Rapid Synthesis of Polymer Brush Surfaces via Microwave-Assisted Surface-Initiated Radical Polymerization

Microwave‐assisted surface‐initiated radical polymerization (μW‐SIP) is demonstrated for the rapid synthesis of polymer brush surfaces on two‐dimensional substrates. μW‐SIP is carried out at constant temperature and microwave power allowing comparison with conventional SIP carried out in an oil bath at the same effective solution temperature. We show μW‐SIP enables significant enhancements (up to 39‐fold increase) in brush thickness at reduced reaction times for a range of monomer types (i.e. acrylamides, acrylates, methacrylates, and styrene). The effects of reaction time, monomer concentration, and microwave power on film thickness are explored. Microwave‐assisted surface‐initiated radical polymerization (μW‐SIP) enables the rapid synthesis of polymer brush surfaces with significant enhancement in film growth over conventional heating.