Atomic force microscopy study of comb-like vs. arborescent graft copolymers in thin films

Pascal Viville*, Philippe Leclère, Alain Deffieux, Michel Schappacher, Julien Bernard, Redouane Borsali, Jean Luc Brédas, Roberto Lazzaroni

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

This work deals with the study of comb-like vs. arborescent grafted copolymers made of poly(chloroethyl vinyl ether)-g-polystyrene (PCEVE-g-PS). We describe how the molecular architecture of the branched polymers affects their nanoscale organization in thin films, as observed using atomic force microscopy. The results indicate that modifying the molecular architecture from a 'generation-zero' comb-like (PCEVE-g-PS) to a 'first-generation' hyperbranched (PCEVE-g-(PS-b-PCEVE-g-PS)) architecture strongly modifies the observed geometrical parameters of the molecules, in good agreement with the expected evolution of the molecular dimensions and the corresponding data obtained in solution. The surface organization of the (PCEVE-g-PS) copolymer molecules is also strongly conditioned by the interplay between the molecule-substrate interactions and the molecule-molecule interactions, leading to different possible orientations of the lateral branches with respect to the surface and thus to different final morphologies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1833-1843
Number of pages11
JournalPolymer
Volume45
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Atomic force microscopy
  • Hyperbranched
  • Thin films

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Atomic force microscopy study of comb-like vs. arborescent graft copolymers in thin films'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this