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<p>Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a sophisticated imaging technique to study the surface morphology of substrates in high resolution. Through phase imaging, AFM can be employed to probe the distribution of materials on a surface based on certain material properties. Natural rubber (NR) is often mixed with other materials, including fillers or other polymers, to achieve new or composite materials for specific applications. The objective of this study was to provide supporting data for mechanical testing results. Synthetic rubber (SR) is one of the common materials for blending with NR. NR-SR blends were prepared by mixing the two materials in the latex stage mechanically for 24&#xa0;h before the dipping process. The dried dipped films remained on the glass formers and were subjected directly to AFM imaging using a Park System NX10 AFM. Both the topography and phase imaging images were recorded simultaneously. The process of capturing AFM images, as well as the image analysis, is presented in this report. With significant variations in mechanical properties, the phase imaging can differentiate NR from SR, and hence the distribution of each rubber can be visualised. The distribution pattern of these two types of rubbers appeared differently if a compatibiliser was added, as shown by AFM phase imaging.</p>

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NR film visualisation via AFM imaging

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Kim Song Tan,
  • Evelyn Hui Mei Lim,
  • Nurul Hayati Yusof

摘要

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is a sophisticated imaging technique to study the surface morphology of substrates in high resolution. Through phase imaging, AFM can be employed to probe the distribution of materials on a surface based on certain material properties. Natural rubber (NR) is often mixed with other materials, including fillers or other polymers, to achieve new or composite materials for specific applications. The objective of this study was to provide supporting data for mechanical testing results. Synthetic rubber (SR) is one of the common materials for blending with NR. NR-SR blends were prepared by mixing the two materials in the latex stage mechanically for 24 h before the dipping process. The dried dipped films remained on the glass formers and were subjected directly to AFM imaging using a Park System NX10 AFM. Both the topography and phase imaging images were recorded simultaneously. The process of capturing AFM images, as well as the image analysis, is presented in this report. With significant variations in mechanical properties, the phase imaging can differentiate NR from SR, and hence the distribution of each rubber can be visualised. The distribution pattern of these two types of rubbers appeared differently if a compatibiliser was added, as shown by AFM phase imaging.