Ultrathin, Biomimetic, Superhydrophilic Layers of Cross-Linked Poly(phosphobetaine) on Polyethylene by Photografting

Abstract

Ultrathin, biomimetic, superhydrophilic hydrogel layers, composed of cross-linked poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine), are formed on low-density polyethylene films via ultraviolet-initiated surface graft polymerization. The layers are 19-58 nm thick as revealed by electron microscopy and have three-dimensional networks; the unique network structure, along with its zwitterionic nature, rather than surface roughness results in superhydrophilicity, that is, the water contact angle around 5°. This superhydrophilicity depends on a variety of factors, including the concentration of the monomer and cross-linker, the type of reaction solvents, the reaction and drying time, the intensity of UV light, and the way of measurement of water contact angles. Superhydrophilicity is obtained under a fixed ratio (e.g., 1/1) of the monomer to cross-linker, a reaction time over 120 s, a short drying time, (75%) ethanol as the reaction solvent, and low-intensity UV light, largely because these factors together generate optimal three-dimensional networks of cross-links.