Resolving lateral variations in the frequency dependence of adhesive properties at the surface of a model pressure sensitive adhesive

A commercial scanning probe microscope may be used to laterally resolve qualitative differences in the frequency dependence of material properties at the surface of a model pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In a heterogeneous PSA made from polyisoprene and a wood rosin derivative, both the polymer-rich matrix and tackifier-rich domains regions at the surface appear stiffer and show higher adhesive force when increasing the testing frequency from 0.01 to 1 Hz at room temperature. The limited frequency range of the instrument and piezo creep constrain the applicability of the approach. (C) 2002 Jolm Wiley Sons, Inc.