Direct measurement of normal and shear forces between surface-grown polyelectrolyte layers

Iain E. Dunlop, Wuge H. Briscoe, Simon Titmuss, Robert M J Jacobs, Vicky L. Osborne, Steve Edmondson, Wilhelm T S Huck, Jacob Klein

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    This paper presents measurements, using the surface force balance (SFB), of the normal and shear forces in aqueous solutions between polyelectrolyte layers grown directly on mica substrates (grafted-from). The graftingfrom was via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (surface-initiated ATRP) using a positively charged methacrylate monomer. X-ray reflectometry measurements confirm the successful formation of polyelectrolyte layers by this method. Surface-inititated ATRP has the advantages that the polymer chains can be strongly grafted to the substrate, and that high grafting densities should be achievable. Measured normal forces in water showed a long-range repulsion arising from an electrical double layer that extended beyond the polyelectrolyte layers, and a stronger, shorter-range repulsion when the polyelectrolyte brushes were in contact. Swollen layer thicknesses were in the range 15-40 nm. Upon addition of ̃10-2-10-1 M sodium nitrate, screening effects reduced the electrical double layer force to an undetectable level. Shear force measurements in pure water were performed, and the measured friction may arise from polymer chains bridging between the surfaces. © 2009 American Chemical Society.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)3947-3956
    Number of pages9
    JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry B
    Volume113
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 26 Mar 2009

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Direct measurement of normal and shear forces between surface-grown polyelectrolyte layers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this