Layer-by-layer self-assembly of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes

Polymeric multilayer films are self-assembled by alternating electrostatic adsorption of a coloured polyanion and UV-labeled polycations which exhibit polysoap characteristics. Film thicknesses grow linearly with the adsorption cycles, albeit the films grown from salt-free aqueous solutions are very thin. Accordingly, the hydrophobically associating polymers decoil completely upon adsorption. The adsorption process is very sensitive to short drying or to intermittent storage periods. Also, the films are apparently prone to certain structural rearrangements. Reactive groups contained in the polyelectrolytes can be employed for reactions with low molar mass reagents diffusing in, but the reactivity of internal layers is limited. The reactions take place without disintegration of the films, on the contrary, the smoothness of the films is improved after the chemical reaction