Methods for improving the dielectric properties of a polymer, and related articles and devices

摘要

In one aspect of the present invention, a method for increasing the dielectric breakdown strength of a polymer is described. The method comprises providing the polymer and contacting a surface of the polymer in a reaction chamber with a gas plasma, under specified plasma conditions. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150°C, and a polymer composite comprising at least one inorganic constituent. The contact with the gas plasma is carried out for a period of time sufficient to incorporate additional chemical functionality into a surface region of the polymer film, to provide a treated polymer. Also provided are an article and method of manufacture.