Layer-by-layer self-assembly of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes

Polymeric multilayer films are self-assembled by alternating electrostatic adsorption of a coloured polyanion and UV-labeled polycations which exhibit polysoap characteristics. Film thicknesses grow linearly with the adsorpti on cycles, albeit the films grown from salt-free aqueous solutions are very thin. Accordingly, the hydrophobically associating polymers decoil complet ely upon adsorption. The adsorption process is very sensitive to short dryi ng or to intermittent storage periods. Also, the films are apparently prone to certain structural rearrangements. Reactive groups contained in the pol yelectrolytes can be employed for reactions with low molar mass reagents di ffusing in, but the reactivity of internal layers is limited. The reactions take place without disintegration of the films, on the contrary, the smoot hness of the films is improved after the chemical reaction.