Polymer Surface Characterization: An Overview

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Abstract
The properties of a polymer surface can be decisive for the function of the polymer. Both in the assessment of existing polymer systems and the development of new ones the possiblity of characterizing the chemical composition and structure of the polymer surface becomes important. Various instruments and chemical methods used to characterize polymer surfaces and interfaces are reviewed. The pros and cons of electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and derivatization schemes to enhance the detectability of functional groups, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic methods (ATR, RIFT, PAS, micro), Raman spectroscopy, static secondary ion mass spectrometry, high resolution solid state nuclear magnetic resonance, microscopy and contact angle measurements are presented. The importance of the fact that the polymer surface can undergo comparatively rapid reorientations leading to a changed surface chemistry is discussed and exemplified.