This paper describes a general method, called topological prime, to stitch functional groups to a substrate of entropic polymer network. The precursor of a topological primer contains polymers, crosslinkers, and coupl...This paper describes a general method, called topological prime, to stitch functional groups to a substrate of entropic polymer network. The precursor of a topological primer contains polymers, crosslinkers, and coupling agents. When the precursor is applied on the surface of the substrate, the crosslinkers link the primer polymers into a primer network, in topological entanglement with the substrate network, while the coupling agents link the primer network to the functional groups. The use of topological prime is demonstrated by priming a hydrophobic elastomer of an arbitrary shape for hydrophilic coating. We describe an approach that fulfills two fundamental requirements: wetting and adhesion. The coated elastomer maintains hydrophilicity and lubricity after stretch, scratch, swell, and slide. As a further demonstration, a hydrogel substrate is primed for hydrophobic coating. Topological prime opens an enormous space for applications in engineering and biomedicine.展开更多
基金supported by National Science FoundationMaterials Research Science and Engineering Centers (Grant No. DMR-14-20570)。
文摘This paper describes a general method, called topological prime, to stitch functional groups to a substrate of entropic polymer network. The precursor of a topological primer contains polymers, crosslinkers, and coupling agents. When the precursor is applied on the surface of the substrate, the crosslinkers link the primer polymers into a primer network, in topological entanglement with the substrate network, while the coupling agents link the primer network to the functional groups. The use of topological prime is demonstrated by priming a hydrophobic elastomer of an arbitrary shape for hydrophilic coating. We describe an approach that fulfills two fundamental requirements: wetting and adhesion. The coated elastomer maintains hydrophilicity and lubricity after stretch, scratch, swell, and slide. As a further demonstration, a hydrogel substrate is primed for hydrophobic coating. Topological prime opens an enormous space for applications in engineering and biomedicine.
