Crystallization of poly(vinyl alcohol) in the presence of an inorganic fill
er surface (sodium montmorillonite, MMT) was observed and compared to the c
rystallization of the neat polymer. For this purpose, several atomic force
microscopy modes, providing spatial resolution between amorphous and crysta
lline polymer, are employed to observe filled and unfilled PVA films. The v
arious AFM modes utilized are detailed, with the emphasis on how they can c
ontrast stiff (crystalline) and softer (amorphous) domains on a polymer sur
face. The study revealed changes in the PVA crystal morphology, with bulk c
rystallites growing to sizes of more than 5 mum, whereas next to the inorga
nic surfaces grow to only 1-2 mum in size. Moreover, complementary X-ray di
ffraction and DSC investigations indicate a new crystal structure formed ne
xt to the MMT surfaces, at the expense of the bulklike crystal.