Investigation of interactions between polymer-coated nano-Y-TZP particles by AFM

The interactions between nano-Y-TZP (yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia) particles were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in a dried environment. The interaction between uncoated Y-TZP nanoparticles at various separation distances; the serrated appearance of the curve obtained from AFM revealed the nature of tiny particles. It demonstrated a constant attraction when separation was confined at 50 mm or lower. On separation, the surfaces remained in contact due to the attractive force between the two uncoated surfaces until they parted by approximately 200 nm. The direct probing of forces between nanoparticles confirmed that van der Waals force triggered the aggregation of nanoparticles.