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Abstract:
The fabrication of complex surface patterns by selective assembly of polymer latex particles onto laterally patterned silane layers on silicon dioxide substrates is described. For this purpose polybutylacrylate (PBA) particles with narrow size distribution and negative surface charge were synthesized by emulsion polymerization under monomer-starved conditions, which can form well defined colloid crystals. As a second class of colloid materials polystyrene (PS) latex particles with a corrugated surface and low overall surface charge were prepared under soap-free conditions. The laterally structured silane layers for the regioselective adsorption of the colloidal particles were fabricated by deposition of reactive silanes carrying different functionalities in combination with photolithographic patterning techniques. The particle patterns were prepared by colloid assembly from aqueous suspension due to specific interactions between the latex surfaces and the functionalities in the silane layers. The particles, silane surfaces, and assembly structures were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning force microscopy, and low voltage scanning electron microscopy.
