Surface crystallography of polybutene-1 by atomic force microscopy

The surface of ultra-thin polybutene-1 films was studied using an atomic fo rce microscope (AFM) and resolution of individual molecules was achieved. P olybutene-1 can exist in multiple crystal phases. The tetragonal phase, nam ed form 2, is unstable, converting over time to the most prevalent phase, f orm I. Comparison of the images with Connolly surfaces enabled identificati on of which plane of which phase was observed in the AFM images. The sample s were prepared in such a way that the bulk would be in the stable phase. I t was found that this phase is also stable on the surface. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.