Temperature-Step Liquid Dewetting Method for Tg Determination of Thin Films

Astrid Torres-Arellano

The Tg – film thickness behavior of polymeric materials has long been investigated. It is known that different experimental techniques, annealing conditions, substrates, and molecular architecture might result in different Tg – film thickness dependences. In the current investigation, a temperature-step (T-step) liquid dewetting technique is used by using a self-built dewetting device to investigate the Tg – film thickness behavior of linear and star branched polymers. The T-step method allows us to obtain Tg – film thickness response for several thicknesses using one single sample.

Funding

• National Science Foundation
• John R. Bradford Endowment at Texas Tech University