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Functional Polymers pp 347–389Cite as

Surfaces and Interfaces

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Part of the book series: Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series ((POPOC))

Abstract

Polymer surfaces and interfaces are present with all polymer materials. They determine many properties like optical appearance, wetting, and adhesion, but with blends and composites also for instance toughness, hardness, modulus, and elongation at break. A short outline of polymer surfaces at molecular scale is given with reference to special aspects of chain conformation and surface dynamics. The surface tension as a fundamental property of a surface is discussed and surface functionalization in particular by grafting of polymer brushes onto surfaces described. In this way, a very versatile surface functionalization and even responsive polymer brush surfaces can be obtained. They may be used to control wetting, adhesion, bio-functionality, catalytic activity, and sensing ability. The interface between polymers can be formulated on the basis of mean-field theory with introduction of an effective interaction parameter, which is related with interface width and fluctuations at the interface. Polymer blends, copolymers as compatibalizers, and composites are discussed as examples, where interfaces play an essential role. Several techniques for surface and interface characterization including scanning force and electron microscopy, photoelectron and IR/Raman spectroscopy, as well as x-ray and neutron reflectometry or scattering techniques are critically reviewed. Guidelines for resolution and typical information obtained are provided. The importance of surface and interface design for future high-tech devices and advanced materials is highlighted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Chemistry and Physics of Polymers, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Dresden, Germany

    Manfred Stamm

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  1. Manfred Stamm
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Correspondence to Manfred Stamm .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Mohammad Abu Jafar Mazumder

  2. McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada

    Heather Sheardown

  3. Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

    Amir Al-Ahmed

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Stamm, M. (2019). Surfaces and Interfaces. In: Jafar Mazumder, M., Sheardown, H., Al-Ahmed, A. (eds) Functional Polymers. Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95987-0_10

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