New strategies for surface modification of poly (vinyl alcohol) toward click chemistry applications

In this study, new synthesis strategies for poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) functionalized with azidation (Az) and alkynation (Alk) were carried out for surface functionality modification. These two functionalization routes utilize azide and alkyne groups, respectively, and offer simple way to enhance the PVA crosslinking capabilities toward producing new functional polymer-based materials. The Az functionalized PVA was prepared in two steps and denoted by PVA-Az, while Alk functionalized PVA was prepared in one step to produce PVA-Alk. Surfaces modification of PVA by using Az and Alk functional groups was confirmed by spectral analysis (Fourier transform infrared and ¹³C-NMR). Results showed that Alk prompted excellent chemical modifications on the surface of PVA while the thermal stability was enhanced by functionalizing the Az and Alk into PVA. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations showed a successful functionalization and new functional groups addition to PVA surface. Scanning electron microscope images were used to analyze the surface morphology of PVA by incorporating the Az and Alk groups, which indicated rougher surfaces compared to that of PVA backbone. In terms of efficiency and simplicity, the techniques used in this study appear to be entirely satisfactory.