Transparent Aluminium Oxide Coatings of Polymer Brushes

A novel method for the preparation of transparent Al2O3 coatings of polymers is presented. An environmental-friendly sol-gel method is employed, which implies mild conditions and low costs. A thermoresponsive brush is chosen as a model surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to characterize the samples during the conversion of the precursor Al(OH)3 into oxide and to prove the mildness of the protocol. The study evidences a relation between lateral homogeneity of alumina and the wettability of the polymer surface by the precursor solution, while morphology and elasticity are dominated by the polymer properties. The study of the swelling behavior of the underneath brush reveals the absence of water uptake, proving the impermeability of the alumina layer. The broad chemical and structural variety of polymers, combined with the robustness of transparent alumina films, makes these composites promising as biomedical implants, protective sheets and components for electric and optical devices.