Surface grafting density analysis of high anti-clotting PU-Si-g-P(MPC) films

Well-defined zwitterionic polymer brushes with good blood compatibility were studied, grafted from polyurethane (PU) substrate (PU-Si-g-P(MPC)) by surface-initiated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-RATRP). We found that the structure of polymer brushes and hence their properties greatly depend on the grafting density. To solve the problems of the normal method for grafting density measurement, i.e., more requirements for qualified and proficient instrument operator, we established an effective and feasible way instead of the conventional method of spectroscopic ellipsometer combined with gel permeation chromatograph (ELM/GPC) to calculate the grafting density of PU-Si-g-P(MPC) films by using a software named ImageJ 1.44e in combination with scanning electronic microscope (SEM) or atomic microscope (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), SEM and AFM were employed to analyze the surface topography and changes of elements before and after graft modification of the synthetic PU-Si-g-P(MPC) biofilms.

► We prepared a kind of high anti-clotting PU-Si-g-P(MPC) films. ► Structures of polymer brushes and properties depend greatly on grafting density. ► ImageJ 1.44e software combining SEM/AFM were adopted to calculate grafting density. ► This method was fit to materials with great thickness, rough or non-uniform surfaces.