UV-Induced Direct Immobilization of Polymer Thin Films

Polymer thin films can be fabricated on solid substrates by either physisorption or covalent attachment. Physisorbed films are simple to prepare but are also easily removed from the substrate just by rinsing with a solvent. Covalently immobilized films are firmly attached to the substrate and are therefore more robust towards environmental and processing conditions.
We have developed an alternative approach for attaching polymer films on various substrates. (8) It involves casting the film on the substrate followed by UV irradiation. This method combines the simplicity of the casting technique with the robustness of the films that can withstand extensive solvent extraction at elevated temperatures. The technique has been used to fabricate polymer films that act as etch resists, as dielectric layers in the construction of light-emitting diodes, (9) and as reversibly responsive surfaces. (10)

a)

b)

a) UV-crosslinked poly(4-vinyl pyridine) thin films as responsive coating to chloroform or pH; b) Direct writing of polymer nanostructures using DPN.

 

References:

8. Yan, M.; Harnish, B., A simple method for the attachment of polymer films on solid substrates. Adv. Mater. 2003, 15, 244-248.
9. Konenkamp, R.; Word, R. C.; Schlegel, C., Vertical nanowire light-emitting diode. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2004, 85, 6004-6.
10. Harnish, B.; Robinson, J. T.; Pei, Z.; Ramstroem, O.; Yan, M., Uv-cross-linked poly(vinylpyridine) thin films as reversibly responsive surfaces. Chem. Mater. 2005, 17, 4092-4096.