Interfacial Diels-Alder Reaction between Furan-Functionalized Polymer Coatings and Maleimide-Terminated Poly(ethylene glycol)

Surface functionalization is an interesting way to elaborate new smart materials. In this work, a two-step surface modification, based on pulsed plasma polymerization, was used to design functional surfaces able to react by Diels-Alder reaction (a diene dienophile cycloaddition). The reactivity of furan-functionalized (diene) surfaces with a maleimide-derivative (dienophile) was studied. The determination of the rate constants led to the determination of the activation energy, the enthalpy of activation, and the entropy of activation. These results were then compared to those obtained in solution. For the first time, it was possible to understand the role played by molecule confinement (close to the surface) on the Diels Alder reactivity.