Probing polymer interfaces using neutron reflectivity

The surface of the materials and the interface between materials are of great importance in determining the properties of a material because they impinge on all macroscopic properties such as adhesion, friction, mechanical strength, and particulate stabilization. This paper investigates these interfaces and surfaces using neutron reflectivity (NR). Using NR, not only can surfaces be investigated to molecular length scales of the order 1 nm or better, but due to the penetrative nature of neutrons interfaces up to approximately 500 nm below the surface are also easily studied to the same degree of precision. A convenient range of common materials are neutron transparent allowing for the possibility of in situ measurements within sample cells as well as the ability to study varied interfaces.