Mesoscale Polymer Surfactants: Photolithographic Production and Localization at Droplet Interfaces
- Zhefei Yang
Zhefei YangPolymer Science & Engineering Department, Conte Center for Polymer Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesMore by Zhefei Yang
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- Deborah Snyder
Deborah SnyderPolymer Science & Engineering Department, Conte Center for Polymer Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesMore by Deborah Snyder
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- James Nicolas Pagaduan
James Nicolas PagaduanPolymer Science & Engineering Department, Conte Center for Polymer Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesMore by James Nicolas Pagaduan
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- Abraham Waldman
Abraham WaldmanPolymer Science & Engineering Department, Conte Center for Polymer Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesMore by Abraham Waldman
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- Alfred J. Crosby
Alfred J. CrosbyPolymer Science & Engineering Department, Conte Center for Polymer Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesMore by Alfred J. Crosby
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- Todd Emrick*
Todd Emrick*Email: [email protected]Polymer Science & Engineering Department, Conte Center for Polymer Research, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United StatesMore by Todd Emrick
Abstract
Stabilization of fluid droplets, classically as oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions, is typically conducted using molecular surfactants or small particulates that localize at oil–water interfaces. In this paper, we describe a method whereby thin polymer films are converted photolithographically to ribbon-like mesoscale objects, which, in turn, adsorb to fluid interfaces where they extend as appendages, or arms, from the droplet surface. These “mesoscale polymer surfactants”, or MPSs, were prepared from thin polymer films containing reactive functional moieties, including coumarin for photo-cross-linking, triphenylsulfonium for photoacid generation, and tert-butyl ester for solubility switching. The resultant MPSs, prepared initially on Si substrates, were released into water to reveal an exquisite shape sensitivity (forming straight, bent, or helical structures) and affinity for droplet interfaces based on their preparation conditions and the properties of the surrounding liquid. Notably, the lithographic techniques employed were amenable to differentiating the wettability of MPS segments, affording access to diblock-like MPSs which adhered to dispersed droplets via their hydrophobic segments, allowing their hydrophilic segments to extend into the continuous phase.
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