3 research outputs found
Submicron Patterning of Polymer Brushes: An Unexpected Discovery from Inkjet Printing of Polyelectrolyte Macroinitiators
Using an electrostatic-based
super inkjet printer we report the
high-resolution deposition of polyelectrolyte macroinitiators and
subsequent polymer brush growth using SI-ARGET-ATRP. We go on to demonstrate
for the first time a submicron patterning phenomenon through the addition
of either a like charged polyelectrolyte homopolymer or through careful
control of ionic strength. As a result patterning of polymer brushes
down to ca. 300 nm is reported. We present a possible mechanistic
model and consider how this may be applied to other polyelectrolyte-based
systems as a general method for submicron patterning