Australian Journal of Chemistry 58 (2005) 423-432
Chemical mapping of polymer microstructure using soft X-ray spectromicroscopy
Department of Chemistry and Brockhouse
Institute for Materials Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
L8S 4M1
Manuscript received: 18 February 2005. Final version: 15 April 2005.
Abstract - Recently, synchrotron-based soft X-ray spectromicroscopy techniques have been applied to studies of polymer microstructure at the ˇ«50 nm spatial scale. Functional group based chemical speciation and quantitative mapping is provided by near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectral (NEXAFS) contrast. The techniques, sample data, and analysis methods of scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM) are outlined. The capabilities of STXM are illustrated by results from recent studies of (a) controlled release microcapsules and microspheres, (b) microcapsules being developed for gene therapy applications, (c) conducting polymer films studied in the presence of electrolyte and under potential control, and (d) studies of protein interactions with patterned polymer surfaces. In the latter area, the capabilities of STXM and X-PEEM are compared directly.
10.1071/CH05054 CCC: © CSIRO 2005