Surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) is a method for the preparation of bound polymer chains with controlled molecular characteristics. In combination with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), that covalently bound to the surfaces, a resultant film is produced in order to modify different materials. With the polymers as a film, the materials will be able to obtain enhanced wetting properties to reduce corrosion. In this study, SI-ATRP and SAMs are used for the production of polymers on the surfaces of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Poly(ethylene terephthalate) is commonly used in medical application such as in the construction of vascular grafts. For the formation of polymers, a solution of n-octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA) and tetrahydrolfuran (THF) was applied to the surface of PET with different methods of monolayer deposition. SAMs of alkyl of phosphonic and carboxylic acids terminated with methyl, hydroxy, carboxylic acid, and amine functional groups were formed on PET. The surfaces of each sample, as well as, the production of the polymer film was analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. Formation of an ordered monolayers was determined by symmetric and asymmetric methylene stretching of alkyl chains less than 2918 cm<sup>–1</sup>and 2848 cm<sup>–1</sup>. The final films on the surfaces of the samples were analyzed using contact angle goniometry to measure the wettability of the surface. With the polymer film produced on the PET, the contact angles were increased in comparison to the blank polyethylene terephthalate samples as a result of the changed interactions, cohesion and adhesion, between the sample and liquid. Analysis by atomic force microscopy (AFM), matrix-assisted laser deposition ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, and corrosion analysis will be completed.

Polymer characterization of self-assembled monolayers on poly(ethylene terephthalate) surfaces

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.