Page 18 - Solutions for Plastic Evaluation

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Product Evaluation
Surface Structure
SPM

Evaluation of Plastic Materials Observing the Lamellar Structure of Polymer Film Using a Scanning Probe
Microscope

The surface of polymer films have a characteristic form typified by a lamellar structure that is related to the material's transparency and
strength. In this example, the surface of polyethylene film is observed via a scanning probe microscope (SPM) to simultaneously obtain a
three-dimensional image (left) and phase image (right) of the surface. The three-dimensional image shows that there are tiny bumps on
the surface. The phase image clearly shows the lamellar structure and crystallization of the polymer. The areas where crystalli zation has
progressed and become harder appear brighter. The image is 1.8 µm on each side. In this way, using an SPM allows easily observing the
Evaluation of Raw Materials
structure and physical properties of polymer films under atmospheric conditions, without any special sample preparation.

Product Evaluation

Product Information

Micro Phase Separation of Block Copolymers Using a Scanning Probe Microscope
A phase separation structure can be observed in plastics
that include a mixture of two or more materials. The image
to the right is the block copolymer surface observed using
a scanning probe microscope (SPM). Due to the SPMs
high resolution capability, it clearly shows micro phase
separation structures. Due to its ability to observe samples
in atmospheric conditions, it is being used for an increasing
range of applications, such as to observe the heating, cooling,
tension, or cross sections of samples.

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