Abstract
AbstractThe mechanical properties of polymers near interfaces are important in a number of different fields. For almost two decades, the local dynamics of thin polymer films have been studied in great detail. However, development of an understanding of local mechanical properties has been hindered by the necessary proximity of stiff substrates: mechanical measurements are confounded by interaction with the substrate, convoluting polymer, and substrate properties. In this paper, local elastic properties of thin polymer films near interfaces are directly probed for the first time via nanoindentation experiments on thin films coupled with finite element modeling. A comprehensive set of experimental and numerical modeling results are presented for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) revealing separately the effects of substrate and interphase polymer. Results indicate the attractive surface significantly affects the properties up to hundreds of nanometers. This new, direct approach to measure local mechanical properties provides new fundamental understanding of interfacial and small‐scale behaviors in polymers and soft matter for application advances in nanocomposites, microelectronics, and biopolymers.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
