Scanning probe microscopy of polymer surfaces

Basic principles and recent results of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) studies of polymer surfaces are reviewed. Applicability of various SPM techniques-including contact, dynamic, force modulation, friction force, chemical force, electrostatic, adhesion, and thermal modes-to probing of polymer surfaces is illustrated. Examples of recent studies of surface morphology and properties of various polymers are presented and briefly discussed. An extensive bibliography of more than 200 references is included. Classes of polymers considered here are: crystalline and amorphous, composites and blends, fibers and deformed polymers, block polymers and latexes, rubbers and liquid crystalline polymers, thin films and ionomers. Current focuses and future trends are summarized including quantitative SPM measurements, probing of nano-and microscale mechanical properties, studying dynamical surface properties, and exploring local chemical interactions.