Abstract
Stabilization against the rupture and breakup of thin, nonwetting liquid films spread on surfaces is generally sought by modification of equilibrium interfacial properties. A mechanism for suppressing rupture in such films that uses surface-attached polymers together with free chains in the bulk of the film is reported. Films of an oligostyrene liquid, which rupture within several minutes when spread on a silicon wafer, may be stabilized for many months by a polystyrene brush attached to the substrate, together with some free polystyrene in the liquid. The effect may arise from entanglements of the free chains with the immobilized brush.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 793-795 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Science |
Volume | 263 |
Issue number | 5148 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 11 Feb 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General