Nanoscale surface test platforms will be used to investigate phase transitions of copolymer nanostructures using scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Aqueous solutions of the random copolymer poly[(N-ethyl glycine)-ran-(N-butyl glycine)] P(NEG-r-NBG) become cloudy upon heating and clear upon cooling, which indicates reversible phase transitions. Changes in the composition of copolypeptoids can be used to adjust the cloud point temperature within the range of 20-60 C. Nanopores within a film of octadecyltrichlorosilane were prepared using particle lithography and solution immersion. A pre-synthesized copolymer such as P(NEG-r-NBG) can be anchored to the sites of nanopores. The morphology and surface arrangement of brush polymer nanostructures can be characterized with SPM. Studies of thermo-responsive properties can be accomplished using dynamic protocols and liquid imaging media. A temperature stage can be used to heat the sample during time-lapse SPM imaging. Significant advantages are gained by localizing and patterning polymer brushes on surfaces for studies of thermo-responsive properties.

Surface patterning of polypeptoids and investigation of thermo-responsive properties using scanning probe microscopy

245th National Meeting (2013)

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