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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
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Reactive Vapor Deposition of Conjugated Polymer Films on Arbitrary Substrates
Published on: January 17, 2018
Rapid Deposition of Layered Polymer Films by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization during Spin Coating
Matthew P Vasuta1, Skyler T Hornback2, G Kane Jennings2
1Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235, United States.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
|July 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a fast method to create custom polymer films by stacking layers. This technique, spin coating ring-opening metathesis polymerization (scROMP), allows for precise control over surface properties for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Polymer thin film surface composition dictates environmental interactions and application suitability.
- Tailoring surface properties is crucial for coatings, sensors, adhesives, antifoulants, and membranes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and versatile method for tailoring polymer thin film surface properties.
- To expand spin coating ring-opening metathesis polymerization (scROMP) for synthesizing layered polymer films.
Main Methods:
- Sequential deposition of different monomer solutions onto a catalyst-coated surface.
- Utilizing spin coating ring-opening metathesis polymerization (scROMP) for integrated synthesis and deposition.
- Controlling top layer thickness via monomer concentration.
Main Results:
- Layered polymer films synthesized in under 3 minutes using <600 μL solvent for a 2.25 cm² film.
- Achieved polymers with >500 kDa molecular weights and <1.15 dispersities.
- Demonstrated stacking of multiple functional layers with tunable thicknesses (nm to >15 μm).
Conclusions:
- The scROMP method offers efficient synthesis of functional layered polymer films.
- Tailored surface properties include omniphobicity, superhydrophilicity, and protein resistance.
- This technique provides a versatile platform for advanced material applications.
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