Hello,
Can anyone advise on methods to investigate a polymer on a surface?
I have tried XPS, tapping AFM, ellipsometry, contact angle and CV and EIS. I know something is on the surface but the question is what does it look like and how is it binding and I don't know how to determine that. the polymer is mostly benzene rings with one anchoring unit to bind to surfaces.
Dear Lynn Goldman, are the results of the different techniques in good concordance? What exactly you want to determine or to know? You have used most powerful characterisation techniques. Nanoindentation test may bring further information. Please check the attached file, and if possible take a look at the book of the main author of the paper. My Regards
Hello Lynn, the techniques you have used should have already given you an idea of the composition and topography of your monolayer. However, if you are still having trouble getting consistent results, you might consider the following additional techniques to further complete your study of the sample:
- AFM Lithography: By using a hard enough AFM tip in contact mode with relatively high setpoint potential values, you can scratch a section of the surface. Studying that area using tapping mode AFM can provide an accurate measurement of the thickness of your monolayer.
- X-ray Reflectivity (XRR): XRR can offer additional information on the thickness and density of the polymer layer.
Hope I have been able to help you, kind regards.
Dear Lynn Goldman,
You have not specified the substrate. If it is a single crystal and the surface has low Miller indices, then you can also use LEED-IV.
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