Tuning the Properties of Surface-Anchored Polymer Networks by Varying the Concentration of a Thermally Activated Cross-Linker, Annealing Time, and Temperature in a One-Pot Reaction

We investigate the properties of surface-anchored polymer networks created via one-pot synthesis using thermally active 6-azidosulfonylhexyltriethoxysilane (6-ASHTES). 6-ASHTES is a bifunctional gelator that undergoes cross-linking and surface-anchoring reactions when annealed above 100 °C. employ poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) with different molecular weights (10–1300 kDa) as model system to examine effect concentration, annealing time, temperature on gel formation. A thin film PVP/6-ASHTES mixture deposited clean silicon wafer form network layers. Spectroscopic ellipsometry measures thickness cross-linked layers from which fraction swelling ratio are determined. The PVP in can be “dialed in” by varying temperature, concentration mixture. use simple Monte Carlo simulation describe function cross-linker reaction rate, length. trends obtained simulations qualitative agreement experimental data.