An etching technique to reveal the supermolecular structure of crystalline polymers

Abstract

Abstract Highly polished surfaces of nylon 6, nylon 66, polychlorotrifluoroethylene and polypropylene were etched by aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons at temperatures between 25 and 75°C to reveal surface morphology. Comparison with micrographs obtained with microtomed sections shows the absence of etching artifacts which are known to accompany the use of oxidizing etching agents.