Nano-scale thin polymeric films supported on different substrates have been investigated by using positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). The object of this research was to characterize and to understand basic physical properties of thin films at different depths.

Filling the gap for a reference dedicated to the characterization of polymer blends and their micro and nano morphologies, this book provides comprehensive, systematic coverage in a one-stop, two-volume resource for all those working in the field. Leading researchers from industry and academia, as well as from government and private research institutions around the world summarize recent technical advances in chapters devoted to their individual contributions. In so doing, they examine a wide range of modern characterization techniques, from microscopy and spectroscopy to diffraction, thermal analysis, rheology, mechanical measurements and chromatography. These methods are compared with each other to assist in determining the best solution for both fundamental and applied problems, paying attention to the characterization of nanoscale miscibility and interfaces, both in blends involving copolymers and in immiscible blends. The thermodynamics, miscibility, phase separation, morphology and interfaces in polymer blends are also discussed in light of new insights involving the nanoscopic scale. Finally, the authors detail the processing-morphology-property relationships of polymer blends, as well as the influence of processing on the generation of micro and nano morphologies, and the dependence of these morphologies on the properties of blends. Hot topics such as compatibilization through nanoparticles, miscibility of new biopolymers and nanoscale investigations of interfaces in blends are also addressed. With its application-oriented approach, handpicked selection of topics and expert contributors, this is an outstanding survey for anyone involved in the field of polymer blends for advanced technologies.

Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) has been used to characterize as extruded and aged LEXAN polycarbonate. The long-lived component of the PALS analysis is attributed to orthoPositronium (oPs) pick off annihilations. The oPs pickoff component lifetime and intensity decrease as the result of the aging heat treatment, and this decrease is associated with a decrease in the free volume site size and concentration in glassy polycarbonate due to aging. Isothermal relaxation experiments performed over the range 12 C to 30 C performed on as-extruded and aged polycarbonate indicate that the relaxation kinetics are significantly different, and are consistent with a decrease in molecular mobility as the result of aging. An activation energy for structural relaxation of 8.2 kcal/mole for aged polycarbonate versus 3.0 kcal/ mole for unaged polycarbonate was determined. The relaxation kinetics observed using PALS is related to the structural state and molecular mobility of the polymer.