MODIFICATION OF FLUOROPOLYMER SURFACES WITH ELECTRONICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS

We describe methods for coating fluoropolymer surfaces with thin films of electronically conductive polymers. Modification of the fluoropolymer surface prior to coating with conductive polymer is necessary to achieve good adhesion between the fluoropolymer membrane and the conductive polymer coating. We describe four different procedures for modifying the fluoropolymer surface so as to promote strong adhesion. These procedures are based on a wet chemical treatment of the fluoropolymer or on exposure of the fluoropolymer surface to a hydrogen plasma, an ultraviolet laser or an electron beam. Finally, we show that it is possible to 'write' patterns with the conductive polymer onto the fluoropolymer surface.