Comb polymers: Are they the answer to monolayer stability?

Molecular monolayers reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation due to their ability to form closely packed films at the air–water interface. However, they are susceptible to loss from the water surface and poor performance on exposure to wind. This study combines experimental and theoretical techniques to investigate the properties of a small molecule monolayer mixed with comb polymers. The study reveals that at high concentrations of polymer the monolayer exhibits increased mechanical stability which improves the resistance to disruption by wind. Inclusion of hydrophilic functional groups along the backbone of the polymer leads to further improvements in wind stability. However, the improved wind stability observed in the composites comes at the expense of poorer water evaporation resistance.

The effects of incorporating comb homo- and co-polymers into monolayers for water evaporation reduction were investigated, and modelled using molecular dynamics simulations.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Incorporation of comb polymers into monolayer improved wind resistance of film.
► Copolymers containing hydrophilic units gave greater improvement in wind resistance.
► Improved wind resistance comes at expense of poorer water evaporation resistance.
► Behaviour of polymers at interface was modelled.