Structural analysis for a poly(methyl methacrylate) ultrathin film in water by neutron reflectivity

Abstract

Density profiles of a perdeuterated poly(methyl methacrylate) (dPMMA) film spin-coated on a substrate in water (H2O) and deuterated water (D2O) were examined along the direction normal to the interface by specular neutron reflectivity (NR). Although H2O and D2O were typical non-solvents for dPMMA, their interfaces were more diffuse than the air/dPMMA interface due to the swelling caused by the sorption of H 2O and D2O molecules. An isotopic effect on aggregation structure of the dPMMA film in water was also discussed. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.