This selection of review papers, taken from the third International Symposium on Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces, held in Durham, UK in July 1997, covers a broad spectrum of surface science techniques and related applications. The topics illustrate surface and interfacial aspects of polymer science, providing the theoretical and technical background necessary to predict the behavior of materials. There are discussions of most of the surface analysis techniques in use today.

From the Preface: “...[T]he choice of subjects reflects the belief of the organizers that experimental methods of evaluation of polymer surfaces had expanded to such an extent that it would be worthwhile collecting together material on the newer ones which would form suitable starting points for those with a `need to know'. This objective notwithstanding, some of the areas included here are not new. For example, ellipsometry is an old technique but the availability of spectroscopic ellipsometers nowadays has given it added impetus...Similarly, ion beam analysis and surface quasi-elastic light scattering were contributions to the previous volume but although they have matured and deepened now, they are methods whose full exploitation has yet to be realized...”

Target Audience: Polymer and surface scientists, chemists, physicists, and biologists in academia and industry.

Table of Contents:

Application of Ellipsometry to Polymers at Interfaces and in Thin Films

MeV Ion Beam Profiling of Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces

Phase Separation in Thin Films of Strongly Incompatible Polymer Blends

Mechanical Properties of Polymer Interfaces

Neutron Reflectivity for the Study of Polymer Interfaces

Modification of Electrode Surfaces with Electroactive Polymers

Interactions of Tethered Polyelectrolytes in Poor Solvents

Viscoelastic Properties of Polymer Films from Surface Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering

Magnetic Resonance Relaxation and Imaging

Surface Modification for Adhesion Minimization in Aqueous Environments

Atmospheric vs. Low-Pressure Plasma Oxidation of Rubber Surfaces

Index