Surface order and stability of Langmuir-Blodgett films

D. K. Schwartz, J. Garnaes, R. Viswanathan, J. A.N. Zasadzinski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

219 Scopus citations

Abstract

Angstrom-resolution atomic force microscope images of Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers and multilayers of cadmium arachidate in air and under water show a dramatic change from a disordered arrangement to a crystalline lattice by the addition or removal of a single layer of molecules. The disordered surface is less stable than the ordered one to mechanical stresses such as atomic force microscopy tip forces or at the air-water contact line during contact angle measurements. The difference in the degree of order in the alkyl chains is attributed to the strong attractive interaction between headgroups in the presence of the divalent cation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)508-511
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume257
Issue number5069
DOIs
StatePublished - 1992
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Surface order and stability of Langmuir-Blodgett films'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this