This application note describes the many ways that AFM can contribute to polymer science and engineering. Examples include those from basic polymer science research as well as applied engineering examples on industrial polymer blends. Topics include characterization of morphology and structure, measuring force and deformation, mapping nanomechanical properties, measuring thermal properties, probing electrical and functional behaviour, and more.

Knowledge of nanoscale mechanical properties can be critical to understanding a polymer behaviour and performance. This application note introduces several different techniques by which AFM can map nanomechanical properties includes storage and loss moduli. Examples are presented for each technique, which include polymer blends, tire rubber blends, and multilayer food packaging film.