Technology Information  Title Tailoring The Grafting Density Of Organic Modifiers at Solid/Liquid Interfaces Manager Terry Bray Case Number 00077 Abstract NCSU is currently seeking an industry partner to commercialize a novel method of tailoring the surface properties of poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) networks. This technology is protected under U.S. Patent No. 6,423,372 Abstract Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) offer one of the highest quality routes for the preparation of chemically and structurally well-defined surfaces. It has been recognized that the wetting and stability properties of SAMs are governed by the intimate interplay between the chemical nature of the terminus of the monolayer molecule and the packing within the SAM. While the terminus character is fixed by the chemical structure of the terminal group, the packing can be altered by varying the density of the grafting points at the surface. However, tailoring the grafting density of the SAM chains is not an easy task. Almost all SAMs are formed via natural self-assembly processes that are governed by the chemical and structural nature of the SAM molecules and the means of their attachment to the solid surface. However, when combined with mechanical manipulation, the grafting density and thus the chain packing can be altered. Dr. Kirill Efimenko and a team of NCSU researchers have developed a novel method for tailoring the surface properties of poly (dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) networks. The technique is based on the combination of I) mechanical manipulation of the grafted PDMS substrate and II) the well known grafting reaction between w(CH2)xSiCl3 molecules and -OH functionalities created on PDMS substrates using UV ozone (UVO) treatment. Advantages These modified PDMS films can have a wide range of applications. They are transparent, flexible, can easily be attached -either chemically or physically- via their non-modified side to other materials. All materials used in the sample preparation are readily available (both industrially as well as on the laboratory scale). The grafting density of the adsorbed molecules on the surface can be smoothly varied over a wide range. This relatively simple procedure can have a tremendous impact on producing coatings with anti-corrosive and tunable surface properties. About The Inventor Dr. Kirill Efimenko is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University. Dr. Efimenko's research interests include the synthesis of novel functional flexible polymer materials and the applicaiton of such materials for tailoring chemical and topographical properties on surfaces. Taxonomy NCSU Technology Categories/Organic/Chemical NCSU Technology Categories/Thin Film/Materials Keywords Organic Modifiers, Self-Assembled Monolayers, SAMs, PDMS Request Information If you are a registered user, please login before requesting information by clicking the Login button. If you have not registered, click the Login button for registration information.