Illustrative results on the effectiveness of polymer-silver composite film
Prevention of micro-organisms adhesion with the plasma process

In the example presented here, the operating conditions chosen for plasma treatment (argon pressure = 40 mTorr, HMDSO flow rate = 0.1 sccm, P_HMDSO = 2.5 mTorr, I_Ag / I_Ar = 0.20) resulted in a composite film comprising 25% silver. The corresponding yeast detachment profile is shown in figure 10. Control" profiles, obtained with baker's yeast previously adhered to virgin stainless steel and coated with the polymer matrix alone, are also shown.

The tests carried out demonstrate the relevance of the chosen strategy. In fact,...