An approach for the fabrication of functional polymer surface coatings is introduced, where micro-scale structure and surface functionality are obtained by means of self-assembly mechanisms. We illustrate two main applications of micro-patterned polymer surfaces obtained through dewetting of bilayers of thin polymer films. By tuning the physical and chemical properties of the polymer bilayers, micro-patterned surface coatings could be produced that have applications both for the selective attachment and patterning of proteins and cells, with potential applications as biomaterials, and for the collection of water from the atmosphere. In all cases, the aim is to achieve functional coatings using approaches that are simple to realize, use low cost materials and are potentially scalable.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	micro-patterning, polymer coatings, thin film dewetting, self-assembly
Research Division:	Chemical Sciences
Research Group:	Physical Chemistry (incl. Structural)
Research Field:	Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences
Author:	Thickett, SC (Dr Stuart Thickett)
ID Code:	120966
Year Published:	2017
Web of Science® Times Cited:	5
Deposited By:	Chemistry
Deposited On:	2017-09-05
Last Modified:	2018-03-26
Downloads:	0