Pressure-Induced Phase Transitions of Nonionic Polymer Brushes

While the temperature responsive behavior of nonionic polymers has been extensively studied and is nowadays one key mechanisms smart materials, pressure response thin films remains basically unexplored. We investigate conformational transition brushes semidilute solutions induced by hydrostatic variations. Interestingly, pressure–temperature phase diagram for coil-to-globule brushes, probed neutron reflectometry, nearly coincides with that in solutions. also show can be understood predicted simple thermodynamic concepts employed so far denaturation proteins. Fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations provide insight into pressure-responsive behavior. Combining all three approaches allows us to demonstrate pressure-induced hydration at low universal as it dictated water polymer-independent. In contrast, dehydration high strongly polymer-specific. The outcomes apply a wide class aid design coatings desired