AVS 53rd International Symposium
    Applied Surface Science Thursday Sessions
       Session AS-ThP

Paper AS-ThP8
Fabrication of Nanoscale Craters In PMMA Due to Exposure to Condensing Solvent Vapor

Thursday, November 16, 2006, 5:30 pm, Room 3rd Floor Lobby

Session: Aspects of Applied Surface Science Poster Session
Presenter: C.M. Bates, Washington State University
Authors: C.M. Bates, Washington State University
S.C. Langford, Washington State University
J.T. Dickinson, Washington State University
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When cooler surfaces are exposed to hot vapors, nucleation of tiny droplets can occur. We exploit this condensation to explore the consequences of exposure of poly(methyl methacrylate) films to formic acid vapor. After rapid evaporation of these droplets we observe the surface with atomic force microscopy. The surface is dramatically modified by the formation of nanometer scale craters. Careful image analysis suggests that the mechanism is a combination of two processes: (a) dissolution and transport of polymer to the rim of the crater, similar to the formation of coffee stain patterns described by Deegan, and (b) densification of the polymer during resolidification. such features could be useful for modifying the surface properties of the polymer, serve as molecular reservoirs, and possibly modify the mechanical properties of the surface.