Main description:

The study of polymers by electron microscopy (EM) needs special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. General characteristics of the different techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy, are given in this hands-on book. The application of these techniques to the study of morphology and properties, particularly micromechanical properties, is described in detail. Examples from all classes of polymers are presented.

Contents:

I Techniques of Electron Microscopy
01. Overview About Techniques
02. Transmission Electron Microscopy - Methodical and Instrumental Fundamentals
03. Transmission Electron Microscopy - Conventional and Special Investigations of Polymers
04. Scanning Electron Microscopy
05. Atomic Force Microscopy
06. In situ Microscopy
07. Image Processing and Image Analysis II Preparation Techniques
08. Problems of Electron Microscopy of Polymers
09. Preparation of Surfaces
10. Preparation of Thin Sections
11. Special Preparation Techniques
12. Preparation for (in situ) Deformation Tests
13. Contrast Enhancement III Main Groups of Polymers
14. Structural Hierarchy of Polymers
15. Amorphous Polymers
16. Semicrystalline Polymers
17. Polymer Blends
18. High-impact Rubber modified Polymers
19. Block Copolymers
20. Rubbers and Elastomers
21. Polymer Composites
22. Polymer Nanocomposites
23. Biological and Biomedical Polymers
24. Special Processing Forms
Index