Expanded Functionalization of Aromatic Polyamides Prepared by Chain-Growth Condensation Polymerization for Biofouling Resistant Surfaces
Open Access DepositedAromatic polyamides have long been of interest due to their superior chemical stability, heat resistance, and good mechanical properties. The development of chain-growth condensation polymerization (CGCP) applied to polymer brush synthesis methods has allowed for the production of well-defined, covalently attached polymer films that retain all the advantageous properties of aromatic polyamides. In this work, applications of these brush systems have expanded to include surfaces with antifouling and antimicrobial potential. Careful monomeric design allows for the inclusion of antifouling and antimicrobial functionality as sidechains. This work focuses on polyethylene glycol (PEG) and zwitterionic sulfobetaines for fouling prevention and cationic quaternary amines for antimicrobial functionality. PEG functionalities were incorporated as part of small molecule synthesis, while charged zwitterionic and cationic charged polyamides were prepared post-polymerization. These post polymerization modifications (PPM) present the first additive synthesis to brushes prepared by CGCP. Exploration of meta-substituted aromatic polyamide brushes showed that shorter PEG sidechains outperformed longer PEG sidechains, suggesting that brush architecture and sidechain presentation at an interface are more important to effective antifouling than the amount of antifouling moiety present. Zwitterion and cation preparation by PPM of a new tertiary amine-functionalized monomer resulted in the first high molecular weight aromatic polyamides soluble in water under ambient conditions. Surface modification of both flat and curved surfaces have been successful as shown by changes in surfaces topography and thermal degradation. Upcoming research will test the antifouling and antimicrobial potential of these new materials.
- All rights reserved
Notice to Authors
If you are the author of this work and you have any questions about the information on this page, please use the Contact form to get in touch with us.