in-situ ATR-FTIR measurements in combination with NO derivatization reactions are performed to investigate the formation of hydroperoxides on polyethylene surfaces after treatment with atmospheric-pressure dielectric-barrier postdischarges. Gas composition and plasma treatment time are varied in order to obtain a maximum density of hydroperoxide groupson the polymer surface.