Thermotropic dynamic processes in multiphase polymer systems by (cryo-)AFM

The structural (volume and enthalpy) relaxation of polymers during physical aging has a great relevance in materials science and engineering as it significantly changes the long-term material performance. In this article, we propose a methodological approach of (cryo-)atomic force microscopy (AFM) monitoring of macromolecular rearrangements which accompany structural relaxation within bulk of the polymer during physical aging. In contrast to conventional spectroscopic, scattering and thermal analysis techniques, high resolution topographical/phase imaging of the bulk cross-section over a large period of time and within a wide range of temperatures (-120 degrees C to + 20 degrees C) yields unique information about the evolution of the polymer ultrastructure as a function of time and temperature in situ.