Hyperbranched Molecules with Epoxy-Functionalized Terminal Branches:  Grafting to a Solid Surface

Abstract

We report the fabrication of a molecular surface coating from an epoxy-functionalized hyperbranched polyester functionalized by secondary epoxy groups. These groups were presented in the fraction of terminal branches of the hyperbranched shell with the ratio of epoxy-containing branches and alkyl branches of 1:2. We demonstrated that a uniform monolayer with the thickness of 4.5 nm could be fabricated by melt grafting of functionalized hyperbranched polymers to a bare silicon surface. Steric constraints imposed by the chemical attachment of alkyl and epoxydized branches to a single core prevented microphase separation of dissimilar segments and allowed the fabrication of uniform monolayers with surface exposure of the functional groups and high adhesion. An estimated 3-4 epoxy groups per molecule were located in the uppermost surface layer and provided residual functionality sufficient to graft another polymer layer. Grafted layers were extremely robust and sustain high compression and shear stresses while possessing high elasticity.

Self‐Assembly of Hyperbranched Polymers and Its Biomedical Applications

“…[ 59 ] Tsukruk and coworkers have prepared Langmuir monolayers or multilayers through the selfassembly of amphiphilic HBPs at the air-water interface or on the substrates. [60][61][62][63] For the latter, a solvent evaporation-induced self-assembly method is used. Barner-Kowollik and coworkers prepared a hyperbranched multiarm copolymer of H 20 -star -PS, and got a honeycomb fi lm with the evaporation of the polymer carbon disulfi de solution on a cold substrate at 0 ° C. [ 64 ] The pores were close to 1.5 μ m in diameter and arranged in hexagonal closed packing.…”

Assembling hyperbranched polymerics

“…7). 114 Mikhaylova et al 115 produced ultrathin hyperbranched films by spin coating of hydroxyl terminated aromatic hyperbranched polyesters on epoxy-functionalized silicon wafers. Sangermano et al 116 exploited ethoxysilyl-hyperbranched aromatic polyesters as a efficient coupling agent for thin coatings.…”

Modifications and applications of hyperbranched aliphatic polyesters based on dimethylolpropionic acid

“…This different surface adsorption and microstructure might be caused by the different intramolecular flexibility and constrained mobility of H30 and H40. Furthermore, uniform anchoring monolayers were fabricated by melt grafting of functionalized HBPE to a bare silicon surface 48. The multifunctionality of the peripheral chains (epoxy‐alkyl) of HBPE offered the dual possibility for both grafting to solid substrate and hydrophobization of the surface.…”