Nanoscale rippling on polymer surfaces induced by AFM manipulation

Abstract

SummaryNanoscale rippling induced by an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip can be observed after performing one or many scans over the same area on a range of materials, namely ionic salts, metals, and semiconductors. However, it is for the case of polymer films that this phenomenon has been widely explored and studied. Due to the possibility of varying and controlling various parameters, this phenomenon has recently gained a great interest for some technological applications. The advent of AFM cantilevers with integrated heaters has promoted further advances in the field. An alternative method to heating up the tip is based on solvent-assisted viscoplastic deformations, where the ripples develop upon the application of a relatively low force to a solvent-rich film. An ensemble of AFM-based procedures can thus produce nanoripples on polymeric surfaces quickly, efficiently, and with an unprecedented order and control. However, even if nanorippling has been observed in various distinct modes and many theoretical models have been since proposed, a full understanding of this phenomenon is still far from being achieved. This review aims at summarizing the current state of the art in the perspective of achieving control over the rippling process on polymers at a nanoscale level.

Recent advances in hybrid measurement methods based on atomic force microscopy and surface sensitive measurement techniques

“…Here, k i depicts the rate constants of the processes shown in eqn (3)- (6). From the steady-state analysis of the eqn (3)-(6) the uorescence decay time s F is given by eqn (7).…”

“…A second measurement technique, which made further advances possible, was atomic force microscopy. The atomic force microscope (AFM) rapidly emerged as an invaluable tool for direct measurement of topography and intermolecular forces with atomic resolution for a broad spectrum of applications, such as electronics, [1][2][3] semiconductors, 4 materials and manufacturing, 5 polymers, 6 biology, and biomaterials. 7 An AFM is able to measure a sample at ambient conditions 8 and even in liquid [9][10][11] or buffer solutions, 12 which is in contrast to scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).…”

Rippled Polymer Surface Generated by Stick–Slip Friction

“…In nature and industries, many physical processes involved in energy exchange, motion, and signal transmission are realized through surfaces, such as superhydrophobic surfaces, drag reduction surfaces, and optical components. − Given the comprehensive understanding of the physical and chemical phenomena of microscopic surfaces, the design and manufacture of surface switch microscopic structures are widely applied in antiadhesion, vibration reduction, antifriction and wear, electricity system, and other fields. − Many advanced manufacturing technologies, including laser processing, photolithography, electrolytic processing, honing, nanoindentation, reactive ion etching, abrasive blasting, embossing, and pulsed air arc, have been developed. − Thus, solid surfaces can now have micropits, grooves, lug bosses, and special microstructures with different shapes, sizes, and distributions to improve their material, physical, and chemical properties. , However, soft materials, such as rubber, plastic materials, and colloidal materials, are difficult to get regular microsurface textures on their surface using conventional mechanical cutting or molding processes. − …”

Fabrication of Nanoscale Pits with High Throughput on Polymer Thin Film Using AFM Tip-Based Dynamic Plowing Lithography

“…Among all of the TBN methods, the mechanical removal approach is the easiest and most flexible [ 10 ]. This method consists first of indentation and subsequent scratching actions on various materials, in which the tip-material interaction is strongly dependent on the type of material, such as metals [ 11 ], semiconductors [ 12 , 13 ], and polymers [ 14 ]. By precisely controlling the tip-material interaction on the nanoscale, complex and high-precision nanostructures, such as nanodots, nanogrooves, and even 3D nanostructures, have been successfully fabricated.…”