A new class of norbornene-based amphiphilic copolymers combines exceptional anti-fouling properties with mechanical robustness, offering versatile applications in marine and biomedical sectors.

Norbornene-based amphiphilic copolymers showcase excellent mechanical strength and anti-fouling properties, making them ideal for challenging environments like marine and biomedical applications. Image source: Svetlana Yudina - stock.adobe.com (symbol image).

In a breakthrough development, a series of norbornene-based amphiphilic copolymers (PNPFE-PEG-x) have been engineered for superior fouling resistance and mechanical performance. These copolymers, synthesized via living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), combine norbornene-based fluorinated monomers (NPFE) with poly(ethylene glycol) (NPEG) monomers, allowing for precise control over properties like water absorption, surface wettability, and mechanical strength by adjusting the NPEG content.

Impressive mechanical and anti-fouling properties of PNPFE-PEG copolymers

The resulting films exhibit impressive mechanical properties, such as a tensile strength of 14.36 MPa and a breaking elongation of 376% for dry PNPFE-PEG-10% films. Even under wet conditions, the films maintain remarkable strength and flexibility, with PNPFE-PEG-50% films showing 8.05 MPa tensile strength and 74.81% breaking elongation after swelling in water. The copolymers also demonstrate excellent anti-fouling capabilities, reducing protein adsorption significantly, with PNPFE-PEG-50% showing the lowest protein adsorption levels, indicating superior resistance to biological fouling.

Additionally, these copolymers possess anti-icing properties, providing functional versatility across diverse applications, including marine anti-fouling and biomedical instruments. This development represents a significant advancement in the creation of durable, anti-fouling surfaces with excellent mechanical properties.

Source: Progress in Organic Coatings Volume 190, May 2024, 108361