Multilayer build-up of a reactive polymer with α,ω-functionalized chromophores

Alternating multilayers with up to ten layers have been prepared by sequential reaction of a reactive polymer (poly[(1-methylvinyl isocyanate)-alt-(maleic anhydride)]) with α,ω-functionalized chromophores. For this purpose new chromophores were synthesized varying the length of the hydrophobic spacer. The analysis of the multilayer build-up shows that physisorption is more important than chemisorption for fixation of new polymer layers. Thus, a multilayer build-up is only possible with the shorter, more hydrophilic chromophore and not with the long hydrophobic spacer.