Stepwise assembly of isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) and syndiotactic poly(methacrylic acid) on a substrate

Stepwise assembly of isotactic poly(methyl methacrylate) and syndiotactic poly(methacrylic acid) from acetonitrile and mixed acetonitrile/water solutions, respectively, onto a gold substrate was studied. Quantitative quartz crystal microbalance analysis of the molar ratio (monomer unit) between assembled polymers suggested Stepwise stereocomplex formation. The assembled amount and the assembly ratio between PMAA and PMAA were dependent on the acetonitrile content of the poly(methacrylic acid) solution. Infrared spectra of the assembly and cast films of each polymer also showed stereocomplex formation in the assembly. Atomic force microscopic observation showed the assembled polymer to have a molecularly smooth surface. The solvent species used was an important factor in stereocomplex formation at the liquid-polymer film interface.