“Coordinated Responsive Arrays of Linked Polymer Islands – Polymer CORALs”

One of the focal points of our research on the macromolecular interphases is a novel and unique organization of polymers at solid substrates: CoOrdinated Responsive Arrays of Linked polymer islands - CORALs. The homogeneously distributed islands of densely grafted polymers with the lateral sizes and separation distances that are comparable to the extended polymer chain length demonstrate unique properties. The synthetic approach to CORALs combines the technique of polymer grafting and the phenomenon of microphase separation. The concept of polymer CORALs will be a key element of the smart materials that feature well-developed interfaces and stimuli-responsive behavior.