Functional Polymer Surfaces

技术概述：本研究旨在通过一种确保成分经济和易于传统加工的方法，产生具有新颖或改进功能的聚合物表面。根据本项目中使用的合成方法，通过一种自发集中在表面的修饰剂来生成所需的表面函数。重点将是软聚合物表面的改性，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的高纳米迁移率可以驱动相分离和否定表面修饰。最近，一种新的混合瓶刷-纳米玻璃（BB-NG）策略导致了近表面改性剂链迁移率的限制。因此，BB-NG表面改性将是未来研究的重点。初步结果表明，改性聚氨酯体系具有稳定的表面浓缩季电荷。Zeta电位被用来测试电荷稳定性的极限。另一个结果表明BB-NG修饰剂具有广泛的适用性。对混合氟烷体系进行BB-NG改性，可获得意想不到的自分层软表面/坚韧体。这种不寻常的成分分层将是进一步研究的主题，因为初步结果显示非常低的冰附着。潜在的应用包括风力涡轮机和电力线的涂层。最后，将探索将表面功能引入有机硅的新方法，也涉及平衡所需的表面功能和近表面相分离。非技术总结：这项研究旨在将特殊的表面特性引入到涂层或模塑物体中常见的传统聚合物中。例如，加入少量的表面改性剂可以使涂层具有理想的性能组合，如耐油和耐水以及易于释放冰。这种涂层可以应用于电力线、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的研究项目中未被充分代表的少数民族的参与。在国家层面上，对这项研究的支持将促进K-12领导活动，为高中和中学教师带来新知识，进而将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.