Evaluation of the interactions between polymeric chains and surfaces with different structures performed by an atomic force microscope

Interactions between polymers and inorganic surfaces are present in a series of phenomena involving processes such as coagulation and deffloculation of ceramic powder and adsorption of organic macromolecules on the surface of implants, among others. In this work, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was modified to allow the evaluation of interactions between polymeric chains and inorganic surfaces (silica) with different structures. Polymers (sulfonated polysulfone) were grafted onto AFM cantilevers. AFM force-distance curves were obtained for this modified tip against a series of substrates produced by depositing silica films on silicon wafers. The structure of the silica layer was modified by employing heat treatments at different temperatures. The results showed that the interactions between polymer and surfaces are dependent on the structure of the surfaces. Penetration of the polymeric chains can occur through a soft gel layer (substrates treated at low temperature, 110 °C). For surfaces with dense silica layers, the results showed that not only the concentration of hydroxy groups but also their spatial distribution along the surfaces are important in defining the magnitude of interactions between polymers and surfaces. A model involving a molecular recognition process, in which interactions are maximized for inorganic surfaces with structures that can match the chemical architecture of the polymer, was then used to explain the obtained results