MATERIALS

SCIENCE AND

ENGINEERING

LABORATORY

NISTIR 6435

UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF

COMMERCE

TECHNOLOGY

ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL 

INSTITUTE OF

STANDARDS AND

 TECHNOLOGY

POLYMERS 

1999 PROGRAMS 

AND

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OF

COMMERCE

William M. Daley, 

Secretary

TECHNOLOGY

ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Cheryl L. Shavers, 

Under Secretary of Commerce 

for Technology

NATIONAL 

INSTITUTE OF

STANDARDS AND 

TECHNOLOGY

Raymond G. Kammer, 

Director

MATERIALS

SCIENCE AND

ENGINEERING

LABORATORY

POLYMERS

1999 PROGRAMS 

AND

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Eric J. Amis, Chief

Bruno M. Fanconi, Deputy

NISTIR 6435

January 2000

ME

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEPARTMENT OF COM

RCE
iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................1

Recognizing Leadership in Measurement Science....................................................................3

Recognizing Leadership in Standards Development ...........................................................4

TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES

ELECTRONIC PACKAGING, INTERCONNECTION AND ASSEMBLY PROGRAM

Overview..............................................................................................................................5

Significant Accomplishments..............................................................................................6

Characterization of Low-k Dielectric Porous Silica Thin Films .........................................7

Dielectric Properties of Thin Polymer Films and Composites ..........................................10

Optical Polarization Dependent Performance of Photonic Devices ..................................12

Hygrothermal Expansion of Thin Films ............................................................................14

Thermal Properties of Polymer Films and Interfaces ........................................................17

Functionalized Silsesquioxane Cubes as Potential Underfill Encapsulants......................18

Polymer Electrostriction ....................................................................................................21

Electrical and Thermal Properties of Thin Polymer Films................................................22

Thin-Film Residual Stress Measurement: Application in Determination of Inplane CTE and In-plane Modulus ..........................................................................23

Assembly of IC Chips Utilizing Wafer-level Underfill.....................................................24

Spectroscopic Studies of Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces...............................................26

Neutron Scattering and the Low Energy Excitations in Polycarbonate Copolymers........27

Fundamentals of Polymers at Surfaces and Interfaces......................................................29

Highlight ............................................................................................................................35

POLYMER BLENDS AND PROCESSING PROGRAM

Overview............................................................................................................................37

Significant Accomplishments............................................................................................38

In-Line Optical Characterization of Polymer Extrusion and Blend Morphology..............40

Phase Behavior in Polymer Blends and Polymer Crystallinity .........................................42

Mixing and Structure Formation Under Shear Flow.........................................................46

Fluorescence, Dielectrics and Ultrasonics Monitoring for Polymer Processing ...............50

Theory of Phase Separation and Transport in Polymer Liquid..........................................52

Heterogeneous Dynamics of Polymers and Filled Polymers: Theory and 

Simulation..............................................................................................................55

Measurements of Polymer-Filler Interactions in Filled Polymers.....................................58

Probing Local Dynamics, Structure and Ordering in Filled Polymers and

 Nanocomposites....................................................................................................60

Combinatorial Measurements of Polymeric Coatings.......................................................62

Dendrimers with Polymers, Metals, and Small Molecules................................................63

Highlights...........................................................................................................................69
iv

POLYMER COMPOSITES PROGRAM

Overview............................................................................................................................73

Significant Accomplishments............................................................................................73

Hybrid Reinforced Polymer Composites...........................................................................74

Microstructure Studies: Non-destructive Characterization by Optical 

Coherence Tomography.........................................................................................77

Microstructure Studies: Measurement of Interface Strength after High

 Speed Processing of Fast Reacting Resins............................................................80

Processing: Fiber Optic Sensors for Process Monitoring ..................................................82

Liquid Composite Molding: Interface Sensitive Optical Fiber Sensor..............................84

Microstructure Studies: Improve the Utility of the Single Fiber

 Fragmentation Test ...............................................................................................85

Liquid Composite Molding: Lattice Boltzmann Techniques for 

Process Modeling...................................................................................................88

Processing: Permeability Measurements and Database .....................................................91

Highlights...........................................................................................................................93

POLYMER CHARACTERIZATION

Overview............................................................................................................................95

Significant Accomplishments............................................................................................96

Standard Reference Materials ............................................................................................96

Mass Spectrometry of Polymers........................................................................................97

Characterization of Polymer Morphology by Microscopy Techniques...........................100

Characterization of Polymers by Spectroscopic Techniques...........................................103

Development of Standard Reference Materials: Non-Newtonian Fluids for 

Rheological Measurements..................................................................................107

Structural Recovery, Physical Aging and Nonlinear Viscoelasticity of Polymer 

Glasses .................................................................................................................110

Structural Characterization of Polymers by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering ...................111

Hygrothermal Aging Studies of a Commercial Structural Adhesive ...............................114

Highlight ..........................................................................................................................117

DENTAL AND MEDICAL MATERIALS PROGRAM

Overview..........................................................................................................................119

Significant Accomplishments..........................................................................................120

Dental Resins Based on Fluorinated Monomers and Oligomers.....................................120

Dental Composites with Improved Interfaces..................................................................124

Improved Adhesive Systems for Bonding to Tooth Structure .........................................128

Bioactive Polymeric Dental Materials with Remineralization Potential based on 

Amorphous Calcium Phosphate.......................................................................................130

Cure Monitoring of Dental and Medical Resins by Fluorescence Spectroscopy ............132

Support for the Biomaterials Integrated Products Industries (BIPI's) .............................134

Highlights.........................................................................................................................139
v

DIVISION MANAGEMENT......................................................................................................141

RESEARCH STAFF....................................................................................................................143

APPENDIX

NIST Organization Chart............................................................................................................157

MSEL Organization Chart...........................................................................................................159

Polymers Division Organization Chart........................................................................................161

Certain commercial materials and equipment are identified in this report in order to 

specify adequately the experimental procedures. In no case does such identification 

imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and 

Technology (NIST) nor does it imply necessarily the best available for the purpose.
1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report describes the fiscal year 1999 technical activities of the Polymers Division, organized 

according to the five major programs. For each program a concise summary is followed by a 

distillation of the major accomplishments during this fiscal year. These overviews are followed 

by descriptions of each project in terms of objective, technical approach, collaborations or 

teaming interactions, and a summary of accomplishments and outputs. The discussion in this 

report provides only a project summary of the Division's work during FY99 -- a year that 

resulted in over 160 scientific publications. 

Just as it is impossible to include the extent of the year's technical output in a summary report 

such as this, it is also difficult to encompass the full significance of the accomplishments and 

impact of the work. During this year several projects from previous years have been recognized 

for major awards. For other projects the near term impact is already clear from the intensity of 

interactions with specific industrial collaborators. Although by definition an annual report 

presents a snapshot fixed in time, the most important goal of this report should be to convey the 

scope of our work and in doing so, make itself obsolete by facilitating even more effective future 

interactions with our customers. 

The Polymers Division provides standards, measurement methods, and fundamental concepts in 

support of the measurement infrastructure for U.S. industries that produce or use polymers in 

essential parts of their business. The Division's programs are planned in response to and 

anticipation of measurement needs that support emerging markets for polymer materials as well 

as traditional industrial and technical communities. We rely heavily on advice gained during 

informal visits to and from our customers and from formal focused workshops as we plan our 

future directions. The current program areas are Electronic Packaging, Interconnections, and 

Assembly; Polymer Blends and Processing; Polymer Composites; Polymer Characterization; and 

Dental and Medical Materials. 

Work in the Electronic Packaging, Interconnections, and Assembly program has led to 

development of new measurement capabilities in several areas. A unique combination of smallangle neutron scattering, high-resolution x-ray reflectivity, and ion scattering has been developed 

and applied to characterized critical parameters of thin film low dielectric nanoporous materials. 

The characterization includes average pore size, porosity, pore wall density, pore connectivity, 

film thickness, film composition, coefficient of thermal expansion, and moisture uptake. A test 

protocol and microstrip test specimen has also been developed for dielectric measurements of 

polymer composite films with dielectric constant up to 50 in a frequency range up to 5 GHz for 

applications as embedded passive components in wireless communication and high-speed 

electronics. 

The Polymer Blends and Processing program has extended previous applications of on-line 

processing monitoring for multiphase polymer blends to systems which demonstrate a shear 

induced morphological transition from dispersed droplets to extended ribbons. Measurements 

have been applied to two phase immiscible blends, reactive systems, and polymers with 

inorganic fillers where processing is critical to the fabrication of high performance 

nanocomposites materials. Experiments focusing on the perturbation of phase separation by the 

presence of fillers in polymer blends have been tied to computer simulations performed in the 

Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science. In addition, large scale computer 
2

simulations of homopolymer melts have identified signatures of dynamic heterogeneities that 

correspond to spatially correlated molecular motions in the vicinity of the glass transition. 

Work in the Polymer Composites program has brought on line two critical measurement 

technologies for microstructural analysis of composites. The rate dependent behavior of fiber 

fragmentation tests has been linked to stress concentrations at the fiber fragment ends. The 

implications of this work are particularly significant for linking fiber-matrix interfacial chemistry 

to characterization of failure mechanisms. To further enhance the measurement capability for 

non-destructive evaluation of composite materials we have designed and constructed an optical 

coherence tomography system optimized for polymer composites. 

The Polymer Characterization program is responsible for the majority of the Standard Reference 

Materials produced by the Division. Intrinsic viscosity and light scattering characterization is 

proceeding for three new polyethylene materials. At the same time, work in progressing on a 

potential replacement for these classical measurements as we continue to define and validate 

measurements of molecular mass and mass distribution using matrix assisted laser 

desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. 

Fiscal year 1999 marked successful completion of another round of intramural funding by the 

National Institutes of Health for the Dental and Medical Materials program. This program 

continues to be focused on a core collaboration with the American Dental Association in support 

of new materials developments for dental composites and polymer based remineralization. For 

example we have validated a new near-infrared method for analysis of degree of conversion 

during polymer curing. A collaborative project with the Polymer Composites group has also 

developed a new micro-shear bond test that greatly improves utilization of test surfaces and 

allows new investigations related to the effects of different regions of the tooth structure. 

The items noted above reflect only a few highlighted activities and accomplishments for fiscal 

year 1999. By their nature these descriptions often neglect to emphasize the effort involved in 

program planning and ongoing discussions with collaborators. Workshops continue to play a 

major role in program planning, as do numerous industrial visits and visitors. Most of the work 

in the Division involves direct collaborations with industrial and academic partners. We are 

pleased to provide more details in the following program reports and invite inquiries to any of 

the project leaders. 
3

Recognizing Leadership in Measurement Science

...providing technical leadership in measurements of materials properties

Charles Han receives High Polymer Physics Prize from APS

The American Physical Society (APS) has awarded its 1999 High Polymer 

Physics Prize to Charles Han of the Polymers Division. This prestigious 

prize was endowed by the Ford Motor Company in 1960 and is the highest 

APS award in recognition of outstanding accomplishment and contributions 

to the field of polymer physics research. The citation for Han reads: "For 

outstanding contributions in the application of light and neutron scattering 

to the physics of polymer phase separation." The Prize will be presented at 

the APS Centennial Meeting in March 1999 in Atlanta Georgia. At this 

meeting Han will present a lecture on his research in a special symposium 

organized in his honor. The award consists of $10,000 and a certificate.

Charles Han has been in the Polymers Division at NIST since 1974, and 

before becoming a NIST Fellow in 1995, he led the Polymer Blends and 

Processing Group for 10 years. He received the Bronze, Silver, and Gold 

Medals, and the Samuel Wesley Stratton Award from NIST and the Department of Commerce. In 1995 

Han was awarded a Senior Research Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 

Germany. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and in 1984 he was the first recipient of the 

Dillon Medal, the only other award from the APS Division of High Polymer Physics, in recognition of his 

early achievements in polymer physics. 

Donald Hunston Named Fellow of the Adhesion Society

Donald Hunston of the Polymers Division was named Fellow of the 

Adhesion Society at its 1999 Annual Technical Conference held in Panama 

City, Florida. Only 15 scientists, counting the 3 new inductees in 1999, have 

been given this prestigious status by the Society. Hunston was cited for 

fundamental scientific contributions to the mechanics of failure in adhesives 

and interfaces as well as for outstanding service to the Society. The award 

made special note of Donald Hunston’s two terms as Vice President of the 

Society and his research on fracture. The latter was a ten-year effort in which 

he and his collaborators elucidated the mechanisms of toughening that make 

structural adhesives possible. 
4

Recognizing Leadership in Standards Development

...providing leadership in standards development

Polymers Division Scientist Receives ASTM Committee Award

ASTM Committee F04 on Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices 

presented its 1999 MOSES award to John Tesk of the Polymers Division 

during its standards meeting in Seattle, Washington. The MOSES 

medallion, so named as an acronym for Member of Science and 

Engineering with Sensitivity, was established to recognize the advantages 

of standards for the public good. The MOSES Award is awarded in one of 

the following categories: physician, engineer, consumer, general interest, 

special liaison, government, and research. It was presented to Tesk as the 

committee’s Most Honored Government Representative, in recognition for 

many years of outstanding service and active participation in the work of 

the committee.

Leadership in Dental Standards

Officers of The American National Standards Institute Accredited Standards Committee MD 156, and of 

the U.S. TAG for the International Standards Organization (ISO) TC 106, Dentistry, presented a 

Certificate of Appreciation to John Tesk of the Polymers Division “ For Outstanding and Dedicated 

Service” as chairman of those Committees from 1981 to 1986. During Tesk’s tenure, the dental 

standards activity encompassed ca 100 national and 100 international standards; he also led the U.S. 

delegation to the meetings of the ISO. The award was presented during an ceremony at the annual 

meeting of those Committees on March 3, 1998 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. John Tesk was among the 

committee leaders recognized for their valuable contributions in this first ever presentation of the award.
5

TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES

ELECTRONIC PACKAGING, INTERCONNECTION AND ASSEMBLY 

PROGRAM

The objectives of this program are to help the U.S. microelectronics and supporting 

infrastructure industries by addressing their most pressing materials measurement and standards 

issues central to the development and utilization of advanced materials and material processes 

within new product technologies, as outlined within leading industry roadmaps1. This program 

is part of a broad effort within the NIST Materials Science and Engineering Laboratory with a 

vision to be the key resource within the Federal Government for materials metrology 

development for commercial microelectronics manufacturing. More specifically the objectives 

can be categorized in the following four areas; 

• Develop and deliver standard measurements and data.

• Develop and apply in-situ measurements on materials and material assemblies having 

micrometer- and submicrometer-scale dimensions.

• Quantify and record the divergence of material properties from their bulk values as 

dimensions are reduced and interfaces are approached.

• Develop fundamental understanding of materials needed for future packaging, 

interconnection and assembly schemes.

With these objectives in mind, the program currently consists of thirteen separate projects 

dealing in matters such as electrical, thermal, and mechanical characteristics of polymer thin 

films; interfaces and adhesion; and built up stress and moisture in plastic packages. From 

beginning to end, these projects are conducted in concert with partners from industrial consortia, 

individual companies, academia, and other government agencies. The program is strongly 

coupled with other microelectronics programs within government and industry, including the 

National Semiconductor Metrology Program (NSMP)2. The NSMP is a national resource 

responsible for the development and dissemination of new semiconductor measurement 

technology.

More information about this program, and other NIST activities in electronic packaging, 

interconnection and assembly, is contained in Electronics Packaging, Interconnection and 

Assembly at NIST: Guide and Resources, NISTIR 5817 

(http://www.msel.nist.gov/epia1996/contents.htm). Copies may be obtained by contacting Wenli Wu at (301) 975-6839 or wenli@nist.gov.

 

1 National Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors, Semiconductor Industry 

Association, San Jose, CA, 1997; National Technology Roadmap for Electronic 

Interconnections, Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits, Lincolnwood, 

IL, 1997; National Electronics Manufacturing Technology Roadmap, National Electronics 

Manufacturing Initiative, Inc., Herndon, VA, 1996.

2

 http://www.eeel.nist.gov/810.01/index.html
6

Significant Accomplishments 

• Developed a successful methodology based on small-angle neutron scattering, high 

resolution x-ray reflectivity and ion scattering to determine the average pore size, porosity, 

pore wall density, pore connectivity, film thickness, film composition, coefficient of thermal 

expansion, and moisture uptake of porous thin films up to 1.4 μm thick supported on silicon 

wafers.

• Applied the above mentioned methodology to 19 different materials, including sol-gel 

materials, silsesquioxane-based materials, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) films, and high 

glass transition temperature (Tg ) porous polymers in a joint project with SEMATECH. 

Three different data analysis schemes have been developed to accommodate the large variety 

of sample types. The measurement results have been disseminated to industries via reports to 

SEMATECH.

• Developed a microstrip test specimen and test protocol for dielectric measurements of 

polymer composite films. The technique is appropriate for films as thin as 10 μm with a 

dielectric constant up to 50 at frequencies of up to 5 GHz. This new capacity is essential for 

wireless communication and high-speed electronics where new polymer composites are 

being tailored for the applications as embedded passive components. 

• Near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements suggest that surface 

chains relax toward their unperturbed configuration faster than bulk chains in uniaxiallydeformed polystyrene. This result is consistent with the notion of a lower glass transition 

temperature of material within 5 nm of the free surface.

• Demonstrated for the first time the applicability of sum-frequency generation (SFG) to 

determine the phenyl ring orientation on unoriented polystyrene surfaces.

• Measured the contact angles formed at solder/polymer/vapor triple junctions and applied data 

to validation of two different computer codes for flow of solder in wafer level underfill 

technology development. Technical representatives of Delco Electronics learned of this 

work through the Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science web site and 

expressed interest in a collaborative effort with NIST.

• Measured the hygrothermal expansion of thin films using a NIST-designed capacitance cell 

and supplied results to SEMATECH, a microelectronics consortium, and CINDAS, a 

materials database. A new capacitance cell for the measurement of conducting and 

semiconducting thin films has been designed, built, and is currently being calibrated.

• Showed, by dielectric spectroscopic studies on buckyballs in toluene, that the particle shape 

and degree of dispersion can be quantified in nanocomposite materials. 

• Developed a new analytical technique to determine thermal properties of thin polymer films 

from thermal pulse data. The technique is based on an approximate theory for the diffusive 

heat transport that contains simpler equations than previously. These equations allow 

determining the thermal conductivity and interfacial thermal resistance by curve fitting data 

obtained from thermal pulse measurements.
7

• Identified, by neutron scattering measurements, the crystalline transformations induced by 

electron irradiation in the dose range that produces a large electrostriction in copolymer of 

vinylidene fluoride and trifluoroethylene. The derived information about the crystalline 

dimensions of the several crystalline phases reduces the number of admissible theoretical 

descriptions of the electrostriction.

• Showed that single-phase inorganic/organic molecular hybrid materials, epoxyfunctionalized octameric silsesquioxane cubes cured with different diamines, are promising 

candidates to replace current multi-phase and highly filled underfill formulations. These 

silsesquioxane-based materials show very low viscosities before cure, low coefficients of 

thermal expansion, and very high glass transition temperatures, properties critical for 

underfill applications.

• Determined, by x-ray reflectivity, that the glass transition temperatures of thin ( 60 nm or 

below) films of polystyrene and poly methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) increased with 

decreasing hydrophobicity of the substrate. Radiological modified self assembled monolayers 

were used to provide substrates with systemically varied surface energy in our study of 

polymer/substrate interactions.

• Determined the crystalline morphology and dewetting characteristics of thin films (thickness

< 100 nm) of deuterated isotactic polypropylene (iPP). The crystal structure was monoclinic 

with a strong orientation of the unit cell c-axis (chain backbone) in the plane of the film. Xray reflectivity revealed a remaining surface layer of iPP after apparent dewetting by 

extended annealing of the film above the melt temperature. This persistent interfacial layer 

strongly suggests the presence of a highly oriented polymer interfacial layer from which the 

rest of the film auto-dewets.

Characterization of Low-k Dielectric Porous Silica Thin Films

Wen-li Wu, Eric K. Lin, William E. Wallace and Gary W. Lynn1

1

 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Objective

The objective is to provide the semiconductor industry with unique on-wafer measurements of 

physical and structural properties of porous silica thin films important to their use as low-k 

dielectric materials. More specifically, we aim to develop a novel methodology to measure the 

average pore size, pore connectivity, film thickness, matrix material density, coefficient of 

thermal expansion, moisture uptake, and film composition. These properties are provided to aid 

industry in the selection of candidate materials and processes to be used in next generation 

integrated circuits.

Technical Description

Low-k dielectric materials have been identified by the microelectronics industry as a critical 

factor to enable deep submicron technology for improved performance of integrated circuits. 

With decreasing line widths, low-k materials are required to increase the signal propagation 

speed, decrease the energy needed to propogate a signal, and decrease the cross-talk between 

adjacent conducting lines. Nanoporous materials have been identified as an important class of 
8

low-k dielectric materials because the incorporation of voids effectively reduces the dielectric 

constant of the film. Unlike traditional homogeneous dielectric materials, the structure of the 

porous network affects properties needed for their integration into current fabrication lines. It is 

critical to be able to measure the structural properties of these thin films to understand 

correlations between processing conditions and the resulting physical properties.

We have developed a novel combination of small angle neutron scattering (SANS), highresolution x-ray reflectivity (HRXR), and ion scattering techniques to determine important 

structural information about the film. These measurements are performed directly on films 

supported on silicon substrates. HRXR is used to accurately measure the film thickness, electron 

density, and the coefficient of thermal expansion. SANS is used to determine the pore structure 

providing information such as the average pore size, pore connectivity, and moisture absorption. 

We have successfully determined the pore structure of films less than 0.5 μm thick. Ion 

scattering techniques are used to determine the elemental composition of the films. By 

combining information from all three of these techniques, we provide the first measurements of 

important quantities such as the porosity and the pore wall density. By providing measurement 

results on the properties of a wide range of materials and processing conditions, we help the U.S. 

microelectronics industry to develop the proper materials and processing conditions for low-k 

dielectrics needed for the commercial production of next generation integrated circuits.

External Collaborations

• E. T. Ryan and H. M. Ho, SEMATECH – collaboration and supply of samples for 

measurement. Supervise contract work to help develop comprehensive database of potential 

porous low-k materials developed by many materials suppliers for the semiconductor 

industry.

• W. Chen, Dow Corning – collaboration and supply of samples for measurement of 

proprietary porous low-k materials.

• M. O’Nell, Air Products – supply of porous polymer materials.

• N. Rutherford, AlliedSignal – supply of porous low-k dielectric materials.

• J. N. Cox, Intel - collaboration on thin film density and coefficient of thermal expansion 

measurements.

Planned Outcome

The unique measurement of properties such as the average pore size, porosity, and pore wall 

density are expected to be used by the semiconductor industry to guide their development of 

porous interlevel dielectrics as well as the integration preocess for next-generation chips. 

Accomplishments

• A methodology was successfully developed using the combination of small-angle neutron 

scattering, high resolution x-ray reflectivity, and ion scattering to determine the average pore 

size, porosity, pore wall density, pore connectivity, film thickness, film composition, 

coefficient of thermal expansion, and moisture uptake of porous thin films up to 1.4 μm thick 

supported on silicon wafers.

• The experimental methodology was first demonstrated on a porous silica thin film, Allied

Signal Nanoglass, prepared from spin-coating and sol-gel methods. This film was 

determined to have an average pore size of (65 ± 1) Å, a pore wall density of (1.16 ± 0.05) 
9

g/cm3, and a porosity of (53 ± 1) %. The pore size results were confirmed by positron lifetime measurements.

• Under a contract from SEMATECH, this methodology was applied to 19 different samples 

including sol-gel materials, silsesquioxane-based materials, CVD films, and high Tg porous 

polymers as well as varying processing conditions. Three different data analysis schemes 

have been developed to accommodate the large variety of sample types.

Impacts

SEMATECH uses the structural information generated by this methodology in developing 

correlations with mechanical properties and processing conditions for the rapid development of 

porous materials as low-k dielectrics. 

Outputs

Publication

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin, G.W. Lynn, C.J. Glinka, E.T. Ryan, and H.M. Ho, 

Properties of Nanoporous Silica Thin Films Determined by High Resolution X-ray Reflectivity 

and Small-angle Neutron Scattering, Journal of Applied Physics, Feb. 2000.

Presentations

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Low K Dielectric Film Characterization, 

Dielectrics/Metallization/Module Integration PTAB Meeting, Austin, TX, 10/22/98.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Characterization of Nano-Porous Thin 

Films, Lucent Technologies, Murray Hill, NJ 11/13/98.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Structure of Nano-Porous Dielectric Films, 

AlliedSignal, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, 1/25/99.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Structure of Nano-Porous Dielectric Films, 

Xerox Corporation PARC, Palo Alto, CA, 1/21/99.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Structure of Nano-Porous Dielectric Films, 

INTEL, Santa Clara, CA, 1/22/99.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Ultra-Thin Polymer Films on Solid 

Substrates, University of Akron, OH, 2/4/99.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Li and G.W. Lynn, Structure Characterization of Low k Films, 

SEMATECH Ultra-Low k Workshop, Orlando, FL, 3/16/99.

W.L. Wu, W.E. Wallace, E.K. Lin and G.W. Lynn, Comparison of CVD and Spin-on Films for 

Low k Interlevel Dielectrics, Applied Materials, Santa Clara, CA, 10/99.
10

Dielectric Properties of Thin Polymer Films and Composites

Jan Obrzut and Chwan K. Chiang

Objectives

The objectives are to provide the U.S. electronic industry with a standard test method for 

dielectric permittivity of polymer composite films in the microwave frequency range and to 

identify the key structural and molecular attributes that control their dielectric properties.

Technical Description

Polymer-based high dielectric constant films can be used to construct embedded, discrete RLC 

circuits and de-coupling power planes for wireless communication and high-speed electronics. 

The permittivity of the prospective materials should be high and tailorable precisely for 

operation at microwave frequencies. In order to develop such materials, the industry needs a 

suitable test method to measure dielectric properties of thin films at high frequencies and a 

fundamental framework for modeling and predicting these properties. 

Most of the difficulties in measuring the dielectric constant of thin films at higher frequencies 

arise from the fact that the dielectric thickness of the specimen is much smaller than the 

wavelength of the propagating electromagnetic wave. The characteristic impedance of the thin 

film specimen becomes very low, which causes the reflection coefficient to approach its

maximum value, Γ≈ 1. For such low impedance, the usual calibration standards (coaxial shorts, 

opens and loads) become unreliable. To solve this problem, we designed a test pattern which 

consists of co-planar microstrip resonators and the corresponding non-coaxial terminations. This 

new approach allows for improvement of the dynamic range of the measurements necessary for 

thin dielectric films. 

Experimental verification was performed on several test specimens with fine dimensions 

fabricated using photolithography. In comparison to the currently available test methods, which 

are applicable to dielectrics thicker than 1.2 mm with the dielectric constant lower than 12, the 

new test pattern is appropriate for films as thin as 10 μm having dielectric constant of 50 at 

frequencies of up to 5 GHz. Using this test specimen the microwave permittivity of several 

commercially developed high dielectric constant research formulations was accurately 

determined for the first time. For example, we evaluated the dielectric constant of the newest 

high dielectric constant composite from 3M that was only 3 μm thick, at frequencies from 100 

MHz to 5 GHz. 

In order to identify the key materials structural attributes that control dielectric properties of 

polymer composites, we formulated high dielectric constant composites using model polymer 

resins filled with ceramic BaTiO3 ( ε ≈ 1000, f > 1 GHz) and organic Emeraldine Salt (; ε ≈ 400, 

f > 1 GHz ) powders. To analyze the effect of polarizability, we have implemented a theoretical 

model according to which the resulting dielectric constant, εm , of the composite material 

depends on volume fraction of the constituents, νi, their dielectric constant, εi, dipole moment, 

and interfacial polarization. The model is innovative in the sense that it assumes a parallel 

coupling between the organic and ceramic phases which is moderated by an internally induced 

electric field. This makes it applicable to composites of practical importance with higher volume 

fraction above the percolation point. The model predicts a considerable increase in εm of the 

composite when ε1 of the polymer matrix increases.
11

The experimental data confirm the model predictions and indicate that composites of model 

polymer resins (ε1 < 4 above 1 GHz), filled with high dielectric constant components exhibit 

only 2 % to 4 % of the dielectric constant of the filler for the range of practically achievable 

loading levels. In addition, it has been determined that one of the key factors that control the 

dielectric properties of the composite is the dielectric constant of the polymer matrix. Thus, for 

polymer/BaTiO3 composites for which the maximum achievable loading level is about 50 

volume %, the highest predicted dielectric constant is about 50. This result compares reasonably 

well with the experimental value of 40 obtained for one of the best industrial research sample, 

PolyClad, which was formulated with an epoxy resin (ε1 = 3.8) filled with ferroelectric powder 

(ε2=5000) at the loading level of 46 %. 

Functional analysis of generic devices for wireless communication indicates that both the RLC 

and decoupling functions of the thin film capacitors will ultimately require materials with a 

dielectric constant higher than 50. According to the results obtained, this requirement may be 

satisfied by composites based on polymers having the dielectric constants in the range of 15-20 

at frequencies above 1 GHz. Since such polymers are not currently available, we will attempt to 

identify an organic molecular structure that might possibly exhibit high dielectric constant at 

microwave frequencies. 

External Collaborations

• Joel Peiffer, 3M, - developing a polymer composite film with the highest capacitance density 

among the industrial formulations.

• Dale Murry, Litton Advanced Circuitry– developing an artwork of the microstrip test pattern 

and fabrication of the test specimen with several high dielectric constant composite films.

• Yueh-Ling Lee, DuPont – member of the team that has developed a polyimide – based 

composite for embedded thin film capacitors.

• Rick Charbonneau, Storage Technologies – manufacturing of functional prototype boards 

with embedded thin film capacitors.

• Lee Patch, National Center for Manufacture Science (NCMS) - coordinator of the Thin Film 

Capacitance Project. Interfacing the project team members with AlliedSignal and PolyClad.

• Philip Bowles, Delphi-Delco Electronics – environmental stress analysis, coordinator of the 

Thin Film Capacitance Project.

• Mark Poliks, IBM – environmental stress test.

• Joe Dougherty, University of Pennsylvania – low frequency materials analysis of thin film 

capacitors.

• Todd Hubbing, University of Missouri – functional analysis of the distributed capacitance.

Planned Outcome

It is expected that the effort of this research program will result in a new standard test method for 

high frequency permittivity measurements of thin dielectric films. The industry needs such a 

method to test materials and devices used by the wireless communication technologies. This 

work is also aimed at exploiting a fundamental mechanism which controls the dielectric 

properties of polymer composites. The outcome will help improve fundamental understanding of 

the limitations and capabilities of polymer composites and will facilitate formulation of materials 

with desirable dielectric characteristics.
12

Accomplishments

• A microstrip test specimen and test protocol has been developed for dielectric measurements 

of polymer composite films. The technique is appropriate for films as thin as 10 μm having 

dielectric constant of 50 at frequencies of up to 5 GHz. This new capacity is essential for 

wireless communication and high-speed electronics where new polymer composites are 

being used to make embedded passive components.

• Using the new microstrip test specimen the microwave permittivity of several commercially 

developed high dielectric constant research formulations was accurately determined for the 

first time.

• It has been determined that one of the key factors controlling the dielectric properties of the 

composite is the dielectric constant of the polymer matrix. To satisfy requirements of future 

electronic technologies new polymers are needed that exhibit at microwave frequencies 

dielectric constant value in the range of 15-20.

Impacts

A test pattern for standardized measurements of high dielectric constant films in the microwave 

range has been used by members of the Embedded Capacitance Project as a common test 

vehicle. The list of participants include major manufacturers of electronics such as Delco-Delphi 

Electronics, 3M, DuPont, Raytheon, TI and several other companies. The implemented testing 

technique has helped in the manufacture of materials for thin film embedded capacitors with 

improved quality. U.S. sales of experimental boards with embedded capacitance jumped in 1998 

from 0 % to 3 % of all boards sales, indicating increasing confidence in the embedded passive 

technologies that utilize polymer composites.

Outputs

Publication

J. Obrzut and C.K. Chiang, Microwave Dielectric Characterization of Polyaniline Composites, 

Proceedings of the MRS, Organic / Inorganic Hybrid Materials II, 576 (1999).

Presentation

J. Obrzut, Dielectric characterization of polymer composite films for decoupling capacitance, 

NCMS, April 13-15, Boulder Co (1999).

Optical Polarization Dependent Performance of Photonic Devices

Jan Obrzut 

Objectives

The objectives are to determine the effects of polarization on the performance of commercial 

photonic high-speed switches and to evaluate applicability of nonlinear optical (NLO) organic 

crystals and polymers for photonic switch functions.
13

Technical Description

Photonic devices utilizing electro-optic crystals are sensitive to the polarization state, which 

affects the modulation speed and the ON/OFF voltage contrast. A number of approaches have 

been proposed to circumvent the polarization dependence problem. Typically, a polarization 

controller is placed between the fiber and the electro-optic crystal to convert any input 

polarization into a preferred linear polarization state. However, the performance of such devices 

becomes unstable when coupled to single-mode input-output fibers with random polarization. 

An improvement in performance can be achieved when the input light is decomposed into two 

orthogonal, linearly polarized modes and processed independently by two separate electro-optic 

crystals.

We have examined a commercial electro-optic modulator built by Cleveland Crystals. Inc., 

which uses the newest dual crystal Pockels cell technology. The modulator employs high quality 

beta-Barium-Borate (BBO) NLO crystals in longitudinal configuration to secure a phasebalanced operation for the two polarizations. The device can tolerate deviation from the nominal 

polarization plane of up to 20°, while the voltage contrast ratio decreases from 3000:1 to about 

100:1 at the half wave voltage of about 5.6 kV. This angular aperture is substantial larger than 

that of standard electro-optic cells, employing, for example, a 98 % deuterated KD2PO4 for 

which the angular aperture is restricted to about 1.6°. Despite apparent improvement in 

polarization, the high switching voltage limits the modulation frequency to about 200 MHz and 

makes the dual crystal BBO cell rather unsuitable for fiber optics integrated photonic devices. 

Electro-optic modulation at lower voltages would require an NLO crystal with a larger electrooptic coefficient and precisely oriented optical axes in respect to the physical coordinates of the 

device, especially to the propagation direction and the electric field vector. This imposes 

significant difficulties on fabrication. A total immunity to the polarization states would lead to 

unrealistic NLO material requirements.

To evaluate the applicability of organic NLO crystals for electro-optic functions, two 

experimental modulators have been designed: one based on inorganic NLO crystal, Lithium 

tantalate (LiTaO3), and the other on organic NLO 3-methyl-4-Nitropiridyne-1 Oxide (MNPO). 

The electro-optic tensor of both crystals has been correlated with the index ellipsoid to achieve a 

low modulation voltage (less than 200 V) and a comparable relationship between the voltage 

level and the resulting polarization state. Lithium tantalate is one of the best NLO materials 

under recent development for commercial applications. The electro-optic properties of the 

organic MNPO crystal are yet to be explored. The calculated principal refractive indices under a 

transverse electric field and simulated electro-optic functions indicate the half wave voltage to be 

140 V for the LiTaO3 device, and 150 V for the MNPO device, respectively. This is substantially 

lower than the half wave voltage of the BBO cell. The LiTaO3 device has a maximum 

modulation frequency of about 1.7 GHz, which is limited by a phase-velocity mismatch between 

the modulating wave and the light wave, caused by the high value of the dielectric constant (ε33

= 45) of the LiTaO3 crystal. In comparison, The MNPO exhibits not only a large electro-optic 

coefficient, but also a dielectric constant lower by an order of magnitude than that of LiTa O3,

which allows high-speed modulation of up to 130 GHz. 

In the design the modulators are integrated with polarization controllers and input/output optical 

fibers. The first experimental LiTaO3 prototype was made in collaboration with Conoptics Inc. 

and showed larger than predicted half wave voltage, about 320V. The anomalies in operation are 

being diagnosed to predict the best performance possible with the specific crystal cut and 
14

configuration of the modulating field. As a parallel effort an experimental polymer-based NLO 

waveguide modulator has been fabricated in collaboration with Akzo Research.

External Collaborations

• Ronald Pizzo, Connoptics Inc.- fabrication of the LiTaO3 electro-optic modulator

• K. C. Jen, IBM – designing of an NLO- polymer-waveguide electro-optic modulator.

• Wintwield Horsthuis, Akzo Research – fabrication of a polymer electro-optic modulator.

Planned Outcome

It is expected that the effort of this research program will result in working prototype of a model 

photonic device utilizing an NLO organic crystal with comparable performance to that of 

inorganic lithium tantalate crystal. The experimental results such as the polarization dependent 

loss measurements, state of polarization (SOP) and degree-of- polarization (DOP) measurements

will be used to assess the polarization-transfer-function, to identify the performance degradation 

mechanism and to identify ways to improve the functionality. Based on these results we will 

determine desirable NLO characteristics of polymeric material suitable for use in photonics.

Accomplishments

It has been determined that certain NLO organic crystals, such as 3-methyl-4- nitro-piridyne-1 

oxide, exhibit optical properties that can improve operation of photonic devices. Two 

experimental electro-optic modulators have been designed to compare the polarization 

characteristics of lithium tantalate, one of the best inorganic crystals, with organic 3-methyl-4-

nitro-piridyne-1 oxide. The electro-optic tensor of both crystals has been correlated with the 

index ellipsoid to achieve a low modulation voltage and a comparable relationship between the 

voltage level and the resulting polarization state.

An experimental polymer-based NLO waveguide modulator has been fabricated in collaboration 

with Akzo Research.

Hygrothermal Expansion of Thin Films

C.R. Snyder

Objectives

The objectives are (1) to determine the accuracy and precision of a NIST-designed capacitance 

cell technique for measuring out-of-plane expansion of thin polymer films; (2) to investigate the 

dimensional stability of electronics packaging materials with temperature and humidity changes; 

(3) to develop a new capacitance cell for measurement of conducting and semiconducting 

samples; and (4) to work with standards-setting bodies to introduce this NIST metrology as a 

new standard test method.

Technical Description

Measurements will be made on a set of well-characterized materials to evaluate the use of a 

precision capacitance gauge for measuring small dimensional changes in thin films. Studies will 

be performed using this gauge to measure thermal expansion properties of polymer materials 

used in microelectronics as well as their response to changes in humidity.
15

External Collaborations

• Josh Jackson, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Baltimore, MD- provided carbon 

fiber composite materials for coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). measurements.

Planned Outcomes

The planned outcome of this project is an improved test method for measuring hygrothermal 

expansion of thin films. This method will then be used to provide reliable data on the expansion 

behavior of electronic packaging materials with variations in temperature and humidity.

Accomplishments

A new capacitance cell for measurement of the hygrothermal expansion of conducting and 

semiconducting thin films has been designed and built. The new cell is currently being tested. 

CTE measurements made with the previous design of the capacitance cell have been requested 

by, and supplied to, the Center for Information and Numerical Data Synthesis and Analysis 

(CINDAS) and SEMATECH. 

Outputs

Publications

C.R. Snyder and F.I. Mopsik, A precision capacitance cell for measurement of thin film out-ofplane expansion. II. Hygrothermal expansion, Review of Scientific Instruments, 70 (5), 2424 

(1999).

C.R. Snyder and F.I. Mopsik, High Sensitivity Technique for Measurement of Thin Film Out-ofPlane Expansion, in AIP Conference Proceedings 449 - Characterization and Metrology for 

ULSI Technology, ed. D.G. Seiler, A.C. Diebold, W.M. Bullis, T.J. Shaffner, R. McDonald, and 

E.J. Walters (American Institute of Physics: Woodbury, NY, 1998), pp. 835-838.

Electronic Paper

C.R. Snyder, J.F. Douglas and Gary W. Lynn1

1University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Objective

The objective of this project is to develop key metrologies for investigating the properties of 

polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC’s) and electrophoretic media (EM) for use in reflective 

display technologies.

Technical Description

Laptop computers and other devices using flat panel displays are increasingly prevalent in 

business as well as private life. With recent advances in display technology such as active 

matrix addressing, which allows digital spatial switching of pixels, many new commercial 

applications for non-electron beam displays are becoming feasible both technologically and 

economically. One application at the forefront is the concept of electronic paper, i.e., bistable 

reflective display. The advantage to this type of display is the persistence of the image after the 

power is turned off (on the order of months), and the benefits of reading from reflected light 

rather than projected light. Two types of materials that are among the candidates for the “pixel” 

material are polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC’s) and electrophoretic media (EM). For 
16

U.S. industry to compete in this market, it is essential that the fundamental physics governing the 

long-term stability, optical properties, and switching times of these materials be more thoroughly 

understood. Dielectric spectroscopy and neutron/x-ray reflectivity have the potential to address 

these issues.

Measurements will be made on a set of well-characterized materials to evaluate the utility of 

dielectric spectroscopy and neutron/x-ray reflectivity for characterizing the microstructure of 

PDLC’s and EM. Initial studies aimed at understanding EM will be directed at nanoparticle 

suspensions to examine the ability of current theories to predict the dielectric properties based on 

the particle’s shape. Dielectric studies will be performed on PDLC’s as a function of domain 

size, chemical moieties, and surfactant concentration. Neutron reflectivity will be performed on 

thin film sandwiches that will act as a model system for the PDLC’s polymer/liquid crystal 

interface.

External Collaborations

• Timothy J. Bunning, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH –

provided PDLC samples for time-domain dielectric spectroscopy measurements.

• James E. Martin, Sandia National Laboratory, Albuquerque, NM – provided metal 

nanoclusters for dielectric spectroscopy measurements.

Planned Outcomes

The planned outcomes of this project are (i) a metrology for characterization of the shape, 

dispersion, and electrophoretic mobility of nanoparticle dispersions, (ii) an improved 

understanding of the limitations of the current theories of electrophoretic mobility, and (iii) an 

improved understanding of the effects of the polymer/liquid crystal interface on switching speeds 

and bistability.

Accomplishments

• The nematic-isotropic transition was determined for a PDLC containing 24 % E7 (liquid 

crystal) in crosslinked poly(dipentaerythritol hydroxypentaacrylate) by time-domain 

dielectric spectroscopy. (The transition temperature was previously undetectable by optical 

measurements.) Measurements are currently being performed on a PDLC with a 28 % E7 

content.

• A sandwich was made of silicon, 8CB (liquid crystal), deuterated poly(methylmethacrylate), 

and aluminum. From neutron reflectivity measurements, it was determined that the liquid 

crystal consisted of three distinct layers: (1) a layer anchored to the silicon substrate, (2) a 

bulk-like layer, and (3) a “mixing” layer. 

• The dielectric constant of an isolated Buckminsterfullerene molecule is determined to be 6.2 

± 0.7 from our dielectric spectroscopic measurements using an effective medium, spherical 

molecule approximation.

Outputs

Presentation
17

C.R. Snyder, W.L. Wu, and J.F. Douglas, Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal and Electrophoretic 

Suspensions for Reflective Display Devices, ATP FY1999 Intramural Project Review, 

Gaithersburg, MD, August, 1999.

Thermal Properties of Polymer Films and Interfaces

Erik K. Hobbie and Aime S. DeReggi

Objectives

The objectives are to develop a new measurement technique for quantifying the thermal 

boundary resistance that exists between polymer films and semiconducting substrates, and to 

apply this technique to situations of practical importance in the microelectronics packaging 

industry, while at the same time garnering a fundamental understanding of the physical processes 

governing the transport of heat across such interfaces.

Technical Description

The efficiency of thermal transport perpendicular to the plane of thin polymer films and coatings 

mounted on conducting and semiconducting substrates is an important factor in the design and 

packaging of microelectronic circuits and devices. Polymer films on the order of 1 μm thick are 

currently used, for example, as inter-level dielectrics in micro-electronics packaging. Because 

the thermal conductivity of metals and semiconductors is relatively high compared to that of a 

typical polymer, thermal transport across such films will in general be limited by both the 

thermal diffusivity of the coating material and the thermal boundary resistance of the polymermetal or polymer-semiconductor interface. From the perspective of synthesizing new polymeric 

materials and designing new production techniques that optimize the rate at which heat is 

dissipated in such applications, it is desirable to have an efficient way of measuring one or both 

of these quantities independently. For polymer films on the order of 10 μm thick, the thermal 

transit time is on the order of 1 ms, implying that fast measurement techniques are essential for 

an accurate determination of thermal-transport coefficients. The thermal pulse electro-thermal 

response technique is ideally suited for this problem, because it provides a space-time resolved 

thermal profile with a response time that can be anywhere from 100 ns to 1 ms. A list of ongoing work using this newly developed algorithm is given as follows.

• The bulk and interfacial thermal transport coefficients of polymer films, composed of such 

materials as polyimide and polystyrene spin coated onto p-doped silicon wafers, will be 

measured as a function of temperature in the vicinity of the glass transition. The thickness of 

the films will be on the order of 10 μm, as this is within the optimal range of the thermal 

pulse technique and corresponds to the typical dimensions encountered in electronics 

packaging applications.

• Existing theories (such as the so-called “acoustic mismatch” theory of phonon scattering at 

solid-solid interfaces) will be used to understand the temperature dependence of the thermal 

boundary resistance and relate any anomalous behavior observed to the large contrast, or 

mismatch, in elasticity between the polymer film and the semiconducting substrate.

• Samples obtained from industrial collaborators working at the cutting edge of polymersemiconductor technology, such as GaAsTEK, will be analyzed using the thermal pulse 

technique to prepare novel materials and devise new applications.
18

• Round robins within NIST (Polymers, Ceramics, Metallurgy) will be performed on various 

samples, both prepared in-house and obtained via external collaborations with industry, to 

assess the accuracy and precision of the thermal pulse technique compared to other more 

conventional techniques, such as “three omega” or “mirage”.

• From direct knowledge of the spatially-resolved thermal transport characteristics of a 

polymer film, it will be possible to extract quantitative information regarding the distribution 

of space charge within that sample. Knowledge of space charge distribution will permit an 

investigation of such things as the slow temporal evolution of injected charge in films under 

external bias.

External Collaborators

• Mat Narayanan, ITTGaAsTEK Corporation-Provides PI films spin coated on GaAs and Si 

wafers for studying the temperature dependence of thermal transport.

• Eduardo Gonzalez, Ceramics Division, NIST-Performs “three omega” measurements in 

NIST round robin.

• Al Feldman, Ceramics Division, NIST- Performs “three omega” measurements in NIST 

round robin.

Accomplishments

• A theoretical analysis of the thermal pulse technique was developed that allows a 

measurement of both the bulk thermal diffusivity of the film and the thermal boundary 

resistance between the film and substrate.

• Using the thermal pulse technique, the thermal diffusivity and thermal boundary resistance of 

a polyimide spin coated on p-doped Si[111] and a polystyrene spin coated on p-doped 

Si[111] were obtained at ambient temperature.

• Preliminary measurements were performed on a new polyimide spin coated on both GaAs 

and p-doped Si[111] wafers as obtained from GaAsTEK.

• A round robin was initiated and carried out on measuring the bulk thermal diffusivity of a 

variety of different materials using a variety of experimental techniques.

• Temperature control was successfully introduced into the thermal pulse instrument for the 

first time.

• An experimental scheme was proposed and realized for isolating the pure thermal response 

from the response due to native or injected space charge.

Outputs

Publications

E.K. Hobbie and A S. DeReggi, Laser-Pulse Technique for Measuring the Thermal Diffusivity of 

Substrate-Supported Polymer Films, Review of Scientific Instruments, in press.

E. Gonzalez, E. Hobbie, A. Feldman and A. DeReggi, NIST Round Robin Study of Thermal 

Transport in Thin Dielectric Films (NIST Internal, preprint).

Functionalized Silsesquioxane Cubes as Potential Underfill Encapsulants

Eric K. Lin, Christopher L. Soles and Wen-li Wu
19

Objectives

The objectives are to evaluate the critical physical properties of novel epoxide-functionalized 

silsesquioxane cubes to be used as potential underfill materials in flip-chip packaging, to 

compare these material properties with those of conventional underfill encapsulant formulations, 

and to establish molecular structure-property relationships for octahedral silsesquioxane based 

inorganic/organic hybrid materials.

Technical Description

The microelectronics industry has seen increased use of direct chip attachment technology where 

the chip is attached to the board through an array of solder bumps. Critical to reliable device 

operation in this technology is the underfill material placed between the chip and the board. The 

function of the underfill is to reduce the stresses at the solder interfaces that arise from the large 

thermal expansion mismatch between the chip and the board. Typically, a liquid epoxy underfill 

is dispensed along one or two sides of the chip and capillary forces wick the underfill into the 

gap and between the solder bump array ((30 to 50) μm in height). The underfill is then cured 

into a rigid glass. Generally, underfill materials consist of an epoxy resin highly filled (up to a 

mass fraction of 75 %) with silica particles, and additives to enhance wettability and adhesion. 

The silica filler is needed to decrease the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the underfill 

to match that of the solder bumps ((20 to 30) x 10-6/°C). There are many material property 

requirements for an acceptable underfill encapsulant. The cured material must have a low CTE, 

a high glass transition temperature (Tg), a large modulus, and low moisture uptake. In addition, 

the flow and surface interaction properties of the uncured fluid must be optimized so that the gap 

is easily filled and complete wetting is obtained on the different surfaces. 

A large number of factors need to be considered in selecting an appropriate underfill system. For 

example, both the viscous properties of the liquid and the physical properties of the cured resin 

depend upon filler characteristics such as the particle size distribution, density, shape, and 

surface characteristics. One of the main limitations of current flip chip processes is the long time 

needed to fully fill the gap under capillary action. The high concentration of filler plays a 

significant role in the decreased flow rate and also leads to complicated rheological behavior. In 

addition, the filler particles can be similar in size to the gap and result in flow defects that 

eventually lead to device failure. A simpler, one-phase, underfill system would be highly 

desirable.

We address these concerns by investigating the possible use of single-phase inorganic/organic 

molecular hybrid materials. Inorganic/organic hybrid materials such as epoxide-functionalized 

silsesquioxane cubes may provide a single phase fluid alternative to current underfill 

formulations. Silsesquioxane cubes are synthesized by assembling the Si-O tetrahedron of silica 

into eight cornered cubes. In some respects, these cubes represent the smallest unit of ceramic 

silica. The corners of the nanometer-sized cubes are easily functionalized with reactive organic 

groups such as an oxirane ring (epoxy) as well as many other organic functional groups. They 

can be polymerized into inorganic/organic hybrid materials utilizing the identical chemistry 

employed in current underfill formulations. In this work, we measure physical properties critical 

for underfill applications using model epoxide-functionalized silsesquioxane cube materials and 

diamine curing agents. Several epoxy cube/diamine combinations are used to observe how 

physical and structural properties change using different curing agents and degree of epoxy 

functionality. A variety of experimental techniques are used to characterize both the physical 

and mechanical properties of these cube-based epoxy resins. The parameters to be evaluated 
20

include structure (x-ray diffraction), thermal expansion (x-ray reflectivity), glass transition 

temperature (differential scanning calorimetry), viscosity (rheometry), cure shrinkage, density, 

modulus, moisture absorption, strength, and toughness. 

External Collaborations

• Professor Richard M. Laine and Chunxin Zhang from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

collaborate by preparing both tetra- and octa-epoxide functionalized silsesquioxane cube 

materials.

Planned Outcome

This work represents the evaluation of nanostructured inorganic/organic hybrid materials as 

replacements for traditional filled organic materials as well as for the specific application of 

underfill encapsulants. Accomplishing this goal will significantly improve the underfill process 

by creating low viscosity resins that exhibit excellent flow or filling characteristics in addition to 

meeting critical CTE requirements. Furthermore, this work will also foster an understanding of 

the molecular structure/property relationships needed to tailor the properties of inorganic/organic 

hybrid nanostructured materials.

Accomplishments

• The viscosities at 25 oC of the neat epoxy-functionalized cubes are found to be Newtonian 

with values of 310 cp for the octa-epoxide cube and 960 cp for the tetra-epoxide cube. These 

viscosities are orders of magnitude lower than those of commercial underfills (≈ 50,000 cp), 

providing for better flow and gap filling properties.

• Very thin and uniform films (300 Å to 800 Å thick with root mean square (rms) surface 

roughnesses less than 20 Å) of the tetra- and octa-epoxide functionalized silsesquioxane 

cubes cured with several diamines have been prepared.

• The glass transition temperature of the cured epoxy-functionalized cube material is found to 

be in excess of 200 oC for each of the diamine curing agents studied.

• The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the inorganic/organic hybrid material depends 

heavily on the structure of the curing agent and degree of functionalization. Using very short 

curing agents and tetra-epoxide cubes, the CTE values very close to those required in 

commercial underfill applications can be obtained.

• X-ray diffraction reveals that the microstructure of networks of silsesquioxane-based epoxy 

networks evolves in a non-intuitive manner. Increasing the length of the curing agent results 

in closer cube spacing in the material. The long length curing agents also create networks 

with much less structural order than those with shorter length curing agents.

Outputs

Publication

E.K. Lin, W.L. Wu, C.X. Zhang, and R.M. Laine, Materials Characterization of Thin Films of 

Epoxide Functionalized Silsesquioxanes, in Proceedings of the International Microelectronics 

and Packaging Society: Advanced Packaging Materials: Processes, Properties, and Interfaces, 63,

1999.
21

Presentation

E.K. Lin W.L. Wu, C.X. Zhang, and R.M. Laine, Materials Characterization of Epoxide 

Functionalized Silsesquioxanes as Potential Underfill Encapsulants, International 

Microelectronics and Packaging Society: Advanced Packaging Materials, Braselton, GA, 3/99.

Polymer Electrostriction

Aime S. DeReggi, Edward Balizer1, Fred Bateman2 and Dan Neumann3

1

 Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock, MD

2

 NIST Radiation PhysicsDivision

3

 NIST Center for Neutron Research

Objective

The objective is to provide the U.S. transducer industry with definitive information about the 

large electrostriction recently discovered in certain ferroelectric copolymers after electron 

irradiation to a high dosage. The mechanism of this large electrostriction is not yet understood 

but has been hypothesized to be associated with a reversible electric field driven phase 

transformation made possible by the irradiation.

Technical Description

Neutron scattering is used to investigate the irreversible crystallographic phase changes induced 

by electron irradiation as well as the reversible changes that might be driven by an electric field. 

Pulsed pyroelectric measurements are used to characterize the charge distribution produced by 

the irradiation as well as the polarization distribution induced by an applied electric field. The 

electrostrictive thickness change, thus the large electrostriction, is measured using a newly 

devised optical method. 

External Collaborations

• Francois Bauer, ISL/France - provided initial research materials.

• Thomas Ramotowski, NUWC/RI - provided additional research material.

• Q. M. Zhang and Vivek Bharti, Penn State University - shared information and made initial 

electrostriction measurements.

Planned Outcome

The planned outcomes include confirmation of the large electrostriction, determination of the 

type and the amount of phase transformation responsible for the large electrostriction, 

verification of suitable irradiation conditions to achieve a large electrostriction, and qualification 

of the usefulness of the new effect in transducers.

Accomplishments

It was demonstrated that electron irradiation produces, in the normally mixed phase material, an 

irreversible transformation of the ferroelectric part to a paraelectric phase, with an increase in 

lattice spacing and, in the paraelectric part, modification to that phase in the form of an increase 

in the lattice spacing. For a broad range of irradiation conditions, the lattice spacing changes are 

not large enough to account for the electrostriction. Space charge effects have been found to 

influence the electrostriction.
22

Outputs

Publication

E. Balizer, A.S. DeReggi, D.A. Neumann, Fred Bateman, Polarization and Structural 

Transitions of irradiated vinylidene fluoride- trifluoroethylene copolymer, 1999 Annual Report, 

IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, to appear in October 1999.

Presentations

E. Balizer and A. S. DeReggi, Structural Relaxations in Electrostrictive Polymer, ONR/Penn 

State Transducer Materials Workshop, April 1999.

S. DeReggi, E. Balizer, D. Neumann, Fred Bateman, Space Charge Effects on Polymer 

Electrostriction, in preparation for MRS meeting, November 29- Dec 3,1999. 

Electrical and Thermal Properties of Thin Polymer Films 

Aime S. DeReggi and Erik Hobbie

Objective

The objective is to provide the U.S. microelectronics industry with reliable and in-situ methods 

to characterize the electrical and thermal properties of substrate supported polymer films. 

Technical Description

Pulsed laser heating of a voltage biased sample is used to stimulate a pyroelectric response 

which, together with a theoretically calculated temperature profile, is used to determine the 

thickness averaged electric field and thermal properties as well as their dependence on position 

across the thickness. Validation of the method is both internal (simulation) and external 

(comparison with other methods, interdivision reference sample exchange).

External Collaborations

• Dr. Mel Zussman, Dupont, provided materials information and referred ITT/GaAsTEK to 

NIST for thermal property measurement.

• Dr, Mat Arayanan of ITT/GaAsTEK provided industrial samples.

• Dr. Peter Bloss, Polymer Institute, Leipzig contributed to the preparation of publications.

• Dr. Thomas Avedisian, Cornell University, who is also investigating thermal measurement 

methods has participate in information exchange geared to the development of thermal 

reference samples.

• Dr. Eberhard Hartmann, Institute of Surface Modification, Leipzig University, has provided 

nanocomposite samples and collaborated in measurements.

• Dr. Gerhard Sessler, Technical University, Darmstadt, collaborated in a methods comparison 

exercise that resulted in a joint publication.

Planned Outcome

The planned outcomes include validation of the pulsed pyroelectric method and the 

dissemination of this method for measuring thermal properties with high surface and interface 

sensitivity.
23

Accomplishments

• It was shown from general principles, and independently from the normally used numerical 

analysis procedures, that polyimide films have electrical and/or thermal properties that could 

be strongly influenced by surface phenomena. 

• The pulsed pyroelectric method is now demonstrated to be a powerful surface-sensitive 

electrical and thermal characterization method.

Outputs

Publications

P. Bloss, A.S. DeReggi, H-J Glasel, E. Hartmann and D. Hirsh, Polarization distribution in 

ceramic-polymer nanocomposites, J. Appl. Phys. Vol. 86, No. 5 pp. 2712-2718 (Sept. 1999).

P. Bloss, A.S. DeReggi, G-M Yang and G-M Sessler, Thermal and acoustical pulse studies of 

space charge profiles in electron-irradiated fluoroethylene propylene, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys., in 

press.

Aime S. DeReggi, Erik Hobbie, Peter Bloss and Hartmut Schafer, Surface-enhanced thermal 

pulse measurements of thermal and electrical properties of polyimide films, 1999 Annual Report, 

IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, to appear in October 1999.

Aime S. DeReggi, Erik Hobbie, Peter Bloss and Hartmut Schafer, Surface-enhanced thermal 

pulse measurements of thermal and electrical properties of polyimide films, 1999 Annual Report, 

IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, to appear in October 1999.

Thin-Film Residual Stress Measurement: Application in Determination of In-plane CTE 

and In-plane Modulus

Chwan K. Chiang, William F. Guthrie 1, William E. Wallace and Gary W. Lynn 2

1

 NIST Statistical Engineering Division

2

 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN

Objective

The objective is to develop a test method based on a residual stress measurement for determining 

in-plane coefficient of thermal expansion and in-plane elastic modulus of thin polymer films 

while adhered to a rigid substrate such as silicon wafers. 

Technical Description

Differences in coefficient of thermal expansion, CTE, between polymer coating and substrate 

lead to residual stress during a temperature excursion. For example, there always exists a tensile 

residual stress in polymer coatings prepared at elevated temperatures onto a low CTE substrate 

such as silicon wafer. Residual stress can be determined by measuring the bending of the wafer 

provided the elastic constants of the wafer are known quantities. Depending on the substrate 

CTE and elastic modulus the residual stress of a polymer coating can be markedly different. By 

measuring the residual stress of a pair identically prepared thin coatings on two different 

substrates with known properties, the CTE and elastic modulus of the coating can be deduced. 
24

By conducting this measurement at different temperatures one can measure the temperature 

dependence of CTE and elastic modulus. The above mentioned procedure was first used for 

investigating the properties of refractory films by Retajczyk and Sinha, (Appl. Phys. Letters 36, 

162 (1980)). In our work, silicon and GaAs wafers were chosen as the substrates because of 

their wide usage in electronic industries. A new technique with the potential to greatly simplify 

the above mentioned procedure is also under development.

External Collaborators

• Dr. David Feiler and Dr. Wei Xia of Rockwell Semiconductor System have provided the 

spin-on low K dielectric materials.

• Dr. David Babb of Dow Chemical Company has provided the samples and also collaborates 

on the property measurements.

Accomplishments

• The newly implemented modification on a KLA- Tencor stress measurement system has 

resulted in a great reduction of thermal induced noise. This improvement enables the 

analysis of the stress state in detail. Statistical analysis showed that the stress temperature 

relation of PFCB, a low k candidate polymer from Dow Chemicals, was far more complex 

than previously conceived. 

• A new device is under development for simultaneously measuring the in-plane modulus and 

the in-plane coefficient of thermal expansion of a thin-film adhered on a wafer. 

• The stress-temperature relationship of FOX, a primary low k candidate from Dow Corning, 

was studied and the change of stress correlated well with an increase in electronic density of 

the film. This thermally activated stress relaxation behavior is interpreted in terms of the 

reflow of the glassy hydrogen- silsesquioxane material. 

Outputs

Publications

C.K. Chiang, Measurement of in-plane CTE and Modulus of Polymer Thin-Films, Bulletin of 

Am. Phys. Soc., Vol. 44, No.1, 1672 (1999).

C.K. Chiang, W.E. Wallace, G.W. Lynn, D. Feiler and W. Xia, Stress Relaxation and 

Densification of Spin-on-Glass Thin Films, J. Appl. Phys., in press.

Assembly of IC Chips Utilizing Wafer-level Underfill

William E. Wallace

Objective

The objective is to provide design software and materials data to industry for predicting behavior 

to be encountered during assembly of flip chips that have undefill/solder bump system applied at 

wafer level.
25

Technical Description

The NIST Metallurgy and Polymers Divisions are working on the wetting behavior of solder in 

solder-joint interconnections under the constraints imposed by wafer-level underfill systems. 

The pre-existing underfill geometry provides constraints on the flow of solder, influencing the 

self-alignment of the die and the final solder joint geometry. These factors will have profound 

effects on joint reliability. In addition, if reflow of solder paste into cavities in the underfill 

polymer is required, surface tension will control the quality of the filled cavity.

The Metallurgy Division is in the process of developing a computer code to calculate expected 

solder joint geometries given various constraints imposed by the surrounding polymer underfill. 

Important parameters include surface tension of the solder, interfacial energy of the solder and 

the polymeric underfill, alignment of the chip with the carrier or the printed circuit board pads, 

adhesion or traction forces of the underfill during reflow of the solder, solidification shrinkage of 

the solder, etc. The Metallurgy and Polymers Divisions are jointly conducting an experimental 

program which includes the development of measurement techniques for various aspects of 

adhesion and interfacial energy between solder, substrates, and underfill materials. These 

measurement methods are needed in order to determine the performance of proposed underfill 

systems and are coupled closely with data needed in the computer modeling calculations.

Planned Outcome

This work is expected to generate design tools for industry in material and geometries selections 

for a successful design and assembly of wafer level underfill systems. Research results will be 

disseminated through key publications and our in-place solder design web page within the MSEL 

Center for Theoretical and Computational Materials Science (CTCMS).

Accomplishments

• Measurements have been made of the contact angles formed at solder / polymer / vapor triple 

junctions. Contact angles of solder pastes from two different manufacturers, both metal 

compositions nominally Sn63-Pb37, were measured on each of two different polymers 

representative of those found in applications, an epoxy and a polyimide. Contact angles of 

all four combinations fell within the range 155° to 160°, with data scatter varying between 2° 

and 5° for the multiple measurement used to determine each value.

• Two different Surface Evolver computer codes have been written for the modeling effort. 

Both are available at the CTCMS web site at http://www.ctcms.nist.gov/djl/solder/new.html

as part of the library of evolver files modeling different industrial solder joint geometries. 

The first evolver code, titled “flip chip alignment force” permits modeling of the forcedisplacement relationship of a pair of circular pads (one above the other) with solder inbetween. Contact angles of the solder on the pad and surroundings are independently 

adjustable, as are the solder volume, density and pad dimensions. Horizontal and vertical 

forces are calculated as functions of both vertical separation and horizontal misalignment of 

the pads. The second code, titled “solder paste in a bilayer hole”, models the solder shape for 

a pad that is surrounded by a (typically nonwetting) medium such as in underfill geometries 

with sacrificial layers. The codes include input options for the volume fraction of solder in 

the solder paste.
26

Impacts

Through the CTCMS web page we have been contact by technical representatives of Delco 

Electronics on the matter of a collaborative effort in this area.

Outputs

Presentations

Dan Josell, William Wallace, Assembly of IC Chips Utilizing Wafer-level Underfill, ATP FY99 

Intramural Project Review, Gaithersburg, MD August 1999.

Other

Computer code placed on CTCMS web page.

Spectroscopic Studies of Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces 

William E. Wallace and Wen-li Wu

Objective

The objective is to provide U.S. industry with in-situ and nondestructive measurement tools to 

characterize the chemical composition and molecular structure of polymer surfaces and 

interfaces with emphasis on buried interfaces.

Technical Description

Comprehensive surface and interface analysis requires the use of multiple techniques in concert 

to determine what chemical moieties are present, their relative abundance, and their molecular 

orientation. To this end we are pursuing three promising measurement techniques in conjunction 

with three different research groups at NIST. Vibrationally-resolved sum-frequency generation 

(SFG), a uniquely interface specific spectroscopy performed in conjunction with Lee Richter 

(Div. 837), is a non-linear optical technique that is symmetry allowed only in regions of the 

sample that lack inversion symmetry. A visible and an IR laser photon are combined to form a 

third whose energy is the sum of the first two. When the IR photon is resonant with a vibrational 

mode at an interface there is an enhanced probability of sum-frequency mixing leading to a 

characteristic vibrational spectrum of the interface. Near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure 

(NEXAFS), a surface-sensitive electron spectroscopy performed in conjunction with Dan Fischer 

(Div. 852), is the use of a tunable, polarized photon beam from a synchrotron to excite core-level 

electrons into higher lying unfilled atomic or molecular orbitals. By monitoring the ejection of 

these secondary electrons, the orientations of bonds can be selectively probed at free surfaces. 

Secondary-ion mass spectrometry, a surface-sensitive mass spectrometric technique performed in 

conjunction with Greg Gillen (Div. 837), uses a beam of incident ions to erode the sample 

surface. Ejected secondary ions are mass analyzed to determine composition. Depth profiling to 

explore buried interfaces is often performed.

External Collaborations

• Jan Genzer, North Carolina State University - NEXAFS.
27

Planned Outcome

The effort into the fundamental metrology of polymer surface composition and structure will 

have repercussions wherever polymers are used as adhesives, protective layers or surface-active 

agents.

Accomplishments

SFG has been used to measure the orientation of pendant side groups and end groups at polymer 

surfaces. Systems studied include polystyrene (atactic, isotactic, syndiotactic), poly (α-methyl 

styrene), poly (methyl methacrylate), poly (vinyl alcohol), and polyimide (PMDA-ODA). 

Atactic polystyrene of different molecular masses was shown to have a molecular mass 

dependent orientation of the phenyl ring at the free surface.

NEXAFS has been used to show that surface chains relax faster than bulk chains in uniaxiallydeformed polystyrene. Polystyrene samples were deformed at room temperature in a channel 

die. The electron yield from a polarized incident x-ray beam was used to determine the 

orientation of the pendant phenyl ring as well as the carbon backbone to depths of 5 nm.. The xray fluorescence yield from the same incident beam was used to examine the orientation of the 

chains to depths of 50 nm. Upon annealing at 60 °C the initial analysis of the data suggests that 

the surface chains return to random orientation faster than the bulk chains indicating an enhanced 

surface mobility in amorphous polystyrene.

Neutron Scattering and the Low Energy Excitations in Polycarbonate Copolymers

Christopher L. Soles, R. Dimeo, Jianwei.Liu1, Albert Yee1, Alexie Sokolov2, and Wen-li Wu

1University of Michigan, Department of Materials Science, Ann Arbor, MI

2University of Akron, Department of Polymer Science, Akron, OH

Objectives

The objectives of this project are (1) to establish structure-property relationships in a series of 

polycarbonate copolymers to determine the molecular origins of the Boson peak, a feature 

common to glassy polymers, (2) to relate the fast (picosecond) dynamics observed in neutron 

scattering to several of the well characterized slower dynamic processes in glassy polymers and 

(3) to apply the knowledge obtained from inelastic neutron scattering to several commercially 

and technically relevant problems in polymer science, such as the deviation of physical 

properties in ultra-thin films, polymer processing, gas transport, and impact resistance.

Technical Description

The Boson peak is a common feature observable by inelastic neutron scattering and Raman 

measurements in most glass forming materials. When a beam of neutrons is impinged on a glass, 

the majority of the scattering is elastic (or slightly broadened in energy - termed quasielastic) and 

the scattered neutrons leave the sample with an energy equal to the incident energy. However, a 

small fraction of the neutrons are scattered with a distinct energy shift of ≈ 1 meV to 10 meV, 

comprising the so-called Boson peak. To date, the molecular origins of the Boson peak are not 

entirely clear. Prominent theories suggest that the inelastic shift is due to localized (on the scale 

of 10’s of angstroms) harmonic vibrations in densified regions while the quasielastic broadening 
28

comes from the dissipation of these vibrations into the less dense regions. In this scenario, both 

the Boson peak height and frequency shift depend on the density fluctuations within the glass.

In this work a series of polycarbonate copolymers are used to study the origins of the Boson 

peak. This series is unique in its molecular architecture that has been systematically varied by 

inserting cyclohexylene linkages into the main chain at regular intervals. These same 

copolymers have been studied extensively in terms of their mechanical properties and 

relaxational behaviors. These preceding studies suggest that incorporating main-chain 

cyclohexylene linkages into a polyester carbonate significantly enhance the volume fluctuations 

of the material. In this respect, these materials are ideally suited to critically test the current 

ideas regarding inelastic neutron scattering and the Boson peak.

As alluded to above, these copolymers are widely studied in terms of their mechanical and 

physical properties (toughness, dynamic mechanical relaxation behavior, gas transport 

properties, ultra-thin film properties, etc.). This provides a framework in which to analyze the 

inelastic and quasielastic neutron scattering data, potentially establishing an industrial relevance 

to highly theoretical neutron scattering experiments.

External Collaborations

• Jianwei Liu and Albert Yee, University of Michigan - synthesis of copolymers and 

determination of the mechanical properties.

• Alexei Sokolov, University of Akron - consultation on neutron scattering as well as 

supporting Raman scattering measurements.

Planned Outcomes

The systematic structural variations induced by incorporating the cyclohexylene into the main 

chain of the polycarbonate at regular intervals provide a nice material system to establish 

structure-property relationships regarding the Boson peak. Such relationships should help clarify 

the molecular origins of the this inelastic scattering feature. The Boson peak is common among 

a wide variety of glasses, including polymers, ionic salts, covalent solids, etc., and is widely 

studied. However, it is difficult to attribute subtle differences in the inelastic scattering spectra 

(peak height and position) to structural parameters when the systems are so varied. For example, 

there are many differences between silica glass and amorphous polycarbonate and it is nearly 

impossible to highlight which differences are relevant to the Boson peak. In this respect, a 

homologous copolymer series where the structural variations are introduced gradually in a 

controlled manner is anticipated to be powerful tool for understanding this phenomenon.

The state of the art understanding regarding the Boson peak suggests that the inelastic shift of the 

scattered neutrons is due to localized harmonic vibrations. These vibrations occur in densified 

regions on the order of nanometers and are dissipated into the surrounding lower density regions. 

The larger the localized regions are the smaller the frequency shift. Such an interpretation 

suggests the importance of a new material length scale - the scale of the fluctuations. For 

example, one might expect significant deviations in the properties of a thin film when the 

thickness approaches the natural scale of these fluctuations (thermal expansion measurements of 

ultra-thin films of these copolymers are currently in progress). Furthermore, the mechanical and 

physical properties of these polycarbonate copolymers are already interpreted in terms of their 

volume fluctuations. The neutron scattering measurement will provide complimentary 

information and help sort out differences between frozen in and dynamic density fluctuations.
29

Volume or density fluctuations have a profound influence on several physical properties that are 

relevant to many practical issues in polymer science. In this respect, this work should also 

enable a link between the highly “scientific” topic of neutron scattering and several “basic” 

application-related problems. For example, it is observed that gas permeation rates increase with 

the cyclohexylene content for these polycarbonate copolymers. A naive first approximation 

might attribute this observation to a molecular level “shutter” effect induced by the chair-boatchair transitions of the cyclohexylene unit. However, it would be a profound distinction if the 

enhanced transport were due to enhanced static density fluctuations as opposed to dynamics. 

Similar practical extensions of neutron scattering are being explored with thin film polymer 

properties, impact resistance, and polymer processing parameters.

Accomplishments

This project is still in its initial stage and the first set of neutron scattering measurements on 

polycarbonates has just been completed. Pronounced Boson peaks were observed and the 

detections of Boson peak in polycarbonate using neutron scattering have not been reported in the 

literature. A detailed data analysis is in progress and supplement measurements using techniques 

other than neutron scattering are under way.

Fundamentals of Polymers at Surfaces and Interfaces

Wen-li Wu, Eric K. Lin, Darrin J. Pochan and Christopher C. White

Objectives

The objectives are to determine the influence of surfaces and interfaces on polymers by 

measuring the structure and properties of polymers in ultra-thin films and adjacent to well 

characterized substrates.

Technical Description

As feature sizes in integrated circuits continue to decrease in size, the changing properties of 

materials in these confined geometries become important to the development of next generation 

devices. Polymeric materials play an important role in these devices in applications such as 

interlevel dielectrics, encapsulants, and lithographic materials. The physical properties of 

polymer thin films are measured using a variety of techniques including specular and offspecular x-ray and neutron reflectivity, energy-dispersive x-ray reflectivity, total external 

reflectance x-ray fluorescence, MeV ion scattering, atomic force microscopy, a unique twin 

quartz resonator, fluorescence probes, and ellipsometry. Technical descriptions for specific 

projects are detailed below. 

• X-ray and neutron reflectometry provide high resolution, in-situ measurement of the 

interfacial structure normal to the sample surface. These techniques are used to determine 

several important properties of polymer thin films and polymers at surfaces and interfaces. 

Buried polymer layers are studied with neutron reflectometry. The effects of 

polymer/substrate interaction on inter-diffusion dynamics are measured by modifying the 

silicon oxide surface with different self-assembled monolayers. The mobility of polymer 

chains near an attractive substrate is also determined as a function of the molecular mass of 

the overlayer.
30

• Neutron and x-ray reflectivity techniques are used to measure the thermal expansion of ultrathin (thickness < 100 nm) amorphous polymer films. Material properties of thin films are 

observed as a function of film thickness and the type of substrate with varying surface 

energies. These reflectivity techniques are also utilized to observe the segregation of small 

molecules used as probes in numerous other experimental techniques.

• Neutron and x-ray diffraction techniques, collectively, are used to provide a comprehensive 

in-plane and out-of-plane characterization of the symmetry and orientation of crystallites in 

semicrystalline polymers in a thin-film geometry. 

• The development of an instrumental design for quantitative measurement of the viscoelastic 

properties of thin polymer films has not been possible in the past due to the lack of relevant 

working equations for this configuration. The two widely used simplifying limits of the 

force balance equation, surface loading and gap loading, are not applicable for ultra-thin 

polymer films. New working equations have been developed that do not rely on either of 

these simplifying limits. With this development, an instrumental design based on a 

resonating quartz crystal has been designed and realized. With an ultra-thin polymer layer 

attached to the crystal, the resonance condition of the quartz crystal is shifted slightly and the 

width of the frequency peak is broadened. 

External Collaborations

• Prof. S. Z. D. Cheng and Prof. F. Harris of the University of Akron prepare high Tg 

polyimide materials that are soluble in organic solvents. 

• Dr. R. Kolb of Exxon Research and Engineering collaborates on synchrotron radiation 

experiments on semicrystalline polymer thin films. 

• R. Trolard of Cambridge Isotopes Laboratories provides detailed molecular analysis of 

deuterated semicrystalline polymers, and custom synthesis of other deuterated polymers.

• Prof. M. Rafailovich and J. Sokolov of SUNY Stony Brook provide SIMS measurements for 

polymer thin film studies. 

• Prof. P. Nealy of the University of Wisconsin-Madison provides substrates with varying 

surface energy for polymer thin film studies.

Accomplishments

• Diffusion studies of PMMA chains of three different molecular masses within a layer 

adjacent to a native silicon oxide surface using neutron reflectometry were completed. The 

results showed that the polymer inter-diffusion rate was significantly reduced within an 

interfacial region of thickness equal to about three radii of gyration. It was also determined 

that reducing the interaction energy between the polymer and the substrate resulted in faster 

segment desorption kinetics. However, even a slight attractive interaction between the 

polymer and the surface is sufficient to “pin” the polymer to the surface. Shear deformation 

parallel to the interface was found to dramatically enhance the surface segment exchange 

kinetics relative to the static case. 

• Fluorinated, low surface energy polyimide was used as both substrate and substrate 

confinement layers enabling the first observation of thin deuterated polystyrene film material 

properties with and without a free surface. The low surface energy of the confinement layers 

excluded specific, enthalpic interactions as a cause of altered thin film properties, thus 
31

allowing the observation of purely entropic confinement effects. Significantly different 

thermal expansion behavior was observed between uncapped and capped polymer films in 

samples with thickness between 70nm and 40 nm. Bulk, glassy coefficients of thermal 

expansion (CTE) were observed well above the bulk glass transition of 100 °C after capping. 

In films with thickness below 40 nm glassy behavior was observed in both uncapped and 

capped polymer films up to 40 °C above the bulk glass transition temperature. 

• Radiological modified self-assembled monolayers were employed to generate systemically 

varied surface energy substrates. Subsequent x-ray reflectivity thermal expansion studies on 

thin (thickness = 60 nm) polystyrene and PMMA films attached to these surfaces showed a 

consistent shift in the transition from a glassy expansion to a rubbery expansion to higher 

temperatures with decreasing hydrophobicity. Further studies on the thickness dependence

of these observations with polystyrene demonstrated that for hydrophobic surfaces there was 

little or no shift in the transition from a glassy expansion to a rubbery expansion with 

decreasing film thickness. The hydrophilic surface samples demonstrated bulk like behavior 

for all polystyrene films greater than 80nm. Films thinner than 80 nm exhibited an increase 

in the transition from a glassy expansion to a rubbery expansion to higher temperatures with 

decreasing film thickness. 

• The crystalline morphology of thin films (thickness < 100 nm) of deuterated isotactic 

polypropylene (iPP) was determined to be monoclinic with a strong orientation of the unit 

cell c-axis (chain backbone) in the plane of the film. Extended annealing above the melt 

temperature allowed the films to dewet, apparently from the substrate. Subsequent x-ray 

reflectivity revealed a remaining surface layer of iPP. This persistent interfacial layer 

strongly suggests a highly oriented polymer interfacial layer from which the rest of the film 

auto-dewet.

• The quartz crystal resonator instrument has been developed and used to determine the 

viscoelastic properties of ultra-thin polystyrene films. At temperatures below Tg of the 

polymer, the rigid glassy polymer film moves in phase with similar amplitude with the quartz 

driving surface. As the temperature is raised through the Tg of the polymer, the polymer film 

becomes more rubbery and begins to move with a motion that is out of phase and with a 

different amplitude than that of the quartz driving surface. This change in properties is 

measured by a change in the resonance frequency of the quartz crystal and broadening of the 

resonance frequency peak.

• A viscosity sensitive fluorescent probe was used to monitor the viscosity of thin polymer 

films. For supported thin (thickness < 100nm) polystyrene films on quartz, no thickness 

dependence on the glass transition was observed. Independent x-ray reflectivity 

measurements also exhibited no shift in the transition from a glassy expansion to a rubbery 

expansion with decreasing film thickness for polystyrene on quartz. Additional viscosity 

sensitive fluorescent probe experiments were preformed on thin (thickness < 100 nm) freestanding polystyrene films. These films exhibited a decrease in the glass transition 

temperature with decreasing film thickness.

• Secondary ion mass spectroscopy was used to follow the diffusion of low molecular mass 

deuterated polystyrene chains in free-standing thin films (thickness <100nm). The 

temperature dependence of the diffusion constant was used to determine the glass transition 
32

temperature. Using this method, a supported thick (thickness = 200 nm) polystyrene film 

showed bulk behavior, while a thin (thickness = 40 nm) polystyrene film exhibited a glass 

transition temperature lower than bulk behavior, and consistent with several other published 

studies. 

Outputs

Publications

 E.K. Lin, R. Kolb, W.L. Wu and S.K. Satija, Reduced Polymer Mobility near the Polymer/Solid 

Interface as Measured by Neutron Reflectivity, Macromolecules, 32, 3753 (1999).

E.K. Lin, R. Kolb, W.L. Wu and S.K. Satija, Enhanced Polymer Segment Exchange Kinetics at 

the Melt/Solid Interface due to an Applied Shear Deformation, Macromolecules, 32, 4741 

(1999).

R. Kolb, E.K. Lin, W.L. Wu and S.K. Satija, Neutron Reflectivity Measurements of Polymer Melt 

Mobility near Oxidized Silicon Surfaces Modified with Self-Assembled Monolayers, Langmuir, 

submitted.

D.J. Pochan, E.K. Lin, W.L. Wu and S.K. Satija, Thermal Expansion of Supported Thin Polymer 

Films: A Direct Comparison of Free Surface vs. Total Confinement, Physical Review Letters, 

submitted.

D.J. Pochan, E.K. Lin, W.L. Wu, S.K. Satija and S. Z. D. Cheng, Thermal Expansion and Glass 

Transition Behavior of Thin Polymer Films with and without a Free Surface via Neutron 

Reflectometry, Proc. of the Materials Research Society Fall Meeting, 1998.

C.C. White and W L. Wu, Studies of the Polymer Thin Film Glass Transition Temperature 

Monitored with the Complex Viscoelastic Coefficients, Proc. of the Materials Research Society 

Fall Meeting, 1998.

C.C. White, K.B. Migler and W.L. Wu, Measuring Tg in Ultra-Thin Polymer Films With an 

Excimer Fluorescence Technique, Macromolecules, submitted. 

C.C. White and W.L. Wu, Determination of the Complex Modulus of a Supported Ultra-Thin 

Polymer Film, Applied Physics Letters, submitted.

C.C. White and W.L. Wu, Measuring the Relative Viscosity of Free-Standing Ultra-thin Polymer 

Films with Fluorescence Determination, Macromolecules, submitted.

C.C. White, W.L. Wu, Y. Pu, M. Rafailovich and J. Sokolov, Probe Segregation within an 

Ultra-thin Polystyrene Film Studied by X-ray, Neutron Reflectivity and SIMS and Tg 

Determination of Polystyrene on a Quartz Substrate by X-ray Reflectivity, Macromolecules, 

submitted.
33

Presentations

E.K. Lin, D.J. Pochan, W.L. Wu, S.K. Satija and S. Z. D. Cheng, Confinement Effects on the 

Thermal Expansion and Glass Transition Behavior or Thin Polymer Films, American Institute of 

Chemical Engineers, Miami, FL, November 1998.

D.J. Pochan, E.K. Lin, W.L. Wu, C. Majkrzak and S.K. Satija, Ultra-thin Film Geometry Effects 

on the Phase Behavior and Morphology of Semicrystalline Polymers, American Physical 

Society, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.

E.K. Lin, D.J. Pochan, W.L. Wu and S.K. Satija, Molecular Weight Dependence of Polymer 

Inter-diffusion near the Polymer/Solid Interface, American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, March 

1999.

E. K. Lin, R. Kolb, W. L. Wu, and S. K. Satija, Polymer Mobility and Shear-induced Polymer 

Desorption near the Polymer/Solid Interface, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 

Stanford University, Stanford, CA, May 1999.

C.C. White and W.L. Wu, Fluorescence Probe Determination of the Glass Transition 

Temperature (Tg) for Supported and Free-Standing Ultra-Thin Polymer Films, American 

Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.

C.C. White and W.L. Wu, Deviations From Assumed Behavior, The Metrology Of 0.1 Micron 

Polymer Films, 100nm Gigascale Integration, Sponsored by the Knowledge Foundation, San 

Francisco, February 1999.

C.C. White and W.L. Wu, Determining the Glass Transition Temperature of Ultra-Thin Films,

Materials Research Society Meeting, Boston, MA, December 1998.

D.J. Pochan, E.K. Lin, S.K. Satija and W.L. Wu, Effects of a Thin-film Geometry on the 

Thermal Expansion and Glass Transition of Ultra-thin Polymer Films Sandwiched between 

Polymer Layers, National Meeting of the Materials Research Society, Boston, MA, November 

1998.

D.J. Pochan, E. Lin, S. K. Satija and W.L. Wu Effects of a Thin-film Geometry on the Phase 

Behavior and Morphology of Thin Polymer Films, Polymers West Gordon Conference, Ventura, 

CA, January 1999.

D.J. Pochan, E.K. Lin, S.K. Satija, C. Majkrzak and W.L. Wu, Thin Film Confinement Effects 

on the Morphology and Phase Behavior of Semicrystalline Polymer, National Meeting of the 

American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.
34
35

-4

-2

0

2

4

6

8

10

-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Temperature (°C)

DL/L (x10

4

)

Capacitance Cell

Wachtman's Data

Spline to data on <0001> sapphire || to c-axis from J.B. Wachtman

et al., ADI Auxilliary Publications Project, Photoduplication

Service, Document No. 7146, Washington, D.C.: Library of

Congress, 1962.

Standard Test Method

...addressing important needs for standard test methods

High Precision Capacitance Cell Developed for Thin Film Out-of-Plane Expansion

Polymers Division researchers, Fred Mopsik and Chad Snyder, developed a high precision capacitance 

cell for measuring thermal or humidity induced changes in thickness for films between 5 μm and 1 cm 

thick. The relative expanded uncertainty in the thickness is 0.1x10-6 for isothermal measurements and 

1x10-6 for thermal cycling under dry conditions (i.e. 0 % relative humidity). The accuracy of the cell has 

been verified using a <0001> Al2O3 single crystal of 0.5 mm thick as the test standard. Thin film 

expansion data are needed by microelectronics industries and others to model and to predict the 

mechanical integrity of multilevel 

microelectronic chips that are subjected to 

temperature and humility changes. No 

suitable technique was available for thin 

films in the micrometer thickness range. 

The process for submitting this cell design 

and the measurement protocol as a 

standard test method to the Institute for 

Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic 

Circuits (IPC) has been initiated.

The cell design is unique in that it is based upon a three-terminal guarded electrode that isolates the 

sample from the measurement path so that the dielectric constant of the sample is not needed. For this 

reason, diverse materials such as polymers and ceramics can be measured using the current cell design. 

As an example, measurements were conducted on a 14 μm thick 

polymer film. Values determined for the thin polymer film agreed 

with those obtained by a combination of in-plane expansion

measurements and volume dilatometry on larger samples to within 

the combined uncertainties. A future design modification will

enable the expansion measurements of conductive materials such as 

metals. 

Since the method requires the dielectric constant of air to be 

precisely determined, data reduction software and protocols were 

developed for humid conditions to estimate thickness values reliably. Theoretical calculations have been

performed to estimate the minimum attainable uncertainty in these measurements. The ability of our data 

reduction software/protocol to provide accurate thickness values within the limits of these uncertainties 

has been demonstrated. It is expected that this metrology will find a variety of other applications as an 

extremely sensitive displacement sensor. 

Thin film expansion data are needed to model the mechanical integrity of multilevel 

microelectronic chips that are subjected to temperature and humility changes.
36
37

POLYMER BLENDS AND PROCESSING PROGRAM

To advance the US polymer blends and processing industry into the next century and maintain 

leadership in the world market, technology must move well beyond its current state-of-the-art in 

key areas. Lower operating costs and capital investment, and shorter time from concept to 

manufacturing are vital to enhancing global competency in the polymers industry. On-line 

methods to measure quality and control key components are critical for rapid product 

developmental cycles. Rapid high throughput evaluation techniques, new measurement 

technology, and real time process control capability are critical for handling processing of 

complex multicomponent polymer systems. 

An important class of multicomponent polymeric materials contain inorganic fillers and 

nanofillers. A technical revolution of increased industrial interest and research has occurred in 

nanofillers due to their promise for cost-minimization coupled with the potential for enhanced 

performance. Recent advances in polymer-clay "nanocomposite" materials have taken the lead in 

this new research area. Development of new cost-effective techniques for creating a broader 

variety of macromolecular architectures such as dendrimers also holds promise for unique 

material properties due to their novel structure and high surface density of functionalized 

moeities. In the polymer coatings area, molecular self-assembly methods for creating 

nanostructures is a growing field. New capabilities are also envisioned by interdisciplinary 

activities to create new fields of technology, such as polymer containing biomaterials. Modeling 

tools are essential to understand and interpret the dynamical and steady state aspects provided by 

these new technology areas. 

The Polymer Blends and Processing Program has previously established expertise in static and 

kinetic aspects of phase behavior of polymer blends, effects of shear flow on mixing and 

separating, and reactive processing to promote compatibility. The focus of the current program 

areas has shifted to meet the new needs and challenges of the polymers industry outlined above. 

Current research efforts are focussed in the following areas: (1) Measuring interactions, structure 

and dynamics of filled and nanofilled polymers, effects of shear on morphology, filler wettability 

studies, and phase separation of filled systems (2) Control of polymer processing conditions, online characterization of morphology, dielectric property, and temperature profiling (3) 

Characterization of structures of unique macromonomers such as dendrimers, hyperbranched 

molecules, metal containing dendrimers and dendrimer-polymer network structures (4) 

Combinatorial high throughput measurements of phenomena in polymer science (such as 

dewetting of polymer coatings, phase separation in polymer blends) utilizing concepts of library 

preparation, automated data analysis, validation and feedback (5) Theory and modeling effort in 

collaboration with CSTL to guide and interpret measurements in the above research areas. 

The unique measurement capabilities provided by specialized light and neutron scattering 

methods continue to be applied for understanding thermodynamics, kinetics and morphology of 

multicomponent polymer systems. Each program areas interacts with industry to develop 

measurement methods using tools of fluorescence, light scattering, neutron scattering and 

reflectivity, x-ray scattering, birefringence, microscopy (AFM, TEM, phase contrast), and 

rheology. Industrial collaborators include: Dow Corning, Dynisco, 3M, Dendritech, DSM, Dow 

Chemical, DuPont, Exxon, Kodak, Lucent Technologies, Goodyear, Mobil, Raychem, Sid 

Richardson, Michelin USA, Southern Clay, Specialty Minerals, Hyperion Catalysis and GE. 
38

Collaborations also exist with a number of national and international universities and national 

laboratories.

Significant Accomplishments

• Developed, in collaboration with Mobil Chemical, a new optical sensor for real time 

measurements of polymer orientation and temperature during the biaxial stretching of 

polypropylene films. The polypropylene contained a fluorescent dye that was used to 

measure both orientation and temperature. 

• Discovered a droplet-ribbon transition as a function of shear rate in sheared polymer blends. 

The string formation has profound implications for nano and micro scale fabrication via 

polymer blends, indicating the possibility of in-situ fiber formation to produce ultra-strong 

materials. 

• Confirmed, from the observation of vorticity alignment of sheared polymeric droplets, that 

droplet elasticity is the key element in the development of vorticity alignment. This 

discovery provides a direct connection between phenomena observed during extrusion and 

during plate-plate flow.

• Critical issues such as dynamics of polymers at the carbon black polymer-filler interface and 

a reliable working definition and measurements of filler dispersion were discussed at the 

Fillers Working Group meeting held at NIST jointly with industrial partners from Dow 

Corning, Sid Richardson Carbon Black Co., Michelin Americas, and from Los Alamos 

National Laboratory. 

• Determined, in collaboration with Dow Corning, that the chain deformation behavior of 

polysilicate filled polymers correlated to the type of fumed silica used and the stress-strain 

behavior.

• Discovered, in collaboration with Southern Clay Products, that the elastic behavior of the 

clay-polymer solutions is a result of the synergistic coupling of the polymer deformation and 

clay orientation in flow. Solution processing of clays is an important but poorly understood 

area of clay-polymer nanocomposites.

• Established, in collaborative work with the Sid Richardson Company, positive correlation 

between inelastic spectra and the reinforcing behavior of the carbon blacks in filled 

polymers.

• Developed techniques to incorporate metal ions (Au+, Cu+, Cd+, Pt+), into dendrimers in 

solution or polymeric networks and methods to convert the incorporated ions into metallic 

(AuO, CuO, PtO) or semiconductor (CdS, CdSe) nanoclusters. These materials have 

potential applications in optical, biomedical, and electronic applications.

• Established characterization techniques, SANS, SAXS, and TEM, to measure the size, 

location and polydispersity of metallic and semiconductor nanoclusters incorporated into 

dendrimers. 

• Characterized and quantified dynamical heterogeneity in a model polymer melt, and 

demonstrated the growing range of spatially correlated monomer motion on approaching the 

glass transition. Work was internationally acclaimed and resulted in a publication in Nature.

• Predicted, from computer simulations, the observed development of transient target 

composition wave patterns about filler particles in phase separating blends. Understanding 

transient morphology development in the presence of fillers is important for developing the 

next generation of filled blend materials with tailored properties.

• Designed and fabricated novel experimental equipment, based on a temperature gradient 

heating stage, a velocity-gradient knife-edge coating apparatus and an optical microscope 
39

automated to enable x,y scanning of samples over time, for combinatorial library creation 

and high-throughput screening.

• Determined a comprehensive temperature thickness dewetting phase map of polystyrene on 

silicon with temperature-thickness combinatorial libraries and validated by comparison to 

previous results. 

In-Line Optical Characterization of Polymer Extrusion and Blend Morphology

K. Migler, F. Qiao and C.C. Han

Objective

The objective is to develop methods for measuring critical processing parameters based on 

optical techniques that can be adopted by industry. A deeper understanding of processing 

phenomena under high shear rate conditions, such as morphology development, fiber formation, 

and slippage is envisioned by the development of such techniques.

Technical Description 

Ultimate blend properties depend critically on the structural morphology. Manufacturers have 

little understanding of how to generate desired morphologies. This work will utilize visualization 

techniques that will allow quantification and predictive capabilities of polymer blend 

morphologies. Velocimetry techniques will allow polymer processing and additives 

manufacturing companies to assess and understand factors controlling the performance of their 

materials.

External Collaborations

• Constance Gettinger and Claude Lavallee, 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minnesota -Extrusion 

Visualization Measurements.

• Susan Woods, Dyneon Corporation, Oakdale MN, -Velocity profile measurements/ Polymer 

processing additives.

• Walter Buzanowski, Dow Chemical, Midland, MI -Extrusion Visualization Development.

• David Lohse, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey -

Measurements of polyolefin blends structure during extrusion.

Planned Outcome 

New optical based technologies are developed that allow producers to visualize their process in 

real time. The measurement capability will enable the rational development of next generation 

of processing materials. A deeper understanding will be attained of the relationship between 

elasticity, viscosity ratio, shear, and concentration on the morphology of polymer blends.

Accomplishments

• A droplet-ribbon transition in sheared polymer blends was discovered (See Figure). Above a 

critical shear rate, the minority component is dispersed into droplets that continuously 

coalesce and breakup in a living equilibrium. Below this critical shear rate, the droplets 

coalesce into long ribbons whose mass is up to 104 times greater than the droplets. 

• Vorticity alignment of sheared polymeric droplets under controlled laboratory conditions was 

observed. This discovery confirms that droplet elasticity is the key element in the 
40

development of vorticity alignment and provides a direct connection between phenomena 

observed during extrusion and shear flow between plates.

• Formed collaborations with Dyneon and 3M to utilize the NIST visualization techniques to 

study Polymer Processing Additives and slippage.

• Collaborating with 3M on their optical flow cell.

• Hosted laboratory tour for a high level delegation from the American Fibers Manufacturer's 

Association.

Impact

Dow Chemical is building a replica of the NIST Extrusion Visualization facility.

Outputs

Publications

E. K. Hobbie and K. B. Migler, Vorticity Alignment in Polymeric Emulsions, Physical Review 

Letters, 82, 5393, 1999.

K. B. Migler, Droplet Vorticity Alignment in Model Polymer Blends, J. of Rheology, in press.

K. B. Migler, E. K. Hobbie and F. Qiao, In line study of Droplet Deformation of Polymer Blends 

in Channel Flow Polymer Engineering and Science, in press.

K. B. Migler, C.L. Gettinger, V.P. Thalacker and R. Conway, Measurement of Slippage Induced 

by a Polymer Processing Additive, Proc. of the ANTEC 1999 Meeting.

E. K. Hobbie and K.B. Migler, Optical Studies of Sheared Polymer Droplets, Proc. of the 

ANTEC 1999 Meeting. 

Above Critical Shear Rate Below Critical Shear Rate
41

Presentations

K. B. Migler, In-line monitoring of Polymer Droplet Deformation, Spheres: Strings and Vorticity 

Alignment, ACS Rubber Technology Division, Chicago, April 1999.

K. B. Migler, In-situ Visualization of Polymer Processing; Slippage and Two-Phase 

Morphology, Dyneon Corporation, Oakdale, MN June 1999.

K. B. Migler, Shear Induced Deformation of Polymeric Droplets: Ellipsoids, Strings and 

Vorticity Alignment, University of Minnesota, ST. Paul, MN, June 1999.

K. B. Migler, In-line monitoring of Polymer Droplet Deformation, Spheres: Strings and Vorticity 

Alignment, CAE in Polymer Processing, March 1999.

K. B. Migler, Direct Measurement of Slippage Induced by a Polymer Processing Additive, 

ANTEC 1999, New York, New York, May, 1999.

K. B. Migler, Vorticity Alignment in Sheared Polymeric Emulsions, ANTEC 1999, New York, 

New York, May, 1999.

Phase Behavior in Polymer Blends and Polymer Crystallinity

C. C. Han, H. Grhll1, A. Esker2, A. I. Nakatani, C. L. Jackson, A. Karim, G. Kim3 and Y.A. 

Akpalu4

1Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany

2University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

3

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ

4

Polytechnic University, NewYork, NY

Objectives

The objectives are to develop experimental techniques and capabilities for studying 

morphologies of polymer blends resulting from phase separation and crystallization both at 

surfaces and in the bulk in order to understand the mechanisms by which these processes occur. 

Of particular interest are questions about: the interplay between crystallization and phase 

separation in blends and in microphase separated copolymers where both processes are present; 

the role of strong and steric interactions have on the stabilization of phase separated 

morphologies; the finite size effects, which influence and control film stability and polymer 

miscibility, for nanotechnology applications; the role of the preferential interaction of polymer 

components with a surface and the growth of adsorbed layers (pre-transition) and subsequent 

phase separation; and finally, the effect that semi-permeable, ultra-thin, barrier layers 

(membranes) have on selective polymer transport process.

Technical Description

Neutron (small angle neutron (SANS)), X-ray, and light (LS) scattering, microscopy (optical 

(OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM)) and 

reflectivity (x-ray (XR) and neutron (NR)) are being used and modified to examine the time 

dependent evolution of morphologies in confined geometries and in the bulk. The morphologies 
42

are associated with preferential adsorption, wetting/dewetting, mixing/demixing and 

crystallization in polymer blends at surfaces. The following approaches are employed:

• AFM capabilities are developed to probe the role surface interactions have on polymer film 

stability (wetting/dewetting) with homopolymers for subsequent blend studies of these 

phenomena. 

• The effectiveness of a compatibilizer suppressing lateral phase separation in thin films is 

investigated with neutron reflectivity, x-ray reflectivity and reflection microscopy.

• Polystyrene/polybutadiene and polybutadiene/polyisoprene on flat silicon surfaces are being 

studied by NR and SANS and followed by a bulk system with fine silica particles. 

• The effect of conformational changes on steric interactions induced through 

photoisomerization has been examined by SANS.

• Studies are conducted on blends of polystyrene and polycaprolactone which have an upper 

critical solution temperature, to examine the interplay of crystallization and phase separation 

on both the kinetics of phase separation and the ultimate morphologies, at appropriate 

relative quench depths by LS and microscopy.

• Studies of microphase separation and crystallization in semi-crystalline block copolymers of 

polystyrene(S)-polybutadiene(B)-polycaprolactone(C) and diblocks SC and BC are carried 

out using optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scattering 

techniques. The bulk films were analyzed by small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide 

angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) at room temperature to simultaneously measure both the 

lamellar spacing of the microphase separated structure by SAXS and quantifies the PCL 

crystallinity using WAXS (Y. Akpalu).

• Alkyl branch modification of stiff rods (thereby forming “hairy-rods”) in bulk and on a 

surface are being studied by the aforementioned techniques.

• We prepare and characterize trilayer thin films of deuterated polystyrene (spincoated)/membrane (prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique)/hydrogenated polystyrene 

(floated) where the membrane consists of a blend of photo-crosslinkable cellulose “hairyrods” and polystyrene. NR provides a convenient way to study the diffusion of this system, 

while characterization of the membrane and layer thicknesses are readily obtained from the 

other techniques.

External Collaborators

• A. Halasa, Y. Feng, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio - Collaboration and 

supply of elastomers and filled elastomers for various experiments.

• R. A. Weiss, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut - Collaboration and supply of 

ionomer blend materials.

• R. Stadler, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany - Collaboration and supply of 

polycaprolactone (PCL) and PCL block copolymer.

• T. Hashimoto, H. Jinnai, ERATO, Japan Science and Technology Corporation, Kyoto, Japan 

• M. Libera, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey - Collaboration on TEM 

of block copolymers.

• G. Wegner, Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Mainz, Germany

• Professor Benjamin Hsiao, Department of Chemistry, State University of New York, Stony 

Brook, New York
43

Accomplishments

• For the first time the dependence of the crystallization rate on chain length has been 

measured, and it was found that the chain length distribution can determine whether density 

fluctuations are observed before crystal growth in linear polyethylene.

• Using simultaneous small and wide-angle x-ray scattering, it was demonstrated that 

variations in the scattering profiles of linear polyethylene during crystallization can be 

correlated to the evolution of single chain-folded crystal from lamellae to lamellar aggregates 

as suggested by recent microscopic observations. 

• An in-depth understanding of the relationship between architecture, chain length and 

compatibilizers on the morphology of polymer blends was accomplished.

• The use of a diblock compatibilizer as a blend component was found to suppress phase 

separation induced roughening in thin polymer blend films (100 nm). Furthermore, we 

discovered that temperature has a weak effect on the profile development in compatibilized 

blend films.

• The LCST bulk phase behavior of a polyisoprene/deuterated polybutadiene blend was 

determined by SANS measurements. 

• A depth profile study of a polyisoprene/deuterated polybutadiene blend showed a preferential 

symmetric adsorption of polyisoprene at both interfaces consistent with Monte Carlo 

simulation studies. The surface excess, z*, of polyisoprene as a function of temperature 

shows a maximum around the bulk critical temperature and linearly increases with the 

logarithm of film thickness for a given temperature. The results suggest that in the one phase 

region adsorption layers of polyisoprene are formed which grow in size with increasing film 

thickness and as the critical temperature is approached. In the two-phase region, phase 

separation occurs inside the film with the polyisoprene rich phase wetting both interfaces. 

For thick films, a trilayer structure is formed with the polybutadiene rich phase in the center 

of the film and the polyisoprene rich phase wetting both interfaces (polymer/air and 

polymer/Si). This structure becomes more and more unstable with decreasing film thickness

leading to lateral inhomogeneities inside the film.

• Demonstrated control over the miscibility of polymer blends by manipulating steric 

interactions through controlled photoisomerization of labeled polymer chains.

• Determined crystallization conditions for bulk blends of cellulose ethers and esters with 

polycaprolactone and poly(ethylene oxide) for use as model systems for studying 

crystallization kinetics by LS where the rigidity of the cellulose backbone may induce 

substantial changes in morphology.

• In NR measurements of the interdiffusion of deuterated and protonated polystyrene in the 

presence and absence of a membrane, it was determined that the presence of a 60 Å thick 

membrane containing 0.34 mass fraction PS, added to control the porosity of the membrane 

through formation of a phase separated structure, substantially retards interdiffusion. 

Movement of the membrane as a function of annealing time is observed and may be 

represent a polymeric analog to similar observations for barrier layers in metallic systems.

• Determined the macroscopic crystalline superstructure (optical range 4μm to 1000 μm) and 

microphase separated morphology (TEM range 5nm to 100 nm) produced by various 

annealing treatments of thin films (5 to10) μm and bulk specimens of polystyrene (PS)-

polybutadiene (PB)-polycaprolactone (PC) (PS-PB-PCL) triblock and PS-PCL and PB-PCL 

diblock copolymers.
44

• In the thin films, it was shown that crystallization into spherulites can either distort or 

completely destroy the microphase separated morphology for the PS-PB-PCL triblock 

copolymer, while spherulites can coexist with the cylindrical microphase separated structure 

in the case of PB-PCL diblock copolymer. In the bulk films, the microphase separated 

morphology dominates and large spherulites do not form.

• In the PS35PB15PCL50 triblock copolymer, a lamellar-cylindrical microstructure with PB 

cylinders at the interphase boundaries is observed by both SAXS and TEM; this structure is 

similar to the microphase separated structure of ABC type amorphous block copolymers. 

The simultaneous WAXS confirms the PCL is crystalline and the PCL reflections disappear 

when the sample is heated to 90 °C. 

Outputs

Publications

C. Zhou, E. K. Hobbie, B. J. Bauer, and C. C. Han, Equilibrium Structure of Hydrogen-Bonded 

Polymer Blends, Journal of Polymer Science: Part B: Polymer Physics, in press.

O. Urakawa, O. Yano, Q. Tran-Cong, A. I. Nakatani, and C. C. Han,Small-Angle Neutron 

Scattering Studies on the Phase Behavior of Binary Polymer Blends Driven by 

Photoisomerization, Macromolecules, 31, 7962(1998). 

Y. Akpalu, L. Kielhorn, B.S. Hsiao, R.S. Stein, T.P. Russell, J. V. Egmond, and M. 

Muthukumar, An Investigation of the Early Stages of Structure Development During Isothermal 

Melt Crystallization of Homogeneous Copolymers of Ethene and 1-Octene: Time-Resolved 

Synchrotron X-ray and SALS, Macromolecules, 32, 765(1999).

Y. Akpalu and E. J. Amis, Evolution of Density Fluctuations to Lamellar Crystals in Linear 

Polyethylene, J. Chem. Phys, 111(18), 8686(1999).

Y. Akpalu and E. J. Amis, Effect of Polydispersity on Evolution of Density Fluctuations to 

Lamellar Crystals in Linear Polyethylene, J. Chem. Phys (submitted).

H. Grhll, A. Schreyer, N.F. Berk, C.F. Majkrzak and C.C. Han, Composition Profilling in a 

Binary Polymer Blend Thin Film Using Polarized Neutron Reflectivity, Europhysics Letts., 

submitted.

A. Schreyer, C.F. Majkrzak, N.F. Berk, H. Grhll and C.C. Han, Using polarized neutrons to 

determine the phase of reflection from thin film structures, J. of Phys. and Chem. of Solids, 60, 

1045(1999).

G. Kim, C. L. Jackson, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler, C. C. Han, The Formation of 

Supermolecular Polycaprolactone (PCL) Spherulites in Polystyrene-Polybutadiene-PCL 

Semicrystalline Block Copolymers, SPE ANTEC, 1734 (1999).

G. Kim, C. L. Jackson, F. v. Gyldenfeldt, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C. C. Han, The 

Crystallization Behavior of Polybutadiene-Polycaprolactone (PB-b-PCL) Semicrystalline Block 

Copolymers, ACS PMSE Prep., 80, 351 (1999).
45

C.L. Jackson, G. Kim, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C. C. Han, Microphase Separation 

versus Spherulitic Crystallization in Melt Ordered Semi-Crystalline Block Copolymers, APS 

Bulletin, 44(1), 294 (1999).

K.A. Barnes A. Karim, J.F. Douglas, A.I. Nakatani, H. Grüll, E.J. Amis, Suppression of 

Dewetting in Nanoparticle Filled Polymer Films, Macromolecules, submitted.

Presentations

C.C. Han, Small Angle Neutron Scattering in Polymer Application, Workshop on Small Angle 

Scattering, EXAFS, and XANES, PPG, Monroeville, PA, September 1998.

C.C. Han, Phase Separation of Polymer Blends in Bulk and on the Surfaces, American Physical 

Society Meeting, DHPP Ford Prize Symposium, Atlanta, GA, March 24, 1999.

C.C. Han, Thermodynamics, Rheology, and Morphology of Two Phase Blends Under Shear 

Flow, European Blends Meeting, Mainz, Germany, May 17, 1999.

Y. Akpalu, Eric J. Amis, Evolution of Density Fluctuations to Lamellar Crystals in Linear 

Polyethylene, XIth International Conference on Small-Angle Scattering, May 1999.

A.R. Esker, H. Grüll, G. Wegner and C.C. Han, Controlling Dewetting Patterns with Photo 

Cross-linked Capping Layers, Sixth European Symposium on Polymer Blends, Mainz, Germany, 

May 1999.

H. Grüll, A.R. Esker, S.K. Satija, G. Wegner and C.C. Han, Moderating Polymer Interdiffusion 

with Ultra-thin Membranes, Sixth European Symposium on Polymer Blends, Mainz, Germany, 

May 1999.

A.R. Esker, H. Grüll, G. Wegner, S.K. Satija and C.C. Han, Polymer Interdiffusion through 

Free-Standing Membranes, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, March 1999.

H. Grüll, A.R. Esker, G. Wegner and C.C. Han, Controlled Dewetting in Confined Geometries 

via Photo Patterned Ultra Thin Capping Layers, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, 

Georgia, March 1999.

A.R. Esker, Probing Polymer Dynamics in Confined Geometries, Virginia Polytechnic and State 

University, Department of Chemistry, Blacksburg, Virginia, February 1999.

A R. Esker, H. Grüll, G. Wegner, S.K. Satija and C.C. Han, Transport Properties of Ultra-Thin 

Membranes between Polymer Layers, Gordon Research Conference-Polymers West, Ventura, 

California, January 1999.

H. Grüll, A.R. Esker, G. Wegner and C C. Han, Controlling Dewetting with Photo Patterned 

Capping Layers, Gordon Research Conference-Polymers West, Ventura, California, January 

1999.
46

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, V. Balsamo, F. v. Gyldenfeldt, M. Libera, R. Stadler, C.C. Han, The 

Formation of Supermolecular Polycaprolactone (PCL) Spherulites from Melt-Ordered SemiCrystalline Block Copolymers, Gordon Research Conference West, Ventura, CA, January 1999.

C. L. Jackson, G. Kim, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler, C.C. Han, Microphase Separation 

versus Spherulitic Crystallization in Melt Ordered Semi-Crystalline Block Copolymers, 

American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, F. v. Gyldenfeldt, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, The 

Crystallization of Polybutadiene-Polycaprolactone Semicrystalline Block Copolymer Films, 

American Chemical Society, Anaheim, CA, March 1999.

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, The Formation of 

Supermolecular Polycaprolactone (PCL) Spherulites in Polystyrene-Polybutadiene-PCL 

Semicrystalline Block Copolymers, Society of Plastics Engineers, New York, NY, May 1999.

H. Grüll, Phase Behavior of Binary Mixtures: Effects of Confined-Geometry, Nagoya University, 

Department of Applied Chemistry, Nagoya, Japan, August 1999.

H. Grüll, Polymer Transport Through Isotope Selective Langmuir-Blodgett Membranes, Kyushu 

University, Department of Physical Chemistry, Fukuoka, Japan, August 1999.

H. Grüll, Confinement Effects on Phase Separation in Binary Mixtures and Polymer Thin Films, 

Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT), Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Kyoto, 

Japan, August 1999.

H. Grüll, Wetting and Adsorption in Binary Mixtures: A Comparison between Polymer Blends 

and Small Molecules, Kyoto University, Department of Polymer Chemistry, Kyoto, Japan, 

August 1999.

H. Grüll, Isotopic Effects on Polymer Transport Through Ultra-Thin Membranes, University of 

Ulm, Department of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ulm, Germany, May 1999.

H. Grüll, Using Neutron Reflectivity to Study Isotope Selective Polymer Transport Through 

Ultra-Thin Membranes, University of Groningen, Department of Materials Science, Groningen, 

Netherlands, May 1999.

H. Grüll, Polymer Interdiffusion durch ultradünne Membranen, Deutsche Neutronenstreutagung, 

Berlin, Germany, May 1999.

H. Grüll, Alteration of Phase Separation in Thin Binary Polymer Blend Films, American 

Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, March 1999.

Mixing and Structure Formation Under Shear Flow

C. C. Han, F. Qiao, Gudrun Schmidt1, H. S. Jeon2, A. I. Nakatani and K. B. Migler

1Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany
47

2

Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania

Objectives

The objectives are to understand the fundamental mechanisms and to explore the possible 

applications of mixing and morphology control of polymer blends as a function of shear rate (g&), 

temperature, composition, and compatibilizer concentration.

Technical Description

The development of in-situ characterization of multiphase materials is supported by fundamental 

studies focussed on understanding the relationship between the mean-field, the Ising, and the 

shear generated mean-field-like phase behavior in binary blends; on generating the explanation 

of phenomena and possible applications of the shear induced promotion and suppression of 

various phase transition temperatures of blends of homo-polymers and block copolymers; and 

exploiting the effects of the shear induced distortion of fluctuation wave on the phase separated 

morphology and the orientation of the ordered state of the block copolymers. The effect of silica 

nano-particles on the rheological properties of polymers and polymer solutions are also being 

investigated. By working in collaboration with industry, the current goal is to demonstrate the 

use of these characterization methods and the knowledge of the structure-rheology relationship 

of multiphase system to help determine the range of critical processing parameters for specific 

applications, such as molding, extruding, compounding, and dynamic phase inversion processes.

The success of this study could lead to better understanding and even comprehensive prediction 

of morphology/property of extruded resin and molded parts. Phase inversion under shear has 

been studied heavily by the extrusion community from an engineering perspective. A more 

scientific understanding of the phenomena would be important for future polymer alloying 

efforts. The following approaches are employed:

• Studies are conducted on the shear effect on the phase separation temperature of binary 

blends, and on the order disorder transition temperature of block copolymers as fluctuation 

waves are either suppressed or distorted by the shear wave.

• The shear induced morphological structure of polyisoprene with high 1,2-microstructure 

content and polyisoprene or polybutadiene with high 1,4-microstructure content are being 

studied as two-phase blends to evaluate the elastic effect in these visco-elastic fluids. 

• Phase inversion processes are being studied by in-situ light scattering/video microscopy, and 

inversion conditions for different viscosity ratios and volume ratios of the two phases and 

analyzed.

• The shear orientation of nanocomposite materials (clay) in aqueous polymer solutions, nonaqueous polymer solutions, and polymer melts will be investigated by different techniques, 

which include rheology, flow-birefringence, rheo-small-angle light scattering, shearmicroscopy and small-angle neutron scattering under shear.

• The concept of forming string (or fibril like) morphology at lowered interfacial tension 

condition are being tested by the LCP/thermoplastic blends with grafting reaction on the 

interface to introduce block copolymers as compatibilizer. 

• Explore the application of using the aligned rod-like LCP polymer in the elongated fibril 

structure to stabilize the Rayleigh instability in order to maintain the desired morphology for 

application.
48

• Using time resolved video optical microscopy to study the anisotropically deformed droplet 

under shear jump or shear quench and measure the retraction and undulation/breakup 

predicted by Rayleigh instability. 

• Both strain and stress limited dynamic modulus of multiphase polymer blends have been 

studied, the relationship between the rheological properties and the structure formation 

(domain deformation, break-up etc.) has been correlated. 

• Use on-line light scattering and optical microscopy techniques to demonstrate the in-situ

structure characterization and to locate the narrow processing window of fiber formation in a 

LCP/amorphous polymer blends at elevated temperature and high shear rate with a conical 

twin screw extruder.

• The mechanical modulus and fracture toughness are being evaluated jointly with Polymer 

Composites group, and correlated with the morphology characterized by the on-line 

LS/Optical microscope apparatus for the LCP containing blends. Different LCP’s will be 

studied with and without in-situ grafting reaction for reactive compatibilization.

External Collaborators

• A. Halasa, Y. Feng, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio (Polymer materials 

supply).

• Don Wiff, Wright Patterson Air Force Research Lab (Interfaces research plans).

• H. Yang, Essilor Co. (Blends collaborative planning).

• T. P. Lodge, University of Minnesota - Collaboration and supply of block copolymers for 

SANS experiments on shear behavior of block copolymers in various solvents.

• R. Colby, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania (Rheology and light 

scattering).

• M. D. Dadmun, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee - Collaboration and supply of 

materials for shear SANS experiments on LCP materials.

• F. A. Morrison, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan - Collaboration for 

shear SANS experiments on cylindrical diblock copolymer melts.

• J. W. Mays, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama - Collaboration and synthesis of 

material for shear SANS experiments on cylindrical diblock copolymer melts.

Accomplishments

• Shear-induced behavior on solutions of block copolymers in neutral and selective solvents 

has been examined by SANS extending previous results of effects of shear on block 

copolymers in solution. 

• The effectiveness of using a multi-functional epoxy as reactive-coupler to produce 

compatibilizer in-situ for morphology control of this blend has been demonstrated. 

• With the use of the on line LS/Optical microscope system, a narrow processing window for 

LCP/PET alloying has been located and optimized.

• A droplet-fiber transition in the slit channel of our extruder was observed for a reactively 

blended LCP/PET system by the in-line light scattering and optical microscopy. This is in 

contrast with the droplet morphology of the uncompatibilized system. 

• The results of a study of the stability of fibrillation under different flow conditions by the LS 

pattern and the optical microscopy images indicate that LCP is highly oriented under proper 

flow conditions, and the formation of fiber microstructure is strongly dependent on the flow 

and interfacial conditions.
49

• Preliminary results of fracture strength of the LCP, as measured by a biaxial tensile testing, 

show improved mechanical properties along the machine direction.

• Computer programs for time-resolved data analysis of scattering and optical microscopy 

results has been developed.

Outputs

Publications

H.S. Jeon, A.I. Nakatani and C.C. Han, Melt Rheology of Lower Critical Solution Temperature 

Polybutadiene/Polyisoprene Blends, Macromolecules, submitted. 

A.I. Nakatani, Phase Separation Kinetics During Shear in Compatibilized Polymer Blends, ACS 

Symposium Series, Scattering from Polymers, B.S. Hsiao, P. Cebe, and D. J. Lohse, eds., 

Washington, D.C., in press.

K.A. Barnes, F.A. Morrison and A.I. Nakatani, The Effects of Steady Shear on the Order and 

Orientation of a Diblock Copolymer Melt Using In-situ Small-Angle Neutron Scattering, SPE 

ANTEC 2000, submitted. 

H.S. Jeon, A.I. Nakatani, W. Hsu, A.F. Halasa and C. C. Han, Phase Inversion in Viscoelastic 

Polybutadiene(PB)/Polyisoprene (PI) Blends, ACS PMSE Preprints, 80, 349(1999).

S. Kitade, N. Ochiai, Y. Takahashi, I. Noda, Y. Matsushita, A. Karim, A.I. Nakatani, H. Kim and 

C. C. Han, Lamellar Orientation of Diblock Copolymer Solutions Under Steady Shear Flow, 

Macromolecules, 31, 8083(1998). 

G. Schmidt, A.I. Nakatani, P.D. Butler and C.C. Han, Shear Orientation of Viscoelastic 

Polymer-Clay Solutions Probed by Flow Birefringence and SANS, Macromolecules, submitted.

M.D. Dadmun, S. Clingman, C.K. Ober, and A.I. Nakatani, The Flow Induced Structure in a 

Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Polymer as Studied by SANS, Journal of Polymer Science: 

Polymer Physics Edition, 36, 3017(1998).

E.K. Hobbie, S. Kim, J. Yu and C.C. Han, Pattern Formation and Scaling in Critical Polymer 

Mixtures Under Simple Shear Flow, Il Nuovo Cimento, D20: (12BIS) 2303(1998).

K.B. Migler, E.K. Hobbie and F. Qiao, In-Line Study of Droplet Deformation in Polymer Blends 

in Channel Flow, Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering, submitted.

F. Qiao, K. Migler and C.C. Han, In-Line Investigation of Shear-Induced MorphologyTransition 

in Liquid Crystalline Polymer/PET Blends, ANTEC'99, New York, USA, May 2-6,1999.

Presentations

H. S. Jeon, A.I. Nakatani, W. Hsu, A.F. Halasa and C.C. Han, Phase Inversion in Viscoelastic 

Polybutadiene(PB)/Polyisoprene (PI) Blends, ACS PMSE, May, 1999.

F. Qiao, K. Migler and C.C. Han, In-Line Investigation of Shear-Induced MorphologyTransition 

in Liquid Crystalline Polymer/PET Blends, ANTEC'99, New York, May 2-6,1999.
50

C.C. Han, Thermodynamics, Rheology, and Morphology of Two Phase Blends, Department of 

Materials Science and Engineering, University of Cincinnati, OH, November, 20, 1999.

Fluorescence, Dielectrics and Ultrasonics Monitoring for Polymer Processing

A. J. Bur, K. Migler and S. C. Roth 

Objectives

The objectives are to develop experimental methodology using fluorescence spectroscopy, 

ultrasonics, and dielectrics for monitoring important polymer process parameters such as 

temperature profiles, molecular orientation, and blend and filler composition. Another objective 

is to improve understanding of the process by constructing mathematical models based on realtime measurements.

Technical Description

New sensor hardware for process monitoring developed under this program includes optical 

sensors for fluorescence based measurements of temperature, pressure and dye orientation, and a 

high temperature ultrasonic transducer that can be used at resin processing temperatures. The 

fluorescence sensor contains optical fiber links between the light source, processing machine, 

and detector. The sensor head, which is inserted into the processing machine, contains optical 

components (lenses, windows etc.) needed for the measurement. To carry out the measurements 

a fluorescent dye is mixed with the resin at dopant mass fraction of less than 10-5 dye in the resin. 

Several fluorescent dyes have been identified as suitable for polymer processing because they are 

stable at the high temperatures used for polymer processing in addition to functioning as a 

temperature/pressure probe or as a probe of molecular orientation. For fluorescence anisotropy 

measurements, dyes with geometric anisotropy are chosen because they are known to orient with 

applied extensional stress. For temperature and pressure measurements, dyes whose spectra 

change in a correlated manner with temperature and pressure are used.

The high temperature ultrasonic transducer can be attached to the exterior surface of a processing 

machine and has been used as a virtual temperature sensor through the measurement of 

ultrasonic velocity combined with an equation of state model.

The in-line dielectric sensor, developed by Chemical ElectroPhysics Co., is attached at the exit 

of a twin screw extruder and is being used to monitor the extrusion and mixing of filled polymers 

and polymer blends. Models of dielectric mixtures and dielectric dispersion are used to interpret 

data.

External Collaborators

• Michael McBrearty, Chemical ElectroPhysics Corp., Hockessin, DE, contributes dielectric 

spectrometer equipment and collaborates with NIST in carrying out experiments to measure 

dielectric properties of filled polymers.

• Moris Amon, Mobil Chemical Co., Rochester, NY, contributes optical equipment and access 

to a pilot plant process line for the measurement of fluorescence anisotropy of stretched films 

during processing. 
51

• Charles Thomas, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 

UT, provides a polymer injection molding machine, which will be instrumented with optical 

and ultrasonic sensors for the purpose of studying physical properties of resins during 

molding.

Planned Outcomes

Successful achievement of our objectives will provide solutions to outstanding measurement 

problems facing the U. S. polymer processing industry. These problems involve the general 

inability to measure accurately real-time physical properties of resins during processing. Such 

measurement deficiency obscures our understanding of process dynamics and hampers 

processors’ ability to optimize productivity and product quality. This measurement and sensor 

program will yield improved measurement capability in several fundamental areas: temperature 

and temperature profiles, pressure profiles, rheology, morphology, molecular orientation and 

composition. Of particular interest to processors is the capability to measure spatial profiles of 

temperature, pressure and strain rate. Ultimately, the planned outcome of this work is improved 

understanding of processes through the construction of mathematical models that are based on 

real-time measurements.

Accomplishments

• In collaboration with Chemical ElectroPhysics Corp., dielectric measurements of nano-clay 

filled nylon and other filled resins were obtained during twin screw extrusion using an in-line 

dielectric sensor. The measurements yielded information about mixing ratios, residence 

time, composition near the barrel wall, and sensor performance. 

• In collaboration with Mobil Chemical, we constructed a new optical sensor for real time 

measurements of fluorescence anisotropy during the biaxial stretching of polypropylene 

films. The polypropylene contains a fluorescent dye that is used to measure both orientation 

and temperature. The sensor contains polarizing elements, focusing optics, and fiber optics 

for monitoring the polarization content of fluorescence radiation and for monitoring 

temperature using the spectral characteristics of the dye.

• The temperature and pressure dependence of the fluorescence spectrum of benzoxazolyl 

stilbene doped into polystyrene was examined using statistical techniques in order to separate 

temperature and pressure effects. The method of data separation involves the construction of 

functions orthogonal to the pressure effect, which, when integrated against the observed 

spectrum, yield temperature with no pressure coefficient. Thus, the dye can be calibrated to 

perform as a temperature sensor that does not need pressure compensation. Pressure 

measurements can also be obtained. 

Impact

• Collaboration with Chemical ElectroPhysics Corp. has involved performance evaluations of 

an in-line dielectric sensor that is used to monitor the extrusion of filled polymers. As a 

result of these studies, new sensor design strategies are being adopted and new sensor 

products are being formulated by Chemical ElectroPhysics Co. The in-line application of 

this sensor has yielded real-time information about resin flow dynamics and filled resin 

composition.

• Mobil Chemical Co. is using the NIST anisotropy/temperature sensor because the sensor can 

be deployed at high temperatures in the production oven during biaxial stretching of 

polypropylene film. The real-time information about molecular orientation and processing 
52

temperature will determine processing strategies that are used to control the properties of the 

film.

Outputs

Publications

A.J. Bur and S.C. Roth, Fluorescence Anisotropy Measurements of Oriented Polymers, SPE 

ANTEC ’99 Proceedings. 

A.J. Bur and C.L. Thomas, In-Situ Monitoring of Product Shrinkage during Injection Molding 

Using an Optical Sensor, SPE ANTEC ’99 Proceedings. 

M. McBrearty, A.J. Bur and S. Perusich, In-Line Dielectric Sensor for Chemical Composition 

Measurements in Molten Polymers, SPE ANTEC ’99 Proceedings.

A.J. Bur, S.C. Roth and C.L. Thomas, A Fluorescence Anisotropy Sensor and Its Application to 

Polymer Processing and Characterization, Rev. Sci. Instrum., submitted

Presentations

A.J. Bur, Fluorescence Anisotropy Measurements of Oriented Polymers, SPE Ann. Technical 

Mtg., May, 1999. 

A.J. Bur, In-Situ Monitoring of Product Shrinkage during Injection Molding Using an Optical 

Sensor, SPE Ann. Technical Mtg., May, 1999. 

Patent Award

Optical Sensor for Measuring Fluorescence Anisotropy During Polymer Processing to A. J. Bur 

and S.C. Roth, June 24, 1999.

Theory of Phase Separation and Transport in Polymer Liquid

J.F. Douglas, S.C. Glotzer, K. F. Freed1, J. Dudowicz1, P. Allegrini and B.P. Lee

1University of Chicago, IL

Objectives

The objectives are to develop theoretical models of blend phase separation subject to perturbing 

influences (finite size, fillers, shear flow) and transport properties of polymer fluids with and 

without filler particles; to investigate and model the properties of glass forming liquids; and to 

provide guidance for ongoing experimental studies by the Polymer Blends and Processing 

Group.

Technical Description

Filler-Induced Composition Waves in Phase-Separating Polymer Blends

The Cahn-Hilliard-Cook theory for phase separation is adapted to describe phase separation of a 

blend with spherical, cylindrical (fiber) and plane (platelet) shaped filler particles. A surface 

interaction is incorporated into the filler model to describe the tendency of one of the polymer 

components to enrich about the filler particle. Separate interaction parameters describe the 
53

magnitude of the chemical potential favoring a particular polymer component and the change of 

the polymer-polymer interaction near the particle surface. 

Modeling the Viscosity of Filled Polymers

A general model of the viscosity of complex-shaped particle dispersions is developed based on 

an exact virial expansion about the low concentration limit and a mathematical analogy 

established between the hydrodynamics of concentrated particle dispersions and the problem of 

calculating the conductivity of particle suspensions.

Modeling Equilibrium Particle Clustering in Solution

A lattice model of associating particle systems is developed for applications to filler dispersions 

and glass-forming liquids. Basic equilibrium properties (cluster mass and mass distribution, 

fraction of associated monomer, specific heat, entropy, cluster transition temperature) are 

calculated based on Flory-Huggins theory. 

Modeling Transport in Supercooled Liquids

The dynamic entropy of a supercooled liquid is estimated by calculating the mean first-passage 

time for particle displacement to a threshold distance about the initial particle position. Caging 

and persistent particle motion are identified and quantified using this experimentally accessible 

property.

Modeling Thermal Transport of Polymer Solutions

Universal scaling functions deduced from renormalization group theory are applied to the 

description of accurate measurements of Soret measurements on semi-dilute and dilute polymer 

solutions performed at the University of Maryland. 

External Collaborators

• K.F. Freed and J. Dudowicz, James Franck Institute, University of Chicago- collaboration on 

modeling particle clustering.

• J.V. Sengers, R.W. Gammon, Institute of Physical Science and Technology, University of 

Maryland- performed Soret coefficient measurements on polymer solutions. 

• N. Martys, NIST Building and Fire Research- collaborator in modeling fluid phase separation 

by lattice Boltzmann methods. 

• J. Bicerano and D. Brune, Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan- collaborator in 

modeling the transport properties of filled polymers.

Accomplishments

• Predicted transient target composition wave patterns about filler particles in phase separating 

blends. Aided design of measurements to observe composition patterns in ultrathin polymer 

blend films. Observed interference of target patterns, and predicted that filler has little effect 

on the late-stage phase separation morphology. Theoretical predictions confirmed in 

measurements.

• Developed systematic theory of particle association at equilibrium in collaboration with J. 

Dudowicz and K. Freed at the University of Chicago. Quantified many new properties in 

associating particle systems-phase transition temperature, specific heat, cluster mass as a 

function of temperature, entropy. Sharp clustering transition is predicted in filled polymer 

systems as a function of filler composition and temperature.
54

• Developed a general theory of the suspension rheology of filled polymer liquids. The theory 

is currently being used by Dow Chemical in their process modeling of polymer materials 

with clay fillers.

• Developed a new measure of correlated motion in supercooled liquids in collaboration with 

Paolo Allegrini and Sharon Glotzer of CTCMS.

• Successfully modeled the concentration dependence of the Soret coefficient of polymer 

solutions.

• Developed a fractional calculus based method for describing relaxation in condensed 

materials.

• Evaluated critical properties of lattice Boltzmann fluids modeling polymer blends in 

collaboration with N. Martys.

Outputs

Publications

B.P. Lee, J.F. Douglas and S.C. Glotzer, Filler-Induced Composition Waves in Phase-Separating 

Polymer Blends, Physical Review E, in press.

A. Karim, J.F. Douglas, G. Nisato, D.W. Liu and E.J. Amis, Transient Target Patterns in Phase 

Separating Filled Polymer Blends, Macromolecules 32, 5917 (1999).

N.S. Martys and J.F. Douglas, Mean-field Scaling in Lattice Boltzmann Fluid Mixtures, 

Proceedings of the 13th ASCE Engineering Mechanics Conference, in press. 

J. Bicerano, J.F. Douglas and D.A. Brune, Model for Dispersion Rheology. Macromolecular 

Review, in press. 

J.F. Douglas, Coping with Complex surfaces: An Interface between Mathematics and Condensed 

Matter Physics. NSF Workshop Report, in press.

P. Allegrini, J.F. Douglas and S.C. Glotzer, Dynamic Entropy as a Measure of Caging and 

Persistent Particle Motion in Supercooled Liquids, Physical Review E, in press. 

J.F. Douglas, Integral Equation Approach to Condensed Matter Relaxation, Journal of Physics: 

Condensed Matterials 11, 329 (1999).

J. Dudowicz, K.F. Freed and J.F. Douglas, Lattice Model of Living Polymerization: 1. Basic 

Thermodynamic Properties, Journal of Chemical Physics, in press. 

K. J. Zhang, M.E. Briggs, J.V. Sengers, R.W. Gammon and J.F. Douglas, Thermal and Mass 

Diffusion in Semi-dilute Good Solvent Polymer Solutions, Journal of Chemical Physics 111, 2270 

(1999).

K.A Barnes, J.F. Douglas, A.I. Nakatani, H. Grhll and E.J. Amis, A. Karim, Suppression of 

Dewetting in Nanoparticle Filled Polymer Films, Macromolecules, submitted.

J.F. Douglas, The Influence of Polymer-Polymer and Polymer-Surface Interactions on the 

Formation and Swelling of End-Grafted Polymer Layers, ACS Polymer Preprints, in press.
55

Presentations

J.F. Douglas, Integral Equation Approach to Condensed Matter Relaxation, Second Workshop 

on Non-Equilibrium Phenomena in Supercooled Fluids, Glasses, and Amorphous Materials, Pisa, 

Italy, October 1998.

J. Bicerano, J F. Douglas and D. Brune, Rheology of Filled Polymers, Gordon Research 

Conference on Composites, Ventura, California, January, 1999.

J.F. Douglas, Development of Collective Motion in Cooled Liquids, Department of Chemistry, 

University of Chicago, January, 1999.

J.F. Douglas, Dynamic Entropy as a Measure of Caging and Persistent Particle Motion in 

Supercooled Liquids, American Physical Society March Meeting, Atlanta, 1999.

Heterogeneous Dynamics of Polymers and Filled Polymers: Theory and Simulation

S.C. Glotzer, T.B. Schroeder, P. Allegrini and J.F. Douglas

Objectives

The objectives are to develop a comprehensive understanding of spatially heterogeneous 

dynamics in glass-forming polymer melts through theory and simulation, and apply this 

knowledge to (1) explain changes in the relaxation dynamics of bulk and confined polymers and 

(2) elucidate how filler particles alter the glass transition of polymer materials.

Technical Description

Fundamental understanding of the dynamics of polymer melts and filled polymers near their 

glass transition temperature is poor, limiting the accurate prediction of important material 

behavior and properties. Molecular dynamics computer simulations allow the investigation of 

the detailed local dynamics of model polymer melts and related systems, yielding information on 

correlated monomer motion and the dependence of these correlations on temperature, pressure 

and density. Molecular dynamics simulations of a model unentangled polymer melt approaching 

the glass transition will be conducted, and dynamical heterogeneity and correlations in the 

monomer motion will be investigated. Molecular dynamics simulations of a model simple 

glassforming liquid will be conducted, and spatially heterogeneous dynamics will be compared 

with that observed in a polymer melt to elucidate the role of chain connectivity. The use of 

higher order density correlation functions in characterizing and quantifying dynamical 

heterogeneity will be explored.

External Collaborations

• J. Baschnagel and C. Bennemann, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany -

atomistic simulation of glass formation in polymeric liquids.

• P. Poole, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, - theoretical modeling of 

supercooled liquids-four point functions and polyamorphism.

• S. Franz, International Center for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy - glass-formation in 

structural and spin glasses - mean-field spin glass models.
56

• G. Parisi and C. Donati, University of Rome, La Sapienza., Rome, Italy - fundamental 

theoretical modeling and simulation of the properties of glass-forming liquids.

• V. Novikov, Institute of Automation and Electrometry, Novosibirsk, Russia - theoretical 

characterization of the properties of glass-forming liquids and modeling the origin of the 

Boson peak and four point density correlation functions in cooled liquids.

• S. Sastry, Jawarhlal Institute of Science, Bangalore, India - theoretical characterization of the 

properties of glass-forming liquids-energy landscape and free volume characterization.

Planned Outcome

The expected outcome of this work is a better, fundamental understanding of the relevant factors 

that influence the effect of filler particles and confinement on the dynamics of polymers near the 

glass transition.

Accomplishments

• Demonstrated the growing range of spatially correlated monomer motion on approaching the 

glass transition through characterization and quantification of the dynamical heterogeneity in 

a model polymer melt. This growing length scale may be responsible for shifts in the glass 

transition temperature in the presence of fillers.

• The growing spatial correlations of localized particles with decreasing temperature was 

demonstrated by investigating the dynamical heterogeneity in a model supercooled liquid 

using a 4-point, time-dependent density correlation function.

• The decoupling of diffusion and relaxation in a glassforming liquid was shown to result from 

the increasingly heterogeneous dynamics present in the liquid on decreasing temperature.

• The generalized susceptibility of a 4-point density correlation function was calculated 

analytically for a model glass within the effective potential theory, and for a model glassforming system within the mode coupling approximation, thereby providing the first 

theoretical calculations of a diverging correlation length in a glassforming system without 

quenched disorder. The latter result compared very well with results from molecular 

dynamics simulations.

• A dynamic entropy approach was used to demonstrate and quantify localization and 

persistent particle motion in molecular dynamics simulations of a supercooled model liquid.

Outputs

Publications

S.C. Glotzer and C. Donati, Quantifying Spatially Heterogeneous Dynamics in Glassforming 

Liquids, J. Phys.: Cond. Mat. 11, A285-A295 (1999). 

C. Bennemann, C. Donati, J. Baschnagel, and S.C. Glotzer, Growing Range of Correlated 

Motion in a Polymer Melt On Cooling Towards the Glass Transition, Nature, 399, 246 (1999). 

C. Donati, S.C. Glotzer and P.H. Poole, Growing Spatial Correlations of Particle Displacements 

in a Simulated Liquid on Cooling Toward the Glass Transition, Physical Review Letters 82, 

5064 (1999).

S.C. Glotzer, C. Donati and P.H. Poole, Spatially-Correlated Dynamics in Glass-forming 

Systems: Correlation Functions and Simulations, in Computer Simulation Studies in Condensed 

Matter Physics XI, D.P. Landau, ed. (Springer-Verlag, 1999).
57

C. Donati, S.C. Glotzer, P.H. Poole, W. Kob, and S.J. Plimpton, Spatial Correlations of Mobility 

and Immobility in a Glass-forming Liquid, Physical Review E, 60, 3170 (1999). 

P. Allegrini, J.F. Douglas and S.C. Glotzer, Dynamic Entropy as a Measure of Caging and 

Persistent Particle Motion in a Supercooled Liquid, Physical Review E, in press.

S. Sastry, P.G. Debenedetti, F.H. Stillinger, T.B. Schroeder, J. C. Dyre, and S.C. Glotzer, 

Potential Energy Landscape Signatures of Slow Dynamics in Glass Forming Liquids, Physica A,

in press.

S. Franz, C. Donati, G. Parisi, and S.C. Glotzer, Theory of Non-linear Susceptibility and 

Correlation Length in Glasses and Supercooled Liquids, Physical Review Letters, submitted.

S.C. Glotzer, V. Novikov and T.B. Schroeder, Time-dependent Four-Point Density Correlation 

Functions in Supercooled Liquids, J. Chemical Physics, submitted. 

Presentations

S.C. Glotzer, Spatially Heterogeneous Dynamics in Glass-forming Liquids and Polymers, 

American Crystallographic Association Annual Meeting, Buffalo, NY, May 1999.

S.C. Glotzer, Dynamical Heterogeneity and Cooperative Motion in Glassforming Liquids and 

Polymers, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.

C. Bennemann, C. Donati, J. Baschnagel and S.C. Glotzer, Growing Range of Correlated 

Motion in a Polymer Melt On Cooling Towards the Glass Transition, American Physical Society 

Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 1999. 

S.C. Glotzer, Cooperative Relaxation Mechanisms in Glass-forming Liquids, Materials Research 

Society Fall Meeting, Boston, December 1998.

S.C. Glotzer, Spatially Heterogeneous Dynamics in Glass-Forming Liquids from Simulation,

Euroconference on Supercooled Liquids and Glasses, Pisa, Italy, September 1998.

C. Donati, P.H. Poole and S.C. Glotzer, Quantifying Correlated Motion in Supercooled Liquids 

and Polymers, poster at Euroconference on Supercooled Liquids and Glasses, Pisa, Italy, 

September 1998.

T.B. Schroeder, S. Sastry, J. Dyre and S.C. Glotzer, Inherent Dynamics of a Supercooled Model 

Liquid, poster at Euroconference on Supercooled Liquids and Glasses, Pisa, Italy, September 

1998.

P. Allegrini, J.F. Douglas and S.C. Glotzer, Dynamic Entropy as a Measure of Caging and 

Persistent Particle Motion in a Supercooled Liquid, poster at Euroconference on Supercooled 

Liquids and Glasses, Pisa, Italy, September 1998.

S.C. Glotzer, Using Computer Simulations to Learn about Liquids and Polymers, George Mason 

University, September 1998.
58

S. Franz, C. Donati, G. Parisi, and S.C. Glotzer, Theory of Non-linear Susceptibility and 

Correlation Length in Glasses and Liquids, Andalo Workshop on Glasses and Supercooled 

Liquids, Andalo, Italy, March 1998.

Measurements of Polymer-Filler Interactions in Filled Polymers

A. Karim, K. A. Barnes, J. F. Douglas, D.-W. Liu, C. L. Jackson and A. I. Nakatani 

Objectives 

The objectives are to: (1) estimate relative polymer-filler interactions and filler dispersion in 

polymer blends by measuring induced shifts of phase boundaries and altered kinetics of phase 

separation and (2) determine how fillers modify surface properties to enhance polymer film 

wettability on inorganic surfaces and compare with model filler surfaces.

Technical Description 

Phase separation of polymer blends in the presence of fillers will be examined by light scattering, 

direct optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscope. The measurements 

should lead to the cloud point determination of phase boundary and morphology changes of 

phase separated structures in presence of fillers. Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is to be 

used to characterize the dispersion and distribution of fillers. The stabilization and wettability of 

polymer films through fillers will be studied for different filler types, surface treatments, film 

thickness, and temperature using atomic force microscopy (AFM), OM and reflectivity. 

Wettability of polymer films on replicated filler surfaces such as mica sheets, evaporated carbon 

films treated by ion-plasma or silanol chemistry will be investigated.

Planned Outcome 

Developing an understanding of factors affecting polymer adhesion to fillers and stability of 

filled coatings is important for predictions on long-term durability of such coatings.

Accomplishments

• Prepared surface treated fillers and conducted cloudpoint and optical microscopy 

measurements on phase separation in filled polymer systems as a function of surface 

treatment and mechanical history. The difficult to investigate “early stage” of phase 

separation structures was captured in the process.

• The phase boundaries of blends of polystyrene/polybutadiene were observed to shift 

vertically as well as laterally by the presence of the different and differently treated fumed 

silica fillers. Shifts of the phase boundary affect the kinetics of morphology development of 

the phase separated structures in addition to filler induced morphological changes. 

• A comparison of a pure blend of polystyrene/polybutadiene to a blend containing a model 

nanofiller, C60 (buckminster fullerine) at mass fractions 0.05 and 0.005 was made under 

similar evolution times for the phase separation process. For low C60 mass fractions (<0.01), 

the phase boundary is stabilized by the presence of the nanofiller. For higher concentrations 

of C60, the phase separation process is essentially pinned by the presence of the nanofiller. 

This result points to the importance of effects of large surface area to volume ratio of 

nanofillers on blend thermodynamics and morphology. 
59

• The TEM showed that the polybutadiene phase preferentially wets the aggregates of C60 in 

the film and the phase evolution is slowed due to the shift in the phase boundary caused by 

this preferential wetting. The staining process used to prepare TEM specimens effectively 

halts the phase evolution and stabilizes the morphology. 

• Observed a novel suppression dewetting of polymer thin films by the presence of C60

nanofillers on inorganic oxide substrates. This is unusual because fillers typically act as 

nucleating sites enhancing the dewetting of polymer thin films. The suppression is attributed 

to the creation of nano-roughness at the substrate boundary. 

Outputs

Publications 

A. Karim, J.F. Douglas, A.I. Nakatani and E.J. Amis, Modification of the Phase Stability of 

Polymer Blends by Surface Treated Fillers, Polymer Communications, submitted.

K.A. Barnes, J.F. Douglas, A.I. Nakatani, H. Grhll and E. J. Amis, Suppression of Dewetting in 

Nanoparticle Filled Polymer Films, Macromolecules, submitted.

L. Sung, A. Karim, J.F. Douglas and C.C. Han, Modification of Thin Film Phase Separation by a 

Surfactant, Macromolecules, submitted. 

K.A Barnes, A. Karim, J.F. Douglas, D.W. Liu and E. J. Amis, Entanglement effects on the 

dewetting of polymer thin films, International Journal of Polymer Science, in press. 

A.Karim, J.F. Douglas, G. Nisato, D.-W. Liu and E.J. Amis, Transient Target Patterns in Phase 

Separating Filled Polymer Blends, Macromolecules, 32, 5917 (1999). 

K.A. Barnes, J.F. Douglas, A.I. Nakatani, H. Grhll, E. J. Amis, and A. Karim, Suppression of 

Dewetting in Nanoparticle Filled Polymer Films, Macromolecules, submitted.

G. Nisato, B. Ermi, J.F. Douglas, and A. Karim,. Excitation of Surface Deformation Modes of a 

Phase-Separating Polymer Blend on a Patterned Substrate, Macromolecules, 32, 2356 (1999).

A. Karim, D.W Liu, J.F Douglas, A.I. Nakatani, and E.J. Amis, Modification of the Phase 

Stability of Polymer Blends by Surface Treated Fillers, Polymer, submitted. 

D. Raghavan, X. Gu, T. Nguyen, M. VanLandingham, and A. Karim, Mapping Polymer 

Heterogeneity using Atomic Force Microscopy-Phase Imaging and Nanoscale Indentation, 

Macromolecules, submitted. 

A. Karim, J.F. Douglas, A.I. Nakatani, K.A.Barnes and D.B. Majumdar, Statics and Dynamics of 

Filled Polymers and Nanocomposites, SAMPE 99, Detroit, Conference Proceedings. 

E.P. Giannelis, H.Chen, J. Demeter, E. Manias, N. Hadjichristidis, and A.Karim, Mobility of 

Polymers in Nanometer Slits: Kinetics of Polymer Melt intercalation in Layered Silicates. ACS 

Preprint, New Orleans, 1999.
60

A. Karim, Interactions of Polymers with Fillers and Nanocomposites, NIST, June 18-19, 1998: 

A Workshop Report, NISTIR 6312. 

Presentations 

A. Karim, Polymer-Filler Interactions in Phase Separated Systems; Phase Separation on 

Patterned/Heterogeneous Surfaces – presented at American Chemical Society, National 

Meeting, Boston, MA, Aug. 1998, Workshop on Polymer Interphases and Interfaces organized 

by BFRL and Polymers Division, NIST, Dec. 1998, Dept. of Materials Science, University of 

California, Santa Barbara, Dec. 1998, Polymers West Gordon Conference, Ventura, CA, Jan. 

1999, Dept. of Materials Science, SUNY Stony Brook, NY, Feb. 1999, Condensed Matter 

Symposia, Physics Division, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KA, Mar. 1999, CTCMS 

Workshop on Multiscale Modeling of Materials- Challenges and Opportunities, NIST, May 

1999, Gordon Conference, Organic Thin films, Newport, RI, July 99, Polymer Physics: Theory 

vs. Experiments, Telluride, CO, Aug. 1999, AFM Workshop on Soft Materials, Biotechnology 

Division, NIST, Aug. 1999.

K.A. Barnes, J.F. Douglas, D.-W. Liu, A.I. Nakatani, E.J. Amis and A. Karim, Filler-Induced 

Suppression of Dewetting in Thin Polymer Films, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, 

Georgia, March 1998.

A. Karim , K.A. Barnes, J. F. Douglas, D.W. Liu, A.I. Nakatani, and E.J.Amis, Influence of 

Fillers on Phase Separated Blend Morphology, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, 

Georgia, March 1998.

A. I. Nakatani, K. A. Barnes and A. Karim, Kinetics and Morphology of Phase Separation in 

Filled Polymer Blends, Poster, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, March 

1998.

K.A. Barnes, J.F. Douglas, D.-W. Liu, A.I. Nakatani, E.J. Amis and A. Karim, Filler-Induced 

Suppression of Dewetting in Thin Polymer Films, Poster, Polymer Physics Gordon Research 

Conference, Newport, RI, Aug. 1999.

Probing Local Dynamics, Structure and Ordering in Filled Polymers and Nanocomposites

A. I. Nakatani, K. A. Barnes, G. Schmidt, C.C. Han and A. Karim

Objective

The objective is to develop measurement techniques to characterize localized polymer static and 

dynamic properties in filled systems. The measurement techniques should yield unique 

information on the structure, dynamics and ordering in filled polymers and nanocomposites not 

available by conventional methods.

Technical Description

Inelastic neutron scattering, SANS, NMR, and rheo-optics are used to characterize the dynamics, 

structure and ordering of intercalated polymer-clays and filled polymer networks. Filter-analyzer 

neutron spectroscopy and neutron time-of-flight spectroscopy are used to characterize a large 
61

range of spatial and dynamic scales, while their ordering properties will be measured by rheooptical methods.

External Collaborators

• M. Gerspacher and H. Yang, Sid Richardson Carbon Company, Fort Worth, Texas -

Collaboration and supply of well characterized carbon black materials and compounding 

expertise to produce carbon black filled samples.

• W. Chen, G. V. Gordon, and R. G. Schmidt, Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Michigan -

Collaboration and supply of materials for experiments on chain dimensions of filled 

polymers during stretching.

• C. Evans, Southern Clay Products, Inc., Gonzalez, Texas - Supply of materials for 

experiments on clay-polymer solutions by rheo-optical methods and SANS.

Planned Outcome

A molecular level characterization of static and dynamic properties of filled polymers and 

nanocomposites will be attained which is vital for major advances in the area.

Accomplishments

• Measured spectra of pure polyisoprene, carbon black filled polyisoprene, and extracted 

carbon black filled polyisoprenes (bound rubber) by filter analyzer neutron spectroscopy 

(FANS) and neutron time-of-flight (TOF) spectroscopy for different types of carbon black. 

Changes in FANS and TOF spectra correlate with the reinforcing behavior of the carbon 

blacks. 

• Measured the birefringence and in-situ SANS patterns on clay solutions, polymer solutions, 

and clay-polymer solutions under flow. The elastic behavior of the solutions is a result of the 

synergistic coupling of the polymer deformation and clay orientation in flow.

• Measured the small angle neutron scattering from labeled, crosslinked poly(dimethyl 

siloxane) filled with fumed silica prepared by Dow Corning as a function of deformation, 

type of fumed silica, and labeled chain concentration. The chain deformation behavior is 

related to the type of fumed silica and is correlated to the stress-strain behavior of the filled 

networks.

Outputs

Publications

A.I. Nakatani, R. Ivkov, P. Papanek, H. Yang, and M. Gerspacher, Inelastic Neutron Scattering 

from Filled Elastomers, Rubber Chemistry and Technology, submitted.

A.I. Nakatani, W. Chen, R.G. Schmidt, G.V. Gordon and C.C. Han, Chain Dimensions in 

Polysilicate-Filled Poly(Dimethylsiloxane), Macromolecules, in press.

Presentations 

A.I. Nakatani, R. Ivkov, P. Papanek, H. Yang, and M. Gerspacher, Inelastic Neutron Scattering 

from Filled Elastomers, ACS Rubber Division Meeting, Orlando, FL, September 1999.
62

W. Chen, A.I. Nakatani, R.G. Schmidt, G.V. Gordon, and C.C. Han, Chain Dimensions in 

Polysilicate-Filled Poly(Dimethylsiloxane), ACS Rubber Division Meeting, Orlando, Florida, 

September 1999.

A.I. Nakatani, Chain Dimensions in Polysilicate-Filled Poly(Dimethylsiloxane), Dow Corning 

Corporation, Midland, Michigan, February, 1999.

A.I. Nakatani, Chain Dimensions in Polysilicate-Filled Poly(Dimethylsiloxane), Sid Richardson 

Carbon Company, Fort Worth, Texas, October, 1998.

Combinatorial Measurements of Polymeric Coatings

J. C. Meredith, A. Karim and E. J. Amis

Objective

The objective is to develop high throughput measurements for rapid characterization of polymer 

coatings properties. Specifically, the effect of composition, temperature, thickness, and surface 

energy on the wettability, phase behavior, and microstructure of polymer thin film coatings will 

be studied on samples having gradients in material characteristics.

Technical Description

Polymeric coatings are critical to the electronics, automotive, biomedical, packaging, and optical 

industries. Two fundamental properties of polymer thin films used as coatings are wettability 

and phase behavior (i.e., in blended films). Each of these properties depends on a number of 

variables, including temperature, composition, film thickness, and substrate-film interactions, in 

a complex way. Combinatorial techniques, originally developed for pharmaceutical research, 

allow one to investigate phenomena in multiparameter space in orders of magnitude less time 

than with conventional 1-sample for 1-measurement approaches. Combinatorial investigations 

involve three steps: library (sample) creation, high-throughput screening, and informatics. In 

polymer thin-film sample libraries, each about the size of a microscope slide, temperature and 

thickness or temperature and composition are systematically varied. By coupling with a highthroughput detection and measurement apparatus (i.e., optical microscopy), the wetting and 

phase behavior are followed in multiparameter space (i.e., time-temperature-thickness). 

Informatics involves the use of intelligent and automated algorithms for reducing data, analyzing 

phase transitions, and characterizing microstructures in multiparameter space.

Planned Outcomes

Development of high-throughput measurement technology for rapid characterization of phase 

transitions and microstructure will accelerate scientific discovery needed to develop nextgeneration coating materials. In addition, combinatorial methods allow industry to rapidly 

develop new materials to match the market's changing needs, enhancing competitiveness. 

Combinatorial methods are usually used only for the discovery of new materials. Recent work in 

the Polymers Division indicates that combinatorial methods can also be used for scientific 

measurements, that is, to generate new knowledge. Specifically, we envision the possibility of 

discovering novel phase transitions, microstructures, and kinetic regimes that might have been 

missed using conventional methods.
63

Accomplishments

• Novel experimental equipment needed for library creation and high-throughput screening 

was fabricated. Three versions of a temperature gradient heating stage were designed and 

fabricated. A velocity-gradient knife-edge coating apparatus was developed in-house for the

purpose of spreading films with controllable thickness and concentration gradients. Using 

robotic translation stages, an optical microscope was automated to enable x,y scanning of 

samples over time to screen combinatorial libraries.

• The dewetting of polystyrene on silicon was studied with temperature-thickness 

combinatorial libraries. The combinatorial method was validated by comparison to previous 

results. We generated a comprehensive map of the effects of temperature and thickness on 

dewetting, based on data collected in a few hours. The results revealed novel observations of 

film stability and kinetic transitions as well as a time-temperature-thickness superposition for 

metastable dewetting kinetics.

• Using a temperature-composition gradient library, we observed the LCST phase diagram for 

polystyrene-poly(vinylmethyl ether) in a single experiment. The phase boundary from the 

combinatorial library screening compares favorably with cloud points measured with 

conventional light scattering.

• Combinatorial methods were initiated to assay protein adsorption and cell behavior on blends 

of the biodegradable polymers poly(lactide) and poly(caprolactone). For example, constant 

composition blends exposed to a one-dimensional temperature gradient (crossing the system 

LCST of 86 °C) have a range of crystalline and phase-separated microstructures. The 

morphology of adsorbed protein A was sensitive to the gradient in microstructure induced by 

LCST phase separation. Hence, libraries containing systematic gradients in properties can be 

used to assay protein-polymer and cell-polymer interactions. Collaboration with the NIST 

Biotechnology Division is underway to assay osteoblast-like cells on temperaturecomposition combinatorial libraries.

Output

Publication

J. C. Meredith, A. Karim, and E. J. Amis, Combinatorial Materials Science: Polymer Thin Film 

Dewetting, for submission to Nature.

Presentation 

J. C. Meredith, A. Karim, and E. J. Amis, Combinatorial Mapping of Polymer Thin Film 

Dewetting, Reactive Polymers, Ion Exchange, and Adsorbents Gordon Conference, July 20, 

1999.

Dendrimers with Polymers, Metals, and Small Molecules

Barry Bauer, Franziska Groehn, Brent Viers, Giovanni Nisato, Da-Wei Liu, Catheryn Jackson, 

Ginam Kim1 and Eric Amis.

1

Stevens Institute of Technology, NJ.

Objectives

A data base will be produced that provides basic information on dendrimeric materials that can 

be applied technological applications that are currently being developed. Model materials will 
64

be produced and measurement techniques will be developed to give US industry tools for 

synthetic development.

Technical Description

SANS is sensitive to the organization of organic material and SAXS is sensitive to metals and 

semiconductors. Together they can map out the distribution of the internal structure of complex 

dendrimer molecules and complexes of dendrimers with other species. TEM provides an 

independent way of confirming the scattering measurements. The evolution of structure from 

low generation to high generation dendrimers is conveniently measured by SAXS. This 

information may allow one to judge the proper generation required for a given application. 

SANS can measure the location of parts of dendrimers through deuterium labeling.

Standard synthetic procedures are used to produce materials with controlled structures for the 

development of measurement techniques. Dendrimers are obtained through collaboration with 

Dendritech and DSM companies and are modified through addition of metal ions that are 

reduced to zero valent metal clusters or reacted to form semiconductor nanoclusters. SANS, 

SAXS, and TEM are then used to characterize the products formed and to build an understanding 

of synthesis-structure rules.

Dendrimers are dispersed in polymeric matrices through interpenetrating polymer network 

techniques in which dendrimers are dissolved in monomers that are then polymerized forming 

the polymeric matrix. End-functionalized linear polymers are reacted with dendrimer end groups 

forming networks with an unprecedentedly high functionality and excellent synthetic control. 

SANS, SAXS, and TEM are then used to characterize the products formed and to build an 

understanding of synthesis-structure rules.

External Collaborations

• Michigan Molecular Institute and Dendritech, Midland, Michigan - CRADA developed for 

supply of materials, custom synthesis and joint research.

• DSM - collaboration has been established for supply of materials and a guest researcher has 

spent 6 months at NIST on joint research.

• Army Research Office - Grant (35109-CH) for work on dendrimer blends; collaboration with 

Army scientists.

• M. Gauthier, University of Waterloo - collaboration has been established for supply of 

materials for joint research.

• Ralf Kleppenger, Catholic University of Leuven - collaboration has been established to do 

SANS of supplied materials.

• Ivan Gitsov, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York - collaboration was established for 

measuring SANS at NIST of supplied materials.

• M. Diallo, California Institute of Technology/Howard University- collaboration has been 

established to spend part of a year at NIST doing SANS of supplied materials.

• Bert Meijer and Aissa Ramzi - Eindhoven - collaboration has been established to do SANS 

of supplied materials.

• Robert Briber and Sangwook Choi, University of Maryland - collaboration has been 

established to do SANS of supplied materials.

• Warren Ford - Oklahoma SU - collaboration has been established to do SANS of supplied 

materials.

• Juan Fernadez De la Mora - samples have been supplied to measure electrospray mobility.
65

• Paul S. Russo - LSU - samples have been supplied to measure diffusion.

Planned outcome

There is a strong effort in US industry to exploit the unique structure of dendrimers in a variety 

of applications. Knowledge of the inherent properties of dendrimers will allow for planned 

syntheses of new materials and may inspire new research programs based on insights that are 

gained from our data.

Measurement techniques will be established for Industry to apply to new materials that are 

developed. Size, shape, polydispersity, and interactions of dendrimers will have a major impact 

on their properties and applications, and such information will be made available.

Nanoclusters of metals and semiconductors have a variety of potential applications and are being 

studied worldwide. Dendrimers represent a radically new class of these materials, and 

knowledge gained on synthesis-structure relationships will accelerate the development of these 

materials.

Accomplishments

• Dendrimers/metal ion samples have been synthesized and characterized as to the size, shape, 

and location of the metal ions in the dendrimers.

• Metal nanoclusters inside of dissolved dendrimers have been synthesized and characterized 

from the ionic material.

• Semiconductor nanoclusters have been synthesized inside of dendrimers in solution.

• Collaborations with other NIST Divisions have been established for work on dendrimer 

nanoclusters with the Biotechnology and Analytical Chemistry Divisions of CSTL, the 

Optical Technology and Surface and Microanalysis Divisions of Physics, and the Building 

Materials and Metallurgy Divisions of MSEL. Collaboration with Naval Research Lab. 

(NRL) has also been established.

• Dendrimer IPN’s have been synthesized and characterized and nanoclusters have been 

inserted and analyzed yielding information on the size and dispersion of the dendrimers and 

the metals in the polymeric matrix.

• Dendrimers have been used as crosslink points in networks for the first time.

Impacts

Hydrophobically modified dendrimers produced by DSM for applications of polyolefin dying 

have been measured at NIST and shown to be multi-phase. Suggestions, based on this 

observation, have been made for use of their product with polymers other than polyolefins.

Outputs

Publications

A. Topp, B.J. Bauer, J.W. Klimash, R. Spindler, D.A. Tomalia and E.J. Amis, Probing the 

Location of the Terminal Groups of Dendrimers in Dilute Solution, Macromolecules, (1999) 32, 

7226.

A. Topp, B.J. Bauer, D.A. Tomalia, and E.J. Amis, Effect of Solvent Quality on the Molecular 

Dimensions of PAMAM Dendrimers. Macromolecules, (1999), 32, 7232.
66

B.J. Bauer, A. Ramzi, D.W. Liu, R.L. Scherrenberg, P. Froehling and J. Joosten, Blends of Fatty 

Acid Modified Dendrimers with Polyolefins, J. Polymer Science, Physics, in press.

A. Ramzi, B.J. Bauer, R. Scherrenberg, P. Froehling, J. Joosten and E.J. Amis, Fatty Acid 

Modified Dendrimers in Bulk and Solution: Single Chain Neutron Scattering from Dendrimer 

Core and Fatty Acid Shell. Macromolecules (1999), 32, 4983. 

S. Choi, R.M. Briber, B.J. Bauer, A. Topp, M. Gauthier, and L. Tichagawa, Small Angle Neutron 

Scattering Of Solutions Of Arborescent Graft Polymers, Macromolecules, in press.

A. Topp, B. J Bauer, T. J. Prosa, R. Scherrenberg, and E.J. Amis, Size Change of Dendrimers in 

Concentrated Solution, Macromolecules, in press.

B.J. Bauer, T.J. Prosa, D.W. Liu, C.L. Jackson,D.A. Tomalia and E.J. Amis, Molecularly 

Dispersed Dendrimers in a Polymeric Matrix, ACS Polymer Preprint (1999), 40(1), 406.

E.J. Amis, B.J. Bauer, F.I. Groehn, T.J. Prosa, D.W. Liu, K.A. Barnes, C.L. Jackson, B. D. Viers, 

A. Karim and J.D. Douglas, Preparation and Characterization of Polymer/Dendrimer Blends 

Progress Report for 1999, NISTIR 6353.

Presentations

Barry Bauer, Dendrimers as Microgels, Vistakon, Johnson & Johnson Vision Products, Inc., 

Jacksonville FL 32216, December 7, 1998.

Barry Bauer, Small Angle Scattering Studies of Dendrimer Blends and Interpenetrating Polymer 

Networks, SERMACS 1998, Research Triangle Park NC, November 5, 1998.

Barry Bauer, Dendrimers, Polymers of Unique Dimension, Polymers West Gordon Conference, 

Ventura CA, January 13, 1999.

Barry Bauer, Dendrimers, Lehigh University, Bethlehem PA, April 27, 1999.

Barry Bauer, Molecularly Dispersed Dendrimers in a Polymeric Matrix, Spring 1999 ACS 

Meeting, Anaheim CA, March 21, 1999.

Giovanni Nisato, Characterization of Charged PAMAM Dendrimer Interactions in Solution by 

Small Angle Neutron Scattering, Fall 1998 ACS Meeting, Boston MA, August 25,1998.

Eric J. Amis, Dendrimers, Polymers of Unique Dimension, SERMACS 1998, Research Triangle 

Park NC, November 5, 1998.

Franziska Groehn, Dendrimer-Gold Nanostructures, Polymers West Gordon Conference, 

Ventura CA, January 12, 1999.

Franziska Groehn, Dendrimer-Metal Hybrid Colloids Studied by SAXS, SANS and TEM, SAS 99, 

Brookhaven National, Laboratories, Brookhaven NY, May 1999.
67

rent D. Viers, Highly Functional Dendrimer/PEG Stars, Elastomers Networks and Gels Gordon 

Conference, July 20, 1999.Industrial Collaborations
68
69

A surprising discovery made with the new instrument was how 

polymer droplet morphology changed with shear rate.

Measurement Science

...addressing important needs for physical measurements

Polymers Division Research is Highlighted in Physics Today and at the March Meeting of 

the American Physical Society

A recent paper by Kalman Migler and Erik Hobbie was featured in the Physics Update section of 

Physics Today and on the Web Site for the Annual Meeting of the American Physical Society. 

The paper that was presented at the Annual Meeting reports the development of a new 

instrument that permits visualization of polymer blends 

during extrusion. Many plastics sold today are 

combinations of two or more incompatible polymers. 

Mixing these components to obtain the proper 

morphology is key to producing materials with desired 

properties. The instrument consists of a stroboscopic 

microscope and laser-based light scattering system that 

performs real time non-invasive microstructural 

measurements in multi-phase polymeric materials during 

polymer processing.

A surprising discovery made with

this device was that above a 

threshold shear rate, polymer 

droplets in an incompatible 

polymer matrix could change 

their morphology from 

alignment along the flow 

direction to alignment 

perpendicular to it. The ability 

to access the high stress and 

pressure regimes typical of 

polymer processing was critical 

in uncovering this 

phenomenon. Since the 

announcement of this work, the 

vorticity alignment phenomenon has been found in several other polymer blend systems and 

raises hopes of designing materials with improved mechanical properties. Such studies can help 

industry understand what morphology is formed during processing, why it is formed, and how it 

can be controlled -- information that can have a direct impact on the next generation of improved 

processes and materials.
70

Measurement Science

...addressing important needs for physical measurements

Polymers Division Scientist Receives the Future Technology Award

Anthony Bur of the Polymers Division received The Future Technology Award at the Society of 

Plastics Engineers (SPE) annual technical meeting. The award, sponsored by Maro Publishing 

Co., is given for insightful research that provides the basis for future technology development in 

polymer science and engineering. Only 4 papers out of over 750 presented at the May 1999 SPE 

annual technical meeting in New York City were recognized with this award. The paper 

presented by Bur, “In-Situ Measurement of Product Shrinkage During Injection Molding Using 

an Optical Sensor”, describes the development of and measurements using an optical sensor that 

is inserted into the mold cavity of a polymer injection molding machine.

The sensor is a simple and inexpensive device 

consisting of a diode laser light source, optical 

fibers for light transmission, a sapphire window 

interfaced with the mold cavity, and a silicon 

diode photodetector. As light is transmitted into 

the mold, it reflects from any interface at which 

there is a change in the index of refraction, such 

as the interface between resin and sapphire 

window and the 

resin boundary with the mold 

surface. As the solidifying resin 

cools, it contracts and pulls away 

from the window or the wall of 

the mold thereby yielding 

additional interfaces from which 

the light reflects. From the 

interference patterns of the 

reflected light the thermal 

contraction, product shrinkage and 

rate of shrinkage can be measured. 

The sensor can be used to detect asymmetric shrinkage when the two sides of a product shrink at 

different rates. Such asymmetric shrinkage can be an indicator of warpage in the molded 

product. The simplicity of design that uses inexpensive components enhances the probability 

that R&D laboratories and processors will use the sensor to monitor molding operations.

The simplicity of sensor design that uses inexpensive components enhances probability 

that R&D laboratories and processors will use the sensor to monitor molding 

operations.
71

Computational Materials Science

... investigating important problems in materials theory and modeling with novel 

computational approaches

Growing Length-scale in Glass-forming Liquids Using Simulation

As reported in the May 20 issue of Nature and the June 21 issue 

of Physical Review Letters, Polymers Division scientist Sharon 

Glotzer and co-workers have identified a growing length scale 

associated with the approach to the glass transition in liquids on 

cooling. 

When liquids are cooled to form glasses (amorphous solids), they 

become increasingly viscous and eventually “freeze” without 

crystallizing. It has long been suggested that the “slowing down” 

of liquids before they vitrify is related to an increasing length 

scale in the liquid, but neutron scattering measurements of 

density fluctuations have been unable to detect any evidence of a 

growing correlation length such as that usually associated with 

the approach to a conventional critical point (like the familiar 

gas-liquid critical point in a fluid.). But using molecular dynamics computer simulations and focusing on 

the atomic motions in both simple and polymeric glass-forming liquids, Glotzer and her colleagues 

showed the tendency for increased correlation between the displacements of atoms. The length scale of 

this correlated motion (which measures the distance over which atoms move -- or don’t move -- together) 

grows with decreasing temperature and may diverge at low temperature. Related to this length scale is a 

dynamical variable that behaves like the static order parameter that characterizes conventional critical 

phenomena. By identifying this new dynamical measure of order in glass-forming liquids, the researchers 

established a possible link between the glass transition and the critical phenomena familiar from 

equilibrium statistical physics.

Sharon Glotzer is one of this year's recipients of the Presidential Early Career 

Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). These prestigious awards 

recognize some of the finest scientists and engineers who, while early in their 

research careers, show exceptional potential for leadership at the frontiers of 

science and engineering. The Presidential Award is the highest honor 

bestowed by the U.S. government to its scientists and engineers beginning their 

independent careers. The award to Glotzer was given for her work in theory 

and computer simulations of the structure and dynamics of "soft" materials, 

including polymers, liquid crystals, supercooled liquids and glasses, and for her 

leadership in the emerging field of computational materials science.

Collaborations: Johannes Gutenberg University

 University of Rome
72

Industrial Collaboration

... addressing important needs for physical measurements

Collaboration with Dow Corning Corporation

Alan Nakatani and Charles Han, in collaboration with Dow Corning Corporation, have made critical 

measurements on filled polymers using small angle neutron scattering (SANS) instrumentation at the 

NIST Center for Neutron Research. The measurements probed the influence of fillers on the silicone 

polymer chain dimensions as a function of filler concentration and polymer molecular mass. Silicone 

polymers blended with particulate fillers are used commercially in rubber products and sealants. The 

interactions between the fillers and the polymers are key factors that influence product performance. 

Molecular simulations have predicted that

polymer chain dimension in the presence

of fillers is a function of the filler particle

size and concentration. However, tests of

these predictions have not been available .

The SANS measurements, on materials supplied by Dow Corning, showed that polymer chains which are 

approximately the same size as the filler particle in the unfilled material experience a decrease in chain 

dimensions at all filler concentrations.

In contrast, for larger chains, at low filler 

concentrations, an increase in chain dimensions relative 

to the unfilled chain dimensions is observed. Both 

results are in agreement with existing predictions from 

molecular simulations. However, at even higher filler 

contents, which are beyond the scope of the molecular 

simulations, the chain dimensions reach a maximum 

value before decreasing to values that are still larger 

than the unfilled chain dimensions. A simple excluded 

volume model was proposed to account for the 

experimental results.

The extension of the experimental data beyond the existing calculations provides researchers with the 

necessary data to supplement current predictions. Furthermore, the measurements suggest that changes in 

chain dimensions in filled polymers should be considered when predicting their mechanical performance.

Measurements showed that chain 

dimensions vary with particulate size as 

predicted by molecular simulations.

Extension of experimental data beyond the 

existing calculations supplements current 

predictions.
73

POLYMER COMPOSITES PROGRAM

The composites group was formed to address the technical barriers impeding the penetration of 

polymer composites into the commercial marketplace. The outstanding properties of composites 

mean they can be used to make products that are superior and competitive in international 

markets. Industries as diverse as transportation, construction, marine, off-shore oil, medical 

devices, and sporting goods can benefit significantly from the use of these materials. For this to 

happen, however, two significant barriers must be addressed: the lack of rapid, reliable, costeffective fabrication methods; and the poor understanding and predictive capability for long term 

performance. These barriers were identified in a series of industry workshops, exchange visits, 

and consultations. In response to these challenges, the composites program initiated two tasks: 

one on processing science and the other on durability.

The processing work began in 1988 with a focus on processing by the method of Liquid 

Composite Molding (LCM). We now have three research thrusts, LCM, sensors and control, and 

microstructure. The LCM work consists of both experimental and modeling projects in flow 

through porous media to measure critical processing parameters and develop design tools for 

industry. The sensors and control work consists of projects to develop optical fiber sensors to 

provide real-time processing information such as cure state, flow-front position and gelation 

time, and to make use of that information in closed-loop control structures. The microstructure 

work consists of projects to develop standard test methods for assessing interfacial adhesion, to 

develop optical coherence tomography for synthetic materials, and to develop test methods to 

assess the performance of hybrid reinforced composites.

In the last two years, the work in LCM has been reduced as the group expands activity in hybrid 

composites. This transformation in the program is driven by recent workshops and conferences 

that demonstrate a strong focus on hybrids by the off-shore oil industry, a strong interest in 

hybrids by the infrastructure community, and the need in the automotive industry for innovative 

developments in composites.

Significant Accomplishments 

• Provided NIST generated specimens and data to the Offshore Oil Industry Consortium for 

characterization of the failure surface for hybrid reinforced composite tubulars. All offshore 

oil designs for composite tubulars have converged on hybrid reinforcements as the necessary 

means of achieving the required mix of performance metrics. The Consortium’s activities in 

design were severely hampered by the inability to obtain samples with controlled 

microstructure until NIST worked closely with manufacturers to develop sample specimens 

of sufficient quality for failure surface development.

• Determined that the rate dependent behavior observed in the fiber fragmentation tests of 

model composites is closely linked to the existence of stress concentrations at the ends of the 

fiber fragments. Demonstration of the way chemical structure of the interface affects 

mechanical failure in composites provided a framework for developing models of composite 

failure in terms of the microstructure.

• Demonstrated the potential of our 3-D, multiphase fluid dynamics model, based on a

lattice/Boltzmann formulation, by predicting the permeability of a complex woven glass
74

structure used for composites reinforcement. The composites industry has long sought

predictive models for process development and design, and this new capability is the first

that can realistically address the general problem of the many types of fiber architectures

used in the composites industry.

• Designed, built and tested an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for nondestructive 

evaluation of materials including composites, coatings, and biomaterials. Developed level 

set image processing algorithms for image de-noising and feature recognition to support the 

imaging system. OCT addresses the need for rapid, low cost, nondestructive microstructure 

characterization critical to materials development efforts in the automotive, coatings, and 

biomedical industries. 

• Sponsored the award of a Phase II SBIR contract for commercial development of fiber optic 

sensor system for composites monitoring based on prior developments in our laboratories. 

Quality control is a critical factor hindering the introduction of structural composites in large 

commercial applications requiring high-speed manufacturing. A sensor system able to 

rapidly measure critical processing behavior in an unobtrusive manner does not currently 

exist in the composites industry, and market research indicated that the fiber optic system 

under development has potential to meet industry requirements.

Hybrid Reinforced Polymer Composites

D. L. Hunston, K. M. Flynn, W. G. McDonough, J. P. Dunkers, G. A. Holmes, R. S. Parnas, C. 

L. Clark1, S. S. Wang2 and J. Williams2

1NIST, Research Library and Information Program 

2University of Houston, Houston, TX

Objective

The objective is to formulate a scientific basis for testing the mechanical properties of hybrid 

composite materials by developing an understanding of the way that the micro-structures of these 

materials influence the behavior and complicate the interpretation of test results. This provides 

industry with the tools needed to design and optimize these innovative materials for their 

applications.

Technical Description

There is a great deal of interest in composites that are reinforced with two or more different types 

of fibers. By combining the advantageous features of carbon, glass, and Kevlar fibers, the 

fabricator can achieve significantly better trade-offs among various properties and between cost 

and performance. Industries currently exploring the use of hybrids include off-shore oil 

production, civil infrastructure, and alternate fuel vehicles. The challenge, however, is that the 

design methodology for hybrids is inadequate. For example, studies at the University of Houston 

have shown that some important properties of hybrid tubes cannot be understood with current 

theories; properties measured with tubes do not always agree with equivalent properties obtained 

from plate experiments. The explanation seems to be that the failure modes and the 

interpretation of test results depend on details of the sample microstructure in ways that we do 
75

not understand. Moreover, characterizing this microstructure is a challenge since the available 

tools have not developed or adapted to these types of systems. 

The approach in this program is to select a model hybrid material and fabricate specimens with 

systematic variations in microstructures. Features of interest include void content and 

distribution, resin and fiber properties, interface strength, and fiber mix characteristics. The two 

different fibers can be combined in various ratios and mixed as separate layers (interply), as tows 

within each layer (intraply), or within the tows themselves (intratow). The second step in the 

program is to develop and adapt measurement tools for characterizing the microstructure in these 

materials. The mechanical properties are then determined in collaboration with Drs. Wang and 

Williams at the University of Houston. The University of Houston group is conducting tests on 

large specimens while NIST characterizes small-scale samples. Based on these results, structureproperty relations will be developed to explain what the tests measure and why. The results will 

also resolve issues such as why properties measured with different test methods do not agree. 

Based on this knowledge, industry will be able to formulate materials and designs that take full 

advantage of the unique properties of hybrid materials. 

Because the variety of possible hybrid microstructures is almost unlimited, the work focuses 

initially on two areas. The first is the intraply materials of interest to the off-shore oil production 

industry. One particular question being addressed is the discrepancies identified in the 

University of Houston studies between results for tube and plate. A second area of research is 

interply hybrids, such as those being considered for civil infrastructure applications like bridges. 

In such materials, failure generally occurs between layers of different fibers so modification of 

this region is the logical approach to improving properties. The studies at NIST will vary the 

microstructure in this region to establish the structure property relationships and a basic 

understanding of interply failure so designs can be optimized. 

External Collaborations

• Doug Johnson, Lincoln Composites, provides assistance in materials selection and fabrication.

• Composites Engineering and Applications Center, Oil Industry Consortium, Houston, 

provides support for the testing done at the University of Houston.

Planned Outcomes

• Guidelines for tests that will provide reliable information for materials evaluation and design 

of hybrid composites. 

• Test methods for determining the micro-structure in hybrid materials. 

Accomplishments

• An in-house, specimen-preparation technique has been developed to fabricate simple bar 

samples that have known volume fractions of carbon fibers, glass fibers, and resin. Tests 

with these samples provide verification for micro-structural measurements to characterize 

composition. 

• Cure studies have shown that undetected moisture absorption by the curing agent, prior to its 

use in fabricating samples, is not a major problem. When large quantities of moisture are 

absorbed, the curing agent becomes cloudy and thick so the change is easily seen. When 

small amounts are absorbed, there is little effect on the properties of the cured material.
76

• Tests on intraply hybrids tubes and plates have shown that most properties are well behaved. 

The exception is transverse shear where the tube and plate tests gave different results.

• Contrary to expectations, hybrid composites of glass and carbon reinforcements have been 

found to have a higher strength and stiffness that either the all glass or all carbon samples. 

Future studies will focus on transverse shear.

• Measurements have shown that one factor contributing to the differences in properties 

between tubes and plates was that plates had a significantly higher void content than the 

tubes. This alone, however, would not explain why some properties behave as expected, 

based on fiber content, while others do not. 

• The hybrid tubes tested in this study had void contents higher than the all carbon or all glass 

tubes used for comparison. Nevertheless, the hybrid tubes had properties that were equal to 

or greater than what would be expected based on fiber content. Consequently, a better 

understanding of processing might enable fabrication of tubes with even better performance. 

Impact

The data generated in this program has been used to significantly improve the design model that 

Lincoln Composites and others plan to use in the design of composite risers for deep-water oil 

platforms. 

Outputs

Publications

R.S. Parnas, D.L. Hunston, J.P. Dunkers, and G.A. Holmes, Micro-structural Characterization 

for Polymer Composites, in Evolving and Revolutionary Technologies for the New Millennium, 

Proc. 44th International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition (SAMPE, Covina, 1999).

K. Laio, C.R. Schultheisz, and D.L. and Hunston, Effects of Environmental Aging on the 

Properties of Pultruded GFRP, Composites: Part B 30(5), 485-493 (1999). 

K. Liao, C.R. Schultheisz, and D.L. Hunston, Long-Term Environmental Fatigue of Pultruded 

Glass-fiber-Reinforced Composites, International Journal of Fatigue, 21(5), 485-495 (1999).

Z. Miyagi, S. Zaghi, D.L. Hunston, and H. Brinson, The Sandwich Bending Specimen for 

Characterizing Adhesive Properties, 119-121 in Proc. Adhesion Society Meeting (Adhesion 

Society, Blacksburg, 1999). 

K. Liao, C.R. Schultheisz, D.L. Hunston, and L.C. Brinson, Long-Term Durability of Fiber 

Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composite Materials for Infrastructure Applications: A Review, 

Journal of Advanced Materials, 30(4), 3-40 (1998).

K. Liao, C.R. Schultheisz, D.L. Hunston, and L.C. Brinson, The Effect of Water on the Fatigue 

Behavior for a Pultruded Glass-Reinforced Composite, Plastics in Building Construction XXIII 

(5), 7-12 (1999).
77

D.L. Hunston, NIST's In-house Research on Durability of Polymer Composites, in Proc. Federal 

Workshop on the Interagency Transfer of Polymer Composite Technology, Part II (NIST, 

Washington, DC, 1999).

J. He, D. Raghavan, D. Hoffman, and D. Hunston, The Influence of Elastomer Concentration on 

Toughness in Dispersions Containing Preformed Acrylic Elastomeric Particles in an Epoxy 

Matrix, Polymer 40, 1923-1933 (1999).

Presentations

R. S. Parnas, D.L. Hunston, J.P. Dunkers, and G.A. Holmes, Micro-structural Characterization 

for Polymer Composites, 44th International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition, Long Beach, 

CA, May 23-27, 1999.

D. L. Hunston, K.M. Flynn, G.A. Holmes, J.P. Dunkers, W.G. McDonough, C.L. Clark, R. 

Parnas, S.S. Wang, and J. Williams, Hybrid Composites Program, 1999 ATP Project Review 

(Composites), NIST, August 17, 1999.

Z. Miyagi, S. Zaghi, D.L. Hunston, and H.Brinson, The Sandwich Bending Specimen for 

Characterizing Adhesive Properties, Proc. Adhesion Society Meeting, Panama City Beach, FL, 

Feb. 21-24, 1999.

D.L. Hunston, NIST's In-house Research on Durability of Polymer Composites, Federal 

Workshop on the Interagency Transfer of Polymer Composite Materials Technology, Part II, 

Washington DC, December 10, 1998. 

D.L. Hunston, Thermoset Adhesives, Adhesion Society Short Course, Panama City Beach, FL, 

Feb. 19, 1999.

Microstructure Studies: Non-destructive Characterization by Optical Coherence 

Tomography

J. P. Dunkers, F. R. Phelan, C. G. Zimba, K. M. Flynn, D. P. Sanders, M. J. Everett1, R. 

Prasankumar2 and J. G. Fujimoto2

1

 Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA.

2MIT, Cambridge, MA

Objective

The objective of this work is to image composite microstructure, damage, and defects using 

optical coherence tomography (OCT). Knowledge of reinforcement position and orientation are 

applied to the prediction of reinforcement permeability to optimize mold filling. 

Characterization of defects such as voids, wrinkles, cracking, delaminations, and crazing is 

important for optimizing processing parameters and evaluation of composite health.

Technical Description

OCT is a non-invasive, non-contact optical imaging technique that allows the visualization of 

heterogeneities within scattering media. OCT uses light in a manner analogous to the way 

ultrasound imaging uses sound and, while typically affording shallower penetration depth, 
78

provides significantly higher resolution (5 μm to 30 μm). To perform OCT imaging, broadspectrum laser light (20 nm to 70 nm bandwidth) centered at 1.3 μm is transmitted using a single 

mode fiber and coupled into a 50/50 fiber optic splitter that illuminates the sample and a linearly 

translating, constant velocity reference mirror. The fiber optic splitter, fixed sample and constant 

velocity reference mirror can be thought of as a Michelson interferometer. Light back-reflected 

from each interferometer arm is recombined at the fiber optic splitter. Interference fringes are 

registered at the detector only when the optical path length of the reference arm matches that of 

the sample arm to within the coherence length of the light source. The axial resolution with 

which this ranging can be performed is therefore determined by the coherence length or inverse 

spectral width of the source. Therefore, the axial resolution can be as low as 5 μm. Low 

coherence sources such as superluminescent diodes are used. Transverse resolution in OCT is 

determined by the focal spot size of the probing beam, which is usually 10 μm to 30 μm. Higher 

numerical aperture optics provide superior transverse resolution, but at the expense of a 

diminished depth-of-field.

Planned Outcome 

To provide the composites community a versatile and low cost non-destructive technique for the 

study of composite microstructure and damage.

Accomplishments

• A collaboration was established with Dr. Matthew Everett, Group Leader of the Medical 

Technology program at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to build a fiber-optic OCT 

system for NIST. The system was constructed using a 70 nm bandwidth near infrared source 

which will provide 7 μm spatial resolution in the composite. The NIST OCT system 

demonstrates greatly improved image contrast and depth of penetration over previous results 

with similar composites.

• Very good agreement was obtained between permeability predicted from OCT-determined 

structure and experimental measurements. It was discovered that the roughness of the tow 

boundaries in the black and white processed images had a large effect on the predicted 

permeability. Automated processing algorithms that produced artificial tow boundary 

roughness suppressed the predicted permeability when compared to its actual value. The tow 

boundary roughness had as much of an influence on the predicted permeability as the 

fractional tow area.

• OCT images processed using level-set methods provided the best agreement with the 

experimental permeability and optical microscopy images. Level-set methods rely on the 

image gradient and curvature for de-noising and feature recognition algorithms and therefore 

do not blur boundaries like many traditional de-noising routines. 

External Collaborations

• M. J. Everett, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - consultation and construction of 

NIST OCT system.

• P. Davis, Optiphase, Inc. - consultation on fiber-optic polarization sensitive OCT.

• R. Prasankumar and J. Fujimoto, MIT - hardware and expertise in OCT.
79

Impacts

As a result of progress NIST has made in demonstrating the potential of OCT for imaging 

polymer composites, Optiphase, Inc. of Van Nuys, CA is currently designing a fiber-optic 

polarization sensitive OCT instrument that is optimized for the composites industry.

Outputs

Publications

J.P. Dunkers, Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography to the Study of Polymer Matrix 

Composites, Handbook of Optical Coherence Tomography, B. Bouma and G. Tearney, eds., 

Marcel Dekkar, Inc., to be published May 2000.

J.P. Dunkers, F.R. Phelan, C.G. Zimba, K.M. Flynn, R.C. Peterson, and R.S. Parnas, X. Li and 

J.G. Fujimoto, The Prediction of Permeability for an Epoxy/ E-glass Composite Using Optical 

Coherence Tomographic Images, Polymer Composites, submitted October 1999.

J.P. Dunkers, C.G. Zimba, K.M. Flynn, D.L. Hunston, R. Prasankumar, X. Li and J.G. Fujimoto, 

Characterization of Composite Microstructure and Damage Using Optical Coherence 

Tomography. Proc. SPIE Vol. 3585: Nondestructive Evaluation of Aging Materials and 

Composites III, 208, 1999.

J.P. Dunkers, F.R. Phelan, Jr., C.G. Zimba, K.M. Flynn, R.C. Peterson, R. Prasankumar and J.G. 

Fujimoto, Prediction of Permeability Using Optical Coherence Tomographic Imaging of an 

Epoxy and Unidirectional E-glass Composite. Proceedings of the 57th Annual Technical 

Conference of the Society of Plastic Engineers, May 2-6, 1999, New York City.

F.R. Phelan, Jr., J.P. Dunkers, K.M. Flynn, R.C. Peterson, R.S. Parnas, X. Li, and J.G. Fujimoto, 

Numerical Prediction of Permeability Using a Lattice Boltzmann Method and Optical Coherence 

Tomography, ICAC 6th Int. Conf. On Automated Composites: Proceedings, Bristol, U.K., 

September 23, 1999.

R.S. Parnas, F.R. Phelan, Jr. and J.P. Dunkers, Flow Prediction in Real Structures Using Optical 

Coherence Tomography and Lattice Boltzmann Mathematics, Proc. 5th Int. Conf. On Flow Proc. 

In Comp. Mat., Plymouth, U.K., July 1999.

R.S. Parnas, D.L. Hunston, J.P. Dunkers and G.A. Holmes, Microstructural Characterization for 

Polymer Composites. SAMPE Proc.: Evolving and Revolutionary Technologies for the New 

Millenium, Vol. 44, Book 1, 748(1999).

Presentations

J.P. Dunkers, Prediction of Permeability Using Optical Coherence Tomographic Imaging of an 

Epoxy and Unidirectional E-glass Composite, SPE 57th Annual Technical Conference, New 

York City, May 4, 1999.

J.P. Dunkers, On-line Fiber Optics Flow and Cure Sensing of Resin Transfer Molding, On-Line 

Sensing and Control for Liquid Molding of Composite Structures, Annapolis, MD. April 14, 

1999.
80

J.P. Dunkers, Characterization of Composite Microstructure and Damage Using Optical 

Coherence Tomography, SPIE's International Symposium on NDE Techniques for Aging 

Infrastructure and Manufacturing, Newport Beach, CA. March 4, 1999.

J.P. Dunkers, Microstructure and Damage Characterization of Polymer Composites Using 

Optical Coherence Tomography, Livermore National Laboratories, Livermore, CA. October 22, 

1998. 

J.P. Dunkers, Optical Coherence Tomography of Polymer Composites, 13th Technical 

Conference of the American Society of Composites, Baltimore, MD. September 23, 1998. 

R S. Parnas, Flow Prediction in Real Structures Using Optical Coherence Tomography and 

Lattice Boltzmann Mathematics, 5

th International Conference On Flow Processing In Composite 

Materials, Plymouth, U.K., July 1999.

Microstructure Studies: Measurement of Interface Strength after High Speed Processing of 

Fast Reacting Resins

W. G. McDonough, G. A. Holmes, J. P. Dunkers, K. M. Flynn and R. S. Parnas

Objectives

One objective is to expand the usefulness of the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT) to fast 

reacting resin systems. By expanding the range of processing conditions when making the 

fragmentation specimens, the effects of processing on interfacial shear properties can then be 

measured. Another objective is to develop the single fiber fragmentation test into an automated 

and routine process with an analytical package that can be used to assess the interfacial 

properties of composites.

Technical Description

Single fiber specimens for the SFFT are typically prepared by pouring premixed resin into an 

open rubber mold and then curing the resin in an oven. This method cannot work with rapidly 

curing resins of interest to the automotive industry because those resins will gel and sometimes 

foam before the molds are filled. Consequently, an injection molding procedure has been 

developed which closely mimics the processing speed, temperature, and pressure observed in 

processes such as resin transfer molding and resin injection molding. The dog bone samples 

made using this procedure are then tested by the SFFT to determine how interfacial adhesion is 

modified under rapid processing conditions. 

One of the limitations of the single fiber fragmentation test has been the variability of the test 

results. This variability has been cited as one of the reasons why the test is not being used more 

extensively. One way to reduce the variability is to automate the test. NIST has an automated 

test apparatus and this apparatus is being used to generate the test data for this project. It is 

anticipated that the reduced variability and uncertainty in the test data generated by the 

automated machine will help increase the interest in using this test to assess interfacial properties 

of polymeric composites. 
81

External Collaboration

• Thomas Dearlove, Automotive Composites Consortium – provides information on 

processing requirements.

• Eric Pohl, Osi - Collaborating in the study of the strength and toughness of industry coatings.

Planned Outcome

Provide the automotive and civil infrastructure industries with methods for estimating the 

tradeoffs between processing speed and composite properties. By demonstrating that using an 

automated machine can significantly reduce the variability and uncertainty in the test data, 

companies will be interested in using the single fiber fragmentation test to help them develop and 

assess new and existing polymeric composite systems.

Accomplishments

• A specially designed injection system was built that successfully allowed the molding of fastcuring resin systems to produce 10 single-fiber dog-bone specimens from a single injection. 

This accomplishment allows researchers to examine processing effects on interfacial

properties as well as to study interfacial properties of fast-reacting resin systems.

• An automated single fiber fragmentation testing machine that allows more reproducible 

testing as well as more control of the testing parameters was implemented. 

• It was demonstrated that the single fiber fragmentation test could be used to assess changes 

in the interfacial properties of vinyl ester resins caused by changing the time-to-gelation from 

45 minutes to 2 minutes. 

• Measurements showed that longer post cures of vinyl-esters lacking promoters yielded 

interfacial properties comparable to those of resins with promoters subjected to normal cure 

schedules. 

• Extensive interfacial damage was observed in the vinyl ester specimens, this contrasts with 

the clean interfaces observed in epoxy specimens, and this difference in interfacial failure 

may have implications on the durability of vinyl ester composites.

Outputs

Publications

W. McDonough, G. Holmes and R. Peterson, Interface Adhesion of E-glass Fibers in Model 

Polyisocyanurate Networks, Proc. American Society of Composites Baltimore, MD, 1688-1699, 

1998.

Presentations

W. McDonough, Testing Technologies to Evaluate the Micro-Structure of Composite Materials, 

National Research Laboratory of Metrology, Tsukuba, Japan, 1999.
82

Processing: Fiber Optic Sensors for Process Monitoring

J.P. Dunkers, R.S. Parnas, C. Zimba, K.M. Flynn, S. Keuh1, R. Bannerjee2 and K. Murphy3

1The University of Delaware

2WebCorp, Inc.

3

F&S Optics, Inc.

Objectives

The objectives are to develop measurement methods based on optical fibers for monitoring the 

resin flow that occur in composites manufacturing, and to begin commercialization efforts for 

such technology.

Technical Description

The cost of polymer matrix composites must be reduced for composites to be competitive against 

traditional materials in consumer markets. One strategy is to decrease the cost of manufacturing 

the composite through process optimization and reduction of scrap. The introduction of fiber 

optic sensors into the liquid molding process provides a non-invasive means of obtaining real 

time information for control decisions. A unique fiber optic flow sensor is developed and 

implemented in this work. The flow sensor gives a yes/no response to the presence of resin and 

is based on long period grating (LPG) technology. Multiple LPGs sensitive to different 

wavelengths can be written onto one fiber at different locations along the fiber, providing site 

specific information about the resin flow with minimal sensor intrusion. The LPG is designed to 

couple a specific wavelength of light from the single mode core to the cladding material resulting 

in an attenuation of transmitted light from the core when the sensor is dry. When the resin 

reaches the sensor, light propagates only in the core and is no longer coupled into the cladding, 

providing the yes/no response.

External Collaborations

• Kent Murphy, F&S Inc. - developing a commercial sensor system.

• Rob Bannerjee, EDX - developing quality control methods for sandwich panel products.

• Suresh Advani and Sylvia Kueh, University of Delaware -applying sensors to flow 

monitoring.

Planned Outcome

Demonstrate the usefulness of process monitoring to the composites industry and indicate a 

potential low cost route with optical fiber sensors. Assist industry to develop a commercial 

sensor system.

Accomplishments

Long period grating (LPG) fiber optic sensors were successfully demonstrated as flow sensors 

for resin transfer molding. The trade-off between sensor length and number of sensors on the 

fiber was investigated. The longer sensors (2 cm vs. 1 cm) showed a sharper attenuation that 

enabled more sites to be resolved. However, the longer sensors also limit the number that can 

physically be written onto the fiber. In addition, the sensors were placed in a mold between 

various types of reinforcement to test their performance under actual processing conditions of 

compaction, flow, and heat. Random, unidirectional, and woven e-glass reinforcements and 

woven carbon fiber reinforcements were used. It was found that the bending of the fiber at the 
83

sensor site caused by the compaction of the reinforcement caused the response to vanish. The 

severity of the problem was dependent upon the type of reinforcement and fiber volume fraction. 

The sensor performed well in all cases when a small diameter tube was secured over the sensor 

site while still allowing penetration of the resin. 

A Phase I small business innovative research award to F & S Optics to develop novel fiber optic 

devices for composite process monitoring was completed. F & S constructed a pre-aligned and 

connectorized optical launch system for Fourier transform near-infrared cure monitoring with 

high index fibers. This system is housed inside the FTIR spectrometer and replaces the 

cumbersome optic and detection system previously used outside of the spectrometer. Unlike the 

old system, the new launch system does not require much set-up time. It also provides higher 

energy throughput. F & S also designed and built a prototype LPG sensor system for liquid 

composite molding. For this system, the maximum number of sensors that can be written onto 

one fiber is in the range of 5-10.

F & S will continue their program with a Phase II award. The LPG sensor system will be 

optimized for the following: spacing, length, and operating band of LPGs, size of evanescent 

wave, and coupling parameters, frequency response and noise factors. After the flow monitoring 

is completed, the refractive index based intensity response of the LPGs will be studied for cure 

monitoring. Finally, F & S is working with a composite manufacturer to test the LPGs sensor 

system in a sandwich panel composite.

Outputs

Publications

S.R.M. Kueh, S.G. Advani and R.S. Parnas, Sensor Placement Study for Online Flow Monitoring 

in Liquid Composite Molding, Polymer Composites, submitted.

R.S. Parnas, S.R.M. Kueh and S.G. Advani, A Minimalist Sensor System for Mold Filling, 

Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Composite Materials, Jul. 1999.

S.R.M. Kueh, S.G. Advani and R.S. Parnas, Virtual Sensor Simulation Study of Flow During 

Resin Transfer Molding Process, Proceedings of the 13th Annual ASC Technical Conference on 

Composite Materials, Sept. 1998, p 744-760.

Presentations:

R.S. Parnas, A Minimalist Sensor System for Mold Filling, 12th International Conference on 

Composite Materials, Paris, France, July 5, 1999. 

J.P. Dunkers, On-line Fiber Optics Flow and Cure Sensing of Resin Transfer Molding, On-Line 

Sensing and Control for Liquid Molding of Composite Structures, Annapolis, MD. April 14, 

1999.

S.R.M. Kueh, Virtual Sensor Simulation Study of Flow During Resin Transfer Molding

Process, 13th Technical Conference on Composite Materials, Baltimore, MD. September 21-23, 

1998.
84

Liquid Composite Molding: Interface Sensitive Optical Fiber Sensor

J.P. Dunkers, R.S. Parnas, J. Lenhart1, and J. VanZanten2

1The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

2North Carolina State University

Objective

The objective is to develop a method of measuring the chemical and physical properties of the 

polymer matrix in the first 100 nm around glass fibers in a composite.

Technical Description

Fluorescence can be used to measure a variety of polymeric properties. In order to study the 

properties of epoxy resin near glass, a fluorescent dye molecule, is covalently grafted to the glass 

surface. This molecule, abbreviated DMSCA, contains the dimethyl amino nitrostilbene 

fluorophore tethered to a triethoxy silane coupling agent. Typical silane coupling agent 

chemistry can be used to graft DMSCA to glass surfaces. DMSCA was diluted to trace levels on 

the surface with a co-silane coupling agent in order to simulate a model interface for glass fiber 

reinforced composites. Fluorescence from the grafted DMSCA was measured during cure of an

epoxy resin over-layer. Both an intensity increase and a shift in fluorescence can be observed 

from the grafted DMSCA during epoxy cure. The layers were characterized by fluorescence, 

contact angle, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-vis and infrared 

spectroscopy in order to understand the role of the coupling agent layer structure on interphase 

formation and fiber / resin adhesion.

External Collaborators

• William Birch, Corning, France - silane deposition procedures.

• Joe Lenhart, The Johns Hopkins University - silane layer characterization.

• John VanZanten, North Carolina State University-silane layer characterization.

• Steve Pollack, Howard University – synthesis of fluorescent probes.

Planned Outcome

An outcome is to use the interface sensitive fiber optic sensor in conjunction with a commercial 

sensor system for quality control of industrial composites manufacturing.

Accomplishments

• The effects of silane layer thickness and type of co-silane upon emission shift of DMSCA was 

established. 

• Through changes in the fluorescence from the grafted DMSCA it was concluded that the 

chemical and physical properties of epoxy resin cured over mixed silane layers differed from 

those of bulk resin. 

• It was discovered that a shift in the fluorescence spectrum from grafted DMSCA could be 

used to detect resin penetration into the coupling agent layer before gelation.

• DMSCA was successfully grafted to a glass fiber-optic sensor thereby making the technique 

practical as a process control tool for composites manufacturing.
85

• An algorithm was developed to analyze the fluorescence response when the dye coated fiber 

optic is immersed in epoxy resin.

Output

Publications

J.L. Lenhart, J.H. Van Zanten, J.P. Dunkers, C.G. Zimba; C.A. James, S.K. Pollack and R.S. 

Parnas, Using An Immobilized Fluorescent Dye to Investigate the Glass/Resin Interface. Journal 

of Colloid and Interface Science, submitted.

J.L. Lenhart, J.H. van Zanten, J.P. Dunkers, C.G. Zimba, C.A. James, S.K. Pollack and R.S. 

Parnas. A Fiber Optic Sensor for Composite Cure Monitoring. Proc. SPIE Vol. 3589: Process 

Control and Sensors for Manufacturing, 126(1999).

Presentations

J. Lenhart, A Fiber Optic Sensor for Composite Cure Monitoring,"SPIE's International 

Symposium on NDE Techniques for Aging Infrastructure and Manufacturing, Newport Beach 

Marriott Hotel, Newport Beach, CA, March 4, 1999.

J. Lenhart, A Sensor for Monitoring Cure Near the Fiber/Resin Interface, Johns Hopkins 

University, Chemical Engineering Graduate Student / Industry Symposium, Baltimore, MD, 

December 1998.

J. Lenhart, A Practical Fluorescence Sensor For Monitoring Composite Cure, AICHE, Miami, 

Fl, November 1998.

J. Lenhart, A Fiber Optic Sensor for Composite Cure Monitoring, 13th Technical Conference on 

Composite Materials, Baltimore, MD, September 21-23, 1998.

Microstructure Studies: Improve the Utility of the Single Fiber Fragmentation Test

G. A. Holmes, W. G. McDonough, D. L. Hunston, S. Leigh1, R. S. Parnas, D. Thompson2, and 

E. Feresenbet3

1

 Statistical Engineering Division, NIST

2 Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fl.

3

 Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Objective

The objective of this project is to develop the tools required to obtain reliable measurements of 

the interfacial adhesion in composites having rheologically complex matrices.

Technical Description

Perhaps the single most important problem in the measurement of fiber-matrix interface strength 

is the lack of standardization. To address this issue, NIST and Michigan State University have 

organized an international program under the auspices of the Composites Technical Working 

Group of VAMAS, the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards. This is an 
86

international organization that promotes pre-standards research. The objectives are to establish 

consensus test procedures, to conduct round robins to verify these procedures, and to provide a 

forum for identifying critical research issues, exchanging results, and encouraging cooperation 

among researchers active in the area. The initial focus is the single fiber fragmentation test 

(SFFT), but the work may expand to other measurement methods if the program is successful. 

Participants include 15 laboratories in 8 countries.

The internal research program at NIST seeks to quantify the impact of non-ideal matrix behavior 

on the fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength. This is accomplished by monitoring the change in 

load with increasing strain during SFF testing and by monitoring the evolution of the fiber 

fragmentation process with increasing strain and changes in loading rate. Results from these 

experiments will be used to develop new models that account for changes in matrix behavior 

during the testing procedure (Holmes et al. 1999). This research will also guide the 

establishment of a consensus testing procedure for the VAMAS round robin testing program. 

The NIST program also seeks to impact two impediments to the efficient design and use of 

composites in structural applications. These are the prediction of composite strength, especially 

in hybrid composites, and the management of energy dissipating mechanisms during use and 

failure. It is well known (e.g., Chamis 1974) that the interface plays a key role in both of these 

areas. Specifically, the energy absorbing capability of the fiber-matrix interface and the matrix 

material in the vicinity of a fiber break are important considerations in designing composites 

with a specified strength. Since interface strength is enhanced by the use of adhesion promoting 

silane coupling agents, the optimal silane formulation must balance fiber-matrix adhesion with 

the fracture toughness of the fiber-matrix interphase region. It is generally known that weak and 

very strong interfaces result in inferior composites by promoting fiber pullout and matrix 

cracking, respectively. However, the specific factors that control interface strength and 

toughness have not been completely delineated and quantified. This aspect of the research 

program will focus on the influence of silane agent coupling morphology on interface strength 

and energy dissipation mechanism occurring during fiber fracture. Success in this area will 

provide a framework for designing composites with controlled strength and failure profiles. 

External Collaborations

• Eric Pohl, OSi, is collaborating in the study of the strength and toughness of industry 

coatings.

• Larry Drzal, Michigan State University, is collaborating on test method development.

• Graham Sims, VAMAS, and 14 other participating laboratories are engaged in round-robin 

testing in an effort to establish standardized tests for interfacial shear strength.

• John Nairn, University of Utah, is investigating the dynamics of debond region formation.

• Leigh Phoenix, Cornell University, is correlating NIST data with theoretical models.

Planned Outcome

Establish international protocol for single fiber fragmentation test.

Accomplishments

• A consensus test procedure was established for the international round robin and statistical 

test design was used to randomly divide samples among the 14 participants.
87

• Complete analysis of the fragmentation data from single fiber composites made from bare Eglass fibers and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A / meta-phenylenediamine (DGEBA/m-PDA) 

epoxy resin revealed that differences in the fragment distributions arise when specimens are 

tested using different test protocols.

• Differences in fragmentation distributions at the early stage in the testing procedure suggest 

the presence of stress concentrations at the end of the generated fiber fragments that promote 

molecular level interface failure.

• The NIST Nonlinear Viscoelastic model predicted high stress concentrations at the fiber ends 

at low strain values in one of the fiber fragmentation test protocols. These predictions are 

consistent with stress concentrations at the fiber-matrix interface promoting interface failure 

at the molecular level.

Outputs

Publications

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, D.L. Hunston, and W.G. McDonough, E- glass/DGEBA/m-PDA 

Single Fiber Composites: The Effect of the Matrix Modulus on Interfacial Shear Strength 

Measurements, Polymer Composites, in press.

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, D.L. Hunston, and W.G. McDonough, E- glass/DGEBA/m-PDA 

Single Fiber Composites: Interface Debonding During Fiber Fracture, Polymer Composites, in 

press. 

D.L. Hunston, G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, and W.G. McDonough, Strain Rate Effects in the 

Single Fiber Fragmentation Test for Fiber-Matrix Adhesion, pp. 432-433 in Polymeric 

Materials: Science and Engineering Preprints, Vol 81 (ACS, Division of PMSE, Washington, 

DC, 1999).

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, D.L. Hunston and W.G. McDonough, "E-Glass/DGEBA/m- PDA 

Single Fiber Composites: The Effect of Strain Rate on Interface Shear Strength Measurement," 

Polymer Composites, in press. 

D.L. Hunston, G.A. Holmes and R.C. Peterson, Viscoelastic Properties of a Resin Commonly 

used in the Single Fiber Fragmentation Test, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, in 

press.

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, D.L. Hunston, W.G. McDonough and C.L. Schutte, The Effect of 

Non-Linear Viscoelasticity on Interfacial Shear Strength Measurements, ASTM STP 1357 

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, D.L. Hunston and W.G. McDonough, How Nonlinear Viscoelastic 

Matrix Behavior Influences Interfacial Shear Strength Measurements, Proceedings of 4th Int. 

Conf. on Constitutive Laws for Engineering Materials: Experiment, Theory, Computation and 

Applications, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY (July 27-30, 1999). 
88

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson and D.L. Hunston, Modeling of Multi-Step Nonlinear Stress 

Relaxation in DGEBA/m-PDA Epoxy Resins, Proc. of the 2nd Int. Conference on Mechanics of 

Time Dependent Materials, Pasadena, CA, March 1998, p 26. 

R.C. Peterson, G.A. Holmes, D.L. Hunston and W.G. McDonough, The Evolution of Debonding 

in a Single Fiber Composite Fragmentation Test, pp. 1284-1296 in Proc. 13th Technical Conf., 

American Society for Composites (ASC, Los Angeles, 1998).

Presentations

D.L. Hunston, G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson and W.G. McDonough, Strain Rate Effects in the 

Single Fiber Fragmentation Test for Fiber-Matrix Adhesion, Symposium on Adhesion: 

chemistry, Process, and Mechanics, Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering Division of 

ACS, ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, August 22-26, 1999.

G.A. Holmes, R.C. Peterson, D.L. Hunston and W.G. McDonough, How Nonlinear Viscoelastic 

Matrix Behavior Influences Interfacial Shear Strength Measurements, International Conference 

on constitutive Laws, Rensselaer Polytechnic institute, Troy, NY, July 27-30, 1999.

Liquid Composite Molding: Lattice Boltzmann Techniques for Process Modeling

F.R. Phelan Jr., A. M. Reiff, R.S. Peterson, Y. Luo1, S. Lomov1, I. Verpoest1, B. Souter2 and 

C.D. Rudd2

1

 Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium

2

 Nottingham University, Nottingham, UK

Objectives

The objectives are to develop and apply numerical models to describe the flow of fluids in 

composites processing operations such as liquid molding, pultrusion and injection molding.

Technical Description

We have developed a lattice Boltzmann (LB) method for simulating fluid flow in the 

reinforcement materials used in composite processing operations. LB methods involve the 

solution of the discrete Boltzmann equation for the particle distribution function on a lattice. 

Each particle distribution function represents a packet of particles moving with a fixed velocity 

along the lattice. Macroscopic flow quantities such as velocity and density are recovered by 

taking moments of the distribution function as follows

( , ) ( , )

1

x t m n x t

N

∑=

=

a

r a

( , )

( , )

( , )

1

v n x t

x t

m

u x t

N

∑=

=

a

a a

r

where m is the particle mass, na is the particle distribution function, and va is a discrete 

representation of the velocity space on a lattice. The Navier-Stokes equations are recovered from 
89

the LB formulation thus defined. To model flow in reinforcement materials that have both open 

and porous regions, the velocity in porous regions is defined as

( , )

( , )

( , )

x t

F x t

U u x t

r

t

= +

where t is a relaxation time, and the function F is given by

( , ) ( , ) ( , )

1

F x t mK r x t u x t

−

= −

where μ is the viscosity, u is the Navier-Stokes velocity, and K is the micro-permeability tensor 

of the reinforcement material in the porous region.

Planned Outcome

To model multi-phase flow in reinforcement materials, and provide the developed simulation 

tools to manufacturers for optimizing the production of composite materials.

Accomplishments

One area of simulation this past year was flow verification, in which we compare the LB 

simulation to experimental results. Some results comparing the LB simulation with experimental 

results for flow through arrays of porous circles are shown in Table 1.

Array Type Array Spacing 

(cm)

Measured Tow 

Permeability 

(cm2)

X 107

Measured Array 

Permeability 

(cm2)

X 105

Array 

Permeability 

(cm2)

LB Simulation

Square 0.08 2.68 + 0.54 7.97 + 1.59 7.4e-5

Hexagonal 0.08 2.95 + 0.59 2.61 + 0.52 2.97e-5

Table 1: Comparison of measured permeabilities, including 20% standard deviations in the 

experimental measurements, with the LB model for flow through arrays of permeable circles.

The results with finite spacing between tows are in excellent agreement with the experiments. 

However, the results for the cases in which the inclusions touch (not shown), show considerable 

error. This is probably due to mesh spacing effects and we are investigating how to eliminate 

this.

The LB simulation has also been used to predict the permeability of a Knytex D155 material 

whose structure was determined by OCT imaging. Comparisons of a small sample of 

permeability calculations with an experimental measurement are shown in Table 2.

Sample Name Imaging 

Method

Image Set Axial K 

x 10-4 (mm2)

Brinkman

Fraction

Experimental - - 5.3 + 1.1 0.770

Data Set 2 Manual 75-95 3.81 0.788 + 0.021

Data Set 3 Automated

No Smoothing

75-95 2.83 0.768 + 0.021

Data Set 4 Automated

Smoothing

75-95 3.18 0.750 + 0.027
90

Table 2: Comparison of permeability computed from OCT images and experimental data for 

Knytex D155 unidirectional, including 20 % standard deviations in experimental permeability 

measurements and image analysis values for the Brinkman fractions.

Image sets within this table were processed using both a rapid “Automated” procedure and a 

“Manual” method. In the “Manual” method, the tow outlines were drawn by sight and filled in 

to obtain the binary image. In general, all the computationally predicted values are lower than the 

experimental value, with the closest being Data Set 2, which was processed manually. We found 

that the artificial roughness in the images between the border the tows and the resin has a large 

influence on the magnitude of the flow. The roughness results from noise in the original OCT 

images that the automated image processing routine is not able to eliminate. Data Set 4 shows 

that smoothing of the boundaries, which reduces the artifical roughness, can be used to get closer 

agreement with the experimental values. Thus, the key to using LB to accurately predict 

permeability from OCT imaging lies in developing image processing techniques which eliminate 

spurious noise, and accurately determine the boundaries of the reinforcement structure.

Another significant result is that the OCT / LB approach was able to capture the effect of 

crossing threads on the permeability in the “unidirectional” Knytex material. In previous work 

we found that a 2-D calculation of the permeability for the Knytex material (which does not 

account for the crossing threads) yielded a prediction roughly 6 times higher than the 

experimental value. The fact that the values computed here are on the same order of magnitude 

as the experimental value indicates that 3-D effect of the crossing threads is being correctly 

captured.

Further permeability computation work was begun in the past year in the form of collaborations 

with Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the University of Nottingham who have programs in 

modeling the geometric structure of reinforcement materials. The outputs from their geometry 

modeling programs are input directly into the LB simulation to predict the permeability of the 

reinforcement materials. Finally, we have laid the groundwork for applying LB methods to nonNewtonian flows. LB methods have been shown to be quite powerful for modeling multi-phase 

flows, but have been limited to Newtonian fluids. We have developed an expression for the 

equilibrium distribution function which is applicable to fluids of any type of rheology. This 

result will enable the modeling of nonlinear rheological behavior of curing thermosets and of 

polymer melts in the processing of composite materials.

Impact

The LB simulation software has been transferred to Corning, Inc., and Katholieke Universiteit 

Leuven.

Outputs

Publications

F.R.Phelan Jr., R,C. Peterson, and M.A. Spaid, Void Formation, Displacement and Transport in 

Heterogeneous Fiber Media. Part 1: Experimentation, Polymer Composites, in press.

R.C. Peterson, and F.R. Phelan, Jr., An Investigation of Void Formation Dynamics in Fiber 

Preform Materials, ASC 13th Technical Conference, p. 271, (1998).
91

J.P. Dunkers, F.R. Phelan, C.G. Zimba, R. Prasankumar, J.G. Fujimoto, and R.S. Parnas, Flow 

Prediction in Real Structures using Optical Coherence Tomography and Lattice Boltzmann 

Mathematics, Proc. 5th Int. Conf. on Flow Processes in Composites, Plymouth, UK, (July 1999).

F.R. Phelan Jr., J.P. Dunkers, C.G. Zimba, K.M. Flynn, R.S. Parnas, R.C. Peterson, X. Li, and 

J.G. Fujimoto, Numerical Prediction of Permeability Using A Lattice Boltzmann Method and 

Optical Coherence Tomography, ICAC Sixth International Conference on Automated 

Composites: Proceedings, (1999).

Presentations

Phelan Jr., F.R., K.M. Pillai, and C.L. Tucker III, Simulation of Injection/Compression Liquid 

Composite Molding, 1998 ACCE Conference, Detroit, MI, (September 29-29, 1998).

Phelan Jr., F.R., An Investigation of Void Formation and Transport Dynamics in Fiber Preform 

Material", 1999 Gordon Conference on Polymer Composites, Ventura, CA, (January 10-15, 

1999).

Phelan Jr., F.R., Peterson, R.C., and M.A.A. Spaid, Modeling of Flow Dynamics in 

Heterogeneous Fiber Media using a Lattice Boltzmann Method, Mini- Symposium on 

"Computational Advances in Modeling Heterogeneous Materials" at the Fifth National Congress 

on Computational Mechanics, Boulder, CO, (August 4-6, 1999).

K.M. Pillai, and C.L. Tucker III, and Phelan Jr., F.R., Simulation of Injection/Compression 

Liquid Composite Molding, 1998 ASC Conference, Baltimore, MD, (September 21-22, 1998).

Peterson, R.C., and F.R. Phelan Jr., An investigation of void formation dynamics in fiber preform 

materials, 1998 ASC Conference, Baltimore, MD, (September 21-22, 1998).

Dunkers, J.P., F.R. Phelan Jr., C.G. Zimba, R. Prasankumar, J.G. Fujimoto, and R.S. Parnas, 

Flow Prediction in Real Structures using Optical Coherence Tomography and Lattice Boltzmann 

Mathematics, Proc. 5th Int. Conf. on Flow Processes in Composites, Plymouth, UK, (July 1999).

Processing: Permeability Measurements and Database

R.S. Parnas, K.M. Flynn, F. Phelan and J. Rumble1

1

Standard Reference Data Program, NIST

Objective

The objective is to provide permeability measurement methods and data for the design tools used 

by the composites industry. This year we will expand the database to include data from other 

sources in preparation for the release of Version 2.0. New data on carefully deformed materials 

is being measured to aid designers in using the baseline data in complex geometries.

Technical Description

Permeability measurements conducted over several years at NIST have been documented, 

collected, and placed into a Clipper based database. External sources of reliable data have been 

identified and those measurements are being documented for inclusion in the database. 
92

External Collaborations

• Raymond Gauvin, University of Montreal - provide data.

• Christopher Rudd, University of Nottingham - provide data.

• Staffan Lundström, Chalmers University, Sweden - perform comparative measurements.

Planned Outcomes

The database released in 1998 is expected to be used by molders to help design their processes 

and parts. Version 2 of the database is planned for release in FY2000 on the world wide web 

with an expanded data set.

Accomplishments

Version 2.0 of the database has been developed by documenting data submitted by external 

collaborators, and the size of the database has been doubled. Version 2 has also been 

implemented in HTML as a web page and is currently being tested internally at NIST before 

release to the public.

Impacts

NIST permeability data are being used in flow simulations at several companies, including ATP 

recipients, in the automotive and aerospace industries. Over the past several years engineers 

from companies including Ford, Boeing, and Northrup/Grumman, as well as several engineering 

students, have learned how to make accurate permeability measurements through participation in 

the NIST permeability measurement project.

Outputs

Publications

H.L.Friedman, R.A.Johnson, V.Gusev, A.V.Neimark, D.Buvel, D.R.Salem and R.S.Parnas, 

Visualization and Quantification of Forced In-Plane Flow through Deformable Porous Media, 

Polymer Composites, in press.

R.S. Parnas, Preform Permeability, in RTM for Aerospace Applications, Chapman & Hall, NY, 

1998, Ch. 8.

R.S. Parnas, K.M. Flynn and M. DalFavero, A Permeability Database for 

Composites Manufacturing by Liquid Molding, Polymer Composites 18(5), 623-

33, 1997.
93

Measurement Science

... addressing important needs for physical measurements

A New Method to Image Polymer Composites

The application of a new imaging technique to non-destructively quantify microstructure and damage in 

polymer composites has been demonstrated in collaboration with researchers at the Massachusetts 

Institute of Technology (MIT) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The method, called Optical 

Coherence Tomography (OCT), is based on interferometric analysis of light scattered by the object. 

Although originally developed at MIT for imaging biological tissues, the collaboration extended the 

method to produce images of the internal 3-D glass fiber architecture in nearly opaque glass reinforced 

epoxy and vinylester composites. Polymers Division scientists, Joy Dunkers and Frederick Phelan, used 

this information in a fluid mechanics model to yield the first prediction of the reinforcement permeability 

based on actual fiber architecture. The permeability characterizes the fluid infiltration behavior that is 

critical for optimum processing. The technique was also applied to image the fiber distribution and 

orientation in short fiber samples of interest in the automotive industry. Another application was 

qualification of surface and subsurface damage for a polymer composite after it was subjected to impact 

loading. Better methods to image internal defects is a critical industry need since damage to composite 

laminates is frequently not visible at the surface.

The advantage of this new technique is that it can 

non-destructively acquire 2-D, cross sectional 

images (6 mm x 3 mm) through the intact sample 

in under a minute at spatial resolutions of about 

10 micrometers.

These 2-D images can then be assembled into a 

3-D reconstruction of the material and its internal

microstructure. The penetration depth of the 

light depends on the materials involved, but 

images extending up to 1 cm into the sample 

have been obtained. Because the technique is 

based on light scattering, samples with 

significant amounts of carbon fiber are a 

problem, but a variety of composites made with 

glass or Kevlar fibers have been imaged. One of 

the most important advantages of OCT is the 

potential to obtain data at a fraction of the cost 

for alternative methods. Work is now underway 

with the automotive, plastics, and offshore oil 

industries to explore application of OCT to 

problems in their areas.

Method addresses critical industry need 

to image internal defects in composites. 
94
95

POLYMER CHARACTERIZATION

The Polymer Characterization Program provides measurement methods, data and standard 

reference (SRMs) materials needed by U.S. industry, research laboratories, and other federal 

agencies to characterize polymers for processibility, rheological and mechanical properties, and 

performance. Molecular mass and its distribution have significant effects on the processibility of 

polymers through dramatic effects on their rheological properties. Mechanical properties and 

performance are significantly affected by the solid state structure formed during processing. 

Importantly, unlike many other common engineering materials, polymers exhibit mechanical 

properties that exhibit time dependent viscoelastic behaviors. As a result, the focus of the 

program is on techniques that measure molecular mass and its distribution, solid state structure, 

mechanical and rheological behavior of polymeric materials.

Primary methods employed for molecular mass characterization are dilute solution light 

scattering and osmometry. Chromatographic techniques, which require calibration by standards 

of known molecular mass, provide information on molecular mass distribution. Recent activities 

exploit advances in mass spectrometry using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization 

(MALDI) to develop the method as a primary tool for the determination of the molecular masses 

of synthetic polymers. Solid state structure of polymers is elucidated using small and wide-angle 

x-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy as well as spectroscopic 

methods such as solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy.

The mechanical behavior of polymers depends on the chemical structure, the environmental 

history (such as temperature and humidity), and the loading or deformation history. Because of 

these many influences, experimental characterization of the mechanical response of polymers for 

every conceivable situation is impractical. Instead, methods are developed that reduce the 

number of tests required to describe the nonlinear thermo-viscoelastic properties of polymers. In 

this approach, the frameworks of continuum solid and fluid mechanics are applied to interrelate 

mechanical responses measured in simplified geometries and representative environmental and 

deformation histories. The results of such measurements are used to evaluate parameters used in 

models, which are based on the underlying physics of macromolecules and/or phenomenology. 

The success of a given model is assessed by comparing subsequent predictions against 

measurements made in more complicated deformation states. Measurements in various 

geometries are obtained with a number of different instruments, including the NIST Torsional 

Dilatometer, conventional rotational rheometers, and servo-hydraulic mechanical testing 

machines.

The polymer industry and standards organizations assist in the identification of current needs for 

standard reference materials. Based on these needs, research on characterization methods and 

measurements are conducted leading to the certification of standard reference materials. 

Molecular standards are used primarily for calibration of gel permeation chromatographs, the 

principal method employed by industry for assessing molecular mass and molecular mass 

distributions. Melt flow standards are used in the calibration of instruments used to determine 

processing conditions for thermoplastics. Non-Newtonian rheological standards are also 

developed to exhibit the typical polymeric behaviors of shear thinning and normal stresses; these 

standards are also used for calibration of rheological instruments and for research into improved 

measurement methods.
96

Significant Accomplishments

• Determined the intrinsic viscosity of polyethylene SRM 2885 and SRM 2886 and the mass 

average molecular mass, Mw, by high temperature light scattering for polyethylene SRM 

2886 and SRM 2887. These data are needed to certify these polyethylenes as molecular mass 

standards for calibration of gel permeation chromatographs.

• Determined the laboratory-to-laboratory reproducibility in measuring the molecular mass 

distribution using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization, MALDI, time-of-flight, TOF, 

mass spectrometry, MS, by organizing and completing an interlaboratory comparison of 

well-characterized polystyrene that involved 18 institutions.

• Established that secondary peaks in the MALDI mass spectrum of polystyrene, PS, are 

primarily due to the formation and decay of adducts of PS with matrix molecules and metal 

cations.

• Discovered that a composite of polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PPgMA) -clay (mass 

fraction clay = 4 %) exhibits a mixed nano-morphology of exfoliated clay layers, dispersed 

stacks of 2-3 clay layers, and intercalated large tactoids.

• Resolved difficulties with resonance in a new model transducer design used in a commercial 

rheometer; the manufacturer will implement this change in instruments supplied with the new 

transducer.

• Resolved the origins of x-ray scattering intensity near wave vector = 0 in semicrystalline 

polymers. The peaks that are commonly observed in the raw scattering cross sections in this 

range are assigned to inhomogeneities in the structure other than lamellar crystallites. 

• Determined, by NMR, that the density of alkane coverage attached to silica-gel surfaces is 

not uniform on a 20 nm distance scale. This information is used in evaluation of columns 

used in high performance liquid chromatographic separation.

Standard Reference Materials

Charles M. Guttman, William R. Blair, Bruno Fanconi, John R. Maurey and Carl R. 

Schultheisz

Objective

The objective is to provide the U.S. polymer industry with standards for calibration of 

instruments used in the control of the synthesis and processing of polymers. Principal polymer 

standards are certified for molecular mass and melt flow rate; the former is used to calibrate size 

exclusion chromatographs and the latter to calibrate melt flow indexers.

Technical Description

New Polyethylene Molecular Mass Standards

Polyethylene is the dominant commercial polymer in the United States and worldwide markets. 

High temperature (130 °C) size exclusion chromatography (SEC), although a relative method 

requiring calibration, is the most commonly used method to establish the molecular mass of 
97

these polymers. Yet, few SEC calibration standards are available on the market for the 

calibration of high temperature SEC. Molecular mass fractions of low polydispersity, Mw/Mn, of 

less than 1.2 (Mw is the mass average molecular mass and Mn is the number average molecular 

mass), are the most useful materials for calibrating SEC. The NIST polyethylene standard 

reference materials, SRMs, are the only available narrow fractions of polyethylene. These SRMs 

will soon be out of stock.

The lack of commercial standards arises out of the difficulties in obtaining sharp molecular mass 

fractions of polyethylenes and in measuring absolute molecular masses by light scattering or 

osmometry at temperatures as high as 150 °C.

The original fractionation of a broad distribution polyethylene that provided the fractions 

previously certified also yielded other fractions including ones with molecular masses around 

(6,000, 88,000 and 190,000) g/mole, to be designated SRM 2885, 2886 and 2887, respectively, 

in sufficient quantity to produce three additional narrow fraction polyethylene SRM's.

Planned Outcomes

The three new polyethylene standards, SRM 2885, 2886 and 2887, together with existing 

standards, SRM 1482 and 1483, will improve calibration of size exclusion chromatographs by 

providing the polymer industry with molecular mass calibrants for polyethylene covering the 

range 6,000 g/mol to 190,000 g/mol.

Accomplishments

New Polyethylene Molecular Mass Standards

All three new polyethylene SRM's have been purified by recrystallization and bottled. The 

bottled materials have been evaluated for homogeneity. No bottle-to-bottle variation was found. 

The intrinsic viscosity of SRM 2885 and SRM 2886 has been determined. The Mw by high 

temperature light scattering has been completed for SRM 2886 and SRM 2887. The light 

scattering on SRM 2885 is in progress as is the intrinsic viscosity measurements of SRM 2887. 

Mass Spectrometry of Polymers 

Charles M. Guttman, William R. Blair, Robert I. Goldschmidt, William E. Wallace, Stephanie 

J. Wetzel and Bruno Fanconi

Objective

The objective is to improve reliability of calibration standards for size exclusion chromatography 

(SEC), widely used by the polymer industry for characterizing the molecular mass distribution 

(MMD) and the moments of the MMD of synthetic polymers. Mass spectrometry (MS) is 

developed as a reliable method to measure the MMD and the moments of the MMD of polymers 

that will become the next generation calibration materials for SEC.

Technical Description

Recent advances in Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) Time of Flight (TOF) 

Mass Spectroscopy (MS) allow determination of the mass spectrum of whole undegraded 

polymer molecules with molecular masses up to 300,000 g/mol. As part of an effort to explore 

the usefulness of this technique for the production of molecular mass SRM's, research was 
98

initiated to determine the limits of applicability for the measurement of the absolute molecular 

mass of a polymer molecule. Specific activities for FY 99 are to (1) develop sample preparation 

techniques that show consistent repeatable signals in the MALDI-TOF-MS, (2) develop data 

analysis procedures for quantitative comparisons of MALDI-TOF-MS and SEC results and (3) 

conduct interlaboratory comparison on a well-characterized polymer sample.

Accomplishments

• An interlaboratory comparison, involving18 institutions (10 industry, 5 academic, 3 

government), was conducted using well-characterized polystyrene (by NMR for Mn , by light 

scattering for Mw and by FTIR for the presence of the t-butyl end group) to determine the 

laboratory-to-laboratory reproducibility in determining the molecular mass distribution using 

MALDI-TOF-MS. MALDI mass spectrometry returned an Mn of (6600± 100) u and an Mw

of (6700 ± 90) u. These numbers were below those of the classical methods, but still within 

the overlapping uncertainty ranges.

• The application of high-resolution MALDI-TOF-MS to determine the complex threedimensional polymer structure was demonstrated. 

• Secondary peaks observed in the MALDI mass spectrum of the polystyrene that was used in 

the interlaboratory comparison were shown to arise from two sources: either adducts of the 

matrix with the polymer or fragmentation of the polymer along the main chain. None of the 

secondary peaks were attributable to additional end groups. 

• Post-source decay (PSD) analyses of the interlaboratory PS sample and also of a PS of Mn of 

about 3900 indicate that the secondary series are primarily due to the formation and decay of 

adducts of PS with matrix molecules and metal cations. Some fragmentation of the PS 

polymers alone also occurs with the loss of between one to four repeat units. These results 

are in contrast to our fragmentation studies earlier on PEO where fragments of all chain 

lengths less the molecular mass of the polymer were found.

• Autocorrelation function analysis was shown to be a powerful method of resolving polymer 

architecture and copolymer composition from mass spectra of some samples.

• MALDI-TOF-MS of polymethacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane revealed that this polymer, 

when synthesized in the bulk, exhibited mainly a ladder-like structure in which the number of 

closed intramolecular loops (ladder steps) scaled directly with the number of repeat units. 

This indicates that as the molecule grows the likelihood of it reacting with itself does not 

increase, or that locally the molecule looks the same and can be said to be self-affine.

External Collaborations

• S. Samal of Revenshaw College, Cuttack, India - seeks to develop matrix materials that are 

compatible with synthetic polymers.

• Professor J. Girard at American University - methodology is developed to compare SEC and 

MALDI-TOF-MS.

• Paul Kowalski of Bruker Instruments - fragmentation processes that occur in MALDI-TOFMS are investigated.
99

Outputs

Publications

W.E. Wallace, C.M.Guttman and J.M. Antonucci, Polymeric Silsesquioxanes: degree-of 

intramolecular-condensation measured by mass spectrometry, Polymer, in press.

R.L. Bowen, M. Farahani, S.H. Dickens and C.M. Guttman, MALDI-TOF MS Analysis of a PCD 

Combinatorial Library, Journal of Dental Research, in press.

S.S. Das, J. Zhuang, A.P.Andrews, S.C. Greer, C.M. Guttman and W.R. Blair, Living Poly (amethylstyrene) Near the Polymerization Line: 7. Molecular Mass Distribution in a Good 

Solvent, J. Chem. Phys., in press.

W.R. Blair, B.M. Fanconi, R.I. Goldschmidt, C.M. Guttman, W.E. Wallace, S.J. Wetzel and D.L. 

VanderHart, Comparison of Classical and MALDI-TOF-MS Analysis of a Polystyrene 

Interlaboratory Sample, Proceedings of 46th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and 

Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June 13-17, 1999. 

W.E. Wallace, C.M. Guttman and J.M. Antonucci, Polymeric Silsesquioxanes: Measuring the 

Degree of Intramolecular Condensation, Proceedings of 46th ASMS Conference on Mass 

Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June 13-17, 1999. 

S.J. Wetzel, C.M. Guttman and J.E. Girard, Quantitative Representation of the MWD of a 

Synthetic Polymer Obtained from MALDI TOF MS, Proceedings of 46th ASMS Conference on 

Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June 13-17, 1999. 

R.J. Goldschmidt, S.J. Wetzel, W.R. Blair and C.M. Guttman, Post-Source Decay of Polystyrene 

Ions in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization, Proceedings of 46th ASMS Conference om 

Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June 13-17,1999. 

Presentations

W.R. Blair, B.M. Fanconi, R.I. Goldschmidt, C.M. Guttman, W.E. Wallace, S.J. Wetzel and 

D.L. VanderHart, Comparison of Classical and MALDI-TOF-MS Analysis of a Polystyrene 

Interlaboratory Sample, The 46th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, 

Dallas, TX, June, 1999.

R.J. Goldschmidt, S.J. Wetzel, W.R. Blair and C.M. Guttman, Post-Source Decay of 

Polystyrene Ions in Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization, The 46th ASMS Conference on 

Mass Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June, 1999

W.E. Wallace, C.M. Guttman and J.M. Antonucci, Polymeric Silsesquioxanes: Measuring the 

Degree of Intramolecular Condensation, The 46th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and 

Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June, 1999.

S.J. Wetzel, C.M. Guttman and J.E. Girard, Quantitative Representation of the MWD of a 

Synthetic Polymer Obtained from MALDI TOF MS, The 46th ASMS Conference on Mass 

Spectrometry and Allied Topics, Dallas, TX, June, 1999.
100

R.J, Goldschmidt and C.M Guttman, Aspects of Quantitation in Matrix-Assisted Laser 

Desorption/Ionization, American Physical Society Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 1999. 

C.M. Guttman, W.R. Blair, B.M. Fanconi, R.I. Goldschmidt, W.E. Wallace, S.J Wetzel and 

D.L. VanderHart, Report on the Interlaboratory Comparison of a 7ku Polystyrene Sample, 

Workshop on Synthetic Polymers, The 46th ASMS Conference on Mass Spectrometry and Allied 

Topics, Dallas, TX, June, 1999.

Characterization of Polymer Morphology by Microscopy Techniques

C. L. Jackson and G. Kim1

1

Stevens Institute of Technology

Objectives

The objectives are to use optical, electron and scanning force microscopy to study the 

morphology of polymeric materials and to promote new microscopy techniques, such as cryoTEM, transmission electron microscopy, and TEM with image processing, to solve problems in 

polymer morphology. 

Technical Description

The characterization of polymer morphology is important to better understand the relationship 

between structure and properties in many materials. Techniques used TEM, scanning electron 

microscopy (SEM), optical and atomic force microscopy. The combination of microscopy 

techniques with other methods such as scattering, diffraction or spectroscopic methods gives a 

more complete description of the structure of complex blends, composites or other multiphase 

materials. Many types of materials have been studied, including polymer blends, block 

copolymers, liquid crystalline polymers, dendrimers and organic-inorganic hybrid materials, 

including polymer/clay nanocomposites. 

External Collaborations

• Professor Reimund Stadler, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany - provide semicrystalline block copolymers

• Professor Matthew Libera, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ - collaboration on 

TEM of block copolymers

• Dr. Henri Chanzy of CERMAV and CNRS in Grenoble, France - TEM of dendrimers and 

nanocomposites 

• Dr. Donald Tomalia, Michigan Molecular Institute, Midland, MI - provide dendrimer 

samples

• Professor Emmanuel Gianellis, Cornell University, Cornell, NY - Collaboration on 

preparation and characterization of polymer-clay nanocomposites

Planned Outcomes

• Provide the scientific and industrial community examples of rigorous characterization of the 

morphology of new polymeric materials, such as semi-crystalline block copolymers, 

dendrimers and polymer-clay nanocomposites, using a combination of microscopy and 

scattering techniques.
101

• In polymer-clay nanocomposites, demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of TEM 

compared to x-ray diffraction methods, in accurately categorizing the morphology of 

immiscible, intercalated, exfoliated, or mixed materials on a series of control samples.

Accomplishments

• Polarized light microscopy (PLM) and TEM results on thin films (5 to 10 μm) and bulk 

specimens of polystyrene (PS)-polybutadiene (PB)-polycaprolactone (PCL) (PS-PB-PCL) 

triblock and PS-PCL and PB-PCL diblock copolymers elucidated the macroscopic crystalline 

superstructure (optical range 4 to1000 μm) and microphase separated morphology (TEM 

range 5 nm to100 nm) produced by various annealing conditions. In the thin films, it was 

shown that crystallization into spherulites can either distort or completely destroy the 

microphase separated morphology for the PS-PB-PCL triblock copolymer, while spherulites 

can coexist with the cylindrical microphase separated structure in the case of PB-PCL 

diblock copolymer. In the bulk films, the microphase separated morphology dominates and 

large spherulites do not form. The bulk films were analyzed by small angle x-ray scattering 

(SAXS) and wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) at room temperature to simultaneously 

measure both the lamellar spacing of the microphase separated structure by SAXS and 

quantifies the PCL crystallinity using WAXS. In the PS35PB15PCL50 triblock copolymer, a 

lamellar-cylindrical microstructure with PB cylinders at the interphase boundaries is 

observed by both SAXS and TEM; this structure is similar to the microphase separated 

structure of ABC type amorphous block copolymers. The simultaneous WAXS confirms the 

PCL is crystalline and the PCL reflections disappear when the sample is heated to 90 °C. 

• TEM of thin sections prepared by cryomicrotomy of the 1 % to 2 % poly(amidoamine), 

PAMAM, dendrimers (generation 8 through generation10) in interpenetrating polymer 

networks (IPNs) of hydroxyethylmethacrylate showed that the dendrimers were well 

dispersed and visible as individual molecules. Sodium phosphotungstate was used as a stain 

for the dendrimers, which resulted in clearer images than that obtained with osmium 

tetraoxide.

• The diameters of dendrimer particles, dispersed in IPNs, measured by TEM were in good 

agreement with the SAXS results. Characterization by SAXS can measure Rg, from which 

the corresponding particle diameter can be calculated, assuming a uniform dense sphere. 

• The networks described above with generation 8 PAMAM dendrimers can be swollen in 

water and infused with metal salts, which are then reduced to form colloids (copper, gold, 

etc.) within the dendrimers. Preliminary TEM has imaged the metal colloids and located 

them within the dendrimers in the network. 

• Morphology characterization of polymer-clay nanocomposites (PLCs) using TEM and x-ray 

diffraction (XRD) has shown that polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PPgMA) clay 

nanocomposite (mass fraction clay = 4 %) forms a mixed nano-morphology of exfoliated 

clay layers, dispersed stacks of 2-3 clay layers, and intercalated large tactoids. PLCs are a 

new type of filled polymer material wherein the silicate layers of the clay are separated at the 

nanometer scale, providing both improved mechanical properties, increased thermal stability 

and reduced flammability. By XRD, only the intercalated structure could be detected, 

demonstrating the importance of combining the TEM and XRD techniques. For the 

polystyrene-clay nanocomposite (3 % clay), either an intercalated or a mixed nano-
102

morphology is obtained, depending on the surface treatment of the clay. The phenolic 

cyanate ester-clay "nanocomposites" are primarily neither intercalated or exfoliated, thus are 

more like conventional filled polymer systems, where the clay particles are immiscible and 

simply dispersed in the polymer matrix. Correlation of the morphology with the thermal 

stability, flammability properties and mechanical behavior of these nanocomposites is vital to 

designing effective new materials.

• The TEM showed that the polybutadiene phase of polystyrene/polybutadiene (60/40) blend 

containing a model filler, C60 (buckminster fullerene), preferentially wets the aggregates of 

C60 in the film and the phase evolution is slowed due to the shift in the phase boundary from 

that of the pure blend caused by this preferential wetting. The TEM samples are prepared by 

staining that effectively halts the phase evolution and stabilizes the morphology. Earlier 

stage phase structures can be captured by this method compared to what was previously 

accomplished using optical microscopy. 

Outputs

Publications 

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, T.J. Prosa, D-W. Liu and B.J. Bauer, Dendrimer Nanocomposites of 

Molecularly Dispersed Polyamidoamine (PAMAM), ACS PMSE Prep., Spring 2000, in press.

A.B. Morgan, J.W. Gilman and C.L. Jackson, Characterization of Polymer-Clay 

Nanocomposites: XRD vs. TEM, ACS PMSE Prep., Spring 2000, in press. 

J.W. Gilman, R.H. Harris, Jr., C.L. Jackson, A.B. Morgan, L.D. Brassell and D. L. Hunter, 

Phenolic Cyanate Ester Clay Nanocomposites: Effect of Ammonium Ion Structure on 

Flammability and Nano-Dispersion, ACS PMSE Prep., Spring 2000, in press.

J.W. Gilman, T. Kashiwagi, M. Nyden, J.E.T. Brown, C.L. Jackson, S. Lomakin, E.P. Giannelis 

and E. Manias, Flammability Studies of Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites: Polyolefin, 

Epoxy and Vinyl Ester Resins, in Chemistry and Technology of Polymer Additives, S. AlMalaika, A. Golovoy and C.A. Wilkie, Eds., Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford, Chapter 14, 1999.

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, The Formation of 

Supermolecular Polycaprolactone (PCL) Spherulites in Polystyrene-Polybutadiene-PCL 

Semicrystalline Block Copolymers, SPE ANTEC, 1734 (1999).

B.J. Bauer, T.J. Prosa, D-W. Liu, C.L. Jackson, D.A. Tomalia and E.J. Amis, Molecularly 

Dispersed Dendrimers in a Polymeric Matrix, ACS Polymer Prep., 40(1), 406 (1999).

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, F. v. Gyldenfeldt, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, The Crystallization 

Behavior of Polybutadiene-Polycaprolactone (PB-b-PCL) Semicrystalline Block Copolymers, 

ACS PMSE Preprint, 80, 351 (1999).

C. L. Jackson, G. Kim, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, Microphase Separation 

versus Spherulitic Crystallization in Melt Ordered Semi-Crystalline Block Copolymers, APS 

Bulletin, 44(1), 294 (1999).
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Presentations 

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, V. Balsamo, F. v. Gyldenfeldt, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, The 

Formation of Supermolecular Polycaprolactone (PCL) Spherulites from Melt-Ordered SemiCrystalline Block Copolymers, Gordon Research Conference West, Ventura, CA, January 1999.

C.L. Jackson, Characterization of the Structure of Dendrimer Molecules by Transmission 

Electron Microscopy and Scattering Techniques, Stevens Institute of Technology, Dept. of 

Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering, Hoboken, NJ, February 1999. 

C.L. Jackson, G. Kim, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, Microphase Separation 

versus Spherulitic Crystallization in Melt Ordered Semi-Crystalline Block Copolymers, 

American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.

B.J. Bauer, T.J. Prosa, D-W. Liu, C.L. Jackson, D.A. Tomalia and E.J. Amis, Molecularly 

Dispersed Dendrimers in a Polymeric Matrix, American Chemical Society, Anaheim, CA, 

March 1999.

G. Kim, C. L. Jackson, F. v. Gyldenfeldt, M. Libera, R. Stadler and C.C. Han, The 

Crystallization of Polybutadiene-Polycaprolactone Semicrystalline Block Copolymer Films, 

American Chemical Society, Anaheim, CA, March 1999.

G. Kim, C.L. Jackson, V. Balsamo, M. Libera, R. Stadler, C.C. Han, The Formation of 

Supermolecular Polycaprolactone (PCL) Spherulites in Polystyrene-Polybutadiene-PCL 

Semicrystalline Block Copolymers, Society of Plastics Engineers, New York, NY, May 1999.

Characterization of Polymers by Spectroscopic Techniques

D.L. VanderHart, A. Asano1 and S.J. Kryder

1 Department of Chemistry, National Defense Academy, Yokosuka, Japan.

Objective

The main objective is to develop and use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques to 

characterize, in solid polymers, those molecular and morphological features that influence solidstate properties.

Technical Description

Various NMR phenomena and experimental approaches to solid-state characterization are 

employed; the most useful being: (1) Proton spin diffusion, which is characteristic of an 

extended network of dipolar-coupled protons, e.g. a typical of organic solid. Spin diffusion is 

evidenced by the flow of proton polarization following the imposition of a polarization gradient. 

This flow is in a direction that restores spin equilibrium. Thus, properly designed proton spin 

diffusion experiments yield information about spatial relationships and domain size (typically for 

the 3 nm to 50 nm range) in organic polymers. (2) Multiple pulse proton techniques, which 

offer a way to quench spin diffusion and simultaneously, especially in the presence of magic 

angle sample spinning (MAS), achieve some chemical shift resolution for protons in solids. 

Protons can be detected with excellent sensitivity; hence, these multiple-pulse techniques 
104

combine sensitivity with a mild measure of chemical differentiation. (3) 13C spectra, obtained 

using MAS, which offer the best chemical resolution for organic solids, albeit lower sensitivity is 

an issue. Also, one can often distinguish signals arising from the same chemical species in 

different states of order, e.g. crystal or non-crystal, or in different conformations. There is a 

continuing effort to develop strategies for improving resolution in order to provide a greater 

ability to distinguish not only chemically different species but also chemically similar species in 

physical or conformational different sites. 

Characterization of the structure of isotactic poly(propylene) . This work is collaborative 

between Dr. Rufina Alamo of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University-Florida State 

University and NIST. We are interested in the morphological distribution of stereo, regio, and 

comonomer ‘defects’ in iPP chains, since a bias against the incorporation of a particular defect 

by the growing crystallites will influence polymer properties. Solid state NMR methods are used 

to determine the average concentration of defects in the crystalline regions of iPP. The correct 

assignment of NMR resonances that belong to each of the defect types in their respective 

crystalline environments is a critical part of the determination of defect levels. Knowledge of 

how many carbons from each defect contribute to each defect resonance is necessary before one 

can relate relative intensities to defect concentrations. We have, with the help of Marc Nyden of 

the NIST Building and Fire Research Laboratory, taken the approach of performing ab initio

chemical shift calculations on defect-containing, methyl-terminated oligomeric molecules, 

involving 7 or 8 repeat units. The conformation adopted by these oligomeric molecules is 

defined by a molecular dynamics calculation in which: a) 26 iPP stems (each 21 monomers long) 

are assembled into positions defined by the α-crystalline iPP lattice; b) a defect is introduced into 

the center of a central stem in this lattice; and c) with the outer perimeter of stems held fixed, the 

defective chain along with its nearest neighbor plus all next nearest neighbors are allowed to 

move under simulated thermal annealing conditions followed by energy minimization. Based on 

reasonable agreement between experimental chemical shifts and these computed values, and 

based on measured relative integrals for the defect resonances in the NMR spectra of the 

crystalline regions, we have deduced the defect levels. Only for the regio-2,1-erythro defect, a 

particular stereo-isomer of the head-to-head defect, does the ambiguity of resonance assignment 

remain...even though, of all the defects we considered, there is no doubt that this defect is most 

discriminated against by the growing crystallites. When experimental and computational results 

agree, we may, in this way, also obtain information about the conformation of the iPP chain near 

the defect.

Characterizing the organization of chemically-tethered alkane chains (mean length of 30 

carbons) attached to silica-gel surfaces. This work is a collaboration with Matthias Pursch, a 

post doctoral research associate working with Lane Sander in the Analytical Chemistry Division. 

These organic coatings are principally in the form of monolayers. Such surface-modified silica 

gels are used in inverse-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). These gels provide 

shape-selective separations for certain families of molecules, e.g. polyaromatic hydrocarbons or 

b-carotene isomers. There is a strong correlation between molecular shape-selectivity in HPLC 

applications and the density of coverage for the organic coating. Using 13C NMR, we can infer, 

on the basis of chemical shift information, whether alkane carbons are locked into a mainly-trans 

conformation (suggesting an organized, dense layer) or whether the chains undergo dynamic 

averaging over both gauche and trans conformational states (typical of disorder and lower 

density). The resonance shape of the methyl carbon at the end of the alkane chain is sensitive to 

whether the carbon is at an air/organic interface or embedded in an organic matrix. (This allows 
105

one a second criterion...besides the conformational criterion... to satisfy when modeling this 

surface layer.) 

Composites of nylon 6 and clay. In a collaborative study with Jeffrey Gilman of the NIST 

Building and Fire Research Laboratory, we have looked at several samples that are composites 

of nylon 6 and various clays, both naturally occurring, paramagnetic montmorillonites and 

synthetic laponite clays. These materials contain mass fractions of about 5% clay in exfoliated 

form. The clay is initially treated with a combination of inorganic and organic chemicals in 

order to condition the surfaces of the clay layers so that the nylon 6 develops some chemical 

affinity for the surfaces. Then samples were prepared both by polymerization of the nylon in the 

presence of the clay or by mixing the clay with already-polymerized nylon 6. Using 13C NMR, 

the most obvious impact on the nylon 6 spectrum, due to the presence of the clay, was the change 

of crystal habit. Without the clay, melt crystallization of the nylon 6 leads to crystal formation 

exclusively of the α-allomorph. In the presence of the clay, the major crystal population is the γallomorph. Since we can, via 13C NMR, measure the ratio of α- to γ-allomorphs, we pursued the 

idea that this ratio could be a measure of the uniformity of mixing of the clay and the nylon 6. 

For a given batch of montmorillonite with a given level of paramagnetic impurity and a given 

concentration in the nylon 6, T1

H

 may correlate with the uniformity of the clay dispersion 

throughout the nylon 6 matrix. 

External Collaborations

• R.G. Alamo, Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering, Florida Agricultural and 

Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL - materials, liquid-state NMR characterization, 

molecular mass, DSC data, crystallization-kinetics data and crystal-allomorph data for the 

isotactic poly(propylene), iPP.

• L. Mandelkern, Professor of Chemistry at Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL – assisted 

in the iPP work.

• J.A. Randall of Exxon Research, Baytown, TX - characterization of olefinic polymers by 

solution-state NMR, interpretation of solution-state NMR spectra, and consultations for 

understanding the relationships between defect structures and polymer properties.

• E. Pérez of the Institute for Polymer Science in Madrid, Spain - characterizing vinyl 

polymers with long aliphatic branches.

• R.H. Atalla, professor at the Forest Products Laboratory, United States Department of 

Agriculture, Madison, WI - structural characterization of cellulose, its processing and its 

biogenesis. 

• Norritsu Terashima, professor emeritus in Nagoya, Japan - chemical characterization of 

lignin, provided a few, well chosen and well-characterized samples of 13C-enriched lignins.

Planned Outcomes

• Develop a greater understanding of the mechanism whereby different defect structures in 

isotactic polypropylene (iPP) dictate properties such as crystallinity, modulus and melting 

point. Here, “defect” refers to propylene insertions having stereo or regio irregularities or to 

the presence of various 1-alkene comonomers at low concentrations. The role of the catalyst, 

e.g. Ziegler-Natta or metallocene type, in determining defect distribution is also expected to 

reveal itself qualitatively in these studies.
106

• For derivatized, organic-coated silica gels that are used for inverse-phase, high-pressure, 

liquid chromatography (HPLC), develop some insight into the relationships between 

molecular order or mobility in the n-alkane tails of the molecules of the coating and 

molecular-shape selectivity for component molecules in the analyzed HPLC mixture.

• Develop a better understanding of blend morphology. A particular interest is the 

characterization of mixing when one uses the strategy of creating compatibility by decorating 

one blend component with a few groups that strongly interact with the other component. For 

these blends we are interested both in the uniformity of concentration on a scale less than 10 

nm and in the micro-phase separation which occurs in the presence of chemical agents which 

compete with the strongly-interacting groups (e.g. the influence of water when the strong 

interactions involve hydrogen bonding). 

• Develop a better understanding of crystallization and its relation to tacticity in “hairy” or 

longer-branched (n=16 or 18),1-alkene homopolymers like poly(octadecene) or 

poly(dodecene) having 16- or 18-carbon branches on every other backbone carbon.

• Develop a better understanding of what controls spectral resolution in the 13C MAS spectra 

of strongly-dipolar-coupled, crystalline polymers. This will have a wide-ranging impact on 

everyone who is trying to improve spectral resolution in organic solids. 

• Develop a greater understanding of the synthesis process in native lignins in higher plants. A 

better understanding of lignin structure may aid in designing new delignification processes 

for paper making or may lead to some utilization of lignin as a chemical feedstock. At 

present, lignin is basically a high-volume throw-away product in the paper-making industry; 

its normal role is an energy source via combustion. 

Accomplishments

• In iPP, we find the most common stereo and regio (2,1) defects are incorporated into the 

crystalline regions at concentrations about 48 % and 28 %, respectively, of the overall 

concentration. The ethylene-comonomer defect has a corresponding concentration level near 

40%. The butylene comonomer is found to have a crystal concentration of approximately 

52% of the overall concentration. Other 1-alkene defects have lower concentrations. 

• We conclude that for the 2 comonomer defects, the 31 helix, the conformation of the defectfree iPP chain in all of its crystal forms, is well preserved for the backbone carbons. In 

contrast, for the stereo (and the probably the regio defect as well) the usual sequence of 

backbone dihedral angles, e.g.(...g+tg+tg+t...) for the 31 helix, is strongly modified by 

replacing a “tg+tg+” sequence with an approximate “tttg-“ sequence or a “g+tg+t” sequence 

with an approximate “gttt” sequence.

• NMR experiments determined, on a 20 nm distance scale, that the density of alkane coverage 

attached to silica-gel surfaces is not uniform (this most likely means that the long interior 

channels in the silica gel particles vary in their density of coverage because reactant/product 

concentrations are probably a function of distance from the particle surfaces during the 

formation of the layers). Even in the regions of highest coverage density, where carbons are 

confined to a mainly-trans conformation, there is fast, large-amplitude molecular mobility, 

mainly consisting of rotation about the chain axis (this reinforces the notion that during 

HPLC separations, partial penetration of these layers by analyte molecules is possible).
107

• NMR results confirmed that the α- to γ- ratio in nylon 6 / clay composites was a function of 

thermal history. We also found that the paramagnetic clays caused a 30 % to 40 % reduction 

in the proton longitudinal relaxation time, T1

H

. 

• A new 300 MHz (7.05 T) spectrometer was received and installed.

Outputs

Publications

D.L. VanderHart, R. G. Alamo, M. R. Nyden, M.H. Kim and L. Mandelkern, Observation of 

Resonances Associated with Stereo and Regio Defects in the Crystalline Regions of Isotactic 

Polypropylene, Macromolecules, submitted.

M. Pursch, D.L. VanderHart, L. C. Sander, X. Gu, T. Nguyen, S.A. Wise and D.A. Gajewski, 

C30 Self-Assembled Monolayers on Silica, Titania and Zirconia: HPLC Performance, Atomic 

Force Microscopy, Ellipsometry and NMR Studies of Molecular Dynamics and Uniformity of 

Coverage, J. Am. Chem. Soc., submitted.

D.L. VanderHart, M.R. Nyden, R.G. Alamo and L. Mandelkern, Incorporation of Stereo, Regio 

and Comonomer Defects into the Crystalline Regions of Isotactic Polypropylene: Results from 

NMR, Molecular Dynamics and Chemical Shift Calculations, Abstracts of the American 

Chemical Society, National ACS meeting in San Francisco, CA, March, 2000.

Presentations 

D.L. VanderHart, Partitioning of Defect Structures within the Semicrystalline Morphology of 

Polymers Using Solid State NMR, Florida Agricultural-Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL, 

Feb. 26, 1999.

D.L. VanderHart, R. Alamo, M. Nyden and L. Mandelkern, Ethylene Defects in Isotactic 

Polypropylene: Partitioning, Conformation and Chemical Shift Calculations, Experimental 

NMR Conference, Orlando FL, Mar. 2, 1999.

D.L. VanderHart, R.G. Alamo, M.R. Nyden and L. Mandelkern, A Study of Ethyl Residues in 

Isotactic Polypropylene-co-Ethylene Copolymers: Morphological Partitioning by NMR and 

Conformational Verification via Chemical Shift Calculations, 1999 Centennial Meeting of the 

American Physical Society, Atlanta, GA, Mar. 25, 1999.

D.L. VanderHart, Spinning Like 60...and for What? Perspectives on Linewidths for 13C CPMAS 

Spectra, Symposium Honoring the 60th birthday of Dennis Torchia, National Institutes of Health, 

Bethesda, MD, June 25, 1999.

Development of Standard Reference Materials: Non-Newtonian Fluids for Rheological 

Measurements

C.R. Schultheisz , G.B. McKenna1

1

 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
108

Objective

The objective is to develop and thoroughly characterize two polymeric fluids (a polymer solution 

and a polymer melt) that exhibit non-Newtonian behaviors. These fluids are intended to serve as 

benchmarks to measure the performance of rheometers in situations involving complex fluids.

Technical Description

Polymeric fluids, such as polymer melts and solutions, often do not follow the simple Newtonian 

ideal in their flow behavior, demonstrating shear-rate dependent viscosities and normal stresses. 

Such fluids see wide application in everyday life (injection molding, paints and coatings, food 

products, etc.), and the ability to accurately measure and characterize their behavior is very 

important to optimizing their processing conditions. Since there are a number of commonly used 

methods to measure the flow behavior of polymers, the new Standard Reference Materials (SRM 

2490 and SRM 2491) will provide a way for comparing the performance of different 

instruments, as well as providing tools for research into better methods of measuring the 

rheological properties of polymeric fluids. The new fluids will be certified for the shear-rate 

dependence of viscosity and first normal stress difference at temperatures of 0 °C, 25 °C and 50 

°C. The linear viscoelastic responses will also be certified along with the temperature 

dependence of the shift factors.

The new polymer solution, SRM 2490, supersedes the previous SRM1490 Nonlinear Fluid 

Standard, which was composed of a high-molecular-weight polyisobutylene dissolved in normal 

hexadecane (also called cetane, a name that reflects its presence in whale oil). This fluid was 

found to have two problems: first, it showed evidence of a loss of homogeneity on storage, and 

second, the working range of the fluid was limited by the crystallization of the normal 

hexadecane, which has a melting point of 18 °C (64 °F). The new solution will consist of 

polyisobutylene (molecular mass of approximately 106 g/mol) dissolved in 2,6,10,14-

tetramethylpentadecane (also called pristane, a name that reflects its presence in shark livers). 

Pristane is a branched alkane of a slightly higher molecular mass than normal hexadecane; the 

branching prevents crystallization or vitrification down to at least -60 °C, and the higher 

molecular mass reduces the rate of evaporation of pristane as compared to normal hexadecane. 

A polydimethylsiloxane melt is under investigation for SRM 2491. This material was chosen 

primarily for its excellent safety characteristics and good handling qualities. The properties of 

this fluid are expected to show less temperature dependence than those of the polymer solution, 

SRM 2490.

This project will also include a round robin test of the candidate for SRM 2491 involving 

instrument manufacturers and users in industry and at universities. The round robin provides 

information regarding the lab-to-lab variability in the measurements; the variability in the 

measurement of the first normal stress difference is of particular interest. The Statistical 

Engineering Division at NIST will be involved in evaluating the results of the round robin. 

External Collaborations

Cannon Instruments has been contracted to mix and package the polymer solution SRM 2490.

Participants in the round-robin will include instrument manufacturers, industrial users of 

polymeric materials, and researchers at universities: 
109

Instrument Manufacturers

 ATS RheoSystems Paar Physica

 Bohlin Instruments Rheometric Scientific

 Brookfield Engineering Laboratories TA Instruments

 Capillary Rheometer TherMold Partners

 Goettfert Vilastic Scientific

 Haake

Industrial Users

 DuPont National Starch and Chemical

 Fluid Dynamics Procter and Gamble

Universities

 David Boger University of Melbourne

 Ralph Colby Pennsylvania State University

 Francis Gadala-Maria University of South Carolina

 William Graessley Princeton University

 Chris Macosko University of Minnesota

 Jaye Magda University of Utah

 Gareth McKinley Harvard University

 Skip Rochefort Oregon State University

Accomplishments

Cannon Instruments has been contracted to mix and package the polymer solution SRM 2490, 

which should be available for sale in 2000 through the Standard Reference Materials Program. 

Some difficulties with resonance in a new model transducer design used in our rheometer were 

solved; this change will be implemented in other instruments using the new transducer. Industry 

interest in the new fluid and participation in the round robin has been high.

Outputs

Publications

C.R. Schultheisz and G.B. McKenna, A Nonlinear Fluid Standard Reference Material: Progress 

Report, Proceedings of SPE ANTEC, Volume I, Processing, pp. 1125-1129, New York, New 

York, May 3-6, 1999, Society of Plastics Engineers.

C.R. Schultheisz and G.B. McKenna, Thermal Expansion and Its Effect on the Normal Force for 

a Modified Force Rebalance Transducer, Proceedings of SPE ANTEC, Volume I, Processing, 

pp. 1142-1145, New York, New York, May 3-6, 1999, Society of Plastics Engineers.

Presentations

C.R. Schultheisz, A Nonlinear Fluid Standard Reference Material: Progress Report, 70th 

Annual Meeting of the Society of Rheology, Monterey, California, October 4-8, 1998.

C.R. Schultheisz, Thermal Expansion of the Force Rebalance Transducer in a Rheometric 

Scientific ARES Rotary Rheometer, 70th Annual Meeting of the Society of Rheology, Monterey, 

California, October 4-8, 1998.
110

C.R. Schultheisz, Non-Newtonian Fluid Standard Reference Materials – SRM 2490 and SRM 

2491: Progress Report, 71st Annual Meeting of the Society of Rheology, Madison, Wisconsin, 

October 18-21, 1999.

Structural Recovery, Physical Aging and Nonlinear Viscoelasticity of Polymer Glasses 

C.R. Schultheisz , G.B. McKenna1

1

 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Objectives

The objectives are to use the NIST Torsional Dilatometer to investigate the time scales for 

volume recovery and physical aging (the evolution of the mechanical response to a deformation) 

following upward and downward temperature jumps and to investigate viscoelastic modeling of 

the torque, axial normal force and volume change in response to the torsional deformation.

Technical Description

For an amorphous polymer below its glass transition temperature, rapid temperature changes 

place the material in a non-equilibrium thermodynamic state, and the glass then evolves (slowly) 

into thermodynamic equilibrium. This equilibration process can be followed through 

measurements of a number of properties of the material, such as the volume, enthalpy, 

birefringence or mechanical stiffness. Previous research in this laboratory and elsewhere has 

suggested that there may be different time scales for equilibration of the different properties. If 

that is true, it suggests that the different properties depend on different aspects of the structure of 

the polymer, and it also means that mathematical models of the material must be fairly complex 

(requiring a different "clock" for each property). Direct comparisons of these properties are 

difficult, because the different measurements are typically made on separate samples, leading to 

questions of homogeneity and equality of thermal histories between samples. The NIST 

Torsional Dilatometer is an instrument that allows simultaneous measurement of volume 

recovery and mechanical response to a torsional deformation on the same sample, making direct 

comparisons possible. 

In the torsional stress relaxation experiments used to probe the material, the torsional 

deformation also induces small volume changes and forces along the axis of the cylinder, which 

are also recorded by the torsional dilatometer. The axial normal force and volume change in 

response to the twisting are nonlinear effects. Interestingly, previous work has shown that the 

relaxation of the volumetric change in response to the torsion is very different from the 

relaxational behavior of either the torque or the normal force. Whereas the torque and normal 

force decay monotonically, the volume change associated with the torsion shows a significant 

non-monotonic decay at lower temperatures. The simultaneous measurements of torque, normal 

force and volume change have been fit to a nonlinear viscoelastic model which incorporates four 

time and temperature-dependent modulus functions. The model is based on the series solution 

for torsion of an elastic, compressible material developed by Murnaghan [Murnaghan, F.D. 

(1951) Finite Deformation of an Elastic Solid. Wiley, New York.].
111

Accomplishments

Replication of previous measurements on a model epoxy system indicate that the volume 

recovery and the mechanical response to the torsional deformation equilibrate at roughly the 

same time, as does the axial force on the cylinder. These experiments have also shown chemical 

aging of the sample over its 3-year lifetime, as reflected by an order-of-magnitude increase in the 

time scale for stress relaxation. The chemical aging could be caused by additional curing or by a 

decrease in the moisture content of the material. 

The nonlinear viscoelastic model of the torque, normal force and volume change is reasonably 

successful, considering the constraints imposed. One constraint is that all four modulus functions 

are forced to adhere to the same time-temperature shift behavior (thermorheological simplicity). 

A second constraint is that only a single stretched exponential relaxation function is used for 

each modulus function. 

Outputs

Publications

C.R. Schultheisz and G.B. McKenna, Investigation of Nonlinear Material Behavior Using 

Simultaneous Measurements of Volume Recovery and Physical Aging, Proceedings of Society of 

Experimental Mechanics Annual Conference on Theoretical, Experimental and Computational 

Mechanics, pp. 96-99, June 7-9, 1999.

C.R. Schultheisz and G.B. McKenna, Simultaneous Measurement of Torque, Axial Force and 

Volume Change in the Torsional Dilatometer and the Implications for Constitutive Modeling, 

Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Constitutive Laws for Engineering 

Materials: Experiment, Theory, Computation and Applications, pp. 441-444, July 27-30, 1999.

Presentations

C.R. Schultheisz, Investigations of Nonlinear Material Behavior Using Simultaneous 

Measurements of Volume Recovery and Physical Aging, 70th Annual Meeting of the Society of 

Rheology, Monterey, California, October 4-8, 1998.

C.R. Schultheisz, Simultaneous Measurement of Torque, Axial Force and Volume change in the 

Torsional Dilatometer – Experiments and Analysis, 71st Annual Meeting of the Society of 

Rheology, Madison, Wisconsin, October 18-21, 1999.

Structural Characterization of Polymers by Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

J. D. Barnes

Objectives

The objectives are (1) to provide the U. S. polymer industry with standardized and reliable tools 

for characterizing polymer microstructure using scattering methods and (2) to provide resources 

to other projects within the NIST Polymers Division and to collaborators from academia or 

industry.
112

Technical Description

Scattering methods have long been used to characterize the entire spectrum of polymeric 

materials ranging from semicrystalline fibers, films, and sheets to colloidal particles. These 

methods suffer from the fact that their results are displayed in reciprocal space while end users of 

these materials like to visualize the structures in real space. It has sometimes been said that 

people who ask for a scattering pattern would prefer to see an electron micrograph.

Mathematical methods that can be used to provide real space descriptions of scattering 

specimens have been developed for isotropic scatterers composed of dispersed particles. The 

project described here seeks to extend these ideas to dense materials whose microstructure 

possesses an orientation texture. This requires the acquisition of high quality scattering data 

under carefully controlled conditions and the application of modern methods of mathematical 

analysis.

Complicating this work is the absence of standardized formats for data interchange and a poor 

understanding of the precision and accuracy of scattering instrumentation and analytical 

methods. This project has provided leadership to international standardization bodies in an effort 

to improve the performance of SAS measurement systems.

External Collaborations

• Dr. Ty Prosa, Kutztown University, produced software tools for converting data formats. 

• Dr. Peter Kofinas, University of Maryland, provided block copolymer samples and facilities 

for channel die extrusion of semicrystalline polymers.

• Dr. Rainer Kolb, Exxon Corp, provided beam time and assistance with synchrotron x-ray 

measurements as well as samples for inter-laboratory test program.

• Dr. Anthony Roberts, University of Queensland, Australia, provided computer simulations of 

semicrystalline polymer microstructures for comparison with scattering data.

• Drs. Dmitri Svergun and Marc Malfois, European Molecular Biology Lab, Hamburg, 

Germany, provided standard data formats for use in reporting inter-laboratory test results.

• Dr. Sanjeeva Murthy, Allied Signal Corp, supplied PCTFE and Nylon 66 resins.

• Dr. Vladimir Volkov, Institute of Crystallography, Russian Academy of Sciences, 

participated in preparation of proposal for CRDF funding.

Planned Outcomes

• The inter-laboratory test program initiated this year is expected to produce a more objective

assessment of the suitability of SAXS measurements for parameterizing microstructure in 

polymeric materials. 

• Further development of the Temperature Induced Contrast Variation method for 

characterizing lamellar microstructures is expected to lead to realistic simulations of the realspace character of these structures, which are ubiquitous in semicrystalline polymers.

Accomplishments

• Standardization Activities - Dr. Ty Prosa, working under contract, produced software tools 

for converting data formats that are commonly encountered at NIST to the core format used 

by the data reduction tool suite for the SAXS facility. 
113

• In collaboration with the Institute of Crystallography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, a 

proposal entitled "Computational Tools for Nanoscale Metrology in Biological and Materials 

Science Using Small-Angle Scattering", was submitted to the Civilian Research and 

Development Foundation for the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union. This 

activity, if funded, would build on Russian skills in mathematical physics and computer 

programming to provide a powerful set of data interpretation tools for SAS measurements.

• The first phase of an inter-laboratory test program to characterize the performance of 

measurement systems for SAXS was launched with15 laboratories participating. This effort 

also serves as a test bed for a draft standard data format for one-dimensional SAS data.

• Microstructure of Semicrystalline Polymers - Additional experiments on scattering from 

semicrystalline polymers as a function of temperature have firmly established that the 

contrast variation that arises as a consequence of the difference in thermal expansion between 

the amorphous and crystalline components of the microstructure is an effective means for 

removing interfering effects due to other inhomogeneities in the samples. In all systems 

studied to date the scattering that is attributable to the lamellar crystallites does not exhibit a 

maximum at q=0. The peaks that are commonly observed in the raw scattering cross sections 

in this range must, therefore, be assigned to other kinds of inhomogeneities in the structures. 

Outputs

Publications

J.D. Barnes, Orientation Texture from Polymeric Materials Using Scattering Methods, SPE 

ANTEC Conference proceedings (1999).

J. . Barnes, R. Kolb, K.A. Barnes, A.I. Nakatani and B. Hammouda, Microstructure Analysis 

Using Temperature Induced Contrast Variation in Small-Angle Scattering, Proceedings ACS 

PMSE Division, 81, 359 (1999).

S.G. Musselman, T.M. Santosusso, J.D. Barnes and L.H. Sperling, Domain Structure and 

Interphase Dimensions in Poly(urethaneurea) Elastomers Using DSC and SAXS, J. .Polym Sci, 

Pt B, Polymer Physics, 37, 2586 (1999).

P.L. Drzal, J.D. Barnes, and P. Kofinas, Path Dependent Microstructure Orientation During 

Plane Strain Compression of Semicrystalline Block Copolymers, Macromolecules, in press.

J.D. Barnes, R. Kolb, K.A. Barnes, A.I. Nakatani and B. Hammouda, Microstructure Analysis 

Using Temperature Induced Contrast Variation in Small-Angle Scattering, J. Appl. Cryst., in 

press.

Presentations

J.D. Barnes, Temperature Induced Contrast Variation in Small-Angle Scattering from Polymers,

APS Centennial Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 1999.

J.D. Barnes, Orientation Texture from Polymeric Materials Using Scattering Methods, SPE 

ANTEC Conference, New York, NY, May 1999.
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J.D. Barnes, Statistical Assessment of SAS Data Quality, canSAS II workshop, Brookhaven, NY, 

May 1999.

J.D. Barnes, R. Kolb, K.A. Barnes, A.I. Nakatani and B. Hammouda, Microstructure Analysis 

Using Temperature Induced Contrast Variation in Small-Angle Scattering, SAS 99, Brookhaven, 

NY, May 1999.

J.D. Barnes, R. Kolb, K.A. Barnes, A.I. Nakatani and B. Hammouda, Microstructure Analysis 

Using Temperature Induced Contrast Variation in Small-Angle Scattering, ACS National 

Meeting, New Orleans, LA, August 1999.

Hygrothermal Aging Studies of a Commercial Structural Adhesive 

Martin Chiang and Marta Fernandez-Garcia1

1 Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologma de Polmmeros, Madrid, Spain

Objective

The objective is to determine the failure mechanisms of structural adhesives under hygrothermal 

aging conditions by studying the hygrothermal aging of an epoxy-based, particulate-filled, 

commercial adhesive and its mechanical performance as an adhesive in joints with different bond 

thicknesses under wet and dry environments.

Technical Description

Water absorption and exposure to other environments degrade the mechanical strength and physical 

properties of adhesives. The degradation may be strongly affected by the presence and nature of 

fillers within the adhesives, because the environmental agent can preferentially attack the interface 

between resin and fillers. Therefore, knowledge of the behavior of adhesives under adverse 

conditions is necessary to predict long-term performance. Also, in the study, a cycle of water 

absorption/desorption/re-absorption in the adhesive is considered to mimic environmental exposure 

in typical applications. Consequently the absorption of water by adhesives is generally not able to 

reach saturation level, nor is desorption completed to the fully dry condition. A further goal of this 

project is to examine the effect of moisture on the failure behavior of highly constrained thin 

adhesive layers. 

The adhesive used in this study is an epoxy-based structural adhesive supplied by 3M 

Corporation (3M 5024). Free films of adhesive, 300 μm thick, have been produced by curing the 

epoxy between Teflon slabs in a pressure vessel at 130 oC and 1.38 MPa (200 psi) for 13 h. 

Differential scanning calorimetry experiments demonstrated that the curing time, which is much 

longer than recommended by the manufacturer, does not cause any alteration such as degradation 

or aging. After curing, the film is cut to dimensions of ca. 40 mm x 6 mm x 0.3 mm. Specimens 

are hygrothermally exposed in distilled water baths at constant temperatures of 30 oC, 35 oC, 40 

oC and 45 oC. The specimens are taken from the baths at different times, water on the surface of 

specimens is removed by using a dry, clean paper towel, specimens are weighed by using an 

analytical balance (OHAUS Analytical Plus, measuring to 0.01 mg ), and finally the mass 

uptake is determined. The standard uncertainty of the mass uptake measurement is about ± 0.03 

% to 0.05 % of the reported value. The re-absorption procedure is conducted on specimens that 
115

were completely dried after reaching saturation in the initial sorption procedure. Afterwards, the 

specimens with zero water content were put back into distilled water baths at the same 

temperature used in absorption procedure for re-absorption. During the re-absorption procedure, 

specimens are taken periodically from the bath for water uptake measurements, and then returned 

to the bath for subsequent mass uptake measurements. 

To elucidate chemical changes in adhesive structure due to the water uptake, Fourier transform 

infrared (FTIR) analysis is used with attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique. The FTIR 

spectra are recorded from (4000 to 650) cm-1 using a Nicolet 550 spectrometer. The ATR 

accessory used a KRS-5 substrate at 45o. 

Planned Outcomes

• To better understand the effect of fillers in the adhesive on the diffusion characteristics and 

associated behavior, such as Tg depression and swelling.

• Provide scientific background useful to material manufacturers in developing adhesives with 

better fracture resistance.

Accomplishments

• Identified that the water uptake has a non-Fickian diffusion behavior with a dual sorption 

mode.

• Successfully applied a time-dependent surface concentration to model the non-Fickian 

behavior for absorption and re-absorption.

• Confirmed that the water fraction contained in the free volume is the decisive factor for the 

Tg depression, and the swelling does not alter the apparent free volume of this adhesive.

• Concluded that the depression of Tg proceeds to a definite value, which is independent of the 

hygrothermal aging history and the final equilibrium water content of the adhesive but 

dependent on the water fraction contained in the apparent free volume.

• Disproved the free volume concept for predicting the Tg depression, in which the apparent 

free volume of a solution is the additive sum of the free volumes of its components.

Outputs

Publications

M. Chiang and M. Fernandez-Garcia, The Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on Swelling and Tg 

Depression for a Particle-Filled, Epoxy-Based Adhesive, Proceedings of the 22nd Annual 

Adhesion Society Meeting, Feb. 1999. 

Presentations

M. Chiang and H. Chai, Nonlinear Computational Analysis of Experimentally Measured Crack 

Growth Along a Polymer-Metal Interface, the Sixth Pan American Congress of Applied 

Mechanics ( PACAM VI), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, January, 1999.

M. Chiang and M. Fernandez-Garcia, The Effect of Hygrothermal Aging on Swelling and Tg 

Depression for a Particle-Filled, Epoxy-Based Adhesive, The 22nd Annual Adhesion Society 

Meeting, Pensacola, FL, Feb. 1999.
116
117

Measurement Science

...addressing important needs for physical measurements

New Wear Machine Developed

NIST CRADA research with four orthopedic companies recently 

culminated in the successful development of an accelerated-wear-test 

machine. Based on this achievement, the companies (Biomet Inc., 

Johnson & Johnson Professional, Zimmer Inc., and Osteonics Inc.) are 

now planing to extend their CRADAs with NIST for another two years. 

To generate improved products, companies need to be able to rapidly 

acquire information on the phenomena and basic processes involved in 

the long term wear of new materials, particularly ceramics and ultrahigh 

molecular weight polyethylenes, under a variety of loading and cyclic 

conditions. The design objective was to develop a machine that could 

accelerate wear without compromising the basic wear mechanisms that

 take place in the human body. John Tesk of the Polymers Division and 

Stephen Hsu of the Ceramics Division, working with Ming Shen, an 

engineer from the University of Maryland, have developed a new test machine that meets these 

needs. The machine can evaluate a diverse combination of materials including those involved in 

either artificial hip or knee joints. The simulated wear rates correctly ranked 

materials for which test information was available from other sources. In 

addition, wear debris particles and changes in surface texture, caused by the 

accelerated wear were also similar to those seen from the wear of actual 

implants in the body. With the new machine, accelerated screening of 

materials can now be completed in as little as a week.

With the new machine, accelerated screening of 

materials can now be completed in as little as a week.
118
119

DENTAL AND MEDICAL MATERIALS PROGRAM

The Dental and Medical Materials Program provides basic materials science, engineering, test 

methods, and standards to sectors of the health care industry for the development of new or 

improved materials and delivery systems. This program focuses on (1) development of 

improved dental restorative materials with greater durability, wear resistance and clinical 

acceptability; (2) development of improved bone fixation materials and (3) evaluation of 

biomaterials.

Dental restorative composites are heterogeneous materials having three essential phases: (1) a 

polymeric matrix which comprises the continuous phase, (2) fillers of various types, sizes, 

shapes and morphologies which constitute the disperse phase and (3) an interfacial phase that, in 

varying degree, bonds the continuous and disperse phases into a unitary material rather than a 

simple admixture. While all three phases are important in determining the properties of the 

composites, this program is focused primarily on the interfacial and polymer matrix phases. 

Since the polymerization shrinkage that occurs in the matrix phase is one of the most commonly 

cited deficiencies of dental restorative composites, resources are allocated to develop high 

conversion, durable, low shrinkage polymeric materials for use in dental resin and composite 

applications. The polymeric matrix of a dental composite typically is formed by free radical 

polymerization of a resin which is one or more vinyl monomers, usually of the methacrylate 

class. Polymerization is started either by the formation of initiating radicals from chemical 

reduction-oxidation (redox) reactions or by photochemical redox reactions.

Although only a minor component of these composites, the interfacial phase that develops from 

the interaction of a silane coupling agent with the polymer matrix and the siliceous filler exerts a 

profound effect on the properties of the composites. Because these composites are used in an 

aggressive, aqueous environment that constantly challenges the vulnerable silane-mediated, 

polymer-filler bond, understanding of this critical interfacial phase is being acquired so that 

strategies can be developed for its improvement.

The occupational and environmental hazards associated with the use of mercury-containing 

dental alloys are a recurring source of public concern. Since dental amalgams have performed 

exceedingly well over more than one hundred years, the development of a direct filling material 

still based on the common constituents of dental amalgams, other than mercury, is desirable. 

This project is focused on acid-assisted consolidation of chemically precipitated silver powders 

and property measurements of hand consolidated test compacts prepared with the tools and 

procedures normally employed by dentists. The observed values of flexural strength for the 

silver compacts were equal or superior to mercury amalgams. Corrosion resistance, 

microleakage and marginal toughness values of the compacts were found to be superior to those 

of amalgams. Wear and biocompatibility studies on the hand-consolidated compacts are in 

progress.

Besides the dental materials projects, efforts are directed toward the development of improved 

bone fixation materials and the evaluation of biomaterials. A project, carried out in collaboration 

with the American Dental Association and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial 
120

Research, is directed at enhancing the biocompatibility and mechanical properties of composite 

bone cements. The biomaterials evaluation effort centers on the NIST Orthopedic Wear 

Consortium which consists of four companies to develop accelerated wear test procedures for 

rapid screening of materials used in hip and knee replacements. This will accelerate the 

introduction of new biomaterials into practice. 

Dental and medical research directions in support of the goals are established in collaboration 

with the American Dental Association (ADA), the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial 

Research, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the US Food and Drug Administration, 

and guest scientists from the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Public Health Service. NIST has hosted 

research associates from the ADA since 1928. Currently, the ADA Health Foundation sponsors 

30 research associates at NIST. The collaborative relationship between that professional

association and the federal government is unique, and continues to develop and transfer 

important new technologies to dentistry and medicine.

Significant Accomplishments

• Validated the newly developed near-infrared (NIR) method for the analysis of conversion in 

dental polymers for both thin film and bulk polymer sampling techniques using traditional 

mid-IR spectroscopy. In each case, the NIR approach provided equivalent values of 

conversion, but with significantly enhanced sensitivity.

• Developed practical synthetic routes to fluorinated dimethacrylate monomers that provide 

extremely hydrophobic polymers with good mechanical strength properties.

• Demonstrated that pretreatment of enamel and dentin with an aqueous acetone solution of Nphenyliminodiacetic acid yielded improved bonding of a resin-modified glass ionomer 

cement and a compomer to these substrates.

• Demonstrated that the micro-shear bond test was well suited to assess the effects of regional 

tooth structure and sectioning orientation on the composite-to-enamel or composite-to–dentin 

bond strengths. In the case of enamel with a non-priming adhesive system, bond strengths 

were significantly influenced by the anisotropic nature of this substrate. They were high at 

the surfaces perpendicular to the enamel prisms and significantly lower at surfaces parallel to 

the enamel prisms.

Dental Resins Based on Fluorinated Monomers and Oligomers

Jeffrey W. Stansbury, Dr. Chetan Khatri1, Jiro Tanaka2 and Kathryn Berchtold3

1

 University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

2

 Okayama University Dental School, Japan

3

 University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

Objective

This project is designed to develop practical new fluorinated resins that will provide dental 

composite restoratives with significantly reduced water sorption and improved durability 

compared with current dental materials. 
121

Technical Description

A variety of fluorinated dimethacrylate monomers and several corresponding hydrocarbon model 

monomers were prepared and characterized. Photopolymerization studies were conducted on 

fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon analog monomers. Water uptake of a broad series of fluorocarbon 

and hydrocarbon dimethacrylate polymers was measured and compared correlated with the 

computer predicted values of log P (octanol/water partition coefficient) and HLB (hydrophiliclipophilic balance). Near-infrared (NIR) was used as one method to quantify water in polymers 

and the interactions between the water and the polymer network. The NIR can differentiate 

between free water and that which is hydrogen bonded either with other water or to carbonyl 

groups in the polymer. The project is reaching a conclusion with only a few long-term studies 

still underway here and some other on-going studies to be conducted by guest researchers that 

have returned to their home institutions.

The NIR technique was also developed as a highly versatile and convenient tool for the 

measurement of conversion in the cross-linked methacrylate polymers. The technique was 

validated in comparison to traditional mid-IR methods. The use of real-time NIR was explored 

as a method to directly follow polymerization kinetics and provide the termination and 

propagation kinetic parameters as a function of conversion. The NIR was also used to study the 

participation of the individual comonomers during the copolymerization of methacrylate and 

vinyl ester monomer systems.

The systematic structural variation of functionalized methacrylate monomers was undertaken in 

an effort to identify new monomers with enhanced reactivity in free radical 

photopolymerizations. A variety of functional groups were included in the study as were 

variations in the spacer segment separating the methacrylate and the functional groups. 

Molecular modeling, real-time FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared), photo-DSC (differential 

scanning calorimeter) and EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) were tools used to determine 

the polymerization reactivities and to aid in the identification of the mechanism by which 

enhanced reactivity is achieved.

External Collaborations

• Professor Chris Bowman of the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of 

Colorado in Boulder is collaborating on projects involving photopolymerization cure kinetics 

and development of new methacrylate monomers.

• Dr. Hidekazu Takahashi of Tokyo Medical and Dental University is involved with durability 

studies of fluorinated resins and composites.

Planned Outcomes

A significant improvement in the long-term durability of dental polymers resulting from the use 

of fluorinated resins is expected to extend the service lifetime of composite restoratives to be 

more comparable with that of amalgams. The use of fluorinated resins should also decrease the 

potential for staining discoloration, which is another reason that composite restorations require 

replacement.
122

• Because of improvements in the convenience and sensitivity, the NIR measurement methods 

for the analysis of methacrylate conversion are expected to expand to other research and 

industrial laboratories. The techniques reported are expected to have benefits beyond the 

field of dental materials.

• Improvements in monomer reactivity and conversion are sought for dental resins since efforts 

to reduce the amount of any unpolymerized material are expected to enhance 

biocompatibility of the dental polymers. In other applications, the ability to reduce initiator 

concentrations or to cure at higher throughput are desirable traits.

Accomplishments

• Fluorinated resins and composites: In comparisons between fluorinated and hydrocarbon 

methacrylates with similar structures, monomers with fluorinated rigid core groups and 

additional fluorine-substitution on side chains of limited length provided the optimum 

balance of mechanical strength properties and hydrophobicity in the polymers. These 

optimized fluorinated monomers can be combined with conventional dimethacrylates to yield 

resins with excellent mechanical strength and extremely low water sorption. Compared with 

hydrocarbon analogs, the fluorinated monomers provided modestly enhanced polymerization 

rates and equivalent to higher degrees of conversion. An excellent correlation was found 

between the measured water uptake and the predicted hydrophicity of hydrocarbon polymers; 

however, water uptake in the fluorinated polymers varies considerably with the individual 

monomer structure and is poorly predicted by structure-based calculations. From the NIR 

studies of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon polymers, absorbed water was generally in the 

associated form. With certain hydrophobic fluorinated polymers, the small amount of water 

that is absorbed exists predominantly as free water rather than associated water. This likely 

has a positive influence on the improved retention of mechanical properties observed for the 

fluorinated polymers.

• Copolymerizations of methacrylate and vinyl ester monomers: Using NIR analysis, the 

conversion of the individual monomers in a resin based on urethane dimethacrylate and 

neoacid vinyl ester were continuously measured during the course of the photocopolymerization. The methacrylate network formation was very rapid and complete while 

the vinyl ester participation was primarily in the later stages of the polymerization. The 

toughness of the hybrid resin system was superior to that of a model all methacrylate resin 

system based on urethane dimethacrylate and hexyl methacrylate. The toughness of the 

hybrid resin also exceeded that of the conventional dental resins tested by a factor of two 

while matching optimized mechanical strength properties.

• Near-infrared analyses of dental resins: The near-infrared (NIR) analytical technique was 

validated against traditional mid-IR techniques used for the measurement of methacrylate 

conversion. The limits of sample dimensions over which linear response is obtained were 

determined in a generalized manner that can be applied to other methacrylate resin systems. 

The use of an internal reference was evaluated and found to be unreliable in the NIR. 

However, sample thickness, before and after polymerization, was used as a normalization 

factor that produced excellent agreement between the conversion values obtained by NIR and 

mid-IR. The studies also demonstrated that the NIR technique was consistently more 

sensitive than the mid-IR procedures.
123

• Polymerization kinetics of functionalized methacrylate monomers: A series of methacrylate 

monomers was prepared with a variety of functional groups in the side chain. These included 

linear carbonate, cyclic carbonate, ester, and urethane groups. The cyclic carbonate 

functionalized methacrylates produced the most reactive monomers while the urethane-based 

monomers were also highly reactive and rapidly reached complete conversion. These 

monomethacrylate monomers were significantly more reactive than HEMA and even more 

reactive than dimethacrylates, such as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, which is widely 

used in dental polymer applications.

Impact

The NIR technique developed for the analysis of methacrylate conversion has become the 

method of choice in the Dental and Medical Materials Group at NIST. It has also been adopted 

at the University of Colorado in Chris Bowman’s group and it is being evaluated in at least two 

other laboratories.

Outputs

Publications

Lovell, L.G., Stansbury, J.W., Syrpes, D.C., Bowman, C.N., Effects of composition and 

reactivity on the reaction kinetics of dimethacrylate dimethacrylate copolymerizations,

Macromolecules 32:3913-3921(1999).

Stansbury, J.W., Antonucci, J.M., Dimethacrylate monomers with varied fluorine contents and 

distributions, Dent. Mater. 15:166-173(1999).

Harris, C.D., Holder, A.J., Eick, J.D., Chappelow, C.C., Stansbury, J.W., Conformational 

analysis of 2-methylene-8,8-dimethyl-1,4,6,10-tetraoxaspiro[4.5]decane by NMR and ab-initio 

methods, J. Comput. Chem., submitted.

Presentations

Stansbury, J.W., Dickens, S.H., Near-infrared analysis of conversion in resins and composites. 

IADR Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 1999.

Dickens, S.H., Stansbury, J.W., Floyd, C.J.E, Effects of chemical composition on cure properties 

of dental resins. IADR Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March, 1999.

Khatri, C.A., Stansbury, J.W, Investigation of alternatives to urethane dimethacrylate in dental 

resins. IADR Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 1999.

Takahashi, H., Antonucci, J.M., Stansbury, J.W., Effect of silane coupling agent and filler on 

composite durability, IADR Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 1999.

Patents

J. W. Stansbury, J. M. Antonucci, and K. M. Choi, High strength polymeric networks derived 

from (meth)acrylate resins with organofluorine content and process for preparing same, US 

patent application filed November 12, 1997. A response to the restriction requirement was filed 

to the Patent Office on September 7, 1999.
124

J. M. Antonucci, J. W. Stansbury, and B. O. Fowler, Novel methods and compositions for the 

preparation of silyl derivatives of resins. Provisional patent application filed December 1997.

Dental Composites with Improved Interfaces

Joseph M. Antonucci, Walter G. McDonough, Joy P. Dunkers, Martin Y. M. Chiang, Carl R. 

Schultheisz, and Jianmei He

Objectives

The objectives are to develop polymeric dental composites with enhanced interfacial strength 

and durability and to design and develop an improved micro-shear test for the study of dental 

adhesion.

Technical Description

Synthesis of Silylated Resins: Previously, it was demonstrated that simple exchange 

(transetherification) reactions between hydroxylated monomers such as BIS-GMA and 

organotrialkoxysilanes such as 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane were feasible routes to 

silylated resins. Characterization by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies indicates that a significant 

number of hydroxyl groups of BIS-GMA, 2,2-bis[p-(2’-hydroxy-3

’

-

methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane,have been converted to silyl ether groups. The extent of 

the transetherification appears to be amenable to control by proper selection of reactant 

composition and reaction conditions. This synthesis has been extended to the preparation of silyl 

derivatives of other hydroxylated monomers such as a monofunctional analog of BIS-GMA. 

Carboxylated monomers such as PMDM (the diadduct from the condensation reaction of 2-

hydroxylethyl methacrylate with pyromellitic acid dianhydride) also can be silylated by this 

method. This facile silylation technique can be adapted for the preparation of new types of 

silane coupling agents. Other applications include self-adhesive sealants, coatings and matrix 

resins. A patent based on this technology has been filed.

Synthesis of Oligomeric Organosilsesquioxanes: There has been increasing interest in 

organosilsesquioxanes, especially those that are oligomeric or polymeric, and those that can be 

further polymerized. The generic structure of organosilsesquioxanes can be represented by the 

empirical formula (RSiO1.5)x, where R is an organic substituent and x designates the number of 

repeat units in what is often a complex molecular structure. In previous studies, controlled 

hydrolysis-condensation reactions of trialkoxysilanes such as 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane were used to synthesize reactive oligomers having basically (RSiO1.5)x 

structures. These oligomers were characterized by FT-IR and nuclear magnetic resonance 

(NMR) and also shown by gas permeation chromatography (GPC) to have a broad distribution of 

molecular masses (polydispersity = 3.51) and Mw ≅ 7000 g/mol. Recently, the complex, threedimensional structure of a methacrylic organosilsesquioxane has been studied by MALDI 

(Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy. Analysis 

of the mass spectral data suggests that this (RSiO1.5)x has significant elements of ladder structure 

with some linear branched and polyhedral structure as well. The methacrylic functionalized 

oligo-silsesquioxanes are readily polymerized by free radical methods to yield clear, hard crosslinked polymers and are undergoing evaluation as comonomers in dental resin systems and 

composites.
125

In an effort to understand the influence of the size and nature of the organic substituent, R, on the 

molecular structure and properties of (RSiO1.5)x, several types of organosilsesquioxanes have 

been synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopies. MALDI TOF mass 

spectrometric analysis of some of these new (RSiO1.5)x indicates that when R is n-decyl rather 

than n-propyl intramolecular condensation, i.e., cyclization, is favored over intermolecular 

condensation. Of especial interest has been the synthesis of oligomeric organofluorosilsesquioxanes from commercially available fluoroorganosilane agents. By co-oligomerization 

of fluoroorganosilanes with methacrylic silane agents, it appears feasible to synthesize 

methacrylic organofluorosilsesquioxanes. Because of their high fluorine contents, these types of 

silsesquioxanes would be expected to have low dielectric constants and water absorption values.

Effect of Silane Coupling Agent and Filler Type on Composite Durability: The aim of this study 

was to evaluate the effects of the silane coupling agent and filler type on durability of flexural 

strength of dental composites after water immersion, including an accelerated aqueous aging test. 

Four experimental photo-polymerizable composites were prepared from a resin system 

consisting of equal masses of BIS-GMA and TEGDMA. A barium boroaluminosilicate glass 

powder (mean particle size: 0.94 μm) and a crushed quartz (mean particle size: 0.28 μm) were 

selected as fillers, and silanized with either 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) or 

10-methacryloxydecyl-trimethoxysilane (MDTMS). MDTMS is more hydrophobic than 

MPTMS because of its greater hydrocarbon content. The composite pastes were formulated with 

mass fraction of 75 % of the silanized fillers. Twenty (2 x 2 x 25) mm rectangular bar-shaped 

specimens of each composite were prepared for the three point flexural test. Ten specimens were 

stored in distilled water at 37 oC for 24 h and ten specimens were additionally stored in distilled 

water at 90 oC for another 17 d. The mean ± s. d. of the flexural strength (MPa) are summarized 

as follows (n = 10):

Quartz, MPTMS Quartz, MDTMS Glass, MPTMS Glass,MDTMS

37 oC, 1 day 123 ± 14 126 ± 11 88 ± 12 98 ± 15

90 oC, 17 days 95 ± 6 109 ± 8 57 ± 4 79 ± 11

The flexural strengths were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). The main factors (filler 

type, coupling agent and storage condition) were significant; with respect to the interactions, the 

interaction between coupling agent and storage condition was significant; however, the 

interaction between filler type and storage condition was not significant. These results suggest 

that more hydrophobic coupling agents might improve the durability of dental composites on 

prolonged exposure to aqueous environments, and parallel the results of a previous microbond 

study of E-glass fibers that compared MDTMS and MPTMS surface treatments with a similar 

resin system.

Improvements of a Micro-Shear Test for the Study of Dental Adhesion: The microbond test 

(MBT), a single fiber shear test, has been adapted to measure the adhesion of dental resins to 

tooth structure. Whereas the widely used macro shear bond tests typically use a bonding 

diameter of (2 to 8) mm, the micro shear bonding diameters have been as small as 0.70 mm. The 

smaller diameters give researchers the ability to test several bonded specimens on one dentin or 

enamel surface, thus allowing mapping of the mineralized surface. The original instrument 

design was modified to minimize unwanted alignment changes during testing which was a 

source of uncertainty in the results. Recently, it was found that the propagation of error in shear 

strength values from measuring specimen diameters via a video camera and monitor was a 

combined standard uncertainty of approximately 2.5 MPa. This uncertainty was similar in 
126

magnitude to the total test uncertainty. When the diameters were re-measured using a 

microscope and camera with greater precision, the propagated error from the diameter 

measurement was reduced to 0.3 MPA. By increasing the precision in the diameter measurement 

and minimizing alignment changes, the uncertainty in the test data should now reflect, more 

closely, the specimen tested, and not the uncertainty in the test method. A source of uncertainty 

other than that caused by the measurement of the diameter is present. Identifying this source 

may allow researchers to improve the specimen preparation process and thus, identify the 

sources of other components of uncertainty. The micro-shear test has recently been utilized to 

explore the regional effects of enamel structure and the direction of sectioning on bonding to this 

anisotropic substrate. For a conventional non-priming adhesive system, composite to enamel 

bond strengths were significantly higher perpendicular to the enamel prisms than they were 

parallel to the enamel prisms.

Planned Outcomes

These novel resins have potential as self-adhesive matrices for use in composites, coatings and 

sealants. This technology also permits the facile preparation of improved types of silane 

coupling agents. To further commercialization a patent based on the synthesis of silylated resins 

has been filed (December 17, 1998). 

External Collaboration

• B. O. Fowler, a Guest Scientist from the Craniofacial and Skeletal Diseases Branch of the 

National Institute of Dental Research is assisting in the characterization of the 

silsesquioxanes and silylated resins.

• Dr. Hidekazu Takahashi of the Department of Dental Technology of the Tokyo Medical and 

Dental University is assisting in the mechanical property evaluation of experimental 

composites.

• Dr. Yasushi Shimada of the Department of Operative Dentistry of the Tokyo Medical and 

Dental University is actively assisting in the evaluation of new dental adhesive systems and 

the development of a microshear bonding test.

Accomplishments

• By further refinements aimed at reducing the uncertainties of the basic microbond test, a 

micro-shear bond test capable of studying dental adhesion of extremely small bonded areas, 

and that permits surface and depth profile mapping of mineralized tissue substrates has been 

developed.

• Dental composites with enhanced durability under aqueous challenge were obtained when 

the glass filler phase was silanized with a hydrophobic silane coupling agent.

• Facile syntheses of n-decyl, various organofluorosilsesquioxanes and methacrylic organofluorosilsesquioxanes co-oligomers from readily available silane coupling agents were 

developed. These reactive oligomers are readily polymerized by free radical methods and 

have potential for use in dental composites, coatings, sealants and adhesives. These fast 

curing resins are expected to yield polymers with low dielectric properties and high 

resistance to aggressive chemical environments. Polymers with these properties also may be 

suitable for electronic packaging applications.
127

• Facile silylation techniques for converting hydroxylated and carboxylated monomers to their 

silyl derivatives were developed. These novel resins are expected to have self-adhesive 

properties and be suitable for potential applications in composites, coatings, sealants and 

adhesives.

Outputs

W. G. McDonough, J. M. Antonucci, G. E. Schumacher, Y. Shimada, C. R. Schultheisz, and J. P. 

Dunkers, Development of a Micro-Shear Test for the Study of Adhesion, J. Dent. Res. 78, 284 

Abst. 1432 (1999).

Y. Shimada, J. M. Antonucci, G. E. Schumacher, W. G. McDonough, and J. Tagami, MicroShear Bond Strengths to Dentin and Enamel: Pretreatment Effects, J. Dent. Res. 78 480, Abst. 

2994 (1999).

H. Takahashi, J. M. Antonucci and J. W. Stansbury, Effect of Silane Coupling Agent and Filler 

on Composite Durability, J. Dent. Res. 78 549, Abst. 3547 (1999).

H. H. K. Xu, G. E. Schumacher, F. C. Eichmiller, J. M. Antonucci, G. M. Flaim, and A. A. 

Giuseppetti, Single-Crystalline Ceramic Whisker Reinforced Carboxylic Acid-Resin Composites 

with Fluoride Release, J. Dent. Res. 78 549, Abst. 3552 (1999).

H. H. K. Xu, T. A. Martin, J. M. Antonucci, Ceramic Whisker Reinforcement of Dental Resin 

Composites, J. Dent. Res. 78 (2): 706-712 (1999).

W. E. Wallace, C. M. Guttman, and J. M. Antonucci, Molecular Structure of Silsesquioxanes 

Determined by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, 

J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrometry 10: 224-230 (1999).

J. W. Stansbury and J. M. Antonucci, Dimethacrylate Monomers with Varied Fluorine Contents 

and Distributions, Dent. Mater. 15: 166-173 (1999).

W. Wallace, C. Guttman and J. Antonucci, Polymeric Silsesquioxanes: Degree-ofIntramolecular-Condensation Measured by Mass Spectrometry, Polymer, in press.

Presentations

J. M. Antonucci, W. G. McDonough, G. E. Schumacher, Y. Shimada, Effect of Regional Tooth 

Structure and Sectioning Orientation on Micro-Shear Bond Strength, Abst P34 International 

Symposium on Advanced Materials with Biomedical Applications, June 7-8, 1999 at NIST.

W. G. McDonough, J. M. Antonucci, G. E. Schumacher, Y. Shimada, C. R. Schultheisz, and J. P. 

Dunkers, Development of a Micro-Shear Test for the Study of Adhesion, J. Dent. Res. 78, 284 

Abst. 1432 (1999).

Y. Shimada, J. M. Antonucci, G. E. Schumacher, W. G. McDonough, and J. Tagami, MicroShear Bond Strengths to Dentin and Enamel: Pretreatment Effects, J. Dent. Res 78 480, Abst 

2994 (1999).
128

H. Takahashi, J. M. Antonucci and J. W. Stansbury, Effect of Silane Coupling Agent and Filler 

on Composite Durability, J. Dent. Res. 78 549, Abst 3547 (1999).

H. H. K. Xu, G. E. Schumacher, F. C. Eichmiller, J. M. Antonucci, G. M. Flaim, and A. A. 

Giuseppetti, Single-Crystalline Ceramic Whisker Reinforced Carboxylic Acid-Resin Composites 

with Fluoride Release, J. Dent. Res 78 549, Abst 3552 (1999).

Improved Adhesive Systems for Bonding to Tooth Structure

Joseph M. Antonucci

Objectives

The overall objective is to develop effective, less technique-sensitive systems for bonding to 

dentin and other dental substrates. An ancillary objective is to elucidate the mechanisms 

involved in bonding to dentin and enamel with various types of N-aryl-α-amino acids.

Technical Description

Previously it was shown that the application of aqueous acetone solutions of Nphenyliminodiacetic acid (PIDAA) to dentin both etches and activates the dental surface for 

subsequent polymerization of photoactivated adhesive resins. With this simple two step bonding 

protocol strong composite-to-dentin bonds were routinely obtained. However, PIDAA and 

analogous aryl-α-iminodiacetic acids, although excellent activators-initiators for interfacial 

polymerization of adhesive resins, do not etch enamel sufficiently to yield similarly strong 

composite-to-enamel bonds. We have adopted two strategies for developing self-etching primers 

that would be applicable to both dentin and enamel surfaces. One approach, the subject of a 

recent joint patent application with the American Dental Association Health Foundation’s 

Paffenbarger Research Center, involves adding small amounts of certain strong acids (e.g. dilute 

nitric acid) to PIDAA or its analogs. With this approach it is now possible to successfully etch 

and bond to both dentin and enamel. The second approach involved the synthesis of aryl-αamino acids based on phosphonic acids. The rationale for this strategy is that the phosphonic 

acid group would yield self-etching primers of greater acidity and chelation potential than 

analogous aryl-α-amino acids. The aryl amino phosphonic acids were soluble in aqueous 

organic solvents, had lower pH values (1.3 to 1.7) than similar PIDAA solutions, and, as shown 

by scanning electron microscopy, effectively etched both dentin and enamel. Unfortunately, 

composite bond strengths to these two substrates were quite low, probably because the presence 

of the phosphonic acids groups rather than the carboxylic acids groups significantly inhibits the 

activating-initiating capacity of the aryl-α-amino acid. A possible strategy to overcome this 

deficiency of aryl-α-amino phosphonic acids is to introduce into their structure a polymerizable 

functional group such as a methacrylate group. 

In a related study, it was shown that PIDAA and N-phenylglycine were highly effective in 

mediating the bonding of a resin modified glass ionomer cement and a compomer to both enamel 

and dentin. Compomers are composites that contain acidic monomers in the resin matrix and an 

ion-leachable glass in the filler phase, and as such can be regarded as a hybrid version of 

composites and glass ionomer cements. The ability to bond effectively to enamel probably was 

due to the acidic nature of the cement and compomer. In this study an improved micro-shear test 
129

was used in assessing bond strength to dentin and enamel. In addition, it was demonstrated that 

N-arylglycines such as N-phenylglycine and their sodium salts are effective in the stabilization of 

demineralized dentin and in promoting bonding to etched dentin. Interestingly, with nitric acid 

as a conditioner, the salt forms of the N-aryl-α-amino acids yielded higher composite-to-dentin 

bond strengths compared to the acid form of these primers. Finally, it was shown that different 

types of acid-base dental cements (zinc phosphate, zinc polycarboxylate and glass ionomer) 

demineralize dentin to different extents resulting in hybrid layers of varying morphologies. In 

this study both scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used 

to characterize the cement-dentin interfaces. The surface analytical results obtained by these two 

methods were generally comparable, but the non-destructive nature of confocal laser scanning 

microscopy has obvious advantages. 

External Collaborations

• Dr. Eichmiller and Dr. G.E. Schumacher, American Dental Association Health Foundation

(ADAHF) Paffenbarger Research Center are assisting in the evaluation of new adhesive 

systems for dentin and enamel.

• Drs. T. Nikaido and Y. Shimada from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University collaborated 

in the evaluation of new dental adhesive systems and mechanism studies.

• Dr.Chetan A. Khatri, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA is actively advancing the 

synthetic aspects of the adhesion studies.

Accomplishments

N-Phenyliminodiacetic acid (PIDAA), modified with small amounts of strong acids such nitric 

acid, were shown to produce a dental primer with the ability to etch effectively and mediate 

bonding to both dentin and enamel. PIDAA also was shown to be an effective self-etching 

primer for glass ionomer cements and compomers. Several aryl-α-amino phosphonic acids were 

synthesized, characterized and evaluated for their efficacy as self-etching primers in mediating 

bonding to tooth structure. Modification of these novel amino phosphonic acids by introduction 

of polymerizable vinyl groups has potential for yielding self-etching coupling agents for 

mineralized tissues.

Outputs

Publications

J.M. Antonucci, C.A. Khatri and G.E. Schumacher, Synthesis of Novel Self-Etching Primers 

Based on Aryl Amino Phosphonic Acids, J. Dent. Res. 78 530 Abst 3399 (1999).

T. Nikaido, J.M. Antonucci, G.E. Schumacher and J. Tagami, Stabilization of Demineralized 

Dentin by N-Arylglycine and Their Sodium Salts, J. Dent. Res. 78 530 Abst. 3398 (1999).

Y. Shimada, J.M. Antonucci, G.E. Schumacher, W.G. McDonough and J. Tagami, Micro-Shear 

Bond Strengths to Dentin and Enamel: Pretreatment Effects, J. Dent. Res. 78 480 Abst. 2994 

(1999).

Y. Shimada, Y.Kondo, S. Inokoshi, J. Tagami and J.M. Antonucci, Demineralizing Effect of 

Dental Cements on Human Dentin, Quintessence Int. 30 267 (1999).
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C.A. Khatri, J.M. Antonucci and G.E. Schumacher, Polymerization-Initiating and Drug Delivery 

Systems, Ed. R.M. Ottenbrite and S.W. Kim, ACS Symposium Series: 3rd International 

Biorelated Polymer Symposium and Polymeric Drug Delivery Systems, American Chemical 

Society, Washington D.C., in press.

Presentations

J.M. Antonucci, C.A. Khatri and G.E. Schumacher, 77th General Session of the International 

Association for Dental Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March, 1999.

T. Nikaido, J.M. Antonucci, G.E. Schumacher and J. Tagami, Stabilization of Demineralized 

Dentin by N-Arylglycine and Their Sodium Salts, 77th General Session of the International 

Association for Dental Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March, 1999.

Y. Shimada, J.M. Antonucci, G.E. Schumacher, W.G. McDonough and J. Tagami, Micro-Shear 

Bond Strengths to Dentin and Enamel: Pretreatment Effects, 77th General Session of the 

International Association for Dental Research, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March, 1999.

Bioactive Polymeric Dental Materials with Remineralization Potential based on 

Amorphous Calcium Phosphate

Joseph Antonnuci

Objective

The objective is to develop improved polymeric composites with remineralization potential using 

various resin systems and forms of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) as the filler phase.

Technical Description

ACP, a highly soluble, non-crystalline calcium phosphate with a propensity for facile conversion 

to hydroxyapatite (HAP), has potential as remineralizing agent for defective mineralized tissues. 

Previous studies in this laboratory have shown that polymeric composites derived from BisGMA 

based resins and stabilized ACP powders gave sustained release of calcium and phosphate ions 

over extended time periods without serious deterioration in mechanical strength. Also, in an in 

vitro study it was shown that an ACP composite effectively remineralized caries-like lesions in 

extracted bovine enamel.

To assess the effects of the resin matrix and the type of ACP filler on the release of calcium and 

phosphate ions from ACP/methacrylate composites the following study was designed. Three 

types of visible light curable resins were prepared: BTHZ resin consisting of BisGMA, 

triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and 

zirconyl dimethacrylate (ZrM); TP resin consisting of equal mass fractions TEGDMA and 

pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM); UH resins consisting of urethane 

dimethacrylate (UDMA) plus HEMA at three mass fractions (0 %, 6.6 % and 13.2 %, designated 

as U0H, U66H and U132H, respectively). A total of five photoactivated resins: BTHZ, TP, 

U0H, U66H and U132H were evaluated for the effects of chemical structure and compositional 

variations on the release of mineral ions from ACP-filled composites. Three types of ACP fillers 
131

were employed: unhybridized, pyrophosphate-stabilized ACP (Pyro-ACP), silica hybridized 

ACP (TEOS-ACP) and zirconia hybridized ACP (Zr-ACP) (the later two ACPs were hybridized 

with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and zirconyl chloride (Zr), respectively). Elevated calcium and 

phosphate ion concentrations were sustained in the BTHZ and all the UH resins. However, over 

time the TP composites failed to maintain a favorable remineralization potential due to the resin 

retention of released calcium via ion binding with the carboxylic acid groups of PMGDMA. The 

ranking according to remineralizing ability for Pyro-ACP composites was: (BTHZ, U132H) > 

TP > (U0H, U66H). Composites based on the TEOS- or Zr-ACP, and U0H, U66H, or U132H 

had significantly higher (p < 0.0013) remineralization potential compared to similarly prepared 

Pyro-ACP/ UH composites, as determined by Ca and PO4 release profiles measured by atomic 

absorption and UV/VIS spectroscopy, respectively. By contrast, hybridization of the fillers had 

no effect on the ion release from BTHZ composites. However, internal conversion of ACP to 

HAP was significantly reduced or almost completely inhibited in both the BTHZ and 

UH/hybridized ACP composites.

External Collaborations

Dr. E.D. Eanes of NIDCR and Drs. F.C. Eichmiller, G.E. Schumacher, and D. Skrtic of the 

ADAHF- Paffenbarger Research Center are actively assisting in the further development and 

evaluation of bioactive polymeric composites utilizing ACP as a remineralizing filler.

Accomplishments

It has been demonstrated that the remineralizing properties of ACP-based polymeric composites 

can be affected by both the chemical structure and composition of the resin matrix and by 

hybridization of the ACP fillers. High concentrations of the carboxylic acid monomer PMGDM 

in the matrix resin phase of ACP composites were shown to adversely affect calcium ion release 

due to ion binding. Hybridization of ACP fillers with glass-forming agents such as 

tetraethoxysilane or zirconyl chloride stabilizes ACP against intra-composite conversion to HAP.

Outputs

Publications

M.S. Park, E.D.Eanes, J.M. Antonucci, and D. Skrtic, Mechanical Properties of Bioactive 

ACP/Methacrylate Composites, Dent Mater 14:137-141 (1998).

Y. Matsuya, S. Matsuya, J.M. Antonucci, S. Takagi, L.C. Chow, and A. Akamine, Effect of 

Powder Grinding on Hydroxyapatite Formation in a Polymeric Calcium Phosphate Cement 

Prepared from Tetracalcium Phosphate and Poly(Methyl Vinyl Ether-maleic Acid), Biomaterials 

20:691-697 (1999).

J.M. Antonucci, D. Skrtic, A.W. Hailer and E.D. Eanes, Bioactive Polymeric Composites Based 

on Hybrid Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, ACS Symposium Series: 3rd International Bio-related 

Polymer Symposium and Polymeric Drugs and Drug Delivery Systems (R.M. Ottenbrite, and 

S.W. Kim, eds), American Chemical Society, Washington DC, in press (1999).

A.S. Von Gonten, J.R. Kelly, and J.M. Antonucci, Load-bearing Behavior of a Simulated 

Craniofacial Structure Fabricated from Hydroxyapatite Cement and Bioresorbable Fiber Mesh. J 

Med Sci – Materials and Medicine, in press(1999).
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J.M. Antonucci, E.D. Eanes, F.C. Eichmiller, G.E. Schumacher, and D. Skrtic, Physicochemical 

Evaluation of Bioactive Polymeric Composites Based on Hybrid Amorphous Calcium 

Phosphates, Abstracts of the International Symposium on Advanced Materials with Biomedical 

Applications, June7-8, Gaithersburg, MD, USA(1999).

Y. Matsuya, S. Matsuya, J.M. Antonucci, S. Takagi, L.C. Chow, I. Akasha, and A. Akamine, 

Mechanical Strength of Various Types of Calcium Phosphate Cements, Abstracts of the 

International Symposium on Advanced Materials with Biomedical Applications, Gaithersburg, 

MD, USA, June, 1999.

D. Skrtic, J.M. Antonucci, E.D. Eanes, F.C. Eichmiller, and G.E. Schumacher, Physicochemical 

Evaluation of Bioactive Polymeric Composites Based on Hybrid Amorphous Calcium 

Phosphates, J Biomed Mat Res – Applied Biomaterials, submitted(1999).

Presentations

J.M. Antonucci, E.D. Eanes, F.C. Eichmiller, G.E. Schumacher, and D. Skrtic, Physicochemical 

Evaluation of Bioactive Polymeric Composites Based on Hybrid Amorphous Calcium

Phosphates. Presented at the International Symposium on Advanced Materials with Biomedical

Applications (Session: Fabrication of Materials, Gaithersburg, MD, June 1999.

Cure Monitoring of Dental and Medical Resins by Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Francis W. Wang, Raymond H. Tu, Dr. Yasuhiro Hotta1, Dr. Koichi Komatsu2 and Dr. Deborah 

G. Sauder3

1

 Showa University, Tokyo, Japan.

2

 Nihon University, School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Chiba, Japan.

3

 Hood College, Frederick, MD. 

Objectives 

The objectives are to monitor the cure of resins by fluorescence spectroscopy, to establish 

correlations between fluorescence properties and performance properties for curing resins, and to 

transition NIST expertise in photo-physics of fluorescent probes to manufacturers of resins for 

dental and medical applications. 

Technical Description

Cure Monitoring of Bonding Resin: The durability and the physical properties of resin-infiltrated 

demineralized dentin depend primarily on the completeness of the cure of the primer and the 

bonding resin that infiltrate the demineralized dentin. It is therefore important to develop a 

technique to determine the degree of cure of the resin in resin-infiltrated demineralized dentin. 

Fluorescence techniques are particularly useful for cure monitoring because they are sensitive 

and adaptable to nondestructive, in-situ monitoring. Furthermore, with the use of fluorescence 

microscopy, the depth dependence of the degree of cure can be observed. 

A wavelength-shift fluorescent probe, whose peak fluorescence wavelength changes with the 

polarity and the mobility of the probe's environment, is used in this project to monitor the degree 

of cure of the bonding resin. In this method, a trace amount of the wavelength-shift fluorescent 
133

probe is dissolved in a bonding resin, and the fluorescence spectrum of the probe was recorded 

as a function of cure time during the photo-initiated cure of the bonding resin. Because the 

polarity and the mobility of the bonding resin change during the cure, the peak fluorescence 

wavelength of the fluorescent probe decreases with the cure time. Consequently, the change in 

the peak fluorescence wavelength of the probe is a measure of the degree of cure of the bonding 

resin. Once a correlation is established between the change in the peak fluorescence wavelength 

and the degree of cure determined by FTIR, an absolute value for the degree of cure can be 

obtained from the change in the peak fluorescence wavelength. Alternatively, the measured 

value of the peak fluorescence wavelength can be used to compare and maintain the degree of 

cure during the application of the bonding resin.

Cure Monitoring of Bone Cement: The ultimate success of methyl methacrylate bone cements in 

surgical arenas requires application at an appropriate viscosity. Long term durability could be 

compromised by the empirical nature by which the setting of a particular sample is determined. 

The literature from one manufacturer states that, in addition to the concentration effects one 

would expect in a bi-phasic free-radical system, ambient temperature and humidity can 

substantially affect the setting time of a sample. It suggests that "...the working time ...is best 

determined by the experience of the surgeon..." In this project, a trace amount of a fluorescent 

probe is used as an in situ indicator of the viscosity of a bone cement sample and its suitability 

for surgical application.

A bone cement is made by mixing its liquid component [volume fraction of 97 % methyl 

methacrylate and 3 % N, N- dimethyl- p-toluidine] and its solid component [mass fraction of 15 

% poly(methyl methacrylate), 75% styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, 10 % BaSO4, and 2 

% benzoyl peroxide], often at a mass ratio of 2:1, powder: liquid. After the mixing, the viscosity 

of the bone cement increases because of the dissolution of polymers in the liquid and the 

polymerization of methyl methacrylate. In this method, a trace amount of the wavelength-shift 

fluorescent probe is dissolved in the liquid component, and the fluorescence spectrum of the 

probe was recorded as a function of cure time. Because the polarity and the mobility of the bone 

cement change during the cure, the peak fluorescence wavelength of the fluorescent probe 

decreases with the cure time. Consequently, the change in the peak fluorescence wavelength of 

the probe is a measure of the viscosity, as well as the degree of cure, of the bone cement. Once a 

correlation is established between the decrease in the peak fluorescence wavelength and the 

viscosity, an absolute value for the viscosity can be obtained from the change in the peak 

fluorescence wavelength. 

External Collaborations

Dr. Deborah G. Sauder, Hood College, Frederick, MD, Dr. Yasuhiro Hotta, Showa University, 

Tokyo, Japan and Dr. Koichi Komatsu, Nihon University, School of Dentistry at Matsudo, 

Chiba, Japan, have actively advanced the efforts to monitor curing of dental and medical resins 

by fluorescence spectroscopy. 

Planned Outcome

Technology transfer, to manufacturers of dentin bonding resins and bone cements, of quality 

control methods for the development of bone cements and dentin bonding resins.
134

Accomplishments

• Cure Monitoring of Bonding Resin: A fluorescent probe, 4-(N,N-dibutylanilino)hexatrienyl4'-pyridinium butylsulfonate (AHPBS), has been evaluated for cure monitoring of a bonding 

resin. The peak fluorescence wavelength of the fluorescent probe was found to be 716 nm 

for the uncured resin and 670 nm for the fully cured resin, when the excitation wavelength 

was 520 nm. The ratio of the fluorescence intensities at 670 nm and 716 nm increased with 

the degree of conversion (DC) of the resin, and was a piecewise-linear function of DC, with a 

glass transition occurring near 60 % DC. The Vickers hardness of the resin could not be 

measured when the DC was less 60 %, but varied linearly with the DC beyond the transition 

near 60 %.

• Cure Monitoring of Bone Cement: A non-toxic fluorescent probe was found to be suitable for 

cure monitoring of a bone cement, since its peak fluorescence wavelength decreased by 100 

nm during the first 10 min of cure.

Outputs

Publications

F.W. Wang and D.G. Sauder, Examination of Fluorescent Molecules as In Situ Probes of 

Polymerization Reactions, In: 3rd International Symposium on Bio-related Polymers, Polymeric 

Drugs and Drug Delivery Systems, Ottenbrite, R., Ed. Washington, DC: American Chemical 

Society (1999).

K. Komatsu, F.W. Wang and K. Nemoto, Application of Fluorescent Probe for Cure Monitoring 

of Bonding Resin, J. Biomed. Mater. Res., (Appl. Biomater.) (1999).

K. Komatsu, F.W. Wang and K. Nemoto, Influence of Shrinkage Stress Developed During 

Hardening of Photo-cured Resin on Formation of Polymer Network Structure, J. Biomed. Mater. 

Res. (Appl. Biomater.) (1999). 

Presentations

F.W. Wang and D.G. Sauder, Application of Anthracene as an In Situ Probe of Bone Cement 

Cure, Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting, Providence, RI (1999).

F.W. Wang and K. Komatsu, Influence of Shrinkage Stress on Network Structure of Photo-cured

Resin, International Association for Dental Research Meeting, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 

1999.

Support for the Biomaterials Integrated Products Industries (BIPI's)

J. A. Tesk, Stephen Hsu1, Christian E. Johnson2, Jennifer Colbert3, J. W. Stansbury, Ming 

Tung4 and Drago Skrtic4

1 NIST Division 852 (Co-PI)

2NIST Division 855

3NIST Division 232

4American Dental Association Health Foundation
135

Objectives

The objectives are to manage Orthopaedic CRADA consortium on accelerated testing of new 

orthopaedic joint materials, liaison with FDA and NIH, American Academy of Orthopaedic 

Surgeons and Biomaterials Integrated Products Industry (BIPI), assess NIST ability to help meet 

technical needs of BIPI's and explore new CRADA partnerships via workshops, industrial visits 

and conferences/ meetings participation. In addition, personal research is conducted for 

improved materials for health care delivery and to provide greater visibility of NIST to BIPIs. 

Expected outputs include: test methods, standards/reference materials and materials properties 

useful for quality assurance, good manufacturing practices, product improvement, and 

submissions to national and international regulatory bodies/agencies.

Technical Description

Objectives are attained through technical research in support of issues identified by industry as 

important, by holding workshops to help identify issues, by participation in the activities of 

standards organizations and meetings of scientific organizations, and by holding leadership 

positions related to standards and scientific organizations. Some personal research is also 

conducted to assist in providing visibility to the biofunctional materials industry. 

External Collaborations

• Biomet Inc. (Warsaw IN.), Depuy- Johnson & Johnson (Warsaw, IN.), Stryker 

Howmwedica-Osteonics Inc. (Allendale, NJ.), and Zimmer, Inc., (Warsaw, IN.), are 

members of the Orthopedic CRADA Consortium, for investigations into the effects of wear 

processes on the structures and properties of orthopedic implant joint bearing surfaces.

• Steve Li, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has provided valuable historical input on 

UHMWPE reference bars that the HSS supplied to the industry over the previous immediate 

past four years.

• Poly Hi Solidur (Fort Wayne, IN.) will contribute materials (market value = $45,000) toward 

NIST development of UHMWPE reference bars.

• American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Hip and Knee Society for release of public 

information of NIST CRADA Research.

Planned Outcomes

One goal is to develop basic information on the structure and properties of orthopedic joint 

bearing materials, as influenced by wear-load conditions that will be useful to the NIST 

Orthopedic CRADA Research Consortium for improving orthopedic joint implants. This 

includes the development of test methods that will be useful to industry and in the development 

of national and international standards for medical materials and devices. Related to the latter, 

another goal with impact is the development of reference materials that will be useful for 

biofunctional materials research, product development, and for use in international standards. It 

is also anticipated that research that develops the fundamental science and technology of 

materials that have potential for ameliorating known, published deficiencies in biomedical 

applications will help to lead to improved products and health care delivery. 

Accomplishments

• Quarterly meetings were held with the Orthopedic CRADA Research Consortium, reports 

issued, and issues defined. Accelerated measurement technology was further developed and 

structure/wear property measurements and development of material wear maps is in progress. 
136

Papers on wear testing, molecular orientation, and orientation technology were presented to 

industry and a unique variable in analysis of wear was developed. 

• The first known measurements of molecular orientation of Medical Grade Ultra High 

Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear surfaces were made using polarized soft 

x-ray absorption. These kinds of measurements are essential for understanding the wear 

processes in artificial orthopedic joints that employ UHMWPE and, hence, should help lead 

to improved orthopedic implants.

• Workshops on Reference Materials (RMs) and Mechanical Heart Valves were held. The RM 

workshop identified the need for UHMWPE Reference Material for Orthopedic Applications. 

As a result of the NIST workshop on Reference Materials, work was initiated on 

development of UHMWPE Reference Material. This material will be used by the orthopedic 

industry and for round-robin testing in ASTM committees. Highlights of the Reference 

Materials workshop appeared in the Biomaterials Forum and an extended text is in press for 

J. Biomed. Mats. Res.

• The Orthopedic CRADA Consortium Research was featured in articles appearing in USA 

Today and in Orthopedics Today.

• Dr. John Tesk received the ASTM Committee F04 MOSES Award "for many years of 

outstanding service and participation in the work of the committee".

Outputs

Publications

J.A. Tesk, Christian E. Johnson, Stephen Hsu, Drago Skrtic, and Ming Tung, Amorphous Alloys 

Containing Cobalt for Biomedical Applications, Program Abstract for ASTM Symposium on 

Cobalt Based Alloys for Biomedical Applications, November 3-4, The Norfolk Waterside 

Mariott, Norfolk VA., 1998. 

John A. Tesk, Christian E. Johnson, Drago Skrtic3, Ming S.Tung, and Stephen Hsu, Amorphous 

Alloys Containing Cobalt for Biomedical Applications, ASTM Special Technical Publication 

(STP) 1365, in press.

M. Shen, S. Hsu, J.Tesk, and A. Christou, A Novel Multiaxial Wear Tester for Accelerated 

Testing of Materials, Extended Abstract Proceedings of the 45th annual meeting of the 

Orthopedic Research Society, February 1 - 4, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim CA, 1999. 

H-W. Fang, M.C. Shen, U.Cho, J.Tesk, A. Christou, and S.M.Hsu , Generation of Different 

UHMWPE Particle Shape by Wear through Surface Texturing, Extended Abstract of the 25th

Annual meeting of the Society for Biomaterials, April 28 - May 2, Rhode Island Convention 

Center, Providence RI, 1999.

Presentations 

J.A. Tesk, Christian E. Johnson, Stephen Hsu, Drago Skrtic, and Ming Tung,

Amorphous Alloys Containing Cobalt for Biomedical Applications, ASTM Symposium on 

Cobalt Based Alloys for Biomedical Applications, Norfolk VA, November 3, 1998

M. Shen, S. Hsu, J.Tesk, and A. Christou, A Novel Multiaxial Wear Tester for 

Accelerated Testing of Materials, 45th annual meeting of the Orthopedic Research Society, 

Anaheim CA, February 2-3, 1999
137

H-W. Fang, M.C. Shen, U.Cho, J.Tesk, A. Christou, and S.M.Hsu, Generation of 

Different UHMWPE Particle Shape by Wear through Surface Texturing, 25th Annual meeting of 

the Society for Biomaterials, Providence RI, April 30, 1999. 
138
139

Reference Materials

...addressing important needs for standards

NIST Workshop Examines Needs for Reference Biomaterials.

Priorities for reference biomaterials (RBMs) were established at a recent 

workshop held at NIST. The priorities strongly reflect the current status 

of materials selections within three applications of biomatierals -

orthopedic, cardiovascular and tissue engineered products. A high 

priority RBM for the orthopedic industry was identified as particulate 

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) with size, 

shape, and morphology typical of wear debris found around orthopedic 

implants. UHMWPE is widely used in artificial joints, but demands for 

longer use life and higher performance drive the need for improvements 

in this material.

The cardiovascular industry representatives expressed support for the 

current reference material development efforts, but were also concerned 

about the need to identify more clearly the important properties and to 

formulate a clear rationale for additional RBMs. They also expressed a 

variety of opinions on the needs for additional RBMs for cardiovascular 

materials, reflecting the diversity of materials under consideration. The 

newly emerging tissue-engineering arena is at an embryonic state relative to its requirements for specific 

RBMs, and so there was no consensus on needs beyond a definite interest in reference tissue cell-lines. A 

commercial source for providing standard reference cells was identified in the discussions. 

The workshop was sponsored by NIST, with cooperation of the NIH, FDA, 

and the Society for Biomaterials. About 40 participants registered for the 

workshop, with 16 representatives from industry. The workshop was 

motivated by ongoing discussions on RBMs at meetings of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), The 

American Society for Testing and Materials, and the Society for Biomaterials. There also has been a 

recently signed agreement (1997) between the NIH, NIST and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

for cooperation on the development of needed RBMs.

The workshop featured speakers from the NIH, FDA, and the Orthopedic, Cardiovascular and emerging 

Tissue Engineered Products industries. Although the workshop was able to identify a few specific needs, 

including a stable, non-biased sources for RBMs, it also clearly demonstrated the importance of a 

continuing dialog to identify new RBMs, with the impetus for such materials seen as arising from defined 

needs as they appear in national/international consensus standards.

... impetus for such materials arises from defined needs as they 

appear in national/international consensus standards.
140

Measurement Science

... addressing important needs in physical measurements

NIST Workshop Identifies Needs for Heart Valve Research

A workshop hosted by NIST on December 2, 1998 identified three issues that heart valve 

manufacturers viewed as critical for more rapid introduction of improved prostheses: 1) 

measurement of residual stresses in mechanical heart valves, particularly as these stresses affect 

long term reliability, 2) accelerated testing for wear and durability and 3) in-vitro imaging of 

blood flow for both mechanical and bioprosthetic 

valves. The meeting was in response to the 

recommendations of an earlier workshop, held at 

NIST on February 23, 1998, to evaluate the current 

measurement methods and explore the possibility of 

cooperative research. Hence, the December 2 

meeting emphasized reviews and critiques of the 

current methods employed for reliability analysis, 

accelerated test methods for wear and durability of 

mechanical heart valves, fluid mechanics analyses 

and imaging of fluid flow. Speakers from industry, 

the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), NIST, 

and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) presented critiques and NIST led the discussions. 

Some issues common to both mechanical and bioprosthetic valves were raised by participants. 

The workshop has led to initial investigations within MSEL and the Automated Production 

Technology Division of MEL, on residual stress measurement and flaw detection, and ties have 

been established with the Fluid Mechanics Group of CSTL. The workshop also identified a 

strong interest in establishing a relationship between industry members, with NIST acting as the 

unbiased coordinator. The purpose would be to hold regular industry forums on industry-wide 

issues, with the possibility of future cooperative work as NIST capabilities for providing 

technical assistance become identified. The workshop was planned with the cooperation of the 

NIH and the FDA. 

The workshop has led to initial investigations on 

residual stress measurement and flaw detection.
141

POLYMERS DIVISION

CHIEF

Eric J Amis

Phone: (301) 975-6762

e-mail: eric.amis@nist.gov

ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF

Bruno Fanconi

Phone: (301) 975-6769

e-mail: bruno.fanconi@nist.gov

NIST FELLOW

Charles C. Han

Phone: (301) 975-6772

e-mail: charles.han@nist.gov

GROUP LEADERS

Electronic Packaging and Interconnects

Wen-Li Wu

Phone: (301) 975-6839

e-mail: wen-li.wu@nist.gov

Polymer Blends & Processing

Alamgir Karim , Acting

Phone: (301) 975-6588

e-mail: alamgir.karim@nist.gov

Polymer Composites

Richard S. Parnas

Phone: (301) 975-5805

e-mail: richard.parnas@nist.gov

Polymer Characterization

Bruno M. Fanconi

Phone: (301) 975-6762

e-mail: bruno.fanconi@nist.gov

Dental & Medical Materials

Francis W. Wang

Phone: (301) 975-6726

e-mail: francis.wang@nist.gov
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

143

RESEARCH STAFF

Akpalu, Yvonne+o Crystallization, structure and morphology of 

yvonne.akpalu@nist.gov polymers

o Small angle and wide angle x-ray scattering

o Thin film phase behavior of polymer blends

Amis, Eric J. o Neutron, x-ray and light scattering

eric.amis@nist.gov o Polyelectrolytes

o Viscoelastic behavior of polymers

o Dendrimers and dendritic polymers

o Functional Biomaterials

Antonucci, Joseph M. o Synthetic and polymer chemistry

joseph.antonucci@nist.gov o Dental composites, cements and adhesion

o Initiator systems

o Interfacial coupling agents

o Remineralizing polymer systems

Balizer, Edward+o Neutron, x-ray scattering

o Polymer electrostriction

Barnes, John D. o Gas and vapor transport in polymers

john.barnes@nist.gov o X-ray scattering

o Computer applications in polymer measurements

Barnes, Kathleen A. o Polymer blends, polymer/filler interactions

kathleen.barnes@nist.gov o Thin film phase behavior

o Neutron scattering, AFM, optical microscopy and 

rheology

Bauer, Barry J. o Polymer synthesis

barry.bauer@nist.gov o Neutron, x-ray and light scattering

o Dendrimers, metallic ions nanocluster

o Thermal characterization

Beck Tan, Nora+o Polymer Interfaces

nora@mail.arl.mil o Structural Characterization of Polymers and Polymer 

Blends

Blair, William R. o Polymer analysis by size exclusion 

william.blair@nist.gov chromatography

o Diffusion and absorption of gases in polymeric 

matrices

o Mass spectrometry of polymers
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

144

Bloss, Peter+o Charge distribution

kuz-leipzig@t-online.de o Thermal diffusivity

Bowen, Rafael L.*o Adhesion

rafael.bowen@nist.gov o Dental composites

o Novel Monomer Synthesis

Briber, Robert M.+o Structure and morphology of polymers

robert.briber@nist.gov o Electron microscopy

o X-ray scattering

Bur, Anthony J. o Dielectric properties of polymers

o Fluorescence and optical monitoring of polymer

processing

o Piezoelectric, pyroelectric polymers

o Viscoelastic properties of polymers

Campbell, Jr., Gordon C.+o Solid state NMR of polymers

o Off-resonance proton irradiation techniques

Carey, Clifton M.*o Dental plaque

clifton.carey@nist.gov o Microanalytical analysis techniques

o Phosphate chemistry

o Ion-selective electrodes

Chang, Shu Sing+o Thermal properties of polymeric and composite 

materials

o Composite process monitoring

o Electronic packaging materials

o Polymer phase transitions

o Precision electrical and temperature 

measurements

Cherng, Maria*o Calcium phosphate biomaterials

maria.cherng@nist.gov 

Chiang, Chwan K. o Electroluminescent polymers

c.chiang@nist.gov o Residual stress

o Impedance spectroscopy

Chiang, Martin Y. o Computational mechanics (finite element 

martin.chiang@nist.gov analysis)

o Strength of materials

o Engineering mechanics of polymer based 

materials

o Adhesive joints
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

145

Chin, Pearl S.+o Surface energies

pchin@tainst.com o Polymer micro-analysis

Chow, Laurence C.*o Calcium phosphate compounds and biomaterials

laurence.chow@nist.gov o Dental and biomedical cements

o Solution chemistry

o Topical dental fluorides

D@hnhardt, Jan-Erik+o Self-curing dental repair resin

Davis, G. Thomas+o Electronic packaging

george.davis@nist.gov o Polymer crystallization

o X-ray diffraction of polymers

o Polarization distribution

o Piezoelectricity in polymers

DeReggi, Aime S. o Polarization-depth profiles in polymers

aime.dereggi@nist.gov o Space charge in dielectrics

o Ferroelectric polymers

o Polymeric piezo- & pyroelectric devices

Dickens, Sabine*o Dental composites

sabine.dickens@nist.gov o Dental adhesives

o Transmission electron microscopy

Di Marzio, Edmund A.+o Statistical mechanics of polymers

edmund.dimarzio@nist.gov o Phase transitions

o Glasses

o Polymers at interfaces

Douglas, Jack F. o Theory on polymer solutions, blends, and filled 

jack.douglas@nist.gov polymers

o Transport properties of polymer solutions and 

suspensions

o Polymers at interfaces

o Scaling and renormalization group calculation

Dunkers, Joy P. o Optical coherence tomography of composites

joy.dunkers@nist.gov o Image analysis

o Fiber optics spectroscopy

o Process monitoring and control

o Infrared microspectroscopy of polymers

Eanes, Edward D.+o Structure of bones and teeth

edward.eanes@nist.gov o Calcium phosphate compounds as dental materials
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

146

o Effects of solution and biological molecules on 

precipitation of calcium phosphates

o Liposome studies

Eichmiller, Frederick C.*o Clinical dentistry

frederick.eichmiller@nist.gov o Composites

o Dentin adhesives

Eidelman, Naomi N.*o Prevention of calcification in the cardiovascular 

Naomi.eidelman@nist.gov system

o Effect of phosphonates, cholesterol and 

phospholipids on calcium phosphate formation

o Characterization of calcified deposits by FTIR

 microscopy

Ermi, Brett D.+o Neutron and light scattering

brett.ermi@nist.gov o Atomic force microscopy

o Strong interactions in polymer solvent systems

o Polyelectrolytes

Esker, Alan R.+o Membrane mediated polymer interdiffusion

alan.esker@nist.gov o Phase separation kinetics of polymer blends

Ettedgui, Emile E.+o Light emitting polymers

o Surface physics

o Fluorescence spectroscopy

Fanconi, Bruno M. o Infrared & Raman spectroscopy of polymers

bruno.fanconi@nist.gov o Structure of polymers

o Polymer fracture

o Process monitoring of polymer composites

Feresenbet, Elias+o Silane deposition

o Composite interfaces

Flaim, Glenn M.*o Fabricating dental composites

glenn.flaim@nist.gov

Floyd, Cynthia J. E.+o Dental composites

cynthia.floyd@nist.gov

Flynn, Kathleen M. o Permeability measurements and database

kathleen.flynn@nist.gov o Flow visualization experiments

o Web page development

Fowler, Bruce O.+o Infrared and Raman spectroscopy

bruce.fowler@nist.gov o Structure of calcium phosphates, bones, and teeth
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

147

o Composites

Frukhtbeyn, Stanislav+o Calcium phosphate compounds and biomaterials

o Topical dental fluorides

Galvin, Agnes Ly.*o Clinical dental assistant

agnes.galvin@nist.gov o Adhesion measurements

George, Laurie A.*o Glass-ceramics

laurie.george@nist.gov 

Gettinger, Constance L.+o Neutron and light scattering

o Ion containing polymers and copolymers

Giuseppetti, Anthony A.*o Casting of dental alloys

anthony.giuseppetti@nist.gov o Mercury-free amalgam alterative

Glotzer, Sharon C. o Theoretical and computational materials science

sharon.glotzer@nist.gov o Disordered systems and pattern formation

o Dynamics and structure in soft materials

o Liquid crystals glasses

Groehn, Franziska+o Neutron and x-ray scattering

franziska.groehn@nist.gov o Electron microscopy

o Dendrimers

o Nanocomposites

o Nanocrystals

o organic-inorganic hybrids

Grhll, Holger+o Membrane mediated polymer interdiffusion

holger@nist.gov o Phase behavior and wetting on surfaces

Guttman, Charles M. o Solution properties of polymers

charles.guttman@nist.gov o Size exclusion chromatography

o Mass spectroscopy of polymers

o Diffusion and absorption of gases by polymers

Han, Charles C. o Phase behavior of polymer blends

charles.han@nist.gov o Phase separation kinetics of polymer blends

o Polymer characterization and diffusion

o Shear mixing/demixing and morphology control 

of polymer blends

o Static, time resolved, and quasi-elastic scattering

 of light and neutron

Hayashi, Masaki+o Neutron and x-ray reflectivity

o Phase separation of polymer blends
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

148

He, Jing+o Toughened epoxy

o Fracture analysis

Hirayama, Satoshi+o Calcium phosphate cement

satoshi.hirayama@nist.gov o Biocompatability

Hobbie, Erik K.+o Light scattering and optical microscopy

erik.hobbie@nist.gov o Dynamics of complex fluids

o Shear induced structures in polymer blends and

solutions

Holmes, Gale A. o Composite interface science

gale.homes@nist.gov o Chemical structure-mechanical property 

relationships for polymers

o Polymer chemistry

o Mass spectroscopy

Hotta, Yasuhiro+o Dental CAD/CAM

yasuhiro.hotta@nist.gov o Investment for titanium casting

o Fluorescence spectroscopy

Huang, Ching-I.+o Order-disorder and order-order transition of block 

copolymers

o Path integral and self consistent field calculation for 

microphase separation of block copolymers

o Small angle neutron scattering

Hunston, Donald L. o Adhesion science and technology

donald.hunston@nist.gov o Fracture behavior of polymers

o Processing and failure behaviors of polymer 

composites

o Flow behavior of dilute high polymer solutions

o Macromolecular-small molecule binding

o Hybrid reinforced composites

Hussain, Latiff*o Monomer polymer synthesis, characterization, 

latiff.hussain@nist.gov testing

o Dental composites, adhesives

Huynh, Hai+o Rubber recycling

o Mechanical properties of concrete

Jackson, Catheryn L. o Structure and morphology of polymers 

catheryn.jackson@nist.gov o Transmission and scanning electron microscopy

o Finite-size effects on crystalline melting and glass 
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

149

transition temperatures

o Liquid crystalline polymers

o Microcellular foams morphology

o Atomic force microscopy

Jeon, Hyun Sik+o shear light scattering and optical microscopy

hyunsik.jeon@nist.gov o structure and morphology of two-phase elastomer blends 

under shear

Jinnai, Hiroshi+o Small angle neutron scattering

o Interface characterization of phase separated polymer 

blends and microemulsions

o Laser confocal micrscopy for interfacial characterization

Karim, Alamgir o Polymer fillers and anocomposites

alamgir.karim@nist.gov o Patterning of thin polymer blend films on

 inhomogenous surfaces

o Neutron and x-ray reflection, scattering, 

AFM and optical microscopy

o Thin film phase behavior of polymer blends

o Combinatorial thin film polymer coatings

Kelly, J. Robert+o Calcium phosphate cements

robert.kelly@nist.gov o Clinical-laboratory test correlation

o Dental ceramics

o Failure analysis; dental prostheses

o Finite element analysis

o Weibull analysis

Khatri, Chetan A.+o Monomer/polymer synthesis and characterization

Khoury, Freddy A. o Crystallization, structure and morphology of polymers 

freddy.khoury@nist.gov (including polymer blends)

o Analytical electron microscopy of polymers

o Wide angle and small angle x-ray diffraction

o Structure and mechanical property relationships

Kielhorn, Lars+o Light scattering and optical microscopy under 

lars.kielhorn@nist.gov shear

o Computer simulations

o Morphology of immiscible polymer blends 

under shear

o Phase separation near patterned surfaces

Kim, Ginam+o Structure and morphology of polymers

ginam.kim@nist.gov o Transmission and scanning electron microscopy

o Cryo-electron microscopy
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

150

Kolb, Rainer+o X-ray reflectivity and scattering

rkolb@erenj.com o Neutron reflectivity

o Polymer crystallization

Komatsu, Koichi+o Fluorescence spectroscopy

o Dental composites

o Dentin adhesives

Kryder, Samuel J.+o Electronic circuit design and construction

o Electronic troubleshooting and repair

Kueh, Sylvia+o Liquid molding

o Optical fiber sensors 

Lenhart, Joseph L.+o Sensors

o Interphase structure

Li, Bizhong+o Polymer processing

o Polymer blends

o Polymer-clay processing

Liao, Kin+o Fatigue, damage, and NDE of composites

kin.liao@nist.gov o Environmental durability of composites

o Behavior of ceramic composites

Liao, Nam S.*o Synthesis and testing of dental adhesives

nam.liao@nist.gov o Internal stress of compositon due to 

polymerization

Lin, Eric K. o Statistical mechanics

eric.lin@nist.gov o X-ray and neutron reflectivity

Liu, D.-W. o Polymer synthesis

da-wei.liu@nist.gov o Polymer characterization - thermal gravimetric 

analysis,differential scanning calorimetry, 

gel permeation chromatography, infrared 

spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, 

scanning electron microscopy, atomic force 

microscopy

Lynn, Gary W.+o X-ray and neutron reflectivity

gary.lynn@nist.gov o Optical microscopy

Mager, Carie+o Toughening Bioceramics

carie.mager@nist.gov o Fracture mechanics

Markovic, Milenko*o Calcium phosphate chemistry
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

151

milenko.markovic@nist.gov o Biomineralization (normal and pathological)

o Crystal growth and dissolution kinetics

o Heterogeneous equilibria

Mathew, Mathai*o Crystallography

mathai.mathew@nist.gov o Calcium phosphate compounds

Maurey, John M.+o Ultracentrifugation

john.maurey@nist.gov o Rayleigh light scattering

o Osmometry

o Densimetry

o Refractometry

o Intrinsic viscosity

McDonough, Walter G. o Processing and cure monitoring polymer composites

walter.mcdonough@nist.gov o Failure and fracture of polymers

o Polymer composite interfaces

McKenna, Gregory B.+o Failure, yield and fracture of polymers

greg.mckenna@coe.ttu.edu o Nonlinear viscoelasticity

o Molecular rheology

o Physics of polymer glasses

o Rubber thermodynamics and mechanics

o Mechanics of composites

Meredith, J. Carson o Biodegradable polymer blends

james.meredith@nist.gov o Phase-separation and wetting properties of thin 

films

o Combinatorial methods for coatings

Migler, Kalman o Effects of shear and pressure on phase behavior

kalman.migler@nist.gov o Fluorescence and optical monitoring of 

polymer processing

o Liquid crystals

o Shear induced two phase structures

o Polymer slippage

Mischenko, Mykola I. 

+

o Neutron and x-ray scattering

mykola.mischenko@nist.gov o Dendrimers

o Polyelectrolytes

o Physical gels

Miyagi, Zenichi+o Adhesion

zenichi.miyagi@nist.gov o Polymer mechanics

o Experimental design

Mopsik, Frederick L.+o Dielectric measurements and behavior
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

152

frederick.mopsik@nist.gov o Automated measurement design

o Computerized data analysis and programming

o Electrical properties of polymers

Mueller, Herbert J. *o Dental Biomaterials

herb.mueller@nist.gov o Interfacial interactions via electrochemical and 

infrared spectroscopics

o Chevron notch fracture toughness

o Mechanical properties via nondestructive methods

Nakatani, Alan I. o Polymer blends and solution properties under 

alan.nakatani@nist.gov shear

o Small angle neutron scattering

o Phase behavior of polymer blends

o Filled polymers

o Rheo-optical behavior of polymers

Nisato, Giovanni+o Polymer gels

giovanni.nisato@nist.gov o Polyelectrolytes

o Dynamic light scattering

o Dendrimers

Obrzut, Jan o Electronic properties of polymers and composites

jan.obrzut@nist.gov o Photoelectron spectroscopy (X-ray and UV)

o Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy

o Electronic packaging

o Reliability, stress testing

o Microwave and optical waveguides

o Data acqusition

o Patent process (in electronic packaging)

Park, Joon-Yang+o Glass transition

jypark@nist.gov o Molecular rheology

Parnas, Richard S. o Flow through porous media with heterogeneous 

richard.parnas@nist.gov structure

o Surface rheology

o Polymer dynamics

o Evancescent wave optical fiber fluorescence 

monitoring

o Control of the liquid molding process

Parry, Edward E.*o Dental appliance and crown and bridges 

edward.parry@nist.gov fabrication

o Machine shop applications

Pfeiffer, Carmen+o Dental resins
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

153

carmen.pfeiffer@nist.gov o Monomer synthesis

Phelan, Jr., Frederick R. o Resin transfer molding: modeling and processing 

frederick.phelan@nist.gov studies

o Viscoelastic flow modeling

o Flow in porous media

o Lattice Boltzmann methods

Pochan, Darrin+o SEM & TEM of polymeric materials

pochan@udel.edu oWide-angle and small-angle x-ray scattering

o Block copolymer phase behavior

Qiao, Fang+o Polymer mixing and compounding

 Liquid crystalline polymer/thermal plastic polymer 

mixing

Raghavan, Dharmaraj T.+o Rubber recycling

dharmaraj.raghavan@nist.gov o Interface chemistry

o Mechanical properties of concrete

Roth, Steven C. o Piezoelectric polymer transducers-fabrication and 

steven.roth@nist.gov applications

o Vacuum deposition of metals

o Calibration of polymer transducers

o Microcomputer interfacing

o Fluorescence measurements

Schmidt, Gudrun+o Polymer blends

o Liquid crystalline polymers

o Polymer-clay interaction

o Light and neturon scattering

Schultheisz, Carl R. o Failure of composites

carl.schultheisz@nist.gov o Experimental mechanics

o Torsional dilatometry

o Physics of polymer glasses

o Polymer rheology

Schumacher, Gary E.*o Clinical dentistry

gary.schumacher@nist.gov o Composites

o Dentin adhesives

Sieck, Barbara A.*o Calcium phosphate compounds

barbara.sieck@nist.gov o Chemical analysis

o Remineralization

Simon, Carl G., Jr. o Biocompatibility
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

154

carl.simon@nist.gov o Cytotoxicity

o Signaling in human platelets

o Bone marrow cell lineage/trafficking

Skrtic, Drago*o Calcium phosphates as dental materials

drago.skrtic@nist.gov o Liposome studies

Skordos, Alexandros+o Dielectric sensors

o Composite processing

Snyder, Chad o Polymer crystallization

chad.snyder@nist.gov o WAXD and SAXS of polymeric materials

o Thermal expansion measurements

o Thermal analysis of polymers

Stansbury, Jeffrey W. o Synthetic chemistry

jeffrey.stansbury@nist.gov o Polymers and polymer composites

o Polymerization of expanding monomers

o Fluorinated polymers

o Polymerization kinetics

Starr, Francis o Dynamics of filled polymers

francis.starr@nist.gov o Slow dynamics in soft condensed matter

o Molecular dynamics simulations and parallel 

computing

Takagi, Shozo*o Crystallography

shozo.takagi@nist.gov o X-ray diffraction

o Calcium phosphate biomaterials

o Topical fluoridation

o De- and remineralization

Tanaka, Jiro+o Dental composites

jiro.tanaka@nist.gov o IR & NIR spectroscopies

o Mechanical properties

Tesk, John A. o Biomaterials: industrial relations

john.tesk@nist.gov o Bond strength characterization

o Casting of alloys

o Strength of dental systems

o Thermal expansion and properties of dental 

materials

o Finite element studies

o Porcelain-metal systems

o Weibull analysis

o Wear testing, orthopaedic materials

o Reference biomaterials
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

155

Tung, Ming S.*o Chemistry of calcium phosphate compounds 

ming.tung@nist.gov o Remineralization studies

o Standard reference materials

VanderHart, David L. o Measurement of orientation in polymer fibers and

david.vanderhart@nist.gov films

o Solid state NMR of polymers

o Measurement of polymer morphology at the 

2-50 nm scale

o Pulsed field gradient NMR

Van Zanten, John H.+o Complex fluids

o Polymer interfaces

o Scattering of light, neutrons & x-rays

o Biophysics

o Interfacial phenomena

o Scanning probe microscopy

Viers, Brent o Polymer gels

brent.viers@nist.gov o Rubber elasticity

o Inorganice organic hybrids

o Dendrimer networks

o Polymer stars

o Hydrogels

Vogel, Gerald L.*o Dental plaque chemistry, chemistry of calcium 

gerald.vogel@nist.gov phosphates

o Microanalytical techniques

Wallace, William E. o Surface and interface behavior

william.wallace@nist.gov o Ion beam and electron spectroscopies

o X-ray and neutron reflectivity

o MALDI mass spectrometry

Wang, Francis W. o Photophysics and photochemistry of polymers

francis.wang@nist.gov o Fluorescence spectroscopy

o Cure monitoring of polymerization

o Tissue engineering

White, Christopher o Viscoelastic properties of polymers

christopher.white@nist.gov o Shear wave propagation

o Atomic force microscopy

o Measuring complex modulus of polymers

Wu, Wen-li o Neutron and x-ray scattering and reflectivity

wen-li.wu@nist.gov o Electron microscopy
+Guest Scientist

*Research Associate

156

o Mechanical behavior of polymers and composites

o Polymer surfaces and interfaces

Xie, Baosheng+o Testing micro tensile and micro-sheer bond 

strength

Xie, Rui+ o Metal ion complexation in polymer blends

o phase behavior of polymer blends

Xu, Huakun*o Silver alloy alternative to amalgam

hockin.xu@nist.gov o Wear and fatigue

o Fiber and whisker reinforcement

Zhang, Yubao+o Dynamic light scattering

yubao.zhang@nist.gov o Polyelectrolytes

o Small angle neutron scattering

Zimba, Carl G.+o Infrared spectroscopy

carl.zimba@nist.gov o Raman spectroscopy

o X-ray microscopy

o Chemical imaging

o Fiber-optics

o Optical design

o Synchrotron radiation

o General spectroscopy
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