Highly Water Repellent but Highly Adhesive Surface with Segregation of Poly(ethylene oxide) Side Chains

Polymer surfaces were modified using methacrylate terpolymers containing both perfluoroalkyl (Rf) groups and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as side chains in the same molecule. The structure and properties of the modified surfaces were evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by measuring the dynamic contact angles and 90 degrees peel strength. It was found that not only Rf groups but also PEO side chains were segregated on the surface being against the order of the surface free energy. The terpolymer modified surface is hydrophobic in air because Rf groups are predominant, but it becomes hydrophilic in water because the surface is covered with PEO side chains. This response to the environment is rapid and reversible. The modified surface showed high water repellency because of the surface Rf groups and high adhesive strength because of the side chains.