Electrophoretic deposition of polymer and composite films

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method has been developed for the fabrication of poly(4-vinylpyridine- co-butyl methacrylate) (PVPBM) films and composite PVPBM–CeO 2 films. The deposition kinetics and mechanisms of cathodic EPD of pure PVPBM, CeO 2 and composites were investigated and discussed. The surface charging and dispersion of CeO 2 was achieved using trans-cinnamic acid (TCA). The influence of TCA concentration and solvent on the deposition efficiency was investigated. The thickness of the films was varied in the range of 0·5–15 μm. The composite films were obtained as PVPBM–CeO 2 monolayers or PVPBM/PVPBM–CeO 2 laminates. The deposition yield, film microstructure and composition were investigated.