Electron microscopic investigations of morphology and structure formation of polymers

Abstract

Abstract Techniques of electron microscopy and specimen preparation of polymers for studying morphology and interfacial layers are briefly reviewed, including a discussion of general problems of electron microscopic investigations of polymers arising from irradiation sensitivity and low contrast. To improve contrast, some irradiation-induced effects are applied to reveal arrangement of lamellae and intralamellar defects in semicrystalline polymers (polyurethane — PU and polyethylene — PE). Structure formation has been studied in PE using a special technique of irradiation-induced fixation in the melting range. Using this technique, structure formation processes in polymer blends [e.g., low-density PE/high-density PE (LDPE/HDPE) blends] can also be studied. Using in situ deformation tests in the electron microscope, strength of interfaces is determined in several polymer combinations. As a consequence, the structural details which are important for mechanical properties can be defined.