Thermal probe surface treatment of a bulk polymer Does a surface layer with a lower glass transition than the bulk exist
article
The surface of a bulk polystyrene has been scanned using a AFM equipped with a thermal probe at different temperatures. Scanning at room temperature reveals a real picture of the surface roughness, while scanning 40 and 20 K below the glass transition of the bulk PS results in a very flat smooth surface. Scans at the Tg show a deformation pattern corresponding to a rubbery substance. Finally, scanning 10 K above the glass transition temperature shows a surface with intense "droplet" formation. It is concluded that a thin surface layer (a few nanometers) exists, which shows a significantly lower glass transition. This effect can be used to manufacture supersmooth surface areas.
Topics
TNO Identifier
953600
ISSN
00249297
Source
Macromolecules, 35(9), pp. 3592-3595.
Publisher
ACS
Pages
3592-3595
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