Speaker: Professor Atsushi Takahara
Topic: Surface and Interface Structure of Polyelectrolyte Brushes
Speaker:Professor Atsushi Takahara
Organization:Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan
Topic:Surface and Interface Structure of Polyelectrolyte Brushes
Date:10:20 , 2018.10.8
Location:Room 203, College of Engineering
Education:
B.S. Kyushu University, 1978
Ph.D.Kyushu University, 1983
Work Experience:
Kyushu University / Professor
The Science Council of Japan / Associate Member
MRS-Japan / President
Langmuir (ACS) / Senior Editor
Abstract:
Soft interfaces offer fascinating opportunities for addressing numerous problems of both academic and industrial interests: high-quality functional or protective coatings, composite materials, surface engineered particles, metal-organic interfaces, biological applications, micro-patterning, etc. Polymers chemically grafted to the surface of substrates are typical soft interfaces known as polymer brushes. Surfaces covered with polyelectrolyte brushes are particularly attractive because of their potential applications including adhesion, antifouling, biocompatibility and water lubrication systems. In this presentation, our recent researches on control of wettability and adhesion through precise design of soft interfaces such as a polyelectrolyte brush surface are presented. We started from fundamental science including precise polyelectrolyte synthesis and solution characterization of polyelectrolytes, characterization of polymer brush at water interfaces, and water structure in polymer brushes. On the basis of these fundamental studies, we have successfully achieved 1) superhydrophilicity, 2) antifouling properties, 3) super-lubricant behavior, and 4) cell-surface interaction control.