Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films of a maleic anhydride derivative: effect of subphase divalent cations

TL;DR

This study investigates how divalent cations like Mg2+ influence the properties and morphology of Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films of a maleic anhydride derivative, revealing electrolyte-dependent aggregation and film expansion.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the effect of Mg(NO3)2 on the equilibrium, dynamics, and morphology of polymer monolayers and transferred films.

Findings

Polymer monolayer expands with increased electrolyte concentration.

Divalent cations induce aggregation of polymer films at the interface.

Aggregate morphology varies with subphase composition.

Abstract

We report the study of the equilibrium and dynamic properties of Langmuir monolayers of poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) partial 2-buthoxy ethyl ester cumene terminated polymer and the effect of the Mg(NO3)2 addition in the water subphase on the film properties. Results show that the polymer monolayer becomes more expanded when the electrolyte concentration in the subphase increases. Dense polymer films aggregate at the interface. The aggregates are transferred onto Silicon wafers using the Langmuir-Blodgett methodology and the morphology is observed by AFM. The structure of aggregates depends on the subphase composition of the Langmuir film transferred onto the silicon wafer.