Optically Transparent, Amphiphilic Networks Based on Blends of Perfluoropolyethers and Poly(ethylene glycol)
- 4 October 2008
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Chemical Society (ACS) in Journal of the American Chemical Society
- Vol. 130 (43), 14244-14252
- https://doi.org/10.1021/ja803991n
Abstract
Amphiphilic networks of perfluoropolyethers (PFPE) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) have been achieved to yield optically transparent, mechanically robust films over a wide range of compositions. Telechelic diols of these oligomers were transformed to a photocurable dimethacryloxy form (DMA) and free radically cured at various composition weight ratios to yield free-standing films. Clear and colorless amphiphilic networks could be achieved when low molar mass versions of both the PFPE-DMA (1 kg/mol) and the PEG-DMA (550 g/mol) were used. The bulk morphologies of the samples were extensively characterized by a variety of techniques including ultraviolet−visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanic thermal analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical microscopy, which strongly suggest that nanoscopic to macroscopic phase-separated materials could be achieved. By incorporating a threshold amount of PFPEs into PEG-based hydrogel networks, water swelling could be significantly reduced, which may offer a new strategy for a number of medical device applications. Along these lines, strong inhibition of nonspecific protein adsorption could be achieved with these amphiphilic network materials compared with an oligo(ethylene glycol)-based self-assembled monolayer coated surface.Keywords
This publication has 32 references indexed in Scilit:
- Hyperbranched Fluoropolymers and their Hybridization into Complex Amphiphilic Crosslinked Copolymer NetworksMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 2007
- Unusual Mechanical Performance of Amphiphilic Crosslinked Polymer NetworksJournal of the American Chemical Society, 2006
- Superlow Fouling Sulfobetaine and Carboxybetaine Polymers on Glass SlidesLangmuir, 2006
- Nanophasic Amphiphilic Conetworks with a Fluorophilic PhaseMacromolecules, 2006
- Nanophase Separated Amphiphilic MicrobeadsMacromolecules, 2005
- Update on fluoroelastomers: from perfluoroelastomers to fluorosilicones and fluorophosphazenesJournal of Fluorine Chemistry, 2005
- Segmented network structures for the separation of water/ethanol mixtures by pervaporationPolymer International, 1998
- UV‐curable systems containing perfluoropolyether structures: Synthesis and characterisationMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics, 1997
- Recent advances in the design of polymers for contact lensesMacromolecular Symposia, 1995
- Amphiphilic networks: II. Biocompatibility and controlled drug release of poly[isobutylene‐co‐2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]Journal of Biomedical Materials Research, 1989