We utilize various advanced surface-sensitive techniques, including Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Sum Frequency Generation (SFG) spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy with Infrared Spectroscopy (AFM-IR), to investigate the surface chemistry of automotive clearcoats. Our analysis of the polymer film focuses on understanding the distribution and behavior of functional groups, such as alkyl and hydroxyl groups, as well as measuring mechanical properties and determining surface energy through contact angle measurements.
Our research explores the molecular-level interactions between the clearcoat surface and environmental factors like humidity, temperature, and chemical exposure. The insights gained from these precise surface analyses are pivotal for developing advanced clearcoat formulations that improve durability, scratch resistance, and adhesion, particularly for applications requiring reliable bonding with windshield adhesives.
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Co-author and dedicated contributor to this work
“Superhydrophilicity enables design of pretty amazing materials, such as anti-fogging coatings, bacteria-resistant surfaces and even self-cleaning surfaces. … The type of charges these polymer brushes carry really dictates how they behave…”
Elucidating Interfacial Chain Conformation of Superhydrophilic Polymer Brushes by Vibrational Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy
Yen-Ting Lin, Michele Fromel, Yiwen Guo, Rachel Guest, Juseok Choi, Yu-Sheng Li, Huseyin Kaya, Christian W. Pester* and Seong H. Kim*
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Annotations🧐
⏰3:00 — Can just say infrared light
⏰3:15 — Not accurate to say ATR-IR is high-tech light detector specifically for water
⏰4:24 — The full name of SFG should be mentioned
⏰4:30 — It is kind of misleading to say SFG is like microscope since it is one of the spectroscopy techniques
⏰5:56 — A larger tilt angle typically indicates that the polymer chains are more bunched up or collapsed, as the CH3 groups are oriented more parallel to the surface normal. A smaller tilt angle suggests that the chains are more extended or aligned away from the surface, as the CH3 groups are oriented more perpendicular to the surface normal.
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