Quantitative High Resolution Electron Scattering From Polymers
Abstract
This project developed and applied quantitative methods to determine the structure of polymers and polymer-based materials using high spation resolution electron-scattering techniques. The traditional approach to studying polymer morphology using the electron microscope has involved preferential scattering using heavy element stains. We and others have shown that such staining approaches introduce artifactual structure which interferes with the study of intrinsic polymer morphology at length scales of order 5 nm and finer. This project focused on: (i) the development and application of phase-contrast imaging via electron holography and chemical imaging via electron energy-loss spectroscopy to study the structure of polymers and polymer-based nanoparticles. The present report summarizes advances primarily in the area of chemical imaging of dry two-phase polymers. With ongoing ARO support we are currently concentrating on the development and application of EELS-based methods to map water and other solvents in frozen- polymers and organic materials using chemical imaging combined with cryomicroscopy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 05, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA422528
Entities
People
- Matthew R. Libera
Organizations
- Stevens Institute of Technology