Microprinting - a new approach to study competitive structure formation onsurfaces

A new approach to the experimental investigation of heterogeneous crystalli zation on surfaces with molecularly defined structures is demonstrated. Cry stallization and competitive dewetting processes of polyethylene on heterog eneous micropatterned surfaces were studied using molecular imprinting tech niques for structured chemical modification of surfaces on micrometer scale in laterally defined areas. Examination of spherulitic textures by low-vol tage SEM and AFM shows remarkable differences in spherulite sizes due to su rface chemical influences. The results are discussed in terms of a diffusio n limited aggregation process which causes the dendritic and spherulitic st ructures and which is influenced by the dewetting process.