Simultaneous graft copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid onto polydimethylsiloxane surfaces using a two‐step plasma treatment

Acrylic acid (AAc) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) mixtures were simultaneously grafted onto the surfaces of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films using a two‐step oxygen plasma treatment (TSPT). The first step of this method includes: oxygen plasma pretreatment of the PDMS films, immersion in HEMA/AAc mixtures, removal from the mixtures, and drying. The second step was carried out by plasma copolymerization of preadsorbed reactive monomers on the surfaces of dried pretreated films. The effects of pretreatment and polymerization time length, monomer concentration, and ratio on peroxide formation and graft amount were studied. The films were characterized by attenuated total reflection Furrier transformer infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), zeta potential, surface tension, and water contact angle measurements. The ATR‐FTIR spectrum of the modified film after alkaline treatment showed the two new characteristic bands of PHEMA and PAAc. Both increase the polar part of surface tension (γ_p) after grafting and the evaluation of surface charge at pH 1.8, 7, and 12 confirmed the presence of polar groups on the surface of grafted films with a mixture of HEMA/AAc. Morphological studies using both AFM and SEM evaluation illustrated various amounts of grafted copolymer on the surface of PDMS films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Surface modification of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film and improvement of adhesion between evaporated copper metal film and LDPE

To improve the interfacial adhesion between evaporated copper film and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film, the surface of LDPE films was modified by treating with chromic acid [K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂O/H₂SO₄ (4.4/7.1/88.5)]/oxygen plasma. Chromic‐acid‐etched LDPE was exposed to oxygen plasma to achieve a higher content of polar groups on the LDPE surface. We investigated the effect of the treatment time of chromic acid in the range of 1–60 min at 70°C and oxygen plasma in the range of 30–90 sec on the extent of polar groups created on the LDPE. We also investigated the surface topography of and water contact angle on the LDPE film surface, mechanical properties of the LDPE film, and adhesion strength of the evaporated copper metal film to the LDPE film surface. IR and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis revealed the introduction of polar groups on the modified LDPE film surface, which exhibited an improved contact angle and copper/LDPE adhesion. The number of polar groups and the surface roughness increased with increasing treatment time of chromic acid/plasma. Water contact angle significantly decreased with increasing treatment time of chromic acid/plasma. Combination treatment of oxygen plasma with chromic acid drastically decreased the contact angle. When the treatment times of chromic acid and oxygen plasma were greater than 10 min and 30 sec, respectively, the contact angle was below 20°. With an increasing treatment time of chromic acid, the tensile strength of the LDPE film decreased, and the film color changed after about 10 min and then became blackened after 30 min. With the scratch test, the adhesion between copper and LDPE was found to increase with an increasing treatment time of chromic acid/oxygen plasma. From these results, we found that the optimum treatment times with chromic acid and oxygen plasma were near 30 min and 30 sec, respectively. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1677–1690, 2001     

Preparation and characterization of grafting polyacrylamide from PET films by SI‐ATRP via water‐borne system

The grafted homopolymer and comb‐shaped copolymer of polyacrylamide were prepared by combining the self‐assembly of initiator and water‐borne surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP). The structures, composition, properties, and surface morphology of the modified PET films were characterized by FTIR/ATR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle measurement, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The results show that the surface of PET films was covered by equable grafting polymer layer after grafted polyacrylamide (PAM). The amount of grafting polymer increased linearly with the polymerization time added. The GPC date show that the polymerization in the water‐borne medium at lower temperature (50°C) shows better “living” and control. After modified by comb‐shaped copolymer brushes, the modified PET film was completely covered with the second polymer layer (PAM) and water contact angle decreased to 13.6°. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Surface characterization of low‐temperature cascade arc plasma–treated low‐density polyethylene using contact angle measurements

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) was treated with a low‐temperature cascade arc plasma torch (LTCAT) of argon with or without adding a reactive gas of oxygen or water vapor. The static sessile droplet method and the dynamic Wilhelmy balance method were employed to perform surface contact angle measurement in order to investigate and characterize the effects of LTCAT treatment on LDPE surfaces. These treatment effects included changes in surface wettability and surface stability and possible surface damage that would create low‐molecular‐weight oligomers on the treated surface. Experimental results indicated that the combination of static and dynamic surface contact angle measurements enabled a comprehensive investigation of these effects of plasma treatment on a polymer surface. Without the addition of a reactive gas, a 2‐s argon LTCAT treatment of LDPE resulted in a stable hydrophilic surface (with a water contact angle of 40°) and little surface damage. The addition of oxygen into argon LTCAT produced a less stable LDPE surface and showed more surface damage. Adding H₂O vapor into argon LTCAT produced an extremely hydrophilic surface (with a water contact angle < 20°) of LDPE but with pronounced surface damage. When compared with conventional radio frequency (13.56 MHz) plasmas, LTCAT treatment provides a much more rapid, effective, and efficient method of surface modification of LDPE. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 2528–2541, 2006     

Characterization of surface‐modified polyalkanoate films for biomedical applications

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBHV) films prepared by solvent casting were treated with oxygen, argon, and nitrogen radiofrequency‐generated plasmas. The analysis by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy of modified surfaces showed an increase of hydroxyl and unsaturated groups, compared with unmodified surfaces. Water contact angles decreased after a short time of exposure (<30 s) for all types of plasma. At long exposure times (>30 s), the water contact angles appeared to be independent of treatment time for nitrogen and argon plasmas, whereas they continuously decreased for films treated with oxygen. HaCaT cultures on nontreated and treated PHBHV films showed that short plasma exposures of 10–20 s improve cell attachment to a greater extent than long exposure times habitually used in polymer surface plasma treatment. The film surface topology did not influence cell attachment. These results illustrate the importance of a detailed characterization of the surface physicochemistry in plasma‐modified substrates designed as part of a strategy to optimize specific cell–biomaterial interactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Effects of argon plasma treatment on surface characteristic of photopolymerization PEGDA–HEMA hydrogels

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of argon plasma treatment condition on the surface properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)–hydroxyethly methacrylate hydrogel films, a kind of scaffold materials for tissue engineering. The changes of surface properties have been evaluated by contact angles, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the contact angle measurements of different liquids, the surface free energy of the hydrogel was calculated according to approaches by Owens–Wendt–Kaelble. Results showed that the contact angle of the hydrogel to water decreased remarkably after argon plasma treatment, which was caused by the changes in morphology (SEM images) and chemical composition (XPS results) of the argon plasma‐treated surface. The surface free energy increased with the increase of the argon plasma treated time and power, and these increasing was mainly due to the increase of polar component. The XPS results confirmed that plasma oxidation reaction produced oxygen‐containing functional groups onto the surface. This functional group played an important role in increasing the hydrophilic properties of the hydrogel. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Surface modification of linear low‐density polyethylene film by amphiphilic graft copolymers based on poly(higher α‐olefin)‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol)

In this article, a series of amphiphilic graft copolymers, namely poly(higher α‐olefin‐co‐para‐methylstyrene)‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol), and poly(higher α‐olefin‐co‐acrylic acid)‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol) was used as modifying agent to increase the wettability of the surface of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) film. The wettability of the surface of LLDPE film could be increased effectively by spin coating of the amphiphilic graft copolymers onto the surface of LLDPE film. The higher the content of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments, the lower the water contact angle was. The water contact angle of modified LLDPE films was reduced as low as 25°. However, the adhesion between the amphiphilic graft copolymer and LLDPE film was poor. To solve this problem, the modified LLDPE films coated by the amphiphilic graft copolymers were annealed at 110° for 12 h. During the period of annealing, heating made polymer chain move and rearrange quickly. When the film was cooled down, the alkyl group of higher α‐olefin units and LLDPE began to entangle and crystallize. Driven by crystallization, the PEG segments rearranged and enriched in the interface between the amphiphilic graft copolymer and air. By this surface modification method, the amphiphilic graft copolymer was fixed on the surface of LLDPE film. And the water contact angle was further reduced as low as 14.8°. The experimental results of this article demonstrate the potential pathway to provide an effective and durable anti‐fog LLDPE film. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Improved biocompatibility of parylene‐C films prepared by chemical vapor deposition and the subsequent plasma treatment

The purpose of this study is to prepare the thin film of C‐type parylene (C‐type polyxylylene, parylene‐C) with improved biocompatibility for the biomedical applications, since in spite of the popularity, the parylene‐C has been known to have the less biocompatibility than the N‐type or D‐type parylene. To prepare the well‐designed parylene films through the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process and the subsequent plasma surface treatment, the parameters of deposition and surface modification were controlled to obtain optimized physical and surface properties. Using CVD, the thin films of parylene‐C as thick as 5 μm were prepared under different deposition pressures. When increasing the deposition rate of parylene film or the deposition pressure, the tensile strength of film increased, whereas the properties such as the surface contact angle and permeability, and the elongation decreased. The deposition rate could be controlled to optimize the physical and physiochemical properties of films. The hydrophilicity of the parylene‐C film increased after plasma surface treatment by showing the larger water contact angle than untreated one. When the radio frequency power was above 100 W in the plasma process, the thin film obtained reveals an excellent cytotropism. It shows the improved biocompatibility with living cells. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Influence of low‐temperature plasma conditions on wicking properties of PA/PU knitted fabric

Plasma surface treatment has been extensively applied in the textile industry for the modification of polymer materials. In this study low‐temperature plasma (LTP) is used for surface treatment of polyamide/polyurethane (PA/PU) knitted fabric. The envisaged plasma effect is an increase in the surface energy of the treated textile, leading toward improved hydrophilic properties. The knitted fabric was treated by LTP using three non polymerizing gases: oxygen, air, and carbon dioxide. After plasma treatment, wettability of samples was tested through their wicking properties measuring capillary rise after water bath contact. The PA/PU knitted fabric samples treated with different plasma gases exhibited different hydrophilic performances. The influence of plasma variables (discharge power, time, pressure) was investigated. Although the chemical characteristics of elastan (PU) and nylon (PA) threads are different, the study has demonstrated that plasma treatment can in the same time alter the surface‐wetting behavior of both the components of the knitted fabric. It was also shown how these treatments can be regulated to produce the desired level of hydrophilicity dependently on the request application. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Influence of oxygen plasma treatment on interfacial properties of poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) composite

The influence of oxygen plasma treatment on both surface properties of poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fibers and interfacial properties of PBO fiber reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) composite were investigated. Surface chemical composition, surface roughness, and surface morphologies of PBO fibers were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Surface free energy of the fibers was characterized by dynamic contact angle analysis (DCAA). The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and water absorption of PBO fiber‐reinforced PPESK composite were measured. Fracture mechanisms of the composite were examined by SEM. The results indicated that oxygen plasma treatment significantly improved the interfacial adhesion of PBO fiber‐reinforced PPESK composite by introducing some polar or oxygen‐containing groups to PBO fiber surfaces and by fiber surface roughening. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma induced surface modification of polyester/cotton blended fabrics to impart water repellency using HMDSO

Continuous treatment of polyester/cotton blended fabric samples was carried with hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) plasma on the pilot scale atmospheric pressure plasma reactor. The mixture of helium and argon was used as carrier gas for generating dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The effect of discharge power and treatment time on the water repellent properties of samples were evaluated with contact angle (CA) and spray test measurements. Spray test and CA results showed improved resistance to wetting with water. The effect of discharge conditions on the surface morphology and surface chemistry of plasma treated samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis, respectively. The presence of Si‐O‐Si and Si‐CH₃ groups in the structure of plasma polymer deposited at the surface of P/C samples was revealed by FTIR spectroscopy. Further, structural differences in HMDSO plasma polymer deposited under different discharge conditions were reported with reference to organic/inorganic nature of plasma polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.     

Photografting polymerization of polyacrylamide on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) films. II. Wettability and crystallization behaviors of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)‐graft‐polyacrylamide films

The wettability and crystallization behaviors of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)‐graft‐polyacrylamide (PAM) films were studied. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses illustrated that about 62 atom % of the total polar functionalities on the grafted film with 17% grafting percentage (GP) was amide groups. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction results suggest that grafted PAM induced defects in PHBV crystals and influenced their crystal structure. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) spectra showed the two melting regions, 60–90 and 145–170°C, of the imperfect PHBV crystals of the grafted films. Grafted PAM could suppress the recrystallization of PHBV, which was consistent with the polarizing optical microscopy results, in which the maximum PHBV spherulite diameter decreased from 350 μm for the PHBV film to 50 μm for the film with 53% GP. In addition, DSC studies revealed that the crystallinity of the grafted films decreased with increasing GP, which facilitated the diffusion of water into the films. The water contact angle of grafted films decreased and the water‐swelling percentage increased as GP went up. These results demonstrate the potential of PHBV‐g‐PAM for wettable surface constructs in tissue engineering applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Phosphorylcholine end‐capped poly‐ε‐caprolactone: A novel biodegradable material with improved antiadsorption property

In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and properties of a novel biodegradable polymer with improved hemocompatibility were introduced. It was synthesized by end‐capping poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL) with phosphorylcholine (PC) groups. The polyester backbone provided the mechanical stability and biodegradability, while the PC‐end groups improved its hemocompatibility. The obtained polymer was characterized using ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR, FTIR, and GPC, its crystallization behavior was studied by DSC. Compared with original PCL, the resulting polymer (PC‐PCL) showed a lower crystallization capability and a faster degradation rate in PBS. The degradation rate of the polymer blends of PCL/PC‐PCL increased with increasing PC‐PCL content. The results of water contact angle measurements revealed a more hydrophilic surface property of PC‐PCL than neat PCL. The hemocompatibility of PC‐PCL was estimated using rabbit platelet‐rich plasma, a better resistance to platelet adhesion and activation was observed. During the human blood plasma contacting process, PC‐PCL showed a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time over neat PCL. Material–cell interaction was evaluated with human umbilical vein endothelial cell, the result indicated that PC‐PCL may to some extent have an antihyperplasia property, compared with neat PCL. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 989–997, 2007     

Thin‐film plasma‐polymerized iso‐t‐pentinol and its postpolymerization properties

Thin films of plasma polymer were prepared from unsaturated precursor with one triple bond, iso‐t‐pentinol. This precursor was injected either in a vapor state itself or using argon as a carrier gas, bubbled through a precursor. These polymers were prepared under different fixed conditions when only one parameter of plasma polymerization among all the others was changed in each measurement during the process of polymerization (i.e., power in a matched reactor, precursor partial pressure, total pressure in reactor, electrode gap, and polymerization time). The samples were deposited on thin solid substrate having oxygenless molecules. Infrared Spectroscopy, IRS, Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis, ESCA (XPS), and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) were used for analyses of these samples. The results of analyses proved generation and growth of oxygen‐containing groups by plasma polymerization (IRS); they also proved that C O group concentration increased and CO group concentration decreased in polymer surface layers during 24 h after plasma polymerization (ESCA). A drop of free radical concentration (measured by EPR) was steep from the end of plasma polymerization to 60 min and mild later on (to approximately 215 h). Amount of free radicals depended on the power in reactor. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 677–686, 1999     

Surface tailoring of an ethylene propylene diene elastomeric terpolymer via plasma‐polymerized coating of tetramethyldisiloxane

In the research presented here, we explore the use of a low‐energy plasma to deposit thin silicone polymer films using tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDSO) (H(CH₃)₂? Si? O? Si? (CH₃)₂H) on the surface of an ethylene propylene diene elastomeric terpolymer (EPDM) in order to enhance the surface hydrophobicity, lower the surface energy and improve the degradation/wear characteristics. The processing conditions were varied over a wide range of treatment times and discharge powers to control the physical characteristics, thickness, morphology and chemical structure of the plasma polymer films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that pore‐free homogeneous plasma polymer thin films of granular microstructure composed of small grains are formed and that the morphology of the granular structure depends on the plasma processing conditions, such as plasma power and time of deposition. The thicknesses of the coatings were determined using SEM, which confirmed that the thicknesses of the deposited plasma‐polymer films could be precisely controlled by the plasma parameters. The kinetics of plasma‐polymer film deposition were also evaluated. Contact angle measurements of different solvent droplets on the coatings were used to calculate the surface energies of the coatings. These coatings appeared to be hydrophobic and had low surface energies. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and photoacoustic Fourier‐transform infrared (PA‐FT‐IR) spectroscopy were used to investigate the detailed chemical structures of the deposited films. The optimum plasma processing conditions to achieve the desired thin plasma polymer coatings are discussed in the light of the chemistry that takes place at the interfaces. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone from the surface of PP film

This article presents the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) from PP film modified with an initiator layer composed of ? OSn(Oct) groups. This method consists of two steps: (1) Sn(Oct)₂ exchanged with the hydroxyl groups on the surface of PP film, forming the ? OSn(Oct) groups bonded on the surface; (2) surface‐initiated ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐CL with the ? OSn(Oct) groups. The initiator layer is characterized by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR), contact angles, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The growth of PCL chains from the initiator layer through ring‐opening polymerization is successfully achieved. ATR‐FTIR, XPS, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are also used to characterize the grafted film. XPS results reveal that the PCL chains cover the surface of PP film after 4 h. The SEM images reveal that the PCL chain clusters grow into regular spheroidal particles, which can be changed into other different morphology by treated with different solvents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Effect of PEGylated chitosan on plasma etched PET fabrics surface properties

In this work, PEGylated chitosan derivatives were prepared and used to modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics. PET fabrics surface were etched by oxygen plasma before different concentrations PEGylated chitosan derivatives solution treatment. The effects of oxygen plasma and PEGylated chitosan derivatives on the surface properties of PET fabrics are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Surface wettability was monitored by water contact angle measurement and moisture regains. The results showed that the occurrence of oxygen‐containing functional groups (i.e., C?O, C? O, and ? OH) of the plasma‐treated PET and the surface coarseness increased from those of the untreated one. There was a layer film formed on the surface of PET fabrics after PEGylated chitosan modification. The combination treatment of oxygen plasma with PEGylated chitosans lightly lowered the breaking strength and elongation of PET fabric. That moisture regains increased and the contact angle decreased implied the hydrophilicity enhancement for the PET fabrics. In addition, dyeing property of PEGylated chitosan derivative modified PET was improved. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39693.     

Surface modification of thermotropic poly(oxybenzoate‐co‐oxynaphthoate) copolyester by remote oxygen plasma for copper metalization

Poly(oxybenzoate‐co‐oxynaphthoate) (POCO) film surfaces were modified with remote oxygen plasma, and the effects of the modification on the adhesion between the copper layer and POCO were investigated. The remote‐oxygen‐plasma treatment led to a noticeable decrease in the contact angle, which was mainly due to the C? O functional groups on the surface. The modification of the POCO surface by remote oxygen plasma was effective in improving the adhesion with copper metal. The peel strength for the copper metal/POCO system was enhanced from 10 to 127.5 mN/5 mm by the surface modification. The failure mode of the copper metal/POCO system was an interface layer between the oxidized micro‐POCO fibril surface and the copper metal layer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2400–2408, 2003     

Time‐dependent changes of surface properties of polyether ether ketone caused by air plasma treatment

The effect of air plasma treatment on wetting and energy properties, surface composition and morphology of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was investigated. The influence of the storage time on the surface properties of plasma‐treated polymer plate was also examined. The properties were determined by advancing and receding contact angle measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy supported by theoretical spectrum modelling, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and optical profilometry. Three theoretical approaches were used in the determination of the apparent surface free energy of the untreated and plasma‐treated PEEK samples from the measured contact angles of probe liquids (water, formamide, diiodomethane): the contact angle hysteresis method, the Owens and Wendt approach and the Lifsthitz ? van der Waals acid–base approach. It was found that air plasma treatment of PEEK causes significant chemical and morphological changes of the polymer surface, which are reflected in the decrease of contact angles from 83.4° to 11.7° for water after 180 s plasma treatment. This is due to the formation of polar functional groups resulting in the increase of the surface hydrophilicity. After plasma treatment the apolar component of the surface free energy practically does not change, while the polar component increases significantly, especially for plates treated for 180 s, from 0 to 19.6 mJ m^?2. In addition, the modified PEEK surface is not stable during storage and it acquires more hydrophobic character. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fabrication of surface‐relief gratings on an azobenzene‐containing epoxy‐based polymer film using atomic force microscopy

Many studies have been reported on the photo‐fabrication of surface‐relief gratings (SRGs) in azo‐polymer films using the interference of two laser beams of appropriate polarization. However, there are few reports in the literature concerning the electro‐fabrication of SRGs on such types of polymer films. The goal of the work reported was the electro‐patterning of an azobenzene‐containing epoxy thermoplastic film. An epoxy‐based polymer functionalized with an azo‐chromophore was synthesized and characterized using thermal analysis. The reversible optical storage properties and photo‐induced dichroism were studied. SRGs were fabricated on a film of the synthesized azobenzene‐containing polymer using contact mode current‐sensing atomic force microscopy which locally applied an electric field that aligned the azobenzene moieties. The anisotropic mass transport of the azo‐polymer film was observed after applying an electric field. Additionally, the effect of the relief formation in the polymeric film surface was investigated by means of atomic force microscopy and electrostatic force microscopy. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry