Characterization of Polyester Degradation Using Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy; 1. Exposure in Alkaline at Room Temperature

Published

January 1, 2001

Author(s)

Xiaohong Gu, D T. Raghavan, Tinh Nguyen, Mark R. VanLandingham, D Yebassa

Abstract

One of the major disadvantages of polyester materials is their sensitivity to hydrolysis. In this paper, tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to examine the microstructure of polyester films before and after exposure to an alkaline solution. Phase imaging and force curves are explored to show the different properties between the degraded regions and undegraded regions. Additionally, chemical analyses of the degraded films and the immersion solutions are also carried out using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively, to aid the interpretation of AFM data. The results show that the base-catalyzed hydrolysis of polyester is a heterogeneous process, with pit formation and enlargement with exposure time. Information provided by this study is used to better understand the degradation mode and mechanism of polyester coatings in alkaline media.

Citation

Polymer Degradation and Stability

Volume

74

Issue

No. 1

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

AFM, alkaline, building technology, degradation, FTIR, hydrolysis, LC/MS, phase imaging, polyester

Citation

Gu, X. , Raghavan, D. , Nguyen, T. , VanLandingham, M. and Yebassa, D. (2001), Characterization of Polyester Degradation Using Tapping Mode Atomic Force Microscopy; 1. Exposure in Alkaline at Room Temperature, Polymer Degradation and Stability (Accessed October 10, 2025)