The Molecular Design of Smart Polymer Surfaces
Abstract
Our long-term objective is to develop two new concepts for molecular design of smart polymer surfaces: end functional surface active block copolymers to create smart surfaces with selective adhesion properties, and surfaces with properties that can be switched with light. In the former case, chain interpenetration, if present, does not contribute significantly to the interfacial energy release rate; adhesion enhancement is only observed when the copolymer terminus reacts with the adherand. Complementary to these studies, endfunctional homopolymers are studied as model systems reflecting the character of all functional polymer surfaces. The lattice model we developed successfully reproduces functional polymer surface tensions, end group concentration depth profiles measured by angle dependant x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS), and surface structural changes accompanying surface reorganization. Two novel technologies have been developed that produce surfaces with chemical structures that can be switched upon illumination with light. Surface active block copolymers are employed to create surfaces with micropatterned carboxylic acid groups on polymeric substrates. End-functional azo compounds are used to produce chemically and physically patterned surfaces on gold substrates. In the latter case, surface functionality can be switched reversibly by photophysical induced conformational changes, while irreversible chemical changes can be achieved by photolysis reactions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 25, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427645
Entities
People
- Jeffrey T Koberstein
Organizations
- Columbia University