Polymer brushes––surface immobilized polymers

• Published in: Surface science Vol. 570; no. 1; pp. 1 - 12
• Main Authors: Boyes, Stephen G., Granville, Anthony M., Baum, Marina, Akgun, Bulent, Mirous, Brian K., Brittain, William J.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 10.10.2004; Amsterdam Elsevier Science; New York, NY
• Subjects: Atomic force microscopy; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Physics; Self-assembly; Surface segregation; Surface structure, morphology, roughness, and topography; Wetting; Atomic force microscopy; Self-assembly; Surface structure, morphology, roughness, and topography; Wetting; Surface segregation; Inorganic compounds; Free radicals; morphology; Roughness; Polymerization; Surface topography; Supercritical state; Fragmentation; Surface structure; Copolymers; and topography; Self-assembly; Surface segregation; Atomic force microscopy; Wetting; Polymers; Carbon oxides
• ISSN: 0039-6028; 1879-2758
• DOI: 10.1016/j.susc.2004.06.193

The synthesis of tethered block copolymer brushes via the use of controlled/‘living’ free radical polymerization techniques presents many significant advantages over traditional free radical polymerization techniques. In our group, we have found that the most versatile controlled/‘living’ free radical polymerization techniques are atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Both diblock and ABA type triblock copolymer brushes have been synthesized using either ATRP or RAFT. Of particular interest with block copolymer brushes, are their ability to reversibly rearrange upon treatment with selective solvents. This rearrangement of block copolymer brushes can result in the formation of unusual surface morphologies that have been attributed to the formation of either ‘pinned micelles’ or ‘folded’ structures. We have demonstrated that other external stimuli besides block-selective solvents can be used to induce brush reorganization, namely temperature and treatment with supercritical CO 2.