Polymer Surface Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity of Polymer Monolayers, Polymer Surface Segments and Oligomeric Chain Distributions

Suny At Buffalo, Amherst NY

Investigators

Abstract

This project, sponsored by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, continues research into the determination of structure and reactivity at polymer surfaces and interfaces. The research, conducted by Dr. Joseph A. Gardella and his students at SUNY-Buffalo, uses X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), and high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) to study well characterized macromolecular systems. The systems include mono-and multi- layer thin films, copolymer systems from narrow molecular weight distribution prepolymers and degradable polymers with controllable crystallinity. The project elucidates the effects of chain length, segment distribution, spatial distribution of smaller molecular weight polymer chains, and segregation of multicomponent polymer mixtures on surface properties such as adhesion, friction , and degradability. The information generated by this project will be extremely important in the design and development of new materials for use as semiconductor adhesives, general use adhesives, lubricants and low friction coatings, biomaterials, and non-toxic coatings for evironmental use.