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Comparative study of a block copolymer morphology by transmission electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy
Author(s) -
Ott H.,
Abetz V.,
Altstädt V.,
Thomann Y.,
Pfau A.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of microscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.569
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1365-2818
pISSN - 0022-2720
DOI - 10.1046/j.0022-2720.2001.00975.x
Subject(s) - transmission electron microscopy , copolymer , morphology (biology) , materials science , scanning electron microscope , microscopy , scanning confocal electron microscopy , electron microscope , scanning transmission electron microscopy , electron tomography , nanotechnology , optics , composite material , polymer , physics , biology , genetics
Summary Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning force microscopy (SFM) together, it was possible to verify important structural features of a nanostructured bulk material such as the kp‐morphology in an ABC triblock copolymer. By applying suitable imaging techniques during the SFM measurements it was possible to determine the morphology without additional manipulation steps in between. In comparison, TEM investigations on this type of material usually require selective staining procedures prior to the measurement. Also electron beam damage is often encountered during TEM measurements especially if components such as poly(methacrylates) are present. In contrast, SFM measurements can be assumed not to significantly change the phase dimensions of the components.