In Nature, mussels exhibit powerful adhesion to an assortment of different substrates due to the presence of catechol moieties. Among the many available catechols, dopamine has received particular attention because of its profound adhesive properties and availability. In this work, we have successfully synthesized a protected dopamine methyl methacrylate and polymerized with atom transfer radical polymerization to afford polymer brushes at initiator modified stainless steel surfaces. The protection of the catechol moieties prior to the polymerization is crucial, because of the, in this respect, unfortunate ability of dopamine to react and crosslink in radical reactions. Ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize the polymer brushes.<br/>Subsequent removal of the protecting group exposes the catechol unit with clearly defined structure. This approach allows the synthesis of well defined nanometer thin polymer brushes where the incorporated catechol units, once deprotected, can serve as on-demand adhesives. These properties were tested through lap joint shear stress testing, quantifying the adhesion between the stainless steel and different substrates, <i>e.g.</i> polyethylene, Teflon, glass, and stainless steel. On-demand deprotection of the catechol units under mild conditions was accomplished using mild conditions.

Nanometer-thin catechol polymer brushes exhibiting on-demand adhesion

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.