This talk will focus on the demonstrating strategies and chemical functionalization to prepare nanostructured polymer thin films primarily through the polymer grafting approach and the use of colloidal templating. Polymer brushes are of high interest due to their superior chemical stability and control of functionality as chemisorbed polymers. The grafting density, molecular weight, composition, and functionality can be controlled through a number of surface initiated polymerization (SIP) mechanisms including ATRP, RAFT, ROMP, anionic, etc. The determination of the SIP mechanism has benefited mainly from the use of surface sensitive analytical techniques. Recently, there has been a focus on non-lithographic patterning methods of surfaces including micro-contact printing and hot melt embossing. A number of lithographic patterning methods have been previously applied towards the formation of polymer brushes. Patterning has recently been demonstrated by the Advincula Group through the use of colloidal template arrays and the use of electropolymerizable macroinitiators. Possible applications of the films include: sensors, smart coatings, superhydrophobic surfaces, and improvement of performance in electro-optical devices.
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