Electron Microscopy of Polymers

There are many books on electron microscopy, however, the study of polymers by EM needs special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. General characteristics of the different techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy (AFM), are given. Application of these techniques to study morphology and also properties, particularly micromechanical properties, is described in detail. Examples from all classes of polymers are presented. This book provides a hands-on manual and is a must-have for the practitioner.

There are many books on electron microscopy, however, the study of polymers using EM necessitates special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. This book discusses the general characteristics of the various techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy (AFM). 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.

Techniques of Electron Microscopy.- Overview of Techniques.- Transmission Electron Microscopy: Fundamentals of Methods and Instrumentation.- Transmission Electron Microscopy: Conventional and Special Investigations of Polymers.- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).- Atomic Force Microscopy.- In Situ Microscopy.- Image Processing and Image Analysis.- Preparation Techniques.- Problems Associated with the Electron Microscopy of Polymers.- Preparation of Surfaces.- Preparation of Thin Sections: (Cryo)ultramicrotomy and (Cryo)microtomy.- Special Preparation Techniques.- Preparation for (In Situ) Deformation Tests.- Contrast Enhancement.- Main Groups of Polymers.- Structural Hierarchy of Polymers.- Amorphous Polymers.- Semicrystalline Polymers.- Polymer Blends.- High-Impact Rubber-Modified Polymers.- Block Copolymers.- Rubbers and Elastomers.- Polymer Composites.- Polymer Nanocomposites.- Biomaterials.- Special Processing Forms.