ISSN:
0142-2421
Keywords:
AFM
;
elastomer
;
morphology
;
Chemistry
;
Polymer and Materials Science
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
In order to determine and optimize structure-property relationships in polymer blends, a knowledge of microscopic morphology and physical properties is essential. However, much of this microscopic morphology and physical property information has not been readily available using conventional characterization techniques. In this work, the capability of force modulation atomic force microscopy (AFM) for determining the detailed microstructure and physical properties of industrial polymer blends is evaluated for the first time. When combined with cryogenic facing, force modulation mapping is shown to be a very valuable microcharacterization technique that has a wide range of applicability. The modulus contrast obtained in the analysis of blends and composites allows one to distinguish polymer phases and related morphology with ease and with good specificity. This capability is demonstrated on a variety of filled and unfilled elastomer/plastic and elastomer/elastomer blends. In addition, analyses are successfully performed on a variety of blends containing isobutylene-based polymer that cannot be unambiguously characterized by electron microscopy techniques (isobutylene-based polymers rapidly degrade under electron bombardment). Force modulation mapping is also shown to be quite useful in distinguishing different types of fillers and their distributions in different polymer domains. Moreover, the capability of force modulation mapping for determining microscopic changes in cross-link density is examined. Examples of cross-linking mapping are presented for NR/BIMS, PP/EPDM and BIMS/BR blends. Finally, a semiquantitative calibration of relative force modulation amplitude vs. NR cure state is presented. All of these types of analyses are obtained without a need for the topographical contrast required by conventional AFM techniques and without the need for the complicated and time-consuming etching, staining and cryosectioning (thin films) typically required by electron microscopy techniques. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional Material:
12 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
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