PMSE 40 |
| As the field of polymer surfaces and interfaces continues to increase, understanding and controlling their properties becomes an important part of polymer science and technology. To more precisely control these properties, their molecular origin, both chemical and geometrical, need to be elucidated. The correlation of surface properties to molecular characteristics is inherently difficult due to their 2-D nature. Single crystals can create the well defined surfaces needed to illuminate these relationships. Diblock copolymers allow the control over chemical composition needed to probe these surfaces and their topology by precisely varying the tethering density of the chains through chain folding. Through this method, it is possible to study the interactions of the tethered chains under various conditions. Even the organic/inorganic interface properties can be investigated by attaching crystallizable chains to inorganic particles and utilizing the crystallization to force the 2-D assembly of the particles. In all, single crystals are a versatile way to investigate surface and interface properties. |
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50 Years after the Discovery of Polymer Single Crystals: A Look Back, Current Discoveries and Future Opportunities
8:30 AM-11:55 AM, Sunday, August 19, 2007 Westin Boston Waterfront -- Alcott, Oral
Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering |