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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik

CPP 8: POSTER: Polymer Physics

CPP 8.10: Poster

Monday, March 26, 2007, 16:00–18:00, Poster B

Atomic Force Microscopy of Polymer Networks — •Alexander Schmatulla and Othmar Marti — University of Ulm, Institute of Experimental Physics, 89069 Ulm, Germany

We demonstrate the option of a custom built Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) for detection, nanomanipulating and pulling on strains of molecular polymer networks with a resolution on the nanometer scale.

By using contact mode, tapping mode and pulsed force mode we have imaged the polymer network. After detection of the network structure we have moved the AFM tip to a point x/y on the specimen, then we have bent and moved the cantilever in contact well defined distances over the surface. After pulling in contact we have imaged the same area which we have scanned before. The result was that molecular polymer strains of a branched polyethylene have been pulled over well defined distances. In addition we have analyzed the forces while pulling the molecule strains. After pulling the strains we have detected variances not only in the nearer periphery of the pulling area. We will compare our results with other measurement and detection methods (Raman spectroscopy, SEM).