Dynamics of Polymers at Surfaces

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The objective of this research is to probe the mobility of polymers at well-characterized single solid surfaces. By measuring the kinetics with which polymers first adsorb to a surface and then exchange with labelled polymers originally in free solution, we will seek to understand the characteristic rates and mechanism of mobility of polymers in thin interfacial regions. Experimental variables of interest will include molecular weight, solvent quality, solution concentration, and polymer topology. The self-exchange of polymers with the same number of segments will be a special concern. The method of investigation is infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection. The results will be correlated with modern physical theories of polymer behavior, and may find application in chromatography, colloidal stability and flocculation, lubrication, and film formation.