THIN-FILMS OF POLYMER BLENDS - SURFACE-TREATMENT AND THEORETICAL MODELING

This work deals with the theoretical modeling, surface characterizatio n, and excimer laser surface modification of thin films of polymer ble nds. The compounds considered in this study are bisphenol-A polycarbon ate (PC) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) mixed in various mass ra tios. The surface morphology of these blends and the influence of lase r irradiation are investigated by means of atomic force microscopy. In parallel, the interactions occurring at the molecular level between t he two polymers are modeled theoretically in order to provide informat ion in the context of their miscibility. On one hand, we use the Hartr ee-Fock semiempirical Austin Model One method to obtain detailed geome trical structures far short oligomers. On the other hand, a molecular mechanics technique provides further information on PC and PMMA chains at the surface.