Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics, Vol.33, No.5, 785-790, 1995
Thin-Films of Nylon-13,13 Casted on Water - Morphology and Properties
Substrate-free thin film of Nylon 13,13 has been prepared continuously by casting the polymer on a water surface from m-cresol solution. The uniform thickness of film is ca. 500 A, as measured with a Profilometer. Film morphology and properties have been characterized by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, wide-angle x-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and by contact angle measurements. Results show that there is no preferential accumulation of the amide group toward the water surface. A spherulite structure exists in this film with a crystallinity of 26% by DSC. Fibers were drawn from the films which had a tensile modulus of 5 GPa, stiffer than reported for this nylon as prepared by other means. Other members of the nylon series, such as Nylon 6, Nylon 12, have also been prepared in films by the same casting method under modified conditions.