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Adhesion of two physically contacting planar substrates coated with layer-by-layer assembled films
Daisuke Matsukuma1, Takao Aoyagi, Takeshi Serizawa
1Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|May 22, 2009
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel adhesive using layer-by-layer films of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and poly(sodium styrenesulfonate) (PSS). The polyelectrolyte films intermix in water, forming a strong bond at the substrate-film interface.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Synthetic adhesives offer versatility and cost-effectiveness.
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a versatile technique for fabricating thin films.
- Understanding interfacial adhesion is crucial for material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesive properties of LbL-assembled polyelectrolyte films.
- To explore the mechanism of adhesion between PDDA and PSS films.
- To analyze the structural changes at the interface upon adhesion.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LbL films of PDDA and PSS on planar substrates.
- Lap shear measurements to quantify adhesive strength.
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy with fluorescently labeled polymers (PAH, PAA) to observe intermixing.
Main Results:
- LbL films of PDDA and PSS demonstrated adhesive properties when in contact with water droplets.
- Adhesion failure occurred at the substrate-film interface, not within the bulk films.
- Confocal microscopy revealed intermixing of polyelectrolytes between the films after adhesion, altering interface structure.
Conclusions:
- LbL-assembled polyelectrolyte films can function as effective adhesives through polyion complex formation.
- Water plays a critical role in facilitating polyelectrolyte intermixing and interfacial adhesion.
- The adhesive mechanism involves interfacial structural changes rather than bulk film properties.
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