The use of atomic force microscopy for imaging the surfaces of polyamide, 6
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
The surface morphologies of PA 6 resulting from the use of various processing methods were studied by tapping mode atomic force microscopy. Three PA 6 samples: (1) a thin film, spin coated on a silicon wafer, (2) a freestanding film, i.e. a foil and (3) a monofilament, show definite morphological differences revealing typical supramolecular structures. The thin film having thickness of app. 35 nm is a good example of the initial step of spherulite formation where the sheaf development is still prominent. In an area of 100 μm2 1-4 spherulites can be detected which are typical of crystallization from the solution. The annealing (vacuum, 195°C, 3.5h) causes additional crystallization, which leads to a radial coordination and enlargement of spherulites to app. 50% in diameter and up to 40% in height. The morphology of foil (thickness of 100 μm) can be interpreted as a system of spherulites formed from the melt, and a typical fibrillar structure is observed on the surface of monofilament. [1] N.G. McCrum, C.P. Buckley, C.B. Bucknall, "Principles of Polymer Engineering", Oxford University Press, Oxford 1997.
Details
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 467-478 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Macromolecular Symposia |
Volume | 181 |
Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
Externally published | Yes |