Application of novel surface-bound BAIN azo initiator

1. Genzer Research Group http://scf.che.ncsu.edu Tailoring assemblies of surface-anchored polymers by "grafting from" free radical polymerization Jan Genzer, North Carolina State University, DMR 0906572 Application of novel surface-bound BAIN azo initiator Applications BAIN Applications include functional coatings for low friction, bio-anti-fouling, responsive layers, etc. The trichlorosilanehead group in the BAIN initiator facilitates attachment to a variety of materials containing surface-bound hydroxyl groups. Reverse ATRP PS-b-PMMA RAFT of PS Major findings Novel azo initiator (BAIN) for surface-initiated polymerization synthesized and employed in FRP, reverse ATRP and RAFT polymerizations.

2. Genzer Research Group http://scf.che.ncsu.edu Tailoring assemblies of surface-anchored polymers by "grafting from" free radical polymerization Jan Genzer, North Carolina State University, DMR 0906572 Broader impact of research, education & outreach Broader Impact of Research Surface-initiated polymerization using the BAIN initiator leads to stable polymer coatings. Polymer de-grafting is minimized because of the absence of vulnerable ester groups. The novel initiator enables formation of functional coatings prepared by controlled polymerizations following the reverse ATRP and RAFT. Broader Impact of Education & Outreach Blue Ridge Elementary The PI’s group has continued their involvement in visiting 6th graders at Blue Ridge Elementary School, Ararat, VA (Nov 2011), organizing Triangle Soft Matter Workshop 2012(May 2012). We participated in “Goo, Goop, Gack” (Apr 2012) and Raleigh Science Festival (May 2012) . One visiting student from Zheijang University (PR China) is spending 6 weeks in the PI’s lab working on projects involving polymer self-assembly on surfaces. We host one student from Czech Republic and work with 6 US UGs (3 female UGs) in summer 2012. Goo, Goop, Gack