Branching (polymer chemistry)

Branching is the formation of branched polymer chains at the radical sites of a polymer. By means of plasma treatment, radical sites are generated on a polymer substrate. The free bonds of gaseous radicals attach to these branched chains. Branching is often carried out in a pulsed plasma which cycles between radical site formation and polymer radicalisation. Branching can be used to create surface properties which greatly differ from the properties of the substrate.