Thermal stability of self-assembled surfaces and micropatterns made of ladder polysilsesquioxanes. (4th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kowalewska, Anna; Nowacka, Maria; Makowski, Tomasz; Michalski, Adam
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 90(2016)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2016-05-04
• Subjects: Polysilsesquioxanes -- Thermal stability -- Reversible surface properties -- Superhydrophilicity -- Micropatterning; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Self-assembled films made of ladder [2-(carboxymethylthio)ethyl]-polysilsesquioxanes adsorbed on mica are stable within a wide temperature range (293–373 K). A thermally induced transformation, resulting in a significant decrease of free surface energy but not in a collapse of macromolecules in the adsorbed film was observed only at 393 K. The unique behaviour has been ascribed to a specific rearrangement of hydrogen bonds between COOH groups. It is irreversible under ambient conditions, but the structural features and properties of the self-assembled film can be reverted to the primary state if the sample is kept in humid atmosphere (steam). Wetting angle measurements as well as microscopic (AFM) and spectroscopic (ATR FTIR, ARXPS) studies were carried out to evaluate changes in the surface morphology and its physiochemical properties. The studied [2-(carboxymethylthio)ethyl]-polysilsesquioxanes were also used as a printing ink on native mica. The micropatterns exhibited all the characteristic properties of the self-assembled films, which can be exploited for the formation of precisely localized surface textures of specific chemical composition and specific free surface energy. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Smart superhydrophilic surfaces can be obtained on adsorption of linear polysilsesquioxanes (LPSQ-COOH) on mica. Surface energy can be reversibly changed at 393 K due to rearrangement of hydrogen bonds between side COOH groups. LPSQ-COOH can be used for surface micropatterning by ink-printing technique.