ATOMIC-FORCE MICROSCOPY OF POLYETHYLENE AND POLY-(D-LACTIDE) SINGLE-CRYSTALS

Single crystals of polyethylenes with different molecular weight and o f poly(d-lactide) were examined with atomic force microscopy. Morpholo gies of single crystals and their aggregates formed by overlaying as w ell as multilayer crystals are shown. Elevated diagonals caused by sec torization were found on crystals of both polymers, The nanoscale imag es demonstrate a grain structure of the lamellar surfaces with lateral features in the 5-15 nm range and roughness of about 1 nm. Polyethyle ne and the polylactide crystals exhibit some additional directional su rface structure. The results are discussed in terms of surface organiz ation.