LAUSR

Abstract In this paper we report on the fabrication of inorganic/organic nanocomposite films consisting of alternating layers of LAPONITE® / (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS)/ antifouling poly(oligo ethyleneglycol)-methylether-methacrylate (POEGMA) brushes using a simple sequence of dip-coating and surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The interaction between the clay material and APTMS proceeds in the solution via “broken” edge grafting on the LP nanoclay and causes a measurable increase of the basal plane spacing. For the next sequence of surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) the aminofunctional groups of APTMS serve as a linkage unit to attach the functional molecules of ATRP- initiator for the fabrication of non-fouling PEG-based polymer brushes. Based on layer morphology, the anchoring of a subsequent nanocomposite layer of LP/APTMS on grafted POEGMA brushes is thought to occur via infiltration/incorporation of the silanized LP platelets into the swelling thin polymer brush layer. These platelets mediate then the next polymerization sequence, and this results in nanocomposite-polymer layer strata with a thickness of up to 4μm. This particular structure is endowed with remarkable mechanical properties, as revealed from nanoindentation measurements. For instance, E-Modulus values in excess of 20GPa, and Hardness of at least 600 MPa were obtained throughout the multilayer nanocomposite. These values are unsurpassed by non-cross linked LBL films. The non-fouling properties of the nanocomposite are demonstrated using adherent bacteria cultures. In contrast to non-coated glass slides, no adherent bacteria could be found on the surface of the coated substrates.