Abstract
The mechanical deformation and relaxation behaviour of thin-grafted polymer layers is investigated by a scanning force microscope (SFM) in contact mode. The layers were considerably plastically deformed at different temperatures. By scratching across the surface, a ripple structure is created. The temperature- and time-dependent relaxation of the ripple structure is followed directly by SFM and discussed in comparison to classical viscoelastic relaxation behaviour and time-temperature superposition of bulk material. In contrast to classical viscoelastic behaviour, here, the strong plastic deformation of the grafted layers accelerates the relaxation behaviour.
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