Scanning electric potential microscopy imaging of polymers: electrical charge distribution in dielectrics

Scanning electric potential images of polymer surfaces are presented and co mpared to standard non-contact AFM images. Samples used were a latex film w ith a well-known distribution of chemical constituents and thus of ionic el ectrical charges, as well as finished industrial products. Topography and e lectric potential images show a variable degree of correlation, thus eviden cing the independence of topographic and electrical features of the samples , in the micro- and nanoscopic scales. Domains with non-zero negative or po sitive electric potentials are observed, extending for a few tenths of a mi cron and creating an electric mosaic in the otherwise neutral polymers. Lar ge electric potential gradients are observed, e.g. in a HDPE film. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.