Thermotropic dynamic processes in multiphase polymer systems by (cryo-)AFM

Abstract

The structural (volume and enthalpy) relaxation of polymers during physical aging has a great relevance in materials science and engineering as it significantly changes the long-term material performance. In this article, we propose a methodological approach of (cryo-)atomic force microscopy (AFM) monitoring of macromolecular rearrangements which accompany structural relaxation within bulk of the polymer during physical aging. In contrast to conventional spectroscopic, scattering and thermal analysis techniques, high resolution topographical/phase imaging of the bulk cross-section over a large period of time and within a wide range of temperatures (-120 °C to +20 °C) yields unique information about the evolution of the polymer ultrastructure as a function of time and temperature in situ.

Phase Morphology of NR/SBR Blends: Effect of Curing Temperature and Curing Time

“…The SBR domains are sticking out of the NR matrix due to different tensions in the blend. Sectioning the blends allows for the release of tension and results in expansions and contractions of the phases in the blends [28], which creates the characteristic topographies shown in Figure 2a,b.…”

Seeing is believing: atomic force microscopy imaging for nanomaterial research

“…(iv) The samples can be detected in various environments (atmosphere, liquid, vacuum, and cryo) by AFM. 228,229 In particular, AFM can be applied to in situ observe the materials interactions in a liquid environment, such as the interactions between a biomolecule and a supported lipid bilayer. 26 Therefore, the nanoscale topographic "movie" of the nanomaterial-related processes can be obtained by in situ AFM.…”

Characterization Techniques of Polymer Aging: From Beginning to End

“…Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been widely applied in polymer material since the 1980s . It could provide topological and mechanical information for soft materials through translating the deflections of cantilever induced by the interaction force between a sharp tip and sample surface. − AFM is capable of characterizing the morphological and elastic changes of soft materials at nanoscale, and it has been applied in the interface study, polymorph analysis, and thermotropic dynamic for multiple polymer systems. − …”