Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Studies of Organic Thin Films with Hydrogen-Bonded Networks

Authors

Arkadi L. Litvin, U.S. Army Natick RD&E Center
Valery N. Bliznyuk, Western Michigan University
Vladimir V. Tsukruk, Western Michigan University
Suresh Valiyaveettil, Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research
David L. Kaplan, Tufts University

Abstract

Brewster angle microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the surface morphology of thin films in situ or after transfer onto solid supports. Two acids were studied, differing in carboxylic acid head groups, resulting in significantly different morphological features for thin films formed from these two amphiphiles on a Langmuir trough. Differences in self-assembly and domain sizes were correlated with the formation of hydrogen-bonded networks. The influence of surface hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity during deposition on morphology was also characterized, with spherulitic features appearing in some samples.

Recommended Citation

Litvin, Arkadi L.; Bliznyuk, Valery N.; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.; Valiyaveettil, Suresh; and Kaplan, David L. (1996) "Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Studies of Organic Thin Films with Hydrogen-Bonded Networks," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 10: No. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol10/iss3/8