Versatile Surface Modification of Hydrogels by Surface-Initiated, Cu<sup>0</sup>-Mediated Controlled Radical Polymerization
Kaihuan Zhang, Wenqing Yan, Rok Simič, Edmondo M. Benetti, Nicholas D. Spencer
Abstract
plate is placed in contact with initiator-bearing hydrogel surfaces in the presence of ligand and monomer and under ambient conditions, it rapidly consumes dissolved oxygen from the reaction mixture, further acting as a source of catalyst and leading to the rapid growth of hydrogel-bound polymer chains. Three types of functional surfaces have been prepared as examples of the wide range of potential materials that can be synthesized in this way, including a hydrogel with a protective, hydrophobic surface, a lubricious hydrogel, as well as a hydrogel with thermally switchable frictional properties.
Topics & Concepts
Self-healing hydrogelsMaterials scienceSurface modificationMonomerPolymerPolymerizationChemical engineeringRadical polymerizationPolymer chemistryNanotechnologyComposite materialEngineeringPolymer Surface Interaction StudiesAdvanced Polymer Synthesis and CharacterizationHydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications