(618af) Influence of Crosslinking On Gas Barrier Behavior of Polymer Multilayers

Layer-by-layer assemblies of cationic polyethylenimine (PEI) and anionic poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) were crosslinked in an effort to improve their gas barrier behavior and reduce moisture sensitivity.  Glutaraldehyde (GA), 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide methiodide (EDC) and thermal crosslinking were compared with regard to film thickness, microstructure and oxygen permeability. Crosslinking, in general, was found to increase multilayer density and improve barrier at 100% RH. This relatively simple recipe may be of use for a variety of packaging applications, including flexible electronics that require high flexibility and transparency.