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Functional Polymer Coatings

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2020) | Viewed by 61905

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Guest Editor
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
Interests: bioinspired surfaces; wetting; biopolymers; polymer nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Coatings are an essential part of all surfaces, including “the living surfaces” such as our skin. Coatings have been developed to offer decoration, protection, and different special functions. A major portion of coating science and technology relies on advances in polymer science and polymer composites. To this end, polymers in coatings will need to respond to major technological trends, such as ecofriendly materials that require the synthesis of novel resins for waterborne, solvent‐free, thermal‐insulating, and air‐purifying coatings. Moreover, polymeric coatings should be made to be more robust, including better scratch and mar resistance, enhanced corrosion resistance, aging and heat resistance, and anti‐fingerprint performance. Polymer composites that are properly integrated into coatings can lead to multifunctional and smart coatings with special properties, such as self‐cleaning, latent heat-storing, bionic anti‐fouling, self‐healing, and light/heat/electricity conducting, regulating, and  sensory properties. Incorporating one or more of these functions into polymer coatings is not an easy task. However, advances in polymerization methods, emulsion science and technology, new organic–inorganic hybrid systems, and the principles of nanotechnology and self‐assembly can lead to robust multifunctional polymer coatings with important technological implications. This Special Issue aims to highlight studies that focus on any one of the aforementioned polymeric materials, composites, and functionalities that can be used to make coatings “special”. It also aims to target professionals, industrial practitioners, and researchers and graduate students in the fields of polymers chemistry and engineering, coatings materials science, and chemical engineering who need to know about the most recent advances in functional polymer coatings.

Prof. Ilker Bayer
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • non-wettable coatings
  • conductive coatings
  • biodegradable coatings
  • self-healing coatings
  • anti-fouling coatings
  • sensory coatings
  • stretchable and bendable conformal coatings

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 2243 KiB  
Article
Reduction of Postharvest Quality Loss and Microbiological Decay of Tomato “Chonto” (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Using Chitosan-E Essential Oil-Based Edible Coatings under Low-Temperature Storage
by Yeimmy Peralta-Ruiz, Carlos David Grande Tovar, Angie Sinning-Mangonez, Edgar A. Coronell, Marcos F. Marino and Clemencia Chaves-Lopez
Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081822 - 13 Aug 2020
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 5926
Abstract
The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the many essential vegetables around the world due to its nutritive content and attractive flavor. However, its short shelf-life and postharvest losses affect its marketing. In this study, the effects of chitosan-Ruta graveolens [...] Read more.
The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the many essential vegetables around the world due to its nutritive content and attractive flavor. However, its short shelf-life and postharvest losses affect its marketing. In this study, the effects of chitosan-Ruta graveolens (CS + RGEO) essential oil coatings on the postharvest quality of Tomato var. “chonto” stored at low temperature (4 °C) for 12 days are reported. The film-forming dispersions (FFD) were eco-friendly synthesized and presented low viscosities (between 0.126 and 0.029 Pa s), small particle sizes (between 1.29 and 1.56 μm), and low densities. The mature index (12.65% for uncoated fruits and 10.21% for F4 coated tomatoes), weight loss (29.8% for F1 and 16.7% for F5 coated tomatoes), and decay index (3.0 for uncoated and 1.0 for F5 coated tomatoes) were significantly different, indicating a preservative effect on the quality of the tomato. Moreover, aerobic mesophilic bacteria were significantly reduced (in five Log CFU/g compared to control) by using 15 μL/mL of RGEO. The coatings, including 10 and 15 μL/mL of RGEO, completely inhibited the mold and yeast growth on tomato surfaces without negatively affecting the consumer acceptation, as the sensorial analysis demonstrated. The results presented in this study show that CS + RGEO coatings are promising in the postharvest treatment of tomato var. “chonto”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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19 pages, 3591 KiB  
Article
Removal and Oxidation of As(III) from Water Using Iron Oxide Coated CTAB as Adsorbent
by Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Mihai Valentin Predoi and Mikael Motelica-Heino
Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12081687 - 29 Jul 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3759
Abstract
Iron oxides such as magnetite and maghemite coated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) are very promising materials for wastewater treatment because iron oxide can be easily separated from solutions using the magnetic separation procedure Iron oxide (IO) coated CTAB was synthesized by an adapted [...] Read more.
Iron oxides such as magnetite and maghemite coated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) are very promising materials for wastewater treatment because iron oxide can be easily separated from solutions using the magnetic separation procedure Iron oxide (IO) coated CTAB was synthesized by an adapted co-precipitation method. In the present study, the IO-CTAB was used for removing arsenic from water for the first time. In the present study, the performance of iron oxide coated CTAB biocomposites as an adsorbent for arsenic removal from aqueous solutions was examined. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the results revealed a cubic phase Fd-3 m of Fe3O4 with lattice a = 8.40 Å and average crystal size equal to 17.26 ± 3 nm. The mean particle size calculated from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was 19.86 ±1.7 nm. The results of the adsorption batch experiments and the data determined using the Langmuir and Freundlich models emphasized that IO-CTAB nanoparticles were favorable for the adsorption of As(III) ions from aqueous solutions. Ultrasound measurements have shown that IO-CTAB is a cost-effective biocomposite for removing arsenic from contaminated solutions. Moreover, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has shown that during the process of arsenic absorption, there is oxidation from As(III) to As(V), which leads to a decrease in toxicity during this process. The results of the cytotoxic assays confirmed that the IO-CTAB nanoparticles did not induce any morphological changes in the HeLa cells and did not affect their proliferation after 24 h of incubation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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12 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Robust Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Dual-Curing Siloxane Resin and Controlled Dispersion of Nanoparticles
by Hyeran Kim, Kibeom Nam and Dong Yun Lee
Polymers 2020, 12(6), 1420; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12061420 - 25 Jun 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4438
Abstract
We developed a simple method for the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on various substrates using spray coating. The fabrication method started with the blending of a modified hydrophobic siloxane binder, silica nanoparticles, and a volatile solvent by sonication. The mixture was spray-coated on [...] Read more.
We developed a simple method for the fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on various substrates using spray coating. The fabrication method started with the blending of a modified hydrophobic siloxane binder, silica nanoparticles, and a volatile solvent by sonication. The mixture was spray-coated on various surfaces such as slide glass, paper, metal and fabric, forming a rough surface comprising silica particles dispersed in a hydrophobic binder. Surface hydrophobicity was affected by the surface energy of the binder and the degree of roughness. Therefore, we realized a superhydrophobic surface by controlling these two factors. The hydrophobicity of the siloxane binder was determined by the treatment of fluorine silane; the roughness was controlled by the amount of coated materials and sonication time. Thus, using the spray coating method, we obtained a superhydrophobic surface that was mechanically durable, thermally stable, and chemically resistant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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14 pages, 3822 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Application of a Cationic Polyamine as Yankee Dryer Coating Agent for the Tissue Paper-Making Process
by Cesar Valencia, Yamid Valencia and Carlos David Grande Tovar
Polymers 2020, 12(1), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010173 - 9 Jan 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 7499
Abstract
Tissue paper is of high importance worldwide and, continuously, research is focused on improvements of the softening and durability properties of the paper which depend specifically on the production process. Polyamide-amine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins along with release agents are widely used to adhere the [...] Read more.
Tissue paper is of high importance worldwide and, continuously, research is focused on improvements of the softening and durability properties of the paper which depend specifically on the production process. Polyamide-amine-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins along with release agents are widely used to adhere the paper to the yankee dryer (creping cylinder) in paper manufacture. Nevertheless, these resins are highly cationic and they normally adhere in excess to the paper which negatively affects the creping process and the quality of the paper. For this reason, a low cationic polyamine-epichlorohydrin coating (Polycoat 38®) was synthesized from a diamine supplied by Disproquin S.A.S. and epichlorohydrin. The analysis of the synthesized polymer was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR). The molecular weight of the polymer was obtained by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), physical-chemical properties such as kinematic viscosity, percentage of solids, density, charge density were measured and compared with a commercial PAE resin (Dispro620®) Thermal stability of the Polycoat 38® and glass transition temperature in presence of a release agent (Disprosol 17®) were also evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Finally, a peel adhesion test and an absorption durability assessment were carried out together with the evaluation of the creeping efficiency of the paper by caliber and tensile measurements in a tissue (towel paper) production plant, demonstrating a superior performance in the paper creping process as compared to some commercially available products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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18 pages, 3021 KiB  
Article
GC-MS Screening for the Identification of Potential Migrants Present in Polymeric Coatings of Food Cans
by Antía Lestido Cardama, Raquel Sendón, Juana Bustos, M. Isabel Santillana, Perfecto Paseiro Losada and Ana Rodríguez Bernaldo de Quirós
Polymers 2019, 11(12), 2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11122086 - 13 Dec 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6131
Abstract
The coatings used in cans can release complex chemical mixtures into foodstuffs. Therefore, it is important to develop analytical methods for the identification of these potential migrant compounds in packaged food to guarantee the compliance with European food packaging legislation and ensure consumer [...] Read more.
The coatings used in cans can release complex chemical mixtures into foodstuffs. Therefore, it is important to develop analytical methods for the identification of these potential migrant compounds in packaged food to guarantee the compliance with European food packaging legislation and ensure consumer safety. In the present work, the type of coating in a total of twelve cans collected in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) were evaluated using an ATR (attenuated total reflectance)-FTIR spectrometer. These samples were analysed after extraction with acetonitrile in order to identify potential migrants through a screening method by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of forty-seven volatile and semi-volatile compounds were identified in these samples, including plasticizers, photoinitiators, antioxidants, lubricants, etc. Then, in a second step, a targeted analysis was carried out for the simultaneous determination of 13 compounds, including bisphenols (BPA, BPB, BPC, BPE, BPF, BPG) and BADGEs (BADGE, BADGE.H2O, BADGE.2H2O, BADGE.HCl, BADGE.2HCl, BADGE.H2O.HCl, cyclo-di-BADGE) by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation (APCI) source. Among all the bisphenols analysed, only the bisphenol A was detected in four samples; while cyclo-di-BADGE was the predominant compound detected in all the samples analysed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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13 pages, 2627 KiB  
Article
Production and Characterization of Glutathione-Chitosan Conjugate Films as Systems for Localized Release of Methotrexate
by Yhors Ciro, John Rojas, Cristian J. Yarce and Constain H. Salamanca
Polymers 2019, 11(12), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11122032 - 7 Dec 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3396
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most serious public health problems that affect humanity. Diverse delivery systems of anticancer drugs have been developed to enhance the treatment effectiveness and patient compliance. Thus, drug delivery systems from polymeric films could be an interesting and promising [...] Read more.
Cancer is one of the most serious public health problems that affect humanity. Diverse delivery systems of anticancer drugs have been developed to enhance the treatment effectiveness and patient compliance. Thus, drug delivery systems from polymeric films could be an interesting and promising alternative, especially for skin chemotherapeutics. In this work, polymeric films based on glutathione-chitosan conjugates with degrees of thiolation of 4.4%, 5.1% and 7.0% were synthetized by casting-evaporation method and subsequent loading with methotrexate. The surface properties of these films were evaluated by contact angle and spreading rate measurements. The sessile drop methods along with the thermodynamic parameter of work of adhesion were determined using the Young–Dupré semi-empirical model. The in vitro methotrexate release was assessed at a pH of 4.5 and 7.4 simulating physiological conditions. Data from the resulting profiles were fitted to the order one, Higuchi, Peppas–Sahlin and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic models. The results suggest a strong relationship between the thiolation degree and hydrophilic surface properties such as contact angle and water spreading rate, whereas the work of adhesion was not significantly affected. Further, these polymer films could control the methotrexate release through diverse mechanisms such as diffusion and relaxation depending on the thiolation degree and the aqueous medium employed. In fact, as thiolation degree increased, the release mechanism shifted from a primary diffusional type towards a predominant relaxation-driven mechanism. These polymer films could be used as modified systems for anticancer local delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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20 pages, 4898 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Spraying Strategy on the Dynamic Response of Polyurea-Coated Metal Plates to Localized Air Blast Loading: Experimental Investigations
by Yongqing Li, Changhai Chen, Hailiang Hou, Yuansheng Cheng, Haopeng Gao, Pan Zhang and Ting Liu
Polymers 2019, 11(11), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111888 - 15 Nov 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3590
Abstract
Polyurea has attracted considerable attention owing to its potential applications in protective fields to improve the resistant performance of structures subjected to damage loads resulting from intentional or accidental explosions. However, different spraying strategies of polyurea may lead to significant differences in overall [...] Read more.
Polyurea has attracted considerable attention owing to its potential applications in protective fields to improve the resistant performance of structures subjected to damage loads resulting from intentional or accidental explosions. However, different spraying strategies of polyurea may lead to significant differences in overall resistance performance of polyurea-coated structures, and the underlying mechanisms have not been clear until now. This study aims to elucidate the influence of spraying strategy, i.e., spraying area, spraying thickness, and spraying interface condition, on the dynamic response of polyurea-coated steel plates under localized air blast loading. Three types of plates manufactured using different spraying strategies were adopted to evaluate their blast-resistant performance. The spraying strategies used were (i) whole-area spraying, (ii) partial-area spraying, and (iii) in-contact backing of polyurea on the rear surfaces of steel plates. In addition, the influence of spraying thickness of polyurea for whole-area sprayed plates was evaluated. The energy absorbing mechanisms of polyurea backing layers were highlighted. The energy absorption of plates was quantitatively analyzed. The results show that the air blast resistances of whole-area sprayed and in-contact backed plates are both superior to, whereas that of partial-area sprayed plates is inferior to, bare steel counterparts. A suitable spraying thickness of polyurea can significantly reduce the damage of the front steel layer, whereas excessive spraying thickness decreases the overall air blast resistance of plates. The polyurea backing layer exhibits favorable performance in absorbing energy under a whole-area spraying condition. This study provides useful guidance for the design of polyurea-coated metal plates in engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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14 pages, 4583 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of a Novel Linear α, ω-Di (Chloro Phosphoramide) Polydimethylsiloxane and Its Applications in Improving Flame-Retardant and Water-Repellent Properties of Cotton Fabrics
by Chaohong Dong, Ling Sun, Xingbo Ma, Zhou Lu, Pengshuang He and Ping Zhu
Polymers 2019, 11(11), 1829; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111829 - 7 Nov 2019
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2975
Abstract
A novel linear α, ω-di (chloro phosphoramide)-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (CPN-PDMS) was successfully synthesized and utilized as a formaldehyde-free water-repellent and flame-retardant for cotton fabrics. The flame retardancy of treated cotton fabrics was estimated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical flammability test, and cone [...] Read more.
A novel linear α, ω-di (chloro phosphoramide)-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (CPN-PDMS) was successfully synthesized and utilized as a formaldehyde-free water-repellent and flame-retardant for cotton fabrics. The flame retardancy of treated cotton fabrics was estimated by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test, vertical flammability test, and cone calorimetry test. The cotton fabrics treated with 350 g/L CPN-PDMS obtained excellent flame retardancy with an LOI value of 30.6% and the char length was only 4.3 cm. Combustion residues were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis. Results show that CPN-PDMS can effectively enhance water repellency and fire resistance of cotton fabrics. Furthermore, the breaking strength test and the whiteness test strongly prove that the tensile strength and whiteness of the treated cotton fabrics were slightly lower than that of the pure cotton fabrics. The wash stability test showed that after 30 laundering cycles, the treated cotton fabrics still had an LOI value of 28.5% and a water-repellent effect of grade 80, indicating that CPN-PDMS was an excellent washing durability additive. In summary, these property enhancements of treated cotton fabrics were attributed to the synergistic effect of silicon-phosphorus-nitrogen elements in CPN-PDMS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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12 pages, 4081 KiB  
Article
Water-Erodible Xanthan-Acrylate-Polyurethane Antifouling Coating
by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Md. Hasan Zahir, Mohammad Abu Jafar Mazumder and A. Madhan Kumar
Polymers 2019, 11(10), 1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11101700 - 16 Oct 2019
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3380
Abstract
Biopolymer xanthan (Xn) and its functionalized polymer xanthan acrylate (XnAc) were used to improve the antifouling properties of synthesized waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) coatings, namely, WBPU-Xn and WBPU-XnAc. XnAc was synthesized by functionalization of xanthan (Xn) using polyacrylic acid. Coating hydrophilicity, adhesive strength, and [...] Read more.
Biopolymer xanthan (Xn) and its functionalized polymer xanthan acrylate (XnAc) were used to improve the antifouling properties of synthesized waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) coatings, namely, WBPU-Xn and WBPU-XnAc. XnAc was synthesized by functionalization of xanthan (Xn) using polyacrylic acid. Coating hydrophilicity, adhesive strength, and erosion all varied with the Xn and XnAc contents. A moderate erosion rate was recorded only for the WBPU-XnAc coating. A good antifouling property for longer time was found in the WBPU-XnAc coating using zinc pyrithione as a biocide in the field test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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Review

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22 pages, 3067 KiB  
Review
Polyurethane/Zinc Oxide (PU/ZnO) Composite—Synthesis, Protective Property and Application
by Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1535; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071535 - 11 Jul 2020
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 9960
Abstract
A polyurethane (PU) is a multifunctional polymer prepared by using more than two types of monomers. The unique properties of PU come from monomers, thus broadening the applicability of PU in many different sectors. The properties can be further improved by using many [...] Read more.
A polyurethane (PU) is a multifunctional polymer prepared by using more than two types of monomers. The unique properties of PU come from monomers, thus broadening the applicability of PU in many different sectors. The properties can be further improved by using many nanoparticles. Different metal oxides as nanoparticles are also widely used in PU materials. ZnO is a widely used inorganic metal oxide nanoparticle for improving polymer properties. In this review article, the techniques to prepare a PU/ZnO composite are reviewed; the key protective properties, such as adhesive strength and self-healing, and applications of PU/ZnO composites are also highlighted. This review also highlights the PU/ZnO composite’s current challenges and future prospects, which will help to broaden the composite practical application by preparing environmentally friendly composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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15 pages, 3931 KiB  
Review
Polymer Brush Coating and Adhesion Technology at Scale
by Kristian Birk Buhl, Asger Holm Agergaard, Mie Lillethorup, Jakob Pagh Nikolajsen, Steen Uttrup Pedersen and Kim Daasbjerg
Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1475; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071475 - 30 Jun 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9112
Abstract
Creating strong joints between dissimilar materials for high-performance hybrid products places high demands on modern adhesives. Traditionally, adhesion relies on the compatibility between surfaces, often requiring the use of primers and thick bonding layers to achieve stable joints. The coatings of polymer brushes [...] Read more.
Creating strong joints between dissimilar materials for high-performance hybrid products places high demands on modern adhesives. Traditionally, adhesion relies on the compatibility between surfaces, often requiring the use of primers and thick bonding layers to achieve stable joints. The coatings of polymer brushes enable the compatibilization of material surfaces through precise control over surface chemistry, facilitating strong adhesion through a nanometer-thin layer. Here, we give a detailed account of our research on adhesion promoted by polymer brushes along with examples from industrial applications. We discuss two fundamentally different adhesive mechanisms of polymer brushes, namely (1) physical bonding via entanglement and (2) chemical bonding. The former mechanism is demonstrated by e.g., the strong bonding between poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) brush coated stainless steel and bulk PMMA, while the latter is shown by e.g., the improved adhesion between silicone and titanium substrates, functionalized by a hydrosilane-modified poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) brush. This review establishes that the clever design of polymer brushes can facilitate strong bonding between metals and various polymer materials or compatibilize fillers or nanoparticles with otherwise incompatible polymeric matrices. To realize the full potential of polymer brush functionalized materials, we discuss the progress in the synthesis of polymer brushes under ambient and scalable industrial conditions, and present recent developments in atom transfer radical polymerization for the large-scale production of brush-modified materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Coatings)
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