Illia Dobryden

Temperature-dependent surface nanomechanical properties of a thermoplastic nanocomposite

In polymer nanocomposites, particle-polymer interactions influence the properties of the matrix polymer next to the particle surface, providing different physicochemical properties than in the bulk matrix. This region is often referred to as the interphase, but detailed characterization of its properties remains a challenge. Here we employ two atomic force microscopy (AFM) force methods, differing by a factor of about 15 in probing rate, to directly measure the surface nanomechanical properties of the transition region between filler particle and matrix over a controlled temperature range. The nanocomposite consists of poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA) and poly(isobutyl methacrylate) (PiBMA) with a high concentration of hydrophobized silica nanoparticles. Both AFM methods demonstrate that the interphase region around a 40-nm-sized particle located on the surface of the nanocomposite could extend to 55-70nm, and the interphase exhibits a gradient distribution in surface nanomechanical properties. However, the slower probing rate provides somewhat lower numerical values for the surface stiffness. The analysis of the local glass transition temperature (Tg) of the interphase and the polymer matrix provides evidence for reduced stiffness of the polymer matrix at high particle concentration, a feature that we attribute to selective adsorption. These findings provide new insight into understanding the microstructure and mechanical properties of nanocomposites, which is of importance for designing nanomaterials.

Background-Force Compensation in Dynamic Atomic Force Microscopy

Background forces are linear long-range interactions of the cantilever body with its surroundings that must be compensated for in order to reveal tip-surface force, the quantity of interest for det ...

Corrosion of AD31 (AA6063) Alloy in Chloride-Containing Solutions

Corrosion of AD31 (AA6063) alloy in neutral 0.05 M NaCl solutions is investigated via scanningprobe microscopy, linear-sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical-impedance spectroscopy. Al−Fe−Si−Mg intermetallic particles are determined to prevail in the structure of alloy and act as local cathodes. Intermodulation electrostatic-force-microscopy imaging shows that their Volta potential differs by 570 mV from that of the host aluminum matrix, making the alloy prone to localized corrosion. We show that the corrosion of alloy in the studied electrolyte mainly develops locally and results in pitting, with charge transfer being the limiting stage of the process. A mechanism of corrosion of the AD31 (AA6063) alloy in neutral chloride-containing solutions is proposed.