Solvent effects on polymer surface structure

The surface modification of polymeric materials has been of great research interest in the last few years because of its importance in applications such as biomaterials and coatings. The bulk composition of polymeric materials often cannot provide the desired surface properties in these applications. For example, low-surface-energy materials can be obtained via the process of surface segregation. The properties of the solvents used in these processes are critical for surface formation in these polymers. Solvent properties such as polarity, volatility and specific interaction properties with the polymer material are important factors in the process of surface formation. The present paper reviews recent studies of solvent effects no surface segregation in multicomponent polymer systems. Copolymers, polymer blend and multicomponent polymer solution systems are discussed.