Abstract
The structural changes in poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) thin films induced by the absorption of bisphenol A (BPA), which is suspected to be an endocrine disrupter disturbing the hormone balance in a living body, have been investigated by infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) and sum frequency generation (SFG) measurements. BPA molecules are absorbed in PMEA thin film. By controlling the thickness of the intermediate polystyrene (PS) film between the PMEA and Au substrate, we are able to probe the molecular structure at the different PMEA interfaces of air/PMEA (free) and PMEA/PS (buried) by the SFG measurements. The ether methyl (OCH3) group in the side chain of PMEA at both interfaces has the same vector orientation with respect to Au, i.e., pointing into air at the free interface and pointing into PMEA at the PMEA/PS buried interface. The OCH3 groups at the PMEA interfaces are likely to stand up and that the interfacial ordering on the PMEA is increased by the BPA absorption. The structural changes in the PMEA bulk and its interface induced by BPA absorption and desorption are reversible.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
