Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEOX) is a nonionic, synthetic polymer which is soluble in both a variety organic solvents and water. The negative entropy of mixing of this polymer in aqueous solution suggested that it adopts a rigid conformation such as a helix in aqueous solution. Hydrogen bonding between PEOX and water molecules is thought to facilitate a special conformation that is specific to aqueous solution. The intent of this work is to investigate the conformation of PEOX in aqueous solution and consequently propose the mechanism by which it would adsorb onto cellulose and make it a valuable additive in paper processing. This work ultimately contributes to the greater matter of understanding the mechanisms by which water solvates nonionic polymers. Viscometry measurements of PEOX in water show that its shape scales similar to a random coil and that its molecules collapse in the presence of sodium chloride. Investigation into the molecular structure of PEOX through molecular scale simulations have revealed that although a rigid helical conformation does not exist, the potential exists for PEOX to have secondary helical structure in both water and other solvents. Without the rigid predicted structure, however, it is not surprising that PEOX does not adsorb well on cellulose. Comparing this folded helical conformation to a random coil conformation reveals that the random coil produces a lower energy system in water.

Polyoxazolines are class of polymers which are suitable for medical applications because they have many interesting properties. These polymers are characterized by antibacterial properties so they can stop bacterial colonization of medical devices and significantly reduce the risk of infection. Furthermore, polyoxazolines are interesting for good biocompatibility. Basic topic of this diploma work is preparation of oxazoline-based thin films by plasma polymerization. Thin films were prepared by plasma polymerization from 2-methyl-2-oxazoline vapors in a nitrogen atmosphere in a dielectric barrier discharge. During the deposition was increased the substrate temperature. Polyoxazoline films were analyzed by several diagnostic methods. Physical and chemical properties of thin films were studied by SEM, AFM, FTIR by measuring contact angles and nanoindentation method. The films were found to be homogeneous, hydrophilic and have a higher nitrogen content. Furthermore, films showed viscoelastic properties. Polyoxazoline films were subjected to antibacterial and biocompatibility tests and the result showed, that films have antibacterial properties and support of viability cells viability.

The diploma thesis deals with the deposition of layers of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline monomer in a dielectric barrier discharge in a nitrogen atmosphere. The theoretical part describes polyoxazolines, dielectric barrier discharge, plasma polymerization and diagnostic methods that describe the characteristics of the prepared layers. The experimental part deals with the deposition of layers and the determination of physicochemical properties. Finally, the results are compared with layers that were made of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline.