Green Approach for Manufacturing of Polymer Surface Structures with Microcavities Having Robust Chemically Functionalized Inner Surfaces

Abstract

Polymer surface modification is a key step in manufacturing for applications of parts in biotechnology, catalysis, sensing, and other fields. However, functionalization approaches with sufficient robustness are often connected with the use of harsh chemical treatment and/or high-energy consumption. We present a versatile approach for chemical functionalization of polymer surfaces, which is compatible with fused filament fabrication, is energy efficient, and does not require harmful chemicals. The modification takes advantage of embedding of polyethylenimine-coated calcium carbonate particles into polymer melts and subsequent dissolution of the particles allowing for further modification of the residual polyethylenimine. The process results in surfaces that are hierarchically structured and feature undercuts, rendering them robust against wear and tear as well as increasing the specific area available for functionalization. We show proof-of-concept functionalization with dyes, metal layers, and metal nanoparticles, demonstrating the versatility of our concept and discuss the potential for catalysis and biotechnology.

Role of phosphatidylserine in amyloid-beta oligomerization at asymmetric phospholipid bilayers

“…The propensity for adsorption of pyranine at hydroxylated surfaces has been noted previously at polymer and graphene. [96][97][98] After 3 hours incubation with Ab555, there was no change in bilayer emission image or pyranine emission intensity or any leakage evident of the pyranine, confirming, consistent with EIS and AFM data that the bilayer is intact and not damaged by the amyloid under these conditions.…”

“…The propensity for adsorption of pyranine at hydroxylated surfaces has been noted previously at polymer and graphene. 96–98…”

Efficient Approach for Direct Robust Surface Grafting of Polyethyleneimine onto a Polyester Surface during Moulding

“…Three layers were printed, resulting in a thickness of 0.4 mm. The extruder temperature was set to 280 • C and the print bed temperature to 100 • C. More details of the printing process were published recently [45].…”

“…During the process, the hot melt is exposed to the functional polymer at high temperature. The material system was used recently for micro structured functionalisation of a polyester surface, where first proofs of a reaction were established [45]. The system was chosen as a model because the amidation reaction between a polyester and a polyamine has been well investigated [46].…”

Molding Process Retaining Gold Nanoparticle Assembly Structures during Transfer to a Polycarbonate Surface

“…In previous works, disordered silica [ 16 ], gold [ 17 ], and calcite [ 18 ] nanoparticles were successfully transferred to plastic surfaces during injection molding or by 3D printing. The particles were applied in advance to a substrate or mold surface and subsequently brought into contact with a thermoplastic melt.…”