Grafting density of surface-tethered polymers has been well-studied using gradients on hard substrates, such as silicon oxide, but there are very few examples of grafting from elastic substrates that can significantly change shape and hence surface-to-volume ratio. We have recently developed an azide-functionalized polyester capable of surface �click� chemistry.  Clicking atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiators to the surface has enabled us to use the �grafting from� approach to attach poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) to the surface. A novel property of these materials is that chemical control of the grafting density is controlled by the chemical composition of the azide-containing elastomer.   Additionally, these materials have the added benefit of displaying shape-switching properties.  Grafting from a shape memory elastomer film presents the unique opportunity to physically control grafting density using the shape memory effect.

Varying grafting density of surface-tethered polymers on physically and chemically dynamic shape memory elastomers

245th National Meeting (2013)

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