Multicomponent polymeric solids, surface

A variety of experimental techniques have been employed in investigations of the domain structure of multicomponent polymeric solids with the predominant emphasis being on the bulk morphology. By contrast, the detailed structure of the surface, i.e., the outermost few tens of angstroms, of such pol3nner systems has been subject to much less detailed consideration. Since many properties of a polymeric solid depend on the detailed structure of the surface, however, and since the latter may be considerably different from the bulk, techniques which can, in principle, differentiate surface from bulk properties are likely to be of considerable interest in this area. 

In this paper we will explore the application of the relatively new technique of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to the quantitative evaluation of the surface structure of multicomponent polymeric solids. This paper... 

Firstly it can be used for obtaining layers with a thickness of several mono-layers to introduce and to distribute uniformly very low amounts of admixtures. This may be important for the surface of sorption and catalytic, polymeric, metal, composition and other materials. Secondly, the production of relatively thick layers, on the order of tens of nm. In this case a thickness of nanolayers is controlled with an accuracy of one monolayer. This can be important in the optimization of layer composition and thickness (for example when kernel pigments and fillers are produced). Thirdly the ML method can be used to influence the matrix surface and nanolayer phase transformation in core-shell systems. It can be used for example for intensification of chemical solid reactions, and in sintering of ceramic powders. Fourthly, the ML method can be used for the formation of multicomponent mono- and nanolayers to create surface nanostructures with uniformly varied thicknesses (for example optical applications), or with synergistic properties (for example flame retardants), or with a combination of various functions (polyfunctional coatings). Nanoelectronics can also utilize multicomponent mono- and nanolayers. 

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