Sub-surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for robust embedded polymer brushes

In this article, we demonstrate a new methodology-sub-surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (sSI-ATRP)-to construct thick and robust sub-surface polymer brushes layer.In this methodology, the haloid initiator moieties are covalently coupled with acrylic polymers, polyurethane, epoxy resin and other materials, and triggered atomic transfer radical polymerization in hydrophilic monomer solutions.In this process, surface-grafted hydrophilic polymer brushes make the surface of the materials hydrophilic and swell so that the monomer solution can contact the initiator embedded in the materails to trigger new ATRP reactions.This process is repeated and a thick polymer brush modified sub-surface layer can form on the substrate finally.In comparison to the conventional surface floated polymer brushes, the embedded polymer brushes give materails better mechanical property that can bear high load in frictional sliding and better chemical stability with longer duration antifouling activity in ocean field.