Interfacial Segregation of Hyper-branched Polystyrene in Mixtures of Linear Component

Abstract

To study an effect of polymer architecture on surface segregation in polymer mixtures, concentration profile in films composed of hyper-branched polystyrene (HBPS) and deuterated linear polystyrene was examined along the direction normal to the surface by dynamic secondary ion mass spectroscopy. HBPS with two different end groups such as hydrogen and dithiocarbamate (HBPS-H and HBPS-DC) were used. While HBPS-H was preferentially segregated at both surface and substrate interface, HBPS-DC was partitioned only to the substrate interface. These results can be explained in terms of conformational entropic penalty and chain end localization at the surface.

Adhesion Control of Elastomer Sheet on the Basis of Interfacial Segregation of Hyperbranched Polymer

“…In this method, the interaction between chains and substrate surface can be altered just by adding a tiny amount of an additive, leading to a change in the characteristics of the interface. To this end, here, we have focused on a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) − as the interfacial-active agent. Since the chain dimension of HBP is smaller than that of the corresponding linear polymer, HBP can be segregated to the interface, because of the smaller entropic penalty. − That is, the adhesion strength would be somehow correlated to the extent of the interfacial segregation of HBP.…”

“…To this end, here, we have focused on a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) − as the interfacial-active agent. Since the chain dimension of HBP is smaller than that of the corresponding linear polymer, HBP can be segregated to the interface, because of the smaller entropic penalty. − That is, the adhesion strength would be somehow correlated to the extent of the interfacial segregation of HBP.…”

A Dynamic Interface Based on Segregation of an Amphiphilic Hyperbranched Polymer Containing Fluoroalkyl and Oligo(ethylene oxide) Moieties

“…From this point of view, a strategy that exploits the segregation phenomenon should be a good candidate as a facile and versatile method for regulating the interfacial structure of polymers. , For example, the surface nature of polymer materials can be altered by adding a tiny amount of a hyperbranched polymer (HBP). − This is because HBPs are generally segregated at the surface to minimize the surface free energy (γ) thanks to the entropic factor. − However, once the surface makes contact with a different phase, like from air to water, it differentiates due to surface reorganization. This is again because of the minimization of the interfacial free energy with the contacting medium. − Thus, although the surface nature can be designed and regulated in air as desired, it may not necessarily be effective in water.…”