Combined Atomic Force Microscopy and Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy Studies of Polyolefins and Hydrogels at Interfaces

A FM and sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy experiments provide complementary information that can be used to relate the morphology and mechanical properties of a polymer interface to the molecular structure of the interface. The application of the two techniques to the study of polymer interface structure is presented, focusing on surface segregation and wetting behavior of polyolefin blends and on the interface structure and mechanical behavior of hydrogels exposed to various hydration conditions.