Erosion of Biodegradable Polymers

Thin films of a blend of poly(sebaic acid) and PLA (Polysciences) on glass are prepared by spin-coating from 1 w/v % solutions in chloroform onto cleaned glass slides. The glass slides are glued with epoxy to the metallic sample holder disc. 

The initial measurement is performed in Milli-Q water using a liquid cell with O-ring (see Sect. 3.3 in Chap. 3). The use of very soft cantilevers with a nominal 

4 Polymer Surface and Interface Properties and (Dynamic) Processes 

Once the photodiode differential signal shows a constant value, the engagement procedure as described in Sect. 3.2 in Chap. 3 is carried out. After engaging on the surface, f-d curves are acquired in the force spectroscopy mode of the AFM and minimum imaging forces are selected. The in situ images in Fig. 4.40 show the degradation of a 50-50% blend of PSA and PLA. 

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