The theoretical and experimental study of polymers, polymer surfaces and thin films has undergone a revolution in the last 25 years. This book captures recent advances in this field. It covers equilibrium aspects, kinetics and reactions at interfaces. It is aimed not only at a research audience but also at beginners.

In what is an extremely practical and applicable new work, experts provide concise explanations, with examples and illustrations, of the key techniques in this important field. In each case, after basic principles have been reviewed, applications of the experimental techniques are discussed and illustrated with specific examples. Scientists and engineers in research and development will benefit from an application-oriented book that helps them to find solutions to both fundamental and applied problems. They will know that the surfaces and interfaces of polymers play an important role in most of the application areas of polymers, from moulds, foils, and composites, to biomaterials and applications in micro- and nanotechnology.

This book emphasises both experimental and theoretical aspects of surface, interface and thin film physics. Compa- red to the earlier editions, which bore the title "Surfaces and Interfaces of Solid Materials", the book now places more emphasis on thin films, including also their superconducting and ferromagnetic properties. The present 4th edition thus presents techniques of preparing well-defined solid surfaces and interfaces, fundamental aspects of adsorption and layer growth, as well as basic models for the descripti- on of structural, vibronic and electronic properties of sur- faces, interfaces and thin films. Because of their importan- ce for modern information technology, significant attention is paid to the electronic properties of semiconductor inter- faces and heterostructures. Collective phenomena , such as superconductivity and ferromagnetism, also feature promi- nently. Experimental sections covering essential measurement and preparation techniques are presented in separate panels.

This fully updated edition provides a broad approach to the surface analysis of polymers being of high technological interest. Modern analytical techniques, potential applications and recent advances in instrumental apparatus are discussed. The self-consistent chapters are devoted to spectroscopic and microscopic techniques which represent powerful tools for the characterization of morphology and chemical, physical, mechanical properties of polymer surfaces, interfaces, and thin fi lms. Selection of techniques which can properly address very shallow depth of surfaces, spanning from few angstroms to tens of nanometers Interaction of polymer surfaces with their surroundings is pointed out as a critical issue for specifi c applications

Ch. 1. Block copolymer thin films / J.-Y. Wang, S. Park and T. P. Russell -- ch. 2. Equilibration of block copolymer films on chemically patterned surfaces / G. S. W. Craig, H. Kang and P. F. Nealey -- ch. 3. Structure formation and evolution in confined cylinder-forming block copolymers / G. J. A. Sevink and J. G. E. M. Fraaije -- ch. 4. Block copolymer lithography for magnetic device fabrication / J. Y. Cheng and C. A. Ross -- ch. 5. Hierarchical structuring of polymer nanoparticles by self-organization / M. Shimomura ... [et al.] -- ch. 6. Wrinkling polymers for surface structure control and functionality / E. P. Chan and A. J. Crosby -- ch. 7. Crystallization in polymer thin films: morphology and growth / R. M. Van Horn and S. Z. D. Cheng -- ch. 8. Friction at soft polymer surface / M. K. Chaudhury, K. Vorvolakos and D. Malotky -- ch. 9. Relationship between molecular architecture, large-strain mechanical response and adhesive performance of model, block copolymer-based pressure sensitive adhesives / C. Creton and K. R. Shull -- ch. 10. Stability and dewetting of thin liquid films / K. Jacobs, R. Seemann and S. Herminghaus -- ch. 11. Anomalous dynamics of polymer Films / O. K. C. Tsui.

Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces Comprehensive textbook on the interdisciplinary field of interface science, fully updated with new content on wetting, spectroscopy, and coatings Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of surface and interface science, focusing on essential concepts rather than specific details, and on intuitive understanding rather than convoluted math. Numerous high-end applications from surface technology, biotechnology, and microelectronics are included to illustrate and help readers easily comprehend basic concepts. The new edition contains an increased number of problems with detailed, worked solutions, making it ideal as a self-study resource. In topic coverage, the highly qualified authors take a balanced approach, discussing advanced interface phenomena in detail while remaining comprehensible. Chapter summaries with the most important equations, facts, and phenomena are included to aid the reader in information retention. A few of the sample topics included in Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces are as follows: Liquid surfaces, covering microscopic picture of a liquid surface, surface tension, the equation of Young and Laplace, and curved liquid surfaces Thermodynamics of interfaces, covering surface excess, internal energy and Helmholtz energy, equilibrium conditions, and interfacial excess energies Charged interfaces and the electric double layer, covering planar surfaces, the Grahame equation, and limitations of the Poisson-Boltzmann theory Surface forces, covering Van der Waals forces between molecules, macroscopic calculations, the Derjaguin approximation, and disjoining pressure Physics and Chemistry of Interfaces is a complete reference on the subject, aimed at advanced students (and their instructors) in physics, material science, chemistry, and engineering. Researchers requiring background knowledge on surface and interface science will also benefit from the accessible yet in-depth coverage of the text.