Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy: Topographic and Dynamical Surface Studies of Blends, Composites, and Hybrid Functional Materials for Sustainable Future

Abstract

Microscopic techniques are often used in material science, enabling the assessment of the morphology, composition, physical properties, and dynamic behaviour of materials. The review focuses on the topographic and dynamical surface studies of (bio)degradable polymers, in particular aliphatic polyesters, the most promising ones. The (bio)degradation process promotes physical and chemical changes in material properties that can be characterised by microscopic techniques. These changes occurring both under controlled conditions as well as in the processing stage or during use indicate morphological and structural transformations resulting from the deterioration of the material and have a significant impact on the characteristic of materials used in many applications, for example, for use as packaging.

Delayed postoperative opacification of three hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens: A scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive spectroscopic study

“…Rate of erosion is determined by the chemical stability of the polymer bond, the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance, morphology, molecular weight and molecular distribution of the polymer and solubility of the low molar mass degradation product. [ 26 29 30 31 32 ] Ultraviolet absorbing compounds, low molecular weight additives, bland or co-monomer are covalently integrated into the polymeric backbone of IOL polymer. Electromagnetic wave, which presents in the visible light or ultraviolet light can degrade the bond and change the property of IOL polymer.…”

“…The only drawback is that the beam damage may destroy the polymer specimen. [ 29 32 ] Reduction in optical quality and image contrast has been documented in opacified IOLs. In polymer science, electron microscopic techniques are in conventional use to study the morphology, composition, physical properties and dynamic behavior of a polymer.…”

“…In polymer science, electron microscopic techniques are in conventional use to study the morphology, composition, physical properties and dynamic behavior of a polymer. [ 29 ] Hydrophobic foldable IOL is a copolymer of phenyl ethyl acrylate and phenyl ethyl methacrylate cross-linked with butyrate diacrylate. [ 33 ]…”

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“…Nevertheless, the processes for obtaining bioplastics derived from biomass are still very expensive, which is why numerous research groups are working on process optimization to improve viability. Table 1 shows a list of bioplastics, their raw materials, approximate biodegradation time, and applications (Ashter 2016;Kyulavska et al 2017;Ross et al 2017;Rydz et al 2019;Folino et al 2020.). Social concern about the biodegradability of plastics has prompted the study of new materials that present relatively short periods of degradation.…”

Synthesis by gamma irradiation of hyaluronic acid-polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel for biomedical applications

“…3). This porous structure was owing to the gradual polymerization reaction and the cross-linking density of the hydrogels (27), allowing an ordered matrix that helps the proper infiltration of living cells, gases, nutrients, cell factors, and waste products diffusion (28). Hence, this hydrogel could be applied as a scaffold in tissue engineering and as a wound dressing…”