Modification of surfaces and interfaces by non-covalent assembly of hybrid linear-dendritic block copolymers:: Poly(benzyl ether) dendrons as anchors for poly(ethylene glycol) chains on cellulose or polyester

Solution and interfacial properties of water-soluble hybrid linear-dendritic polyether copolymers are investigated by static and dynamic surface tension measurements and adsorption experiments on polymeric substrates. The results obtained show that the block copolymers are able to form mono- and multimolecular aggregates in water. Contacting a solid polymeric substrate with an aqueous solution of hybrid block copolymer increases the hydrophilicity of the substrate. Adsorption on the hydrophobic surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) proceeds only through the dendritic blocks of the hybrid macromolecule. For more hydrophilic substrates such as regenerated cellulose, both the poly(ethylene glycol) tail and the poly(benzyl ether) dendrons adsorb on the surface, increasing its hydrophilicity.