title: In-situ observation of switchable nanoscale topography for y-shaped binary brushes in fluids.
abstract: Direct, in-fluid observation of the surface morphology and nanomechanical properties of the mixed brushes composed of Y-shaped binary molecules PS-PAA revealed nanoscale network-like surface topography formed by coexisting stretched soluble PAA arms and collapsed insoluble PS chains in water. Placement of Y-shaped brushes in different fluids resulted in dramatic reorganization ranging from soft repellent layer covered by swollen PS arms in toluene to an adhesive, mixed layer composed of coexisting swollen PAA and collapsed PS arms in water. These binary layers with the overall nanoscale thickness can serve as adaptive nanocoatings with stimuli-responsive properties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.
authors.forename: Yen-Hsi
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Teng
authors.forename: Eugene R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Zubarev
authors.forename: Hennady
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shulha
authors.forename: Vladimir V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Tsukruk
mesh_terms: D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D003102:Colloids / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D004548:Elasticity; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000737:chemistry*; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D000180:Acrylic Resins; D003102:Colloids; D020409:Molecular Motor Proteins; D011137:Polystyrenes; D012997:Solvents; C006903:carbopol 940