Applications of ESCA to polymer chemistry. XI. Core and valence energy levels of a series of polymethacrylates

Abstract

Abstract The core and valence energy levels of a series of poly(alkyl methacrylates) have been studied by ESCA. Surface compositions have been determined both from a comparison of area ratios for the O 1 s and C 1 s core levels and from the relative areas for the individual component peaks for these levels. The evidence presented suggests that on the ESCA depth‐profiling scale the technique statistically samples the repeat unit with little or no evidence for preferential orientation of the alkyl side chain at the surface. Little evidence was found for either surface oxidation or hydrocarbon contamination at the surface of the samples studied. The valence energy levels are shown to be characteristic of the polymer system.