The structure of optically anisotropic surface layers and the orientational order profile in polymer films

Variations in the orientational order of chain molecules with the distance from interphase boundaries were analyzed. The dependence of the surface bir efringence on the thickness of a polymer film was theoretically studied. Th e theory was compared to experiment for the films of carboxymethylchitin, a derivative of the natural polymer chitin. The parameter of orientational o rder near the surface, S-0 approximate to -0.5, corresponds to a virtually total planar orientation of molecular fragments with respect to the surface . The effective thickness of surface layer in a polymer film is evaluated.