Effect of the graft chain length and density on the morphology of radiation-modified polysilane monolayers at the air/water interface

► The Langmuir monolayers of two radiation-modified polysilanes are examined. ► Graft density determines the morphology of monolayers. ► Sparsely-grafted polysilane forms inhomogeneous monolayers on the water surface. ► Densely-grafted polysilane forms uniform monolayers with a smooth surface.