Thin polymer brush films consisting of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) synthesized by the means of two different polymerization methods, the free radical polymerization, and the RAFT (Reversible Addition- Fragmentation chain Transfer) technique were compared by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry. RAFT polymerization resulted in a slightly modified PNIPAAm polymer molecule having an additional hydrophobic terminal chain-group (dodecyl � trithiocarbonate or 'C12'), as a polymerization by-product, that was a result of the use of a RAFT reagent (dodecylsulfonyl-methilpropionic acid) for the initiation of the polymerization. The behavior of PNIPAAm with a C12 terminal group and a PNIPAAm lacking this chemical end group, upon temperature change, was estimated and the protein resistance was also monitored in order to reveal information about surface interactions and intrinsic properties of the polymer molecules. To ensure the effect of the molecular structure on the interfacial behavior of PNIPAAm, polymer brushes, having different molecular weights, were additionally investigated.

Investigation of the effect of polymer structure on intrinsic properties and interfacial interactions of PNIPAAm polymer brushes

245th National Meeting (2013)

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