Smart Polyacrylate Emulsion Based on a New ABC-Type Triblock Copolymer via RAFT-Mediated Surfactant-Free Miniemulsion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Developing multifunctional coatings is crucial for advanced material applications.
• Existing coatings often lack a combination of desirable properties like superhydrophobicity and antimicrobial activity.
• Surfactant-free polymerization methods are sought after for environmental and performance benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a novel acrylic-based polymeric emulsion with superhydrophobic, antimicrobial, anti-icing, and self-cleaning functionalities.
• To explore the use of surfactant-free reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization for creating complex polymer architectures.
• To investigate the self-assembly behavior and resulting morphology of the synthesized block copolymer.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of an ABC-type triblock copolymer (PMTAC-b-PBA-b-PIBA) using surfactant-free miniemulsion RAFT polymerization.
• Utilizing a cationic polymer (PMTAC) as a macro-RAFT agent in conjunction with colloidal silica particles.
• Employing polymerization-induced self-assembly to achieve a raspberry-like morphology.
• Surface treatment with fluorosilane to enhance superhydrophobicity.

Main Results:

• A waterborne emulsion with a raspberry-like morphology was successfully prepared.
• The resulting coating exhibited superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle >150° after fluorosilane treatment.
• The emulsion demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria.
• Coated substrates (glass, paper, cotton) showed effective anti-icing and self-cleaning properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed acrylic-based polymeric emulsion offers a versatile platform for multifunctional surface coatings.
• The surfactant-free RAFT polymerization and self-assembly approach is effective for creating advanced materials.
• The demonstrated properties hold promise for applications requiring enhanced surface performance and protection.