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A Facile Surface Functionalization Method for Polymers Using a Nonsolvent
Toyoaki Hirata, Hidenobu Taneda, Kazuya Nishio
1Neutron Science Laboratory, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, Ibaraki 319-1106, Japan.
Abstract:
Surface treatment of polymeric solids without impairing their bulk properties is a crucial functionalization strategy for the promotion of their wider application. We here propose a facile method using a nonsolvent which can subtly alter or swell the polymer surface to be modified. A thin film of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was immersed in a methanol solution of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA). Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and neutron reflectometry revealed that a PMEA layer formed on the PMMA film with a diffused interface. The PMEA layer was very swollen in water and exhibited the ability to suppress serum protein adsorption and platelet adhesion on it. The functionalization technique using a nonsolvent was also applicable to the surface of other polymeric solids such as polyurethane.
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