RAFT polymerization preparation amphiphilic block copolymers and its application

The present study demonstrates a superhydrophobic surface prepared by using amphiphilic block copolymers and nano silica. Amphiphilic block copolymer poly (tert-butyl methacrylate-b-4-vinylpyridine) was synthesized through RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) polymerization. IR, H NMR spectrum and GPC were utilized to characterize the chemical structures of the copolymer. The grafting approach was used to graft the amphiphilic block copolymer brushes of Poly (tert-butyl methacrylate-block-4-vinylpyridine) onto silica nanoparticles, and an organic-inorganic hybrid materials was formed, and then the aggregates of hybrid materials were controlled by regulating the pH value to construct a hierarchically textured coating on silicon wafer. The surface was a superhydrophobic surface, the contact angle on the suface of coating was 151°, and the sliding angle was below 5°. SEM analysis has shown that micro-nano dual structure is the root causes of the formation of the superhydrophobic surface.