Scanning force microscopy polymer surfaces

As was the case for Percec s hybrid structures [25] (see above), studies of the G3-dendronized PPP by scanning force microscopy revealed a high degree of dimensional ordering in which the three-fold symmetry of the substrate surface is effectively recognized by the nanocylinders over several layers of polymer [32], More recently, Schluter extended his study to the preparation of a PPP hybrid... 

Several applications of scanning force microscopy (SFM) and related techniques in polymer science have been given in the above sections. The reviewed results were gathered from surfaces of cross-sectioned bulk polymers, polymer-matrix composites, and polymer blends as well as free surfaces of polymer samples such as films, or surfaces prepared by means of replica techniques. The materials contrasts reported on range from several mechanical ones via thermal to electrical ones. 

Some contributions cover the development of specific materials and analytical methods to measure the characteristic properties of solid particles, such as particle sizes, surfaces areas, mechanical strengths, or solid-matrix interactions. Thus, papers from M. Heinematm and S. Hild deal with the characterization of silica-polymer interactions using Scanning Force Microscopy, while C. Panz uses the combination of special basic silica, fitting silanes, and adequate hydrophobization conditions to generate high-performance silica with new properties. 

As a consequence it is obvious that polymer dispersity will have an influence on surface segregation. Smaller chains in the samples will migrate at the interfaces [62]. Tanaka et al. used scanning force microscopy in order to investigate the surface molecular motion of PS films. It was revealed that the surface was in a glass/rubber transition state at 293 K due to the surface segregation of the lower molecular weight chains of a polydisperse blend (compared with 373 K in the bulk) [63]. 

Let us mention a few more capabilities created in this growing field. Laser-induced reorientation of the optical axis is possible in PLC combs optically induced trans—cis isomerization occurs. Erasable holograms can be created in PLC materials—as discussed by Eich and Wendorff [100] and pursued since by many. The mbbing of a polymer leads to an anisotropic surface morphology, since the LC molecules become aligned [101]. Scanning force microscopy can be used to create in a controlled way areas with a similar anisotropy and with a desired refractive index patterns. 

Brinen, J.S., Rosati, I,., Chakel, J. and Lindley, P. (1993) The effect of polymer architecture on the SIMS spectra of glvcolide / trimethylene carbonate copolymers. Surface and Interface. Analysis, 20, 105.5-1060. Burnham,. kA. and Colton, R.J. (1993) Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Specuoscopy Theory, Techniques and Applications. Force microscopy, ed. Bonnell D.A., New York, VCl I Publishers Inc. Chen, X., Shakesheff, KM., Davies, M.C., Heller, J., Roberts, C.J., Tendler, S.J.B, and Williams, P.M. (1995) The degradation of a thin polymer film studied by simultaneous in situ atomic force microscopy and surface plasmon resonance analysis. Journal of Physical Chemistry, 11, 2547. 

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