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Atomic force microscopy of polyethylene and poly-(d-lactide) single crystals

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Summary

Single crystals of polyethylenes with different molecular weight and of poly(d-lactide) were examined with atomic force microscopy. Morphologies of single crystals and their aggregates formed by overlaying as well as multilayer crystals are shown. Elevated diagonals caused by sectorization were found on crystals of both polymers. The nanoscale images demonstrate a grain structure of the lamellar surfaces with lateral features in the 5–15 nm range and roughness of about 1 nm. Polyethylene and the polylactide crystals exhibit some additional directional surface structure. The results are discussed in terms of surface organization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum and Institut für Makromolekulare Chemie, Universität Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 21, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany

    K. Crämer, A. Wawkuschewski, H. -J. Cantow & S. N. Magonov

  2. Department of Pharmacy, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel

    A. Domb

Authors
  1. K. Crämer
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  2. A. Wawkuschewski
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  3. A. Domb
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  4. H. -J. Cantow
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  5. S. N. Magonov
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Dedicated cordially to Prof. Dr. Joachim Klein to his 60th birthday

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Crämer, K., Wawkuschewski, A., Domb, A. et al. Atomic force microscopy of polyethylene and poly-(d-lactide) single crystals. Polymer Bulletin 35, 457–464 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00297612

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00297612

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