Thiol-ene/hyperbranched polymer hybrid thin films: Cure behavior and gas barrier properties

In this work, novel thiol-ene (TE)/hyperbranched polymer(HBP) hybrid thin films have been prepared by a simple photopolymerization method and the TE/HBP system was also investigated in terms of thermocuring behavior and gas barrier properties. The effect of added HBP on thermal curing (cross-linking) of TE polymer was examined with dynamic and isothermal differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and compared with photocuring reaction of identical system. The structure of prepared TE/HBP hybrid thin film was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Themomechanical analysis (TMA) provided extensive data on the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CTE), dimensional change upon heating, and isothermal profile of TE/HBP hybrid thin films. Light transmittance as well as water/oxygen permeability of the resulting TE/HBP hybrid thin film was also measured depending on the HBP content.

► Novel transparent thiol-ene/hyperbranched polymer hybrid thin film.
► Successful photopolymerization of thiol-ene in the presence of HBP filler.
► Determination of process window for photopolymerization of thiol-ene depending on HBP content.
► Transparent thin film with enhanced thermal stability and improved gas permeation performance.