Polymer Characterization with the Atomic Force Microscope

Nano-Scale Characterization of a Piezoelectric Polymer (Polyvinylidene Difluoride, PVDF)

The polymer polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) has unique piezoelectric properties favorable for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS) applications. In the present research, we conducted nanometer-length scale characterization of this material using several high-resolution techniques. Specifically, we used an atomic force microscope (AFM) to study the ...

Characterization of Polymer Surfaces with Atomic Force Microscopy

Applications of state-of-the-art atomic force microscopy methods to the elucidation of the surface and near-surface structure of polymeric solids are described. Contact, tapping, force modulation, frictional force, and other modes of atomic force microscopy are described, and recent results are summarized. Conformational and chain order, crystalline order, polymer crystals, lamellar structures,...

Polymer Films on Electrodes. 30. Electrochemistry and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Characterization of Benzimidazolebenzophenanthroline-Type Ladder (BBL) and Semiladder (BBB) Polymer Films

Polymer-modified electrodes were obtained by spin-coating solutions of poly(benzobisimidazobenzophenanthroline) ladder (BBL) and semiladder (BBB) polymers on indium-tin oxide electrodes. An electrochemical study of these films showed reproducible and stable cyclic voltammograms for reduction of the polymer (in the absence of oxygen), the absence of waves for oxidation of the polymer, and brilli...

Surface Analysis Studies on Polymer Electrolyte Membranes Using Scanning Electron Microscope and Atomic Force Microscope

Nanomechanical characterization of polymer using atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation

The nanomechanical characteristics of polycarbonate (PC) polymer were investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM) and nanoindentation. Scratching, wear properties, hardness and Young’s modulus were obtained. The relationships between scribing feed and speed, surface depth and roughness and applied load were also investigated. The results indicated that as the applied load was increased, the f...