Abstract
The generation of nano-microstructured surfaces is a current challenge in polymer science. The fabrication of such surfaces has been accomplished mainly following two different alternatives i.e., by adapting techniques, such as molding (embossing) or nano/microimprinting, or by developing novel techniques including laser ablation, soft lithography or laser scanning. Surface instabilities have been recently highlighted as a promising alternative to induce surface features. In particular, wrinkles have been extensively explored for this purpose. Herein, we describe the preparation of wrinkled interfaces by confining a photosensitive monomeric mixture composed of monofunctional monomer and a crosslinking agent within a substrate and a cover. The wrinkle characteristics can be controlled by the monomer mixture and the experimental conditions employed for the photopolymerization. More interestingly, incorporation within the material of a functional copolymer allowed us to vary the surface chemical composition while maintaining the surface structure. For that purpose we incorporated either a fluorinated copolymer that enhanced the surface hydrophobicity of the wrinkled interface or an acrylic acid containing copolymer that increased the hydrophilicity of the wrinkled surface. Finally, the role of the hydrophobicity on the bacterial surface adhesion will be tested by using Staphylococcus aureus.
Highlights
Surface instabilities caused by different forces have received particular attention since they can derive in a variety of surface nano/micro structures
The photosensitive mixture employed in this study is composed of a monofunctional monomer (MMA), a crosslinking agent and a photoinitiator (IRG 651)
In comparison with previously reported procedures, where wrinkles have been obtained upon surface treatment of a particular material (typically PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane)) or by gradual crosslinking of polymer gels, wrinkled interfaces were obtained by confining a photosensitive monomeric mixture composed of monofunctional monomer and a crosslinking agent within a substrate and a cover
Summary
Surface instabilities caused by different forces (mechanical, spinodal dewetting, electric field, and thermal gradient) have received particular attention since they can derive in a variety of surface nano/micro structures. Surfaces instabilities used to pattern polymer surfaces have been reported in literature and include the use of modified substrates [1,2,3], electric fields [4,5,6,7,8], dewetting in thin films [1,9,10,11,12,13,14] or phase separation of polymer blends or block copolymers [15,16,17,18]. A extended approach to pattern polymer surfaces concerns the use of mechanically induced wrinkled morphologies [19,20,21,22,23]. This strategy alone or combined with other patterning technologies has been employed to produce different surface patterns with multiple applications. For instance, employed in the preparation of polymer actuators and anticorrosive coatings [24], electroactive [25]/conductive [26] to produce high-performance electronics on rubber substrates [27], and to produce surfaces with controlled wettability, for instance with superhydrophilic [22] or anisotropic wetting behavior on tunable surfaces [20,28].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
