Abstract
Two stimuli-responsive polymers, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA), were grafted from initiator-modified anodized alumina substrates with irregular micro/nanoscale surface topography. The resulting polymer-coated surfaces exhibited highly unusual wettability properties, as spherical water/acid/alkali/salt droplets could be reversibly switched between pinned states and rolling states due to the changes of temperature, pH, and electrolytes. The key to this effect is the combination of a mixed monolayer which provides initiator points for brush growth as well as a permanently hydrophobic substrate and a surface roughness.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 12377-12382 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Langmuir |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue number | 14 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 20 Jul 2010 |
| Externally published | Yes |