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In order to allow the simultaneous transport of hydrophilic and hydrophobicsubstances, polymeric networks with finely distributed hydrophilic andhydrophobic components are very suitable. When designing new soft materialslike coatings, in addition to the structure in the volume phase, the structureat the interface plays a critical role. In this study, two alternatingtetra-arm star polymers poly({\epsilon}-caprolactone) (tetra-PCL-Ox) andamino-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (tetra-PEG-NH2) form an amphiphilicco-polymer network. They serve as a model system for controlling andunderstanding the structure-property relationship at the interface of ACN gels.The correlation between different synthesis strategies for gel films and theirresulting properties will be described. Through various spin coatingtechniques, control over film thickness and roughness is achievable andhighlights differences to macroscopic gel samples. Atomic force microscopy(AFM) measurements reveal the effect of solvents of different polarities on theswelling ability and surface structure. This correlates with AFM investigationsof the mechanical properties on ACN gel films, demonstrating a strong effect onthe resulting elastic modulus E, depending on the presence or absence of a goodsolvent during synthesis. Furthermore, a higher E modulus is obtained in thepresence of the selective solvent water, compared to the non-selective solventtoluene. This observation is explained through selective swelling of thetetra-arm star polymers displaying a different hydrophobicity.

Amphiphilic co-polymer network gel films based on tetra-poly(ethylene glycol) and tetra-poly({\epsilon}-caprolactone)