Tapping mode and phase imaging of biaxially oriented polyester films

The surface morphology and mechanical properties of biaxially drawn poly(et hylene terephthalate) film surfaces have been investigated with tapping mod e scanning force microscopy. Imaging with high tapping forces caused tip-in duced wear of the polymer surface. The damage was avoided by tapping at low er force. It is then possible to utilize phase detection imaging to provide ready access to surface properties such as stiffness and adhesion. Phase i maging has revealed a wealth of detailed surface structure information not seen in previous studies of heterogeneous polyester film materials. Not onl y are the different components of heterogeneous materials resolved with rem arkable clarity, but detailed information is also provided on the phase mor phology of individual components and on homogeneous polyester film material s. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.