The use of atomic force microscopy for imaging the surfaces of polyamide, 6

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Lidija Tušek - , University of Maribor (Author)
  • Simona Strnad - , University of Maribor (Author)
  • Karin Stana-Kleinschek - , University of Maribor (Author)
  • Volker Ribitsch - , University of Graz (Author)
  • Carsten Werner - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)467-478
Number of pages12
JournalMacromolecular Symposia
Volume181
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes