PREPARATION OF MESOSCOPIC STRUCTURE POLY METHYL METHACRYLATE THIN FILMS FOR AFM DATA STORAGE DEVICES.

Chandar Shekar B,Sunnitha S,Sharmila C,S Sathisha ,S Shanmuga Sundari

doi:10.26524/krj54

Abstract

Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) thin films were prepared by dip coating method. Benzene was used as a solvent to prepare PMMA thin films for the time periods ranging from 1 min. to 1 h. The thickness of the films deposited was measured by using an electronic thickness measuring instrument (Tesatronic-TTD-20). Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum was used to identify the above said films. X-ray diffraction spectra indicated the predominantly amorphous nature of the films. Surface morphology of the coated films studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated the absence of any pits, cracks and pin holes in the surface. Both as grown and annealed films showed smooth and amorphous structures. The closer SEM inspection revealed the presence of self assembled mesoscopic cells. The mesoscopic structure PMMA thin films could be used as an AFM-based data storage which is promising alternative to conventional magnetic data storage because it offers great potential for considerable storage density improvements.

Highlights

Thin films of polymer have attracted the attention of researchers mainly because of their unique properties, resistivity, electrical properties and their ease of processing and fabrication
The X-ray diffraction pattern of Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) thin films of thickness 360 nm and 1810 nm are presented in the Figs. 2a, b
The dip coating process presented in this work is simple, highly reproducible and permits fabrication of large areas of mesoscopic structured films, which have a potential as membranes, long period gratings and photonic molecules

Summary

Introduction

Thin films of polymer have attracted the attention of researchers mainly because of their unique properties, resistivity, electrical properties and their ease of processing and fabrication. The important advantages of polymer thin films are that they can be prepared and at low cost. Extensive work has been carried out on synthesis, preparation and various properties such as morphology, dielectric, optical and aging behavior of PMMA films (Sakai et al, 2009; Konno et al, 2009; Kim et al, 2009; Mabrook et al, 2009). In the present work an attempt has been made to prepare PMMA thin films of suitable thickness by a simple dip coating method which could be used in AFM data storage devices

Methods

Results

Conclusion