Using Atomic Force Microscopy to Probe Crystallization in Atactic Polystyrenes

Abstract The use of atomic force microscopy phase imaging to study crystallization in near oligomeric atactic polystyrenes is demonstrated. By considering different thermal histories, the distribution of polymerization index in the samples can be changed, and how this effects the resulting crystallinity can be measured. Different thermal treatments in the nucleation of crystals and the effect on the resulting measured crystal formation are also examined.