Invited Paper MB+BI-MoA3
Nanoscopically-resolved Amphiphilic Surface Features as Non-toxic, Treacherous Terrain to Inhibit Marine Biofouling

Monday, October 15, 2007, 2:40 pm, Room 609

This presentation will detail amphiphilic nanostructured material systems, constructed from a general methodology that involves the kinetic, in situ crosslinking of thermodynamically-driven phase segregated states of polymer assemblies. Macroscopic crosslinked networks composed of amphiphilic nanodomains presented on the surface and dispersed throughout the material are obtained by crosslinking of the assemblies in bulk samples. Of particular interest for these materials are the complex surface topographies and morphologies that allow for the materials to exhibit antifouling characteristics. The crosslinked macroscopic networks have been focused upon compositions that include hyperbranched fluoropolymers and linear poly(ethylene glycol)s, although the compositional profiles are being expanded. The domains or channels that are present throughout the samples offer interesting opportunities for the packaging and release of guest molecules. The nanoscale dimensions and large interfacial surface areas provide for high loading capacities within uniform host environments, but then also promote the release of these guests at significantly reduced temperatures. The uptake and release of guests from hydrophobic vs. hydrophilic, of varying compositions, structures, and sizes, will be discussed. Most recently, unique mechanical properties have also been observed, and these data will also be presented.