Investigation on Interfacial Interactions in Polymer Blends and Composites by Complimentary ATR-FTIR-AFM Imaging System

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The grant application entitled, "Investigation on Interfacial Interactions in Polymer Blends and Composites by Complimentary ATR-FTIR-AFM Imaging System" is requesting fund to obtain an attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) imaging system - ALPHA FT-IR Spectrometer. The goal of this program is to provide a unique means to elucidate polymer-polymer, polymer-filler, and filler-filler interactions in polymer blends and polymer composites using complimentary analyses by the proposed ATR-FTIR and an existing atomic force microscope (AFM) in the Smart and Adaptive Polymer Lab. AFM is an exceedingly powerful and useful technique for characterizing the morphology, topology, and various multifunctional properties of heterogeneous material systems. However, there remains a fundamental challenge with AFM-based imaging because conclusions are inferred based on morphological or topographical features. It is conventionally very difficult to use AFM to confirm specific molecular conformation, especially in the case of polymer-polymer, polymer-filler, and filler-filler interactions. In this context, a research platform consists of both AFM and ATR-FTIR will provide direct correlations between structural and topographical features resolved by AFM with spectroscopic details of molecular structure and conformation in the aforementioned materials interactions. The understanding of these interactions is crucial in the development of novel multifunctional materials with tailored mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties for a wide spectrum of applications, ranging from daily commodities (e.g., electronic packaging and disposable cutlery) to advanced engineering applications (e.g., heat management for future chips with three-dimensional architectures and bioscaffold). Ultimately, the system will serve as the heart of experimental facilities to develop novel multifunctional and active polymer blends, composites, and specialty foams. It will also contribute to the research in novel materials and their fabrications, ultimately promoting the technology development and economy in various sectors in Canada.