Scanning Probe Microscopy of Polymers

The highlights of this book include an examination of the use of scanning probe microscopy to characterize a variety of polymeric materials, from polymer single crystals and molecular films to composites and biopolymers. The volume provides a synthesis of critical overviews and important new developments, including applications in atomic resolution, chemical force microscopy, and recognition/nanolithography. It includes a review of basic principles and operational modes, terminology, trends, and a discussion of key industrial applications, such as polymer fibers, polymer composites, and filled polymers. It also includes chapters on biopolymers and living cells and on methods for probing micromechanical properties.