Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

3D Printing and In Situ Surface Modification via Type I Photoinitiated Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization
Published on: February 18, 2022
Rapid synthesis of polymer brush surfaces via microwave-assisted surface-initiated radical polymerization
Wei Guo1, Ryan M Hensarling, Arthur L LeBlanc
1University of Southern Mississippi, School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, 118 College Drive #5050, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.
Abstract:
Microwave-assisted surface-initiated radical polymerization (μW-SIP) is demonstrated for the rapid synthesis of polymer brush surfaces on two-dimensional substrates. μW-SIP is carried out at constant temperature and microwave power allowing comparison with conventional SIP carried out in an oil bath at the same effective solution temperature. We show μW-SIP enables significant enhancements (up to 39-fold increase) in brush thickness at reduced reaction times for a range of monomer types (i.e. acrylamides, acrylates, methacrylates, and styrene). The effects of reaction time, monomer concentration, and microwave power on film thickness are explored.
Related Concept Videos
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes

