Physical Degradation Of Polymeric Coating Surfaces Using Atomic Force Microscopy

Published

November 1, 2001

Author(s)

Mark R. VanLandingham, M Giraud, Tinh Nguyen, Walter E. Byrd, Jonathan W. Martin

Abstract

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to monitor physical and chemical changes, respectively, in acrylic melamine coatings caused by exposure to a 50 C, 70 % relative humidity environment with and without ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Regardless of the UV conditions, this exposure caused a general roughening of the surface and the formation of pits. However, these physical changes were more substantial when the coating was exposed to UV radiation compared to no UV exposure. Differences in physical degradation generally correlated with measurements of chemical degradation determined using FTIR spectroscopy. In a follow-up study, AFM was used not only to track physical changes in local surface regions but also to estimate changes in overall coating thickness. In this second study, coating thickness remained constant within the experimental uncertainty.

Proceedings Title

International Coating Expo, Annual Meeting | 79th| | FSCT

Conference Dates

November 5-7, 2001

Conference Location

Undefined

Conference Title

ICE Proceedings

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

ablation, atomic force microscope, environmental degradation, film erosion, hydrolysis, pitting, polymeric coatings, surface roughness, weathering

Citation

VanLandingham, M. , Giraud, M. , Nguyen, T. , Byrd, W. and Martin, J. (2001), Physical Degradation Of Polymeric Coating Surfaces Using Atomic Force Microscopy, International Coating Expo, Annual Meeting | 79th| | FSCT, Undefined (Accessed October 17, 2025)