title: Amphiphilic block copolymer/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) blends and nanocomposites for improved fouling-release.
abstract: Amphiphilic diblock copolymers, Sz6 and Sz12, consisting of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) block (average degree of polymerisation = 132) and a PEGylated-fluoroalkyl modified polystyrene block (Sz, average degree of polymerisation = 6, 12) were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Coatings were obtained from blends of either block copolymer (1-10 wt%) with a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix. The coating surface presented a simultaneous hydrophobic and lipophobic character, owing to the strong surface segregation of the lowest surface energy fluoroalkyl chains of the block copolymer. Surface chemical composition and wettability of the films were affected by exposure to water. Block copolymer Sz6 was also blended with PDMS and a 0.1 wt% amount of multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT). The excellent fouling-release (FR) properties of these new coatings against the macroalga Ulva linza essentially resulted from the inclusion of the amphiphilic block copolymer, while the addition of CNT did not appear to improve the FR properties.
authors: Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale and UdR Pisa INSTM, Universita di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Martinelli
authors: Marianna
authors: M
authors: Suffredini
authors: Giancarlo
authors: G
authors: Galli
authors: Antonella
authors: A
authors: Glisenti
authors: Michala E
authors: ME
authors: Pettitt
authors: Maureen E
authors: ME
authors: Callow
authors: James A
authors: JA
authors: Callow
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Williams
authors: Graeme
authors: G
authors: Lyall