Photochemical Immobilization of Polymers on a Surface: Controlling Film Thickness and Wettability. (27th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carroll, Gregory T.; Turro, Nicholas J.; Mammana, Angela; Koberstein, Jeffrey T.
• Is Part Of: Photochemistry and photobiology. Volume 93:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 1165
• Page End: 1169
• Publication Date: 2017-04-27
• Subjects: Photochemistry -- Periodicals; Light -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; 541.35
• DOI: 10.1111/php.12751
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-8655

Abstract

Abstract: In this manuscript, we demonstrate the control of film thickness and surface wettability in the photochemical immobilization of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) containing a phthalimide chromophore. Surface attachment is characterized by ellipsometry and contact angle measurements. The wettability of the resulting films is shown to depend on the chemical composition of the polymer. The film thickness is shown to depend on the irradiation time and molecular weight of the polymer. Using a photomask, micropatterns of polymers can be grafted to the SAM. The photopatterned surface can be "developed" by coating with a thin layer of a mixture containing poly (styrene) (PS) and triphenylsulfonium triflate. Abstract : Poly (vinyl alcohol) is photochemically grafted to a self‐assembled monolayer containing photoactive phthalimide groups. The effect of irradiation time and molecular weight of the polymer on the thickness of grafted films is investigated. The wettability of the grafted films is dependent on the percent acetate content in the poly (vinyl alcohol). The precise areal location of grafted polymer is controlled using a photomask. Note that the poly (vinyl alcohol) does not need to be premodified prior to photoimmobilization.