Modification of the Adhesive Properties of Silicone-Based
Coatings by Block Copolymers
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Abstract
The improvement of the (bio)adhesive
properties of elastomeric
polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings is reported. This is achieved
by a surface modification consisting of the incorporation of block
copolymers containing a PDMS block and a poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl
methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) block in a PDMS matrix, followed by matrix
cross-linking and immersion of the obtained materials in water. Contact
angle measurements (CA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and
atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed the presence of the PDMAEMA block
at the surface, drastic morphology changes, and improved adhesion
properties after immersion in water. Finally, underwater bioadhesion
tests show that mussels adhere only to block copolymer-filled coatings
and after immersion in water, i.e., when the PDMAEMA blocks have been
brought to the coating surface. These observations highlight the significant
role of hydrophilic groups in the surface modification of silicone
coatings