Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Thin Film that Simultaneously Balances Multiple Orthogonal Functions
Abstract
When creating a multifunctional surface, issues can arise when having functions exist simultaneously, especially when the functions are incongruent. In this report, a range of surface compositions are determined that simultaneously support the orthogonal functions of water repellency and enzyme activity. The multifunctional surface is made by spin-coating a solution of an amphiphilic block copolymer (polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid)) into a thin film. In solution, the block copolymer self-assembles into micelles, so that after spin-coating the copolymer film contains microphase-separated hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. The hydrophobic domains support water repellency and the hydrophilic cores of the micelles are used to immobilize enzymes. To characterize the composition, wettability and activity of the surfaces, atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle goniometry and enzyme assays are used. From these techniques, the density was determined of hydrophilic sites amongst the hydrophobic background of the amphiphilic surface that maximized both functions simultaneously.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 06, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1060971
Entities
People
- Joshua R Uzarski
- Shaun F. Filocamo
- Timothy J. Lawton
Organizations
- United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center