Modification of surfaces and interfaces by non-covalent assembly of hybridlinear-dendritic block copolymers: Poly(benzyl ether) dendrons as anchors for poly(ethylene glycol) chains on cellulose or polyester

Solution and interfacial properties of water-soluble hybrid linear-dendriti c polyether copolymers are investigated by static and dynamic surface tensi on measurements and adsorption experiments on polymeric substrates. The res ults obtained show that the block copolymers are able to form mono- and mul timolecular aggregates in water. Contacting a solid polymeric substrate wit h an aqueous solution of hybrid block copolymer increases the hydrophilicit y of the substrate. Adsorption on the hydrophobic surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) proceeds only through the dendritic blocks of the hybrid mac romolecule. For more hydrophilic substrates such as regenerated cellulose, both the poly(ethylene glycol) tail and the poly(benzyl ether) dendrons ads orb on the surface, increasing its hydrophilicity.