Creating Complex Interfaces Using Surface-Initiated Polymerization and Post-Polymerization Modification

Abstract

Generating micro-and nanosized patterns on solid surfaces is an important area of research with relevance in many scientific and technological areas. In our recent approach to generate complex interfaces, we have developed a series of novel “click” and “click-like” reactions that can be used to selectively pattern different chemical functionality onto polymer brush supports using one pot, orthogonal chemical transformations. This talk will highlight surface initiated polymerization and post-polymerization modification of these polymer brush supports as a means to generate surfaces that can be used in a wide variety of applications, from reversible adhesives to antimicrobial coatings for inert plastics.