Application of scanning force and near field microscopies to the characterization of minimally adhesive polymer surfaces.
This mini-review reports efforts to develop new scanning probe microscopies to characterize the function and aging of textured, minimally adhesive polymer surfaces used for antifouling applications in the marine environment. Novel atomic force and infrared near field microscopy techniques have been used to characterize the polymer surface adhesion and structural properties. These techniques may find promise for characterizing the deposition of the extracellular matrix of organisms as well as aging of the polymer coating itself. The reported work is part of a larger effort to reduce biofouling on ships' hulls through the development and use of improved coating materials.
Akhremitchev
Boris B
BB
Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Bemis
Jason E
JE
al-Maawali
Sabah
S
Sun
Yujie
Y
Stebounova
Larissa
L
Walker
Gilbert C
GC
D000268:Adhesiveness; D018441:Biofilms; D020527:Microscopy, Scanning Probe / Q000379:methods*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012767:Ships
D011108:Polymers