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Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers
Published on: June 30, 2018
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Optically active multilayer films based on chitosan and an azopolymer.
Raquel Fernández1, Connie Ocando, Susana C M Fernandes
1Group 'Materials + Technologies' (GMT), Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Basque Country (UPV/EHU) , Plaza Europa 1, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
Biomacromolecules
|February 26, 2014
Summary
This study developed photoactive multilayer films using chitosan and an azopolymer. Lowering pH and increasing layers enhanced film thickness, roughness, and photo-orientation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a versatile technique for fabricating nanostructured films.
- Chitosan and azopolymers are functional materials with tunable properties.
- pH is a critical factor influencing the behavior of weak polyelectrolytes in solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate photoactive multilayer films using chitosan and an azopolymer via LbL assembly.
- To investigate the influence of pH and bilayer number on film structure and properties.
- To evaluate the photo-orientation capabilities of the developed films.
Main Methods:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of chitosan and azopolymer.
- Fabrication of multilayer films under varying pH conditions and bilayer numbers.
- Characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM) with PeakForce QNM, and induced birefringence measurements.
Main Results:
- Film thickness, roughness, and elastic modulus increased with decreasing chitosan pH and increasing bilayer number.
- Higher levels of photo-orientation were achieved by decreasing pH and increasing bilayer number.
- Morphological and nanomechanical properties were quantitatively mapped using AFM PeakForce QNM.
Conclusions:
- The pH of chitosan solutions significantly impacts the structural and mechanical properties of chitosan/azopolymer multilayer films.
- LbL assembly offers precise control over film properties, including photo-orientation, by adjusting pH and layer count.
- These findings are relevant for designing advanced functional nanomaterials for optical and electronic applications.
