Via computer simulations, we demonstrate how a densely grafted layer of polymers, a {\it brush}, could be turned into an efficient switch through chemical modification of some of its end-monomers. In this way, a surface coating with reversibly switchable properties can be constructed. We analyze the fundamental physical principle behind its function, a recently discovered surface instability, and demonstrate that the combination of a high grafting density, an inflated end-group size and a high degree of monodispersity are conditions for an optimal functionality of the switch.
@article{arxiv.0812.0245,
title = {Nano-scale brushes: How to build a smart surface coating},
author = {Holger Merlitz and Gui-Li He and Chen-Xu Wu and Jens-Uwe Sommer},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0812.0245},
year = {2009}
}