{ "id": "ep8ba1rw7x", "slug": "plasma-polymerization", "title": "Plasma polymerization", "updated": "2026-10-15", "topic_path": [ { "id": "physical", "label": "Physical world and mathematics", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/physical" }, { "id": "physical.chemistry", "label": "Chemistry", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/physical.chemistry" }, { "id": "physical.chemistry.methods", "label": "Chemical principles and methods", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/physical.chemistry.methods" }, { "id": "physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis", "label": "Chemical synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis" }, { "id": "physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "label": "Polymer synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/topics/physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis" } ], "geo": [ { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "label": "Non-geographic · 1800 to 1945: Polymer synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "path": [ { "id": "geo.nongeo", "label": "Non-geographic", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800", "label": "Non-geographic · 1800 to 1945", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800.physical", "label": "Physical world and mathematics", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800.physical" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry", "label": "Chemistry", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods", "label": "Chemical principles and methods", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis", "label": "Chemical synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "label": "Polymer synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1800.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis" } ] }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "label": "Non-geographic · 1946 to 2000: Polymer synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "path": [ { "id": "geo.nongeo", "label": "Non-geographic", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946", "label": "Non-geographic · 1946 to 2000", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.physical", "label": "Physical world and mathematics", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.physical" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry", "label": "Chemistry", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods", "label": "Chemical principles and methods", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis", "label": "Chemical synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis" }, { "id": "geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "label": "Polymer synthesis", "api_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/api/v1/geo/geo.nongeo.t1946.physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis" } ] } ], "excerpt": "Plasma polymerization is a dry thin-film deposition method in which a glow discharge fragments vaporized monomers into highly crosslinked polymer films used for barrier coatings and biocompatible surfaces.", "snippet": "Plasma polymerization is a dry thin-film deposition method in which a glow discharge fragments vaporized monomers into highly crosslinked polymer films used for barrier coatings and biocompatible surfaces.", "node": "physical.chemistry.methods.chemical-synthesis.polymer-synthesis", "markdown": "# Plasma polymerization\n\nPlasma polymerization is a dry thin-film deposition method in which a [glow discharge](https://www.edgepedia.org/glow-discharge), or an atmospheric-pressure equivalent, fragments vaporized monomer molecules into electrons, ions, radicals, and excited species that recombine into a coating on nearby surfaces. The resulting plasma polymer films (PPFs) range from about 1 nm to several micrometers in thickness.[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359028617301869) Unlike chain-like conventional polymers, PPFs are random networks with a cross-linking density significantly higher than conventional polymers, giving thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability, and good adhesion to glass, polymers, metals, and complex geometries.[2](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040609016001577) The process is substrate- and geometry-independent, and film properties are tailored through precursor choice and plasma conditions.[3](https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/ra/c3ra41563e) Typical uses include barrier coatings, biocompatible surfaces, and chemical functionalization.[4](https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4533&context=chem_facwork)\n\n| Key fact | Value | Source |\n|---|---|---|\n| Film thickness | ~1 nm to several µm | [1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359028617301869) |\n| Film structure | Random network, cross-linking density significantly higher than conventional polymers | [2](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040609016001577) |\n| Yasuda factor \\( W/(F \\cdot M) \\) | Power input per unit monomer mass flow, in J kg⁻¹; above a precursor-specific threshold the monomer is almost totally destroyed | [5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9) |\n| HMDSO activation threshold | \\( E_{\\mathrm{th}} \\) = 14 ± 1 eV, independent of plasma source and pressure | [6](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf) |\n| Contact-lens coating | ~20 nm from CH₄ + air 1:2 at 5 Pa; 400 lenses per 4-min run; ~1 Eurocent per lens vs 2 Eurocent wet-chemical | [6](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf) |\n| Bottle barrier coating | ~15 nm inside-bottle coating from O₂ + HMDSO 20:1 at 40 mbar (microwave); barrier improvement factor >10, shelf life extended by 3 months | [6](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf) |\n| Functional-group retention (acrylic acid) | Continuous-wave COOH/R retention limited by the lowest practical power (1–2 W); pulsed plasmas reach equivalent powers of 0.1 W or lower | [7](https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/materials/materials-12-02597/article_deploy/materials-12-02597.pdf?version=1565857596) |\n\n## How it works\n\nEnergetic electrons collide with monomer molecules and break them into electrons, ions, radicals, and excited species; the polymer then grows by random recombination among these particles, which is why the films are far more highly crosslinked than conventional polymers.[8](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267) For the simplest hydrocarbon, methane, dissociation yields a methyl radical and a hydrogen atom; the methyl radical adsorbs on a surface and reacts with other adsorbed radicals, growing a highly crosslinked polymer-like film that often contains carbon nanograins.[9](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41614-025-00201-x) Some plasma species reach surfaces with energies above 1000 kJ mol⁻¹ (>10 eV), and the mechanisms of film growth remain largely unknown.[3](https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/ra/c3ra41563e)\n\nDeposition competes with ablation: film growth proceeds against continuous etching of the growing film by the plasma.[8](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267) Yasuda's Rapid Step-Growth Polymerization (RSGP) and Competitive Ablation Polymerization (CAP) models are the standard descriptions of this balance,[10](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/17/3607) together with his \"atomic polymerization\" picture, in which a sufficiently dense plasma dissociates every molecule to the atomic level before reorganization at the surface.[5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9) Whether ions or radicals dominate was debated in the 1960s and 1970s; A.R. Westwood published a 1971 study of glow-discharge polymerization rates and mechanisms,[11](https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-3057%2871%2990007-3) and the debate restarted in 2010, with both contributing depending on input power level and pressure.[5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9)\n\nMacroscopically, the process is characterized by the Yasuda factor, the ratio of power input to precursor mass flow \\( (W/(F \\cdot M)) \\), in J kg⁻¹; above a precursor-specific threshold the precursor is almost totally destroyed, below it precursor segments survive in the film.[5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9) The mass deposition rate follows a quasi-Arrhenius dependence on the energy input W/F, with an activation barrier for the plasma-chemical reaction pathway; Hegemann and colleagues developed this correlation in 2007,[12](https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.200600169) and for HMDSO the threshold \\( E_{\\mathrm{th}} \\) = 14 ± 1 eV holds independent of plasma source and pressure.[6](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf)\n\n## How it is done\n\nThe operator selects a reactor (low-pressure RF capacitively coupled plasmas, or atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier and piezoelectric devices), a monomer, and operating points; the properties of the deposit depend on the reduced electric field, pressure, discharge type, gas type and flow rate, substrate temperature, electrode gap,[10](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/17/3607) precursor flow rate, discharge power, system geometry, precursor reactivity, and excitation frequency.[13](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-021-04655-9) Common diagnostics are mass spectrometry, in-situ FTIR, optical emission spectroscopy, and Langmuir and ionic probes, with DFT calculations supporting data interpretation.[2](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040609016001577)\n\nPosition in the reactor matters: in a T-shaped RF reactor fed with acrylic acid, film thickness and the O:C ratio varied systematically with distance from the electrode.[7](https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/materials/materials-12-02597/article_deploy/materials-12-02597.pdf?version=1565857596) Copolymerizing two monomers gives surfaces with controlled amounts of specific chemical functionality, an approach reported by Beck, Jones, and Short in 1996.[14](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0032-3861%2896%2900479-x)\n\nPulsing is a primary control lever: the duty cycle is \\( DC = t_{\\mathrm{on}}/(t_{\\mathrm{on}} + t_{\\mathrm{off}}) \\) and the effective power is \\( W_{\\mathrm{eff}} = W_{\\mathrm{p}} \\cdot DC \\); a low duty cycle and low peak power minimize crosslinking and maximize retention of functional groups.[13](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-021-04655-9) Monomer plasma residence time also governs carboxyl-group retention in acrylic acid polymers, as shown by Kelly, Short, and [Alexander](https://www.edgepedia.org/alexander) in 2003.[15](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0032-3861%2803%2900217-9) After deposition, aging is reduced by higher crosslinking, gradient structures built during growth, and chemical post-plasma treatment that consumes reactive sites.[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359028617301869)\n\n## Origin\n\nThe earliest documented observation is disputed. One review traces plasma polymerization to a report on polymer synthesis using electrical discharge,[8](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267) while another account states that acetylene reacted in a silent dc discharge to form a hard, brittle residue insoluble in common solvents.[16](https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2481&context=che_bioeng_facwork) Both accounts agree that such deposits were long considered a nuisance, until Jerome Goodman showed that a 1 µm plasma-polymerized styrene film on titanium foil served as a satisfactory dielectric for a nuclear battery; Goodman reported the formation of thin polymer films in a gas discharge in the Journal of Polymer Science in 1960.[17](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1960.1204414428)\n\nYasuda systematized the field across three decades: with Hsu, the pulsed-RF mechanistic study of 1977;[18](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1977.170150109) a glow-discharge polymerization review in 1981;[19](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1981.230160104) and a 1985 monograph covering gas-phase kinetics, competitive ablation and polymer formation, deposition mechanisms, operational factors, and the electrical properties of plasma polymers.[20](https://shop.elsevier.com/books/plasma-polymerization/yasuda/978-0-12-768760-5)\n\n## Variants\n\nLow-pressure variants use radiofrequency capacitively coupled plasmas; atmospheric-pressure variants use dielectric barrier discharges and piezoelectric devices.[10](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/17/3607) Atmospheric-pressure polymer synthesis divides by precursor phase: gas- or aerosol-through-plasma methods, used almost always for film deposition, and solution plasma methods, favored for nanoparticle formation.[8](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267) An atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) generates directional plasma from a narrow nozzle, so treatment is limited to the jet plume.[8](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267)\n\nPulsing spans three orders of magnitude: Yasuda and Hsu used microsecond pulsing (100 µs on, 900 µs off);[18](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1977.170150109) the millisecond pulse regime for acrylic acid was investigated by Stuart Fraser and colleagues in 2002;[21](https://doi.org/10.1021/jp012406j) and nanosecond pulsed plasma induced-polymerization of liquid monomer layers deposits ultrathin hydrogels with controlled swelling and viscoelastic properties, reported by [Jordi Sans](https://www.edgepedia.org/jordi-sans), Ingrid Azevedo Gonçalves, and Robert Quintana in 2023.[22](https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202300644) Aerosol-assisted atmospheric-pressure PE-CVD feeds thermolabile, high-molecular-weight monomers that cannot be used in low-pressure reactors.[23](https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76994/1/76994.pdf) Liquid-assisted atmospheric plasma polymerization of a highly viscous, low-vapor-pressure bio-based monomer was reported by François Loyer and colleagues in 2025.[24](https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.70056)\n\n## Applications\n\nThe first application was polymerization of styrene to create pinhole-free dielectric layers for capacitors.[5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9) Highly energetic conditions giving extensive fragmentation were historically used for highly crosslinked barrier films for corrosion protection and food packaging.[2](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040609016001577) In packaging, an ~15 nm SiO₂-like coating deposited inside bottles from O₂ + HMDSO 20:1 at 40 mbar in a microwave discharge gives a barrier improvement factor above 10 and extends shelf life by 3 months.[6](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf) Contact lenses made of silicone hydrogel receive ~20 nm C:H:O coatings (CH₄ + air 1:2, 5 Pa) at 400 lenses per 4-minute run, about 30 million lenses per year at roughly 1 Eurocent per lens versus 2 Eurocent wet-chemically.[6](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf)\n\nBiomedical uses include thin-film coatings on devices, platforms for covalent immobilization of bioactive molecules, antimicrobial surfaces, and release systems for silver ions and small organic molecules.[23](https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76994/1/76994.pdf) Blood compatibility depends on chemistry and energy input: tetrafluoroethylene polymerized at low \\( W/(F \\cdot M) \\) gives a Teflon-like surface with poor blood compatibility, and at high \\( W/(F \\cdot M) \\) a high-oxygen surface with among the best blood compatibility tested.[4](https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4533&context=chem_facwork)\n\n## Limitations and alternatives\n\nPPFs age in air or aqueous environments through oxidation, hydrophobic recovery, hydrolysis, and dissolution of oligomeric fragments, changing surface properties such as protein-adsorption behavior.[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359028617301869) Recovery arises from reorientation of plasma-created polar groups into the bulk and slower polymer-chain relaxation; it can be reduced by grafting functionalities rather than simple activation, and slowed by storage at lower temperature and controlled humidity.[5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9) Studies of the mechanical properties of aged plasma polymer films are scarce, leaving coating stability after aging poorly characterized.[13](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-021-04655-9) At high energy input, extensive fragmentation gives poor control of film chemistry.[2](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040609016001577) Quantifying the relationship between doses of plasma species, wettability, and adhesion remains a stated major scientific challenge.[9](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41614-025-00201-x)\n\nAtmospheric-pressure operation simplifies equipment, runs faster and cooler, costs less, and produces eco-friendly waste, but is limited by low APP plasma density and, in some cases, large gas-source consumption.[8](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267) Compared with alternatives, PPFs are more stable than films made by self-assembly, layer-by-layer deposition, or spin coating because of their crosslinking,[1](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359028617301869) and direct plasma growth avoids the separate grafting step of conventional polymer attachment.[25](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11479094/) Wet chemical treatment is declining for ecological reasons, but all gas-phase methods remain in use.[5](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9)\n\n## References\n\n1. [Recent approaches to reduce aging phenomena in oxygen- and nitrogen-containing plasma polymer films: An overview](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359028617301869)\n2. [Plasma diagnostics for the low-pressure plasma polymerization process: A critical review](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0040609016001577)\n3. [Nanoscale deposition of chemically functionalised films via plasma polymerisation (RSC Advances, 2013, 3, 13540-13557)](https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/ra/c3ra41563e)\n4. [Biomedical Applications Of Plasma Polymerization And Plasma Treatment Of Polymer Surfaces](https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4533&context=chem_facwork)\n5. [Foundations of plasma surface functionalization of polymers for industrial and biological applications](https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6595/ac70f9)\n6. [Plasma Polymerization in Industrial Applications (Hegemann, invited lecture slides)](http://mipse.eecs.umich.edu/files/iops_2021-05-06_Hegemann.pdf)\n7. [Exploiting Reactor Geometry to Manipulate the Properties of Plasma Polymerized Acrylic Acid Films (Materials 12, 2597, 2019)](https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/materials/materials-12-02597/article_deploy/materials-12-02597.pdf?version=1565857596)\n8. [A Review of Plasma Synthesis Methods for Polymer Films and Nanoparticles under Atmospheric Pressure Conditions](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/14/2267)\n9. [Low-pressure non-equilibrium plasma technologies: scientific background and technological challenges (Reviews of Modern Plasma Physics, 2025)](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41614-025-00201-x)\n10. [From Basics to Frontiers: A Comprehensive Review of Plasma-Modified and Plasma-Synthesized Polymer Films](https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/17/3607)\n11. [Glow discharge polymerization—I. Rates and mechanisms of polymer formation (European Polymer Journal, 1971)](https://doi.org/10.1016/0014-3057%2871%2990007-3)\n12. [Dirk Hegemann and colleagues (2007). Macroscopic Description of Plasma Polymerization. Plasma Processes and Polymers.](https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.200600169)\n13. [Mechanical properties of plasma polymer films: a review](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-021-04655-9)\n14. [Plasma copolymerization as a route to the fabrication of new surfaces with controlled amounts of specific chemical functionality (Polymer, 1996)](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0032-3861%2896%2900479-x)\n15. [Experimental evidence of a relationship between monomer plasma residence time and carboxyl group retention in acrylic acid plasma polymers (Polymer, 2003)](https://doi.org/10.1016/s0032-3861%2803%2900217-9)\n16. [The Plasma Polymerization Of Vinyl Monomers. I. The Design, Construction, And Operation Of An Inductively Coupled Plasma Generator And Preliminary Studies With Nine Monomers](https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2481&context=che_bioeng_facwork)\n17. [Jerome Goodman (1960). The formation of thin polymer films in the gas discharge. Journal of Polymer Science.](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1960.1204414428)\n18. [H. Yasuda, T. Hsu (1977). Some aspects of plasma polymerization investigated by pulsed R.F. discharge. Journal of Polymer Science Polymer Chemistry Edition.](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1977.170150109)\n19. [H. Yasuda (1981). Glow discharge polymerization. Journal of Polymer Science Macromolecular Reviews.](https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.1981.230160104)\n20. [Plasma Polymerization, 1st Edition, H. K. Yasuda (Academic Press/Elsevier, 1985)](https://shop.elsevier.com/books/plasma-polymerization/yasuda/978-0-12-768760-5)\n21. [Stuart Fraser and colleagues (2002). A Multi-Technique Investigation of the Pulsed Plasma and Plasma Polymers of Acrylic Acid: Millisecond Pulse Regime. The Journal of Physical Chemistry B.](https://doi.org/10.1021/jp012406j)\n22. [Jordi Sans, Ingrid Azevedo Gonçalves, Robert Quintana (2023). Ultrathin Film Hydrogels with Controlled Swelling and Viscoelastic Properties Deposited by Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma Induced‐Polymerization. Advanced Materials Interfaces.](https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202300644)\n23. [Plasma polymerization for biomedical applications: A review](https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/76994/1/76994.pdf)\n24. [François Loyer and colleagues (2025). Liquid‐Assisted Atmospheric Plasma Polymerization of Highly Viscous and Low‐Vapor Pressure Bio‐Based Monomer. Plasma Processes and Polymers.](https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.70056)\n25. [Synthesis, Morphology, and Biomedical Applications of Plasma-Based Polymers: Recent Trends and Advances (Polymers 2024, 16, 2701)](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11479094/)\n\n---\n*Topic: Encyclopedia › Physical world and mathematics › Chemistry › Chemical principles and methods › Chemical synthesis › Polymer synthesis*\n\n*Initially written Sep 29, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026*\n\n*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*\n\nLicense: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license\n", "same_as": [], "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization", "markdown_url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization.md", "license": { "name": "Edgepedia Community License 1.0", "url": "https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license", "summary": "Free with credit, commercial use included. AI training is open to everyone. For other uses, organizations over USD 100M in revenue or 100M monthly users license separately.", "spdx": "LicenseRef-Edgepedia-Community-1.0" }, "credit": "\"Plasma polymerization\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "credit_md": "\"[Plasma polymerization](https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization)\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), [https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization](https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization). [Edgepedia Community License 1.0](https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license).", "credit_html": "\"Plasma polymerization\", Edgepedia (EdgeChat), https://www.edgepedia.org/plasma-polymerization. Edgepedia Community License 1.0.", "speakable": "Plasma polymerization is a dry thin-film deposition method in which a glow discharge fragments vaporized monomers into highly crosslinked polymer films used for barrier coatings and biocompatible surfaces." }