Heterodyne force microscopy of PMMA/rubber nanocomposites: nanomapping of viscoelastic response at ultrasonic frequencies

We present measurements of the nanoscale elastic and viscoelastic properties of samples of poly(methylmetacrylate) (PMMA)/rubber nanocomposites. For these studies we have used a new technique based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) with ultrasonic excitation, heterodyne force microscopy (HFM), which...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of physics. D, Applied physics Applied physics, 2000-10, Vol.33 (19), p.2347-2355
Main Authors: Cuberes, M T, Assender, H E, Briggs, G A D, Kolosov, O V
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Mechanical properties
Organic polymers
Physicochemistry of polymers
Properties and characterization
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Summary:We present measurements of the nanoscale elastic and viscoelastic properties of samples of poly(methylmetacrylate) (PMMA)/rubber nanocomposites. For these studies we have used a new technique based on atomic force microscopy (AFM) with ultrasonic excitation, heterodyne force microscopy (HFM), which provides a means of testing the viscoelastic response of polymeric materials locally (in tip-probed regions) at MHz frequencies. Phase-HFM contrast distinguishes local differences in the dynamic response of PMMA /rubber composites. Comparison of HFM with other AFM-based techniques (ultrasonic force microscopy, friction force microscopy and force modulation microscopy), while imaging the same surface region, emphasizes the unique capabilities of HFM for these kinds of studies, and reveals key nanostructural characteristics of the composites. Some of the toughening particles appear to be broken down, with areas of PMMA detached from the surrounding matrix.
ISSN:0022-3727
1361-6463
DOI:10.1088/0022-3727/33/19/301