Atomic force microscopy and contact angle studies of polymerizable gemini surfactant admicelles on mica

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to directly observe and characterize a polymer-modified mica surface prepared using a polymerizable gemini surfactant. Normal tapping mode and contact mode AFM were used to image the treated mica surface morphologies in air and liquid environments, respectively. The root mean square (RMS) roughness of mica surfaces before and after surface modification and polymerization was analyzed from these scans. To determine the effect of styrene adsolubilization on the surfactant-modified mica, AFM measurements of the modified mica were made at various styrene concentrations. Contact angle measurements were also made to further characterize the nature of the surfactant-modified mica surface. The surface morphology and surface hydrophilicity were observed to be different for the modified mica after polymerization. In addition, the polymerized surface maintained its morphology after washing/desorption studies demonstrating the stability of the polymerized surfactant film.

Localized In situ Polymerization on Graphene Surfaces for Stabilized Graphene Dispersions

“…AFM measurements on mica and graphite surfaces reveal that the polymer film formation is indeed discontinuous. 46,50,56,57 In the case of the AFM images of our polymer-stabilized graphene, we observe an irregular deposition of the polymer on the graphene surface. The AFM images of irregular polymer deposition are similar to those of See et al and Marquez et al, 49,57 who observed polymerization on graphite surfaces.…”

Effect of filler treatments on the crystallization, mechanical properties, morphologies and heat resistance of Polypropylene/phlogopite composites

“…Poor adhesion between the polar filler surface and nonpolar polymer matrix results in inhomogeneous dispersion, insufficient reinforcement, and poor mechanical properties. To improve interfacial adhesion, one frequently used method is to treat inorganic fillers with coupling agents, such as stearic acid, silanes, zirconates, and titanates [10][11][12]. Another approach is to modify the chemistry of PP by attaching polar groups, for example, acrylic acid or maleic anhydride, onto the polymer backbone.…”

Impact of resin loading on ion exchange equilibrium for removal of organic matter and inorganic ions

“…Therefore, different mechanisms for the increased capacity in this study must be considered. Previous research supports the theory of an admicelle (micelle bilayer) formation by humic acids on the IEX acrylic resin surface when reused without regeneration (Asnachinda et al, 2010;Eastoe and Tabor, 2014).…”