3. Surface and interface properties

Depending on the properties required, polymer surfaces can be characterized by various complementary methods. For example, you may need to know :

• topography, often described as roughness ranging from the atomic scale (e.g. molecules) to the macroscopic scale (form deviations);

• morphological texture: distribution of crystalline lamellae and amorphous phase, spherulites or other morphologies;

• electronic structure: knowledge of core and valence bands ;

• composition: nature of the elements present, their bonds and concentration;

• optical characteristics, such as transparency and brightness.

• surface mechanical characteristics, such as surface modulus of elasticity, hardness, scratch...