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Nanoscale Subsurface Imaging of Nanocomposites via Resonant Difference-Frequency Atomic Force Ultrasonic MicroscopyA scanning probe microscope methodology, called resonant difference-frequency atomic force ultrasonic microscopy (RDF-AFUM), has been developed. The method employs an ultrasonic wave launched from the bottom of a sample while the cantilever of an atomic force microscope engages the sample top surface. The cantilever is driven at a frequency differing from the ultrasonic frequency by one of the contact resonance frequencies of the cantilever. The nonlinear mixing of the oscillating cantilever and the ultrasonic wave at the sample surface generates difference-frequency oscillations at the cantilever contact resonance. The resonance-enhanced difference-frequency signals are used to create amplitude and phase-generated images of nanoscale near-surface and subsurface features. RDF-AFUM phase images of LaRC-CP2 polyimide polymer containing embedded nanostructures are presented. A RDF-AFUM micrograph of a 12.7 micrometer thick film of LaRC-CP2 containing a monolayer of gold nanoparticles embedded 7 micrometers below the specimen surface reveals the occurrence of contiguous amorphous and crystalline phases within the bulk of the polymer and a preferential growth of the crystalline phase in the vicinity of the gold nanoparticles. A RDF-AFUM micrograph of LaRC-CP2 film containing randomly dispersed carbon nanotubes reveals the growth of an interphase region at certain nanotube-polymer interfaces.
Document ID
20070035911
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cantrell, Sean A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Cantrell, John H. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Lillehei, Peter T. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2007
Subject Category
Composite Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: SAMPE Fall Technical Conference 2007
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Start Date: October 19, 2007
End Date: November 1, 2007
Sponsors: Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 698259.02.07.07.02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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