Surface modification via reactive polymer interlayers

The reaction of poly[(1-methylvinyl isocyanate)-alt-(maleic anhydride)] (IAP) with amino-silanized glass and silicon oxide surfaces has been investigated. Different solvents and different adsorption conditions were compared to each other by FTIR spectroscopy and ellipsometry. A reactive surface containing isocyanate and anhydride groups was formed after the adsorption of the polymer. The latter can be further functionalized using different-compounds bearing hydroxyl and amino groups. Mixed layers can be established by the reaction of LAP with other polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol). Multilayers can be built up by adsorbing a second layer of IAP onto an already functionalized first layer of IAP.