Epoxy-terminated self-assembled monolayers: Molecular glues for polymer layers

Dense, homogeneous, and complete self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with epox y surface groups were fabricated from epoxysilanes to serve as a template f or chemical anchoring of polymer layers. A combination of scanning probe mi croscopy, ellipsometry, XPS, X-ray reflectivity, and contact angle measurem ents was used to study their morphology and surface properties. Self-assemb ly of epoxysilane molecules resulted in the formation of homogeneous SAMs 0 .85 nm thick with the surface roughness 0.22 nm. Epoxysilane SAMs were tl t ruly monomolecular films with a virtually normal molecular orientation of d ensely packed molecules, which were firmly attached to the substrate. The f ormation of stable polymer layers from carboxy-terminated polystyrenes on r eactive SAM surfaces was demonstrated.