In order to study the various
properties, effects, mutual influences and dependencies of
confined polymer films, a combination of different, but
complementary experimental techniques are being employed in this
project. These range from scattering techniques (e.g. neutrons)
through scanning probe techniques, to other spectroscopic
techniques such as broadband dielectric spectroscopy. A unifying
theme linking the techniques is that they all yield information
on length scales as small as the size of the polymer molecules
themselves. Experiments will be used to test theory and computer
simulation.
The research is split into themes
(listed in the menu on the right). Complementary experimental and
theoretical techniques are employed across the themes as a means
to verify and corroborate the data obtained.
The thematic pages (see menu
right) provide very brief overviews of the techniques to be
applied during the course of the project. As the project
proceeds, these notes will be replaced by scientific data showing
how the project has progressed.
As an example, the complementary
techniques of dielectric spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic
resonance both provide information on dynamics in thin polymer
films. As a consequence results from the two experimental
techniques can be compared, and theoretical models should account
for features observed in both studies!
The thematic pages (see menu
right) provide very brief overviews of the techniques to be
applied during the course of the project. As the project
proceeds, these notes will be replaced by scientific data showing
how the project has progressed.
