An Atomic Force Microscopy Study of the Surface Morphology of Hyperbranched Poly(acrylic acid) Thin Films

Abstract

The surface morphology and topography of hyperbranched films of PAA (poly(acrylic acid)) are investigated. These grafted films are reported to be significantly smoother than films formed by other methods, e.g., spin-coating. The Figure is a schematic representation of 2-PAA—the film after it has undergone two activation/grafting/hydrolysis cycles.