Investigation of Adhesion Properties of Polymer Materials by Atomic Force Microscopy and Zeta Potential Measurements

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science Vol. 180; no. 1; pp. 232 - 236
• Main Authors: Weidenhammer, Petra, Jacobasch, Hans-Jörg
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 01.06.1996; Elsevier
• Subjects: adhesion; adsorption; AFM; Applied sciences; electrolytes; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; Surface properties; zeta potential; AFM; adsorption; zeta potential; adhesion; electrolytes; Atomic force microscopy; Hydroxides; Liquid solid adsorption; Silicon nitride; Polyetheretherketone; Aqueous electrolyte; Experimental study; Adhesion; Solid state; Solid liquid solid interaction; Investigation method; Chlorides; Electrokinetic potential
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1006/jcis.1996.0294

AFM and zeta potential measurements were applied in order to investigate the influence of adsorption phenomena on the adhesion behavior of polymer materials. It is shown by means of zeta potential measurements that hydroxyl anions adsorb much stronger than chloride anions onto poly(etheretherketone) surfaces. The adhesion forces between the PEEK surface and the silicon nitride tip of the AFM is lower in potassium hydroxide solution than in potassium chloride solution corresponding to the different adsorption free energies of the anions. For electrolyte concentrations above 0.5 mmol/liter no adhesive contact between tip and sample can be established. We propose an explanation based on the action of competitive forces in the system PEEK–electrolyte solution–Si3N4.