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Related Experiment Videos

Phase separation in polyfluorene-polymethylmethacrylate blends studied using UV near-field microscopy.

J Chappell1, D G Lidzey

  • 1Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Sheffield, Hicks Building, Hounsfield Road, Sheffield S3 7RH, U.K. John.Chappell@sheffield.ac.uk

Journal of Microscopy
|March 19, 2003
PubMed
Summary

This study used scanning near-field optical microscopy to analyze blends of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) [PFO] and polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA]. Researchers mapped PFO distribution, revealing phase separation across multiple length scales and its dependence on polymer concentration and processing.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Science
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Phase separation in polymer blends is crucial for tuning material properties.
  • Understanding morphology at the nanoscale is key for advanced applications.
  • Poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) [PFO] and polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA] blends are relevant for optical and electronic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phase-separated morphology of PFO:PMMA thin films.
  • To determine the influence of PFO concentration on blend morphology.
  • To explore the capabilities of NSOM for imaging organic thin films.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized scanning near-field optical microscopy (NSOM) with shear force and fluorescence imaging.
  • Studied thin films of PFO:PMMA blends with PFO concentrations from 1% to 50% by mass.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Analyzed UV excitation at 362 nm to generate blue fluorescence from PFO.

    • Main Results:

    • Phase separation was observed across length scales from 250 nm to 5 µm.
    • At 1% PFO, the polymer predominantly segregated to the film surface.
    • At 50% PFO, the PMMA phase permeated the entire film thickness.
    • Spin-casting protocols were shown to modify phase separation length scales.

    Conclusions:

    • NSOM effectively maps the nanoscale distribution of PFO within PMMA films.
    • The morphology of PFO:PMMA blends is highly dependent on concentration and processing.
    • Control over spin-casting offers a method to tailor blend morphology and properties.