This invention discloses a method for controlling nanoscopic wetting near or at a molecular scale for synthetic material applications. In particular this invention relates to a method for preparing a monolayer or thin film with a patterned nanoscopic wetting surface using a sitting phase of polymerizable amphiphile, wherein hydrophobic alkyl chains of the amphiphile extend along the supporting surface and the amphiphile molecules align side-to-side, effectively forming a repeating cross-section of bilayer with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic stripes of a 6 nm pitch tunable based on the chain length of the amphiphile. Products prepared according to the methods disclosed herein are within the scope of this invention. In some embodiments, monolayers or thin films so prepared are transferable.

The present invention provides a polymer functional film obtained by polymerizing and curing a composition including (A) a styrene-based monomer represented by Formula (HSM); (B) a crosslinking agent represented by Formula (CL); and (C) a polymerization initiator represented by Formula (PI-1) or (PI-2), and a method for producing the same: ##STR00001## in which R.sup.1 represents a halogen atom or N.sup.+(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4)(X.sub.1.sup.?); n1 represents an integer from 1 to 10; here, R.sup.2 to R.sup.4 each independently represent a particular substituent; X.sub.1.sup.? represents an organic or inorganic anion; L.sup.1 represents an alkylene group or an alkenylene group; Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd each independently represent a particular substituent; n2 and n4 each independently represent an integer from 1 to 10; X.sub.2.sup.? and X.sub.3.sup.? each independently represent an organic or inorganic anion; and R.sup.5 to R.sup.10 each represent a hydrogen atom or a particular substituent.

The present invention provides a polymer functional film obtained by polymerizing and curing a composition including (A) a styrene-based monomer represented by Formula (HSM); (B) a crosslinking agent represented by Formula (CL); and (C) a polymerization initiator represented by Formula (PI-1) or (PI-2), and a method for producing the same: ##STR00001## in which R.sup.1 represents a halogen atom or N.sup.+(R.sup.2)(R.sup.3)(R.sup.4)(X.sub.1.sup.?); n1 represents an integer from 1 to 10; here, R.sup.2 to R.sup.4 each independently represent a particular substituent; X.sub.1.sup.? represents an organic or inorganic anion; L.sup.1 represents an alkylene group or an alkenylene group; Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd each independently represent a particular substituent; n2 and n4 each independently represent an integer from 1 to 10; X.sub.2.sup.? and X.sub.3.sup.? each independently represent an organic or inorganic anion; and R.sup.5 to R.sup.10 each represent a hydrogen atom or a particular substituent.

Disclosed herein are coating compositions and methods of making and using the same. The coating composition includes a first polymer having at least one positively charged group; a second polymer having at least one negatively charged group; and at least one protecting group contacting the positively charged group of the first polymer, the negatively charged group of the second polymer, or both. The protecting group is configured to be removed by photocleavage to form a salt bridge between the positively and negatively charged groups. The coating composition may be hydrophilic when the salt bridge is formed.

Disclosed herein are coating compositions and methods of making and using the same. The coating composition includes a first polymer having at least one positively charged group; a second polymer having at least one negatively charged group; and at least one protecting group contacting the positively charged group of the first polymer, the negatively charged group of the second polymer, or both. The protecting group is configured to be removed by photocleavage to form a salt bridge between the positively and negatively charged groups. The coating composition may be hydrophilic when the salt bridge is formed.

The present application provides switchable, homogeneous paint composition and methods of painting and/or forming films or coatings using the composition. The composition includes a liquid having an aqueous solution and dissolved acid gas (e.g., carbonated water), and a switchable polymer. The switchable polymer converts from a protonated, water-soluble form in the liquid to a water-insoluble unprotonated form following removal or substantial removal of the liquid and acid gas.

The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.

The invention relates to compositions and methods of treatment employing compositions comprising polyelectrolyte complexes. The compositions include a water-soluble first polyelectrolyte bearing a net cationic charge or capable of developing a net cationic charge and a water-soluble second polyelectrolyte bearing a net anionic charge or capable of developing a net anionic charge. The total polyelectrolyte concentration of the first solution is at least 110 millimolar. The composition is free of coacervates, precipitates, latex particles, synthetic block copolymers, silicone copolymers, cross-linked poly(acrylic) and cross-linked water-soluble polyelectrolyte. The composition may be a concentrate, to be diluted prior to use to treat a surface.

Antimicrobial compositions and methods for depositing or coating the antimicrobial or antibacterial compositions on a substrate to prevent microbial adhesion are provided. The antimicrobial composition may include a cationic polymer having a poly-allylamine backbone. A portion of the poly-allylamine backbone may be functionalized with at least one of a guanidine functional group and a biguanide functional group.

Antimicrobial compositions and methods for depositing or coating the antimicrobial or antibacterial compositions on a substrate to prevent microbial adhesion are provided. The antimicrobial composition may include a cationic polymer having a poly-allylamine backbone. A portion of the poly-allylamine backbone may be functionalized with at least one of a guanidine functional group and a biguanide functional group.