Autophobicity and dewetting of thin polymer films

Simple experiments using optical microscopy in real time allow the determination of molecular parameters which govern the interfacial properties responsible for adhesion or wetting of materials. These results are derived from model systems consisting of a thin film of polymer melt deposited onto a substrate coated with a monolayer of the same polymer, end-grafted onto the substrate. In such a case, one may observe autophobic behavior (<< non-wetting >>) and slippage of the polymer on its own monolayer. The importance of intermolecular forces is clearly demonstrated by the consequences these capillary forces have on stability and dewetting of thin polymer films, even if these films are quasi solid.