UV‐Assisted Surface Modification of Polybutadiene with Phosphorus‐Containing Groups

Abstract

A new method for the modification of polymer surfaces with phosphorus‐containing groups is described. Films of polybutadiene were UV‐irradiated in the presence of PBr3 vapor as a photoreactive agent. After subsequent reaction with water under aerobic conditions, phosphonic acid groups were present at the surface. Similarly, methanolysis yielded phosphonic acid esters at the polymer surface. These conversions have been evidenced by IR and XPS. Using contact masks, a patterned modification with phosphorus‐containing groups was achieved. The UV‐induced attachment of phosphonic acid groups onto polymer surfaces is a way towards biocompatible surfaces, e.g. for prosthetic materials.magnified image