Nanoscale Adsorbed Polymer Chains: A Robust Model for Tailoring Properties of Polymer Thin Films and Polymer Nanocomposites

Polymer interfacial structures are present in a wide array of polymer-based products, including a variety of downstream products used in daily life and a number of advanced technological products either already in use or in development. Therefore, further understanding of the polymer interface is crucial for the development of new and advanced polymer products. In this chapter, we review our recent findings on the physical and structural parameters of the buried polymer interfaces in polymer thin films and polymer nanocomposites by combining a suite of advanced experimental techniques. Specifically, we highlight our experimental findings on the roles of nanometer-thick adsorbed layers, which are formed onto solid surfaces via physisorption during thermal annealing, in the structures and properties of polymer thin films as well as polymer nanocomposites. In addition, we discuss the comparisons with theoretical predictions on various interfacial effects and nanoconfinement effects. This fundamental knowledge will undoubtedly transfer into breakthroughs in science as well as designs and innovation for advanced polymer-based technologies and traditional applications.