Liquid polymer conformation on solid surfaces

Infrared spectra of thin films of polyperfluoroethers on metal and silicon dioxide surfaces were obtained for films with thicknesses between 1 and 1000 nm by p-polarized reflection and modulated polarization techniques. Changes in frequencies and relative intensities of vibrational peaks with film thickness suggest that the conformation of liquid polymers on surfaces is unlike bulk conformation, with polymer chains extended preferentially along the surface. © 1989 American Institute of Physics.