Recently developed phase-separated polymer blends for gas separation possess a unique droplet-matrix architecture. The extent of the interaction between the polymers at the blend interface may affect a membrane's tensile strength and gas permeability properties. A method was developed to investigate the interaction between phase-separated polymers using the PeakForce� Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PFQNM, Bruker) mode of atomic force microscopy. In PFQNM, force curves acquired for each pixel are translated into a height image and mechanical property maps (e.g., adhesion, deformation, dissipation, Young's Modulus).    The successful mapping of Young's modulus in polymer membranes was achieved using the Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov model. Analysis of the Young's modulus maps will reveal the degree of interaction between the polymers in the blends. These results will be used to interpret current gas permeation results and to develop future gas separation membranes.

Local Young's modulus of pure and blended polymers using PeakForce� Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping

247th National Meeting (2014)

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