Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025

Preparation and Friction Force Microscopy Measurements of Immiscible, Opposing Polymer Brushes
Published on: December 24, 2014
Semirigid Biobased Polymer Brush: Poly(α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) Brushes
Yuji Higaki1, Ryosuke Okazaki2, Atsushi Takahara3
1Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, ‡International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (WPI-I2CNER), §Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan.
Abstract:
High-density poly(α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone) (PMBL) brushes were produced by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (MBL), a biomass derived from tulips, on a silicon substrate. The relative elastic modulus was evaluated through force-curve measurements using a scanning force microscopy. The friction coefficient was measured using a macroscopic friction test. The PMBL brushes exhibit larger elastic modulus and better friction resistance than PMMA brushes as a result of the highly stretched conformation and polar interaction between PMBL chains.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
Polymer Classification: Architecture

