Inhibition of dewetting of thin polymer films

Abstract

Strategies for the inhibition of dewetting of thin polymer films are reviewed. First, a brief introduction to the theory and the dynamics of dewetting of thin polymer films is given. Methods for the inhibition of dewetting of thin polymer films, including the modification of the substrate and the polymer, the cross-linking of the polymer and the addition of an additive as well as their mechanisms for inhibition are discussed. The chemical modification of the substrate or the polymer itself and the phase separation increase the thermodynamic stability of the system, while the cross-linking of the polymers reduces the mobility of the polymer chains, kinetically arresting the dewetting. The addition of an additive appears to thermodynamically and kinetically inhibit the dewetting. Finally, the future outlook in this research field is highlighted. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.