Abstract: A method for fabricating surface tethered chiroptical switches that constitute polymer chains bearing chromophoric functional groups with the ability to undergo geometrical re-alignment upon irradiation with polarized light to yield a measurable chiral anisotropy, by formation of a layer on a substrate by deposition of a compound containing at least one functional group and attachment of chiro-optical molecule to said functional group.

Abstract: The invention features a method of creating a polymer brush bearing covalently bound polymeric side chains, comprising the steps of: (a) deposition, onto a substrate, of a halogen containing initiator film or a precursor which is derivatized into a halogen containing initiator film; (b) surface ATRP growth, from the halogen containing initiator film formed in step (a), of a polymeric brush backbone incorporating side groups; (c) growth, from the polymeric brush backbone formed in step (b), of polymeric side chains on the polymeric brush backbone, to form a polymer brush in which the polymeric side chains constitute the bristles of the brush.

Abstract: A method of photopatterning rewritable reactive groups onto surfaces using typically a plasmachemical deposition of functionalized materials, followed by molecular printing of inks. Subsequent treatment of the reactive groups allows for surface rewriting and also the method allows for the creation of either positive or negative image multifunctional rewritable patterned surfaces.

Abstract: A delivery system for an active substance, comprising a substrate on which the substance is loaded for subsequent release, wherein: (i) the substrate has been at least partially coated with a polymer using plasma deposition (preferably pulsed plasma deposition); (ii) the active substance is present as a guest molecule within a cyclodextrin inclusion complex; and (iii) the inclusion complex is bound to the polymer through a chemical linkage formed between a hydroxyl group on the cyclodextrin and a functional group on the polymer. The system may be used to control the release of an active substance such as a perfume. Also provided are methods for preparing (a) the delivery system and (b) a functionalised substrate for use as part of the system, in which the polymer is suitably reacted with a cyclodextrin using an S N 2 nucleophilic substitution reaction, in particular a Williamson ether synthesis reaction.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a reactive aldehyde containing coating to a substrate. The method includes subjecting a substrate to a plasma discharge in the presence of a compound of formula (I): Where X is an optionally substituted straight or branched alkylene chain(s) or aryl group(s); R1, R2 or R3 are optionally substituted hydrocarbyl or heterocyclic groups, and m is an integer greater than 0.

Abstract: A method is provided for applying a coating containing reactive nitrogen functionality contained within an aromatic heterocyclic structure to a substrate. The method includes subjecting said substrate to a plasma discharge of a monomer possessing said heterocyclic nitrogen functionality.