title: Real-time observation of lamellar branching induced by an AFM tip and the stability of induced nuclei.
abstract: Branching of edge-on lamellae of poly(bisphenol A octane ether) (BA-C8) was studied at room temperature (21 +/- 1 degrees C) using real-time tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). Lamellar branches were shown to develop from induced nuclei that had originated from lamellar defects, namely protruding cilia and loose loops, of parent lamellae. Induced nuclei appeared and also disappeared-a phenomenon observed first time by AFM. Induced nuclei are one of the possible origins for the branching of lamellae. Branching of edge-on lamellae can be induced by an AFM tip though the adjustment of the set-point amplitude ratio (r(sp)). Using an r(sp) smaller than 0.65, defects could be created on the lamellar surface, which gave rise to lamellar branches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, Advanced Engineering Materials Facility, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Chi-Ming
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Kai-Mo
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: Yong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D004987:Ethers / Q000737:chemistry*; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D010636:Phenols / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D000442:Octanols; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
chemical_list: D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D004987:Ethers; D010636:Phenols; C510839:poly(bisphenol A octane ether); D000442:Octanols; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds