The configuration of adsorbed polymers at the solid–solution interface

Abstract

Small-angle neutron scattering and pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance have been used to investigate the configuration of adsorbed polymers at the solid–solution interface. In particular, the segment density of the adsorbed polymer normal to the interface as well as the bound fraction have been obtained for physically adsorbed poly(vinyl alcohol) and terminally anchored poly(ethylene oxide) on deuterated polystyrene latex. The results are in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions of adsorbed polymer and tail configurations.