Versatile Responsive Surfaces via Hybrid Polymers Containing Acetal Side Groups

Two hybrid polymers, poly(methylsilsesquioxane)-poly(2,2-diethoxyethyl acrylate) and poly-(methylsilsesquioxane)-poly(1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl acrylate), were synthesized and used for preparation of stable surface coatings. Their acetal side groups could be functionalized via solution-dipping with different primary amines and hydroxylamines after acidic deprotection and thus allowed for flexible modification of the surface hydrophilicity. Functionalization with a thermo-responsive polymer resulted in a thermo-responsive surface with temperature-dependent contact angles. Further, the two types of acetals showed different stability toward acidic treatment and could be addressed independently.