a method for producing polymer coatings by surface initiated polymerization from a plasma deposited coating is provided . the modification of surfaces by polymer attachment is a versatile and efficient means of controlling interfacial properties , such as surface energy , permeability , bio - activity , and chemical reactivity . the present invention provides a method whereby a plasma deposited coating is applied to a substrate and the polymer coating formed by surface initiated polymerization is formed on the coating rather than the substrate itself . this means that the growth of the polymer using the grafting from procedure can be performed efficiently and independently of the substrate from .