Visualization and Characterization of Discontinuous Particle Films of Polystyrene by Atomic Force Microscopy

Discontinuous particle films of polystyrene (PS) with different molecular weights were prepared by the methods of spin coating (SPC) and droplet evaporation (DE) at room temperature on mica substrates. Visualization and characterization of these samples were performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results showed that the dimensions of the particles in the films increased with molecular weight. The dimensions of the particles in the films derived from SPC exhibited better uniformity than those from DE. During the steps of particle film formation by SPC, the PS molecules gathered in large clusters at the early stage, then the polymer aggregates were separated or spun off, and more and more particles emerged, finally the clusters vanished and the particle film formed. The particles of the spin-coated film dewetted after annealing and numerous individual polymer chains appeared newly on the mica substrate.