Controlled assembly of silane-based polymers: chemically robust thin-films

Abstract

We describe the controlled assembly of silane-based copolymers on various interfaces that have surface silanol groups. This assembly occurs as a result of the formation of very robust siloxane bonds (Si-O-Si) due to a condensation reaction between the alkoxysilane groups of the polymers and surface hydroxyl groups of the substrates. Deposition of these copolymers is not self-limiting; therefore, they could not be assembled into discrete monolayers. However, UV-visible data collected as a function of deposition cycle reveals a linear relationship, confirming the deposition of a constant amount of polymer in each deposition cycle. A linear variation of layer thickness with deposition cycles is also observed. The assembled polymer layers are found to be very robust and resistant even when exposed to piranha solution for several hours.