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Abstract
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy have been combined in a single instrument capable of producing 100 nm spatial resolution IR spectra and images. This new capability enables the spectroscopic characterization of biomaterial domains at levels not previously possible. A tunable IR laser source generating pulses on the order of 10 ns was used for excitation of cast sample films or thin cross sections deposited on IR transparent ZnSe prisms. Short duration thermal waves, due to infrared absorption, were studied by monitoring the resulting excitation of the contact resonance modes of the AFM cantilever. Differences in the IR spectra as a function of spatial position provide insight into microdomain formation and lead to increased understanding of how nanomaterial additives affect the molecular structure and properties of biomaterials. Cellulosic materials and additives, as well as poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers, are discussed.
Citation
Marcott, Curtis; Lo, Michael; Kjoller, Kevin; Prater, Craig; Shetty, Roshan; Jakes, Joseph; Noda, Isao. 2012. Nanoscale infrared spectroscopy of biopolymeric materials. In: SAMPE Technical Conference Proceedings: Navigating the global landscape for the new composites. 2012 October 22-25; Charleston, SC. Covina, CA: Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering: 9 pp. CD ROM.
