title: Rapid synthesis of polymer brush surfaces via microwave-assisted surface-initiated radical polymerization.
abstract: Microwave-assisted surface-initiated radical polymerization (μW-SIP) is demonstrated for the rapid synthesis of polymer brush surfaces on two-dimensional substrates. μW-SIP is carried out at constant temperature and microwave power allowing comparison with conventional SIP carried out in an oil bath at the same effective solution temperature. We show μW-SIP enables significant enhancements (up to 39-fold increase) in brush thickness at reduced reaction times for a range of monomer types (i.e. acrylamides, acrylates, methacrylates, and styrene). The effects of reaction time, monomer concentration, and microwave power on film thickness are explored.
authors.affiliation: University of Southern Mississippi, School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, 118 College Drive #5050, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Ryan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Hensarling
authors.forename: Arthur L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: LeBlanc
authors.forename: Emily A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.forename: Austin D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Baranek
authors.forename: Derek L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Patton
mesh_terms: D000179:Acrylates / Q000737:chemistry; D001554:Benzene / Q000737:chemistry; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000737:chemistry; D005898:Glass / Q000737:chemistry; D008872:Microwaves; D058105:Polymerization; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry; D013343:Styrenes / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000179:Acrylates; D005609:Free Radicals; D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents; D013343:Styrenes; D014867:Water; D001554:Benzene; D012825:Silicon