title: Macrocrystal Swelling: AFM in Situ Observation of Particle and Film Deformation and Motion.
abstract: The surface of a poly(styrene-hydroxyethylmethacrylate), macrocrystalline film was observed by atomic force microscopy in the contact mode, before and during film immersion in water. The swelling effect on film morphology is strongly dependent on the quality of the macrocrystalline surface: film integrity is preserved or concerted many-particle displacement is observed in well-organized areas with few defects, but extensive particle displacement is observed in highly defective areas. The lateral particle dimensions increase by ca. 10-15% only and particle aspect ratio is unaltered in the highly crystalline areas. However, film roughness is greatly decreased, and flat mirror-like surface domains are obtained due to the concerted effects of particle swelling and latex-water interfacial tension. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil
authors.forename: André
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Galembeck
authors.forename: Carlos Alberto Rodrigues
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: Maria do Carmo Vasconcelos
authors.lastname: Medeiros da Silva Md
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Galembeck