Continuous Surface Polymerization via Fe(II)-Mediated Redox Reaction for Thick Hydrogel Coatings on Versatile...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Surface modification is crucial for tailoring material properties.
• Existing methods often lack versatility or require harsh conditions.
• Developing generalized strategies for functional hydrogel coatings is highly desirable.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel mechanism for forming functional hydrogel coatings on various substrates.
• To demonstrate controllable surface wettability and lubrication properties.
• To explore the compatibility with advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing in situ polymerization initiated by free radicals generated via a redox reaction (Fe2+/S2O82-) at the solid-liquid interface.
• Employing surface catalytically initiated radical polymerization for reinitiation and continuous polymerization.
• Integrating the method with 3D-printing technology using catalytic templates.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of hydrogel coatings on diverse materials (polymers, ceramics, intermetallics).
• Controllable hydrogel properties including chemical components, thickness, and network structure.
• Demonstrated reinitiation of polymerization after polishing and formation of multi-interpenetrating network hydrogel coatings.
• Engineered complex 3D hollow hydrogel objects using 3D-printed catalytic templates.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a versatile and controllable approach for hydrogel coating.
• The technique is effective under mild conditions and compatible with 3D printing.
• This strategy holds significant potential for applications in surface/interface and biological engineering.