Molecular design of polymer coatings capable of photo‐triggered stress relaxation via dynamic covalent bond exchange

Polymer coatings are frequently used to modify surface properties of inorganic substrates. However, the disparity in physical between polymer film and substrate often leads residual stress development, which can be deleterious overall performance coated materials. This work reports molecular design films that dissipate upon irradiation with ultraviolet (UV) light. These polymers synthesized by post-polymerization modification reactive polymer, poly(2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl azlactone), introduce dynamic crosslinks capable light-initiated addition transfer fragmentation chemistry. Using a custom-built optical cantilever, contrasting responses observed containing bonds analogous control after UV light irradiation, indicate successful relaxation. Further experiments demonstrate complete relaxation an extended exposure, thereby generating “stress-free” film. Films fabricated using this approach easily tailored incorporate additional moieties desired for future application wide array coatings.