Structure and molecular dynamic of ultra-thin films of molecular miscible polymers

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Schönhals
• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Physics of Polymers
• Term: from 2009 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 124846229

The aim of the project is to obtain a basic gain in knowledge in the structure/property relationships of ultra-thin films prepared from polymers which are molecular miscible in the bulk state. Especially the glass transition behavior is addressed. The approach to consider blends is novel, literature results are only scarcely available. The glass transition behavior of ultra-thin films of homopolymers is currently controversially discussed in the literature. Both polymer/substrate interactions as well as confinement effects will play a role partly with an opposite effect. Therefore a consequent combination of surface analytical with bulk sensitive methods is suggested to separate interaction, free surface and confinement effects. The comparison of the results obtained by the different methods will be carried out for samples which have been prepared in the same way under identical conditions. Considering blends of molecular miscible polymers will allow to vary the interaction of the polymer layer and the substrate in a broad range. The influence of the preparation conditions on the glass transition will be discussed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants