Molecular dynamics of grafted PBLG in the swollen and in the dried state

A novel technique to contact (ultra-) thin polymer layers is presented whic h enables to compare the molecular dynamics in grafted films of poly(gamma- benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) to that of the bulk polymer by means of dielectr ic spectroscopy. Two relaxation processes are observed which are assigned t o restricted fluctuations of the helical main chains and to the dynamic gla ss transition of the side chains. Furthermore, the swelling behavior of PBL G is studied. Sketch of contacting the sample by use of a solid mica-electrode. An alumin ium stripe (b) is evaporated on a sheet of freshly cleaved mica (a), thus, forming the upper electrode. for the base plate, aluminium stripes (d) are evaporated on cleaned glass plates (e). PBLG-films (c) are grafted subseque ntly on the aluminium stripes and are contacted by applying the evaporated side of the mica sheet, thus composing one sample capacitor. Wires ar elect rically connected to contact pads by use of silver paint (f).