Thin nitride and titanium dioxide films were produced using an innovative technique called cathodic cage depositon. Uniformity, three-dimensionality and high rate deposition are some of the advantages of this technique. In this study we discuss the influences of temperature, treatment time and gaseous atmosphere on the characteristics of the deposited films. The TiN (titanium nitride) and TiO₂ (titanium dioxide) films were produced using a high deposition rate of 2,5 µm/h at a work temperature and pressure of 400°C and 150 Pa respectively. EDS technique was used to identify the chemical composition of the thin film deposited, whilst Raman spectroscopy indicated the phases present confirmed by DRX analysis. The thickness of the deposited films was studied using electron microscopy scanning. The results based on the deposition parameters confirm the great efficiency and versatility of this technique, which allows a uniform three-dimensional film deposition on any material without the appearance of stress. Compared to other techniques, cathodic cage deposition enables deposition at lower temperatures and higher pressures.

Composites from recycled polyethylene and kapok fibers were prepared using untreated and plasma-treated fibers. Flow properties, mechanical properties and fracture morphology were analyzed in order to evaluate the effects of cold plasma treatment on kapok fibers to improve interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix. Melt flow rate (MFR) measurements indicated a reduction in flow rate of the polymer with the addition of kapok fibers. Storage modulus increased with fiber addition and this effect was more significant when plasma-treated fibers were used. Tanδ obtained from viscoelastic characterization also suggested improvements in fiber/matrix interface as a result of plasma treatment. Addition of kapok fibers to polyethylene produced a reduction in onset decomposition temperature determined from thermogravimetry curve. However, the decrease in temperature observed does not limit composite processing. Furthermore, the degree of crystallinity of polyethylene increased with the addition of untreated fibers and reduced when plasma treated fibers were added. Morphological analysis of failure surface by Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEGSEM) suggest that fiber/matrix adhesion was clearly improved when plasma treated fibers were used. Thus, the oxygen cold plasma treatment proved to be an effective non-polluting approach to enhance matrix/fiber adhesion in polyethylene/kapok fiber composites, as opposed to chemical treatments.