Functional Polymer Surfaces

技术概述：这项研究的目的是通过一种确保成分经济和方便、常规加工的方法来生成具有新的或改进的功能的聚合物表面。所需的表面功能将通过在表面自发浓缩的修饰剂产生，该修饰剂基于将在本项目中使用的合成方法。重点将放在软质聚合物表面的改性上，包括聚氨酯和有机硅。这种研究具有挑战性，因为近表面聚合物链具有很高的纳米级迁移率，可以驱动相分离并否定表面修饰。最近，一种新的混合瓶刷-纳米玻璃(BB-NG)策略导致了对近表面改性链迁移率的限制。因此，BB-NG表面改性将是今后研究的重点。用改进的聚氨酯体系的初步结果表明，表面集中的四元电荷是稳定的。正在对Zeta电位进行研究，以测试电荷稳定性的极限。另一个结果表明，BB-NG改性剂具有广泛的适用性。BB-NG对氟氧杂化体系的改性导致了意外的自分层软表面/韧性本体。这种不同寻常的成分分层将是进一步研究的主题，因为初步结果显示，冰的附着力非常低。潜在的应用包括风力涡轮机和输电线的涂层。最后，将探索在有机硅中引入表面功能的新方法，其中还包括平衡所需的表面功能和近表面相分离。非技术概述：这项研究旨在将涂层或模塑物体中常见的特殊表面特性引入传统聚合物中。例如，加入少量的表面改性剂可以获得具有理想性能的涂层，如耐油、耐水以及容易释放冰。这种涂层可能应用于电力线、飞机机翼和风力涡轮机叶片的涂层。这项研究的更广泛影响将包括跨学科培训和课程开发。另一个影响是，与弗吉尼亚州立大学合作，代表不足的少数族裔参与了研究项目。在国家一级，对这项研究的支持将促进K-12领导力活动，将新知识带给高中和中学教师，反过来，他们将把这些知识纳入课堂科学教学。在国际上，与日本和意大利的合作活动导致了富有成效的学生交流，并将通过该项目继续下去。

TECHNICAL SUMMARY:This research is aimed at generating polymer surfaces with novel or improved function by an approach that insures compositional economy and facile, conventional processing. Desired surface functions will be generated via a modifier that spontaneously concentrates at the surface based on synthetic approaches to be used in this project. The focus will be modification of soft polymer surfaces, including polyurethanes and silicones. Such research is challenging because of high nanoscale mobility for near-surface polymer chains that can drive phase separation and negate surface modification. Recently, a new hybrid bottlebrush-nanoglass (BB-NG) strategy has resulted in restriction of near-surface modifier chain mobility. Thus, BB-NG surface modification will be a primary focus of future research. Preliminary results with a modified polyurethane system indicate stable surface-concentrated quaternary charge. Zeta potentials are being investigated to test the limits of charge stability. Another result suggests broad applicability for BB-NG modifiers. BB-NG modification for a hybrid fluorooxetane system led to an unexpected self-layered soft surface/ tough bulk. This unusual compositional stratification will be the subject of further research, as initial results show very low ice adhesion. Potential applications include coatings for wind turbines and power lines. Finally, new ways to introduce surface function into silicones will be explored that also involve balancing desired surface function and near-surface phase separation. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: This research is aimed at introducing special surface properties into conventional polymers that are commonly encountered in coated or molded objects. For example, incorporating a small amount of surface modifier is leading to coatings with combinations of desirable properties such as oil and water resistance as well as easy release of ice. Such coatings may have applications for coating power lines, airplane wings and wind turbine blades. Broader impacts of this research will include interdisciplinary training and curriculum development. Another impact is the participation of underrepresented minorities in the research program by collaboration with Virginia State University. On a national level, support for this research will facilitate K-12 leadership activities that bring new knowledge to high school and secondary school teachers who, in turn, will incorporate this knowledge into classroom science instruction. Internationally, collaborative activities with Japan and Italy have led to productive student exchanges and will continue through this project.