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田口 美岐*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之; Ozawa, Satoru*; 長谷川 龍一 *; 盛満 裕真*; 川口 大輔*; 山本 悟*; 田中 敬二*
Polymer Journal, 7 Pages, 2025/03
Polyrotaxane (PR) exhibits unique mechanical properties due to the ability of its cyclic molecules to move or slide along the axial chain. Thus, to design advanced polymer-based composite materials and organic devices, it is crucial to better understand the aggregation states at the surface and substrate interface in polymer films containing PR. Here, we report the depth profile of PR along the direction normal to the interface when it is mixed with polystyrene (PS). Neutron reflectivity and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that PS and PR segregated at the surface and substrate interface, respectively, and that the extent of segregation depended on the length of PS. The surface enrichment of PS is driven by both energy and entropy, whereas the enrichment of PR at the substrate interface is energy driven.
山本 勝宏*; 今井 達也*; 河合 純希*; 伊藤 恵利*; 宮崎 司*; 宮田 登*; 山田 悟史*; 瀬戸 秀紀*; 青木 裕之
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 16(48), p.66782 - 66791, 2024/11
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Nanoscience & Nanotechnology)In this study, a silicon-based copolymer, poly(tris(trimethylsiloxy)-3-methacryloxypropylsilane)-co-poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide), thin film was subjected to plasma surface treatment to make its surface hydrophilic (biocompatible). Neutron reflectivity (NR) measurement of the plasma-treated thin film showed a decrease in the film thickness (etching width: similar to 20 nm) and an increase in the scattering length density (SLD) near the surface (similar to 15 nm). The region with a considerably high SLD adsorbed water (D
O) from its saturated vapor, indicating its superior surface hydrophilicity. Nevertheless of the hydrophilicity, the swelling of the thin film was suppressed. Hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) performed at various takeoff angles revealed that the thin-film surface (similar to 20 nm depth) underwent extensive oxidation. NR and HAXPES analysis quantitatively yielded the depth profiling of elemental compositions in a few tens of nm scale. Si oxidation and hydrogen elimination (probably CH
groups) in the vicinity of the surface region increased the SLD and decreased the hydrophobicity. A combination of Soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and NR measurements revealed the surface chemical composition and mass density. It was considered that the surface near the film was chemically composed close to SiO, forming a gel-like (three-dimensional network) structure that is hydrophilic and suppresses swelling due to moisture, indicating it can be expected to maintain stable hydrophilicity on the film surface.
宮崎 司*; 宮田 登*; 有馬 寛*; 下北 啓輔*; 山本 勝宏*; 竹中 幹人*; 中西 洋平*; 柴田 基樹*; 青木 裕之; 山田 悟史*; et al.
Colloids and Surfaces A; Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 701, p.134928_1 - 134928_8, 2024/11
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Chemistry, Physical)Isotactic polypropylene (PP) thin films deposited on Si substrates were subjected to neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements under various humidity conditions to evaluate the isothermal adsorption of water accumulated between the PP layer and Si substrate, with focus on the temperature-dependence of the adsorption isotherm. The adsorption of accumulated water followed a single type II isotherm according to the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) classification, regardless of temperature. This can be attributed to the weak interactions between the PP layer and Si substrate, and between the PP layer and water molecules. Hydrophobic PP does not significantly interact with water molecules and the hydrophilic Si surface. Therefore, the interfacial water molecules are simply adsorbed on the native oxide layer on Si via simple interaction between the water molecules and the silicon oxide surface without being affected by the PP layer. Consequently, the adsorption isotherm of the accumulated water follows the single type II adsorption isotherm regardless of temperature, similar to the adsorption isotherm of water simply adsorbed on exposed silica surfaces. These weak interactions of the PP layer with the Si surface and water molecules also lead to fast diffusion kinetics for the accumulated water along the interface.
下北 啓輔*; 山本 勝宏*; 宮田 登*; 柴田 基樹*; 中西 洋平*; 荒川 勝利*; 竹中 幹人*; 木田 拓充*; 徳満 勝久*; 田中 亮*; et al.
Langmuir, 40(30), p.15758 - 15766, 2024/07
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)To investigate the structure of the interface between polyethylene films and substrates, the neutron reflectivity (NR) of deuterated polyethylene (dPE) thin films deposited on Si substrates was measured, demonstrating water accumulation at the interface, even under ambient conditions. After leaching the thermally annealed dPE films in hot p-xylene, NR measurements were conducted on the layers remaining on the substrate, clearly revealing that the adsorption layer of dPE grew during annealing and consisted of two layers, an inner adsorption layer and an outer adsorption layer, as previously proposed for amorphous polymers. The inner adsorption layer was approximately 3.7 nm thick with a density comparable to that of the bulk. The outer adsorption layer was several nanometers thick and appeared to grow insufficiently on top of the inner adsorption layer under the annealing conditions examined in this study. This study clarifying the growth of the adsorption layer of polyethylene at the interface with an inorganic substrate is useful for improving the performance of polymer/inorganic filler nanocomposites due to the wide utility of crystalline polyolefins as polymer matrix materials in nanocomposites.
Kawano, Masayuki*; 盛満 裕真*; Liu, Y.*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之; 川口 大輔*; 山本 悟*; 田中 敬二*
Macromolecules, 57(14), p.6625 - 6633, 2024/07
被引用回数：0 パーセンタイル：0.00(Polymer Science)A better understanding of the dynamic behavior of polymer chains on solid surfaces is indispensable for the design and construction of high-performance polymer composites. We herein visualized the in-plane movement of isolated poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (PtBMA) single chains on hydrophilic silicon wafers under ambient conditions by atomic force microscopy. Isolated PMMA chains adsorbed to the substrate, whereas PtBMA chains diffused, the degree of which was dependent on the humidity. Neutron reflectivity revealed the formation of a layer of condensed water on the substrate. All-atomistic molecular dynamics simulations implied that the diffusivity difference of the two polymers was based on the submerged depth in which a part of a chain existed. That is, the interaction of a polymer with the surface of the hydrophilic substrate primarily governs its lateral movement, or adsorption behavior, facilitated by the presence of water.
O/HO vapor generator for contrast-variation neutron scattering有馬 寛*; 高田 慎一; 笠井 聡*; 大内 啓一*; 森川 利明*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之; 岩瀬 裕希*; 廣井 孝介; et al.
Journal of Applied Crystallography, 56(6), p.1802 - 1812, 2023/12
被引用回数：4 パーセンタイル：73.01(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)The contrast-variation technique in neutron scattering experiments plays a pivotal role in distinguishing partial structures within multi-component complexes, facilitating the elucidation of distinct sample constituents. This differentiation is achieved using different isotopes, namely hydrogen and deuterium, which possess varying neutron scattering characteristics. This study presents a novel vapor generator designed for neutron scattering experiments, enabling continuous control of the DO/HO ratio of the vapor. This feature is especially useful for contrast-variation studies. The generator features two saturators and four mass flow controllers, allowing for the rapid and independent generation of DO/HO vapors. Additionally, the incorporation of the two-temperature method ensures accurate dew point control within a margin of 
0.2
Cdp. This setup proves useful for conducting time-resolved experiments and can accelerate research on functional polymers, such as polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells, where water potential assumes critical importance.
Liu, Y.*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 春藤 淳臣*; 川口 大輔*; 田中 敬二*; 青木 裕之
Langmuir, 39(29), p.10154 - 10162, 2023/06
被引用回数：8 パーセンタイル：72.11(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)Water absorbed by epoxy resins from a humid atmosphere considerably influences their structure and properties. Examining the effects of absorbed water on epoxy resins at their interfaces with solid substrates is crucial because of their adhesive applications in various fields. The spatial distribution of absorbed water in epoxy resin thin films under high humidity was investigated in this study by neutron reflectometry. Water molecules were found to accumulate at the SiO/epoxy resin interface after exposure at a relative humidity of 85% for 8 h. The formation of an ca.1 nm-thick condensed water layer was observed, and the thickness of this layer varied with curing conditions of epoxy systems. Furthermore, the water accumulation at the interface was noted to be affected by high-temperature and high-humidity environments. The formation of the condensed water layer is presumed to be related to the features of the polymer layer near the interface. The construction of the interface layer of epoxy resin would be affected by the interface constraint effect on the cross-linked polymer chain during the curing reaction. This study provides essential information for understanding the factors influencing the accumulation of water at the interface in epoxy resins. In the practical application, the process of improving the construction of epoxy resin near the interface would be a reasonable solution to resist the water accumulation in the interface.
下北 啓輔*; 山本 勝宏*; 宮田 登*; 中西 洋平*; 柴田 基樹*; 竹中 幹人*; 山田 悟史*; 瀬戸 秀樹*; 青木 裕之; 宮崎 司*
Soft Matter, 19(11), p.2082 - 2089, 2023/03
被引用回数：3 パーセンタイル：56.29(Chemistry, Physical)In the case of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin films on a Si substrate, thermal annealing induces the formation of a layer of PMMA chains tightly adsorbed near the substrate interface, and the strongly adsorbed PMMA remains on the substrate, even after washing with toluene (hereinafter called adsorbed sample). Neutron reflectometry revealed that the concerned structure consists of three layers: an inner layer (tightly bound on the substrate), a middle layer (bulk-like), and an outer layer (surface) in the adsorbed sample. When an adsorbed sample was exposed to toluene vapor, it became clear that, between the solid adsorption layer (which does not swell) and bulk-like swollen layer, there was a "buffer layer" that could sorb more toluene molecules than the bulk-like layer. This buffer layer was found not only in the adsorbed sample but also in the standard spin-cast PMMA thin films on the substrate. When the polymer chains were firmly adsorbed and immobilized on the Si substrate, the freedom of the possible structure right next to the tightly bound layer was reduced, which restricted the relaxation of the conformation of the polymer chain strongly. The "buffer layer" was manifested by the sorption of toluene with different scattering length density contrasts.
下北 啓輔*; 山本 勝宏*; 宮田 登*; 有馬 寛*; 中西 洋平*; 竹中 幹人*; 柴田 基樹*; 山田 悟史*; 瀬戸 秀樹*; 青木 裕之; et al.
Langmuir, 38(41), p.12457 - 12465, 2022/10
被引用回数：2 パーセンタイル：14.75(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)We measured the neutron reflectivity (NR) of isotactic polypropylene (PP) thin films deposited on Si substrates modified by hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) at the saturated vapor pressure of deuterated water at 25C and 60C/85% RH to investigate the effect of HMDS on the interfacial water accumulation in PP-based polymer/inorganic filler nanocomposites and metal/resin bonding materials. We found that the amount of water accumulated at the PP/Si interface decreased with increasing immersion time of the Si substrate in a solution of HMDS in hexane prior to PP film deposition. During the immersion of the Si substrate, the HMDS molecules were deposited on the Si substrate as a monolayer without aggregation. Furthermore, the coverage of the HMDS monolayer on the Si substrate increased with increasing immersion time. At 60C and 85% RH, only a slight amount of interfacial water was detected after HMDS treatment for 1200 min. As a result, the maximum concentration of interfacial water was reduced to 0.1 from 0.3, where the latter corresponds to the PP film deposited on the untreated substrate.
Yamaguchi, Ko*; 川口 大輔*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之; 山本 悟*; 田中 敬二*
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 24(36), p.21578 - 21582, 2022/09
被引用回数：12 パーセンタイル：80.92(Chemistry, Physical)A better understanding of the chemical reaction between epoxy and amine compounds at a solid interface is crucial for the design and fabrication of materials with appropriate adhesive strength. Here, we examined the curing reaction kinetics of epoxy phenol novolac and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone at the outermost interface using sum-frequency generation spectroscopy, and X-ray and neutron reflectivity in conjunction with a full atomistic molecular dynamics simulation. The reaction rate constant was much larger at the quartz interface than in the bulk. While the apparent activation energy at the quartz interface obtained from an Arrhenius plot was almost identical to the bulk value, the frequency factor at the quartz interface was greater than that in the bulk. These results could be explained in terms of the densification and orientation of reactants at the interface, facilitating the encounter of the reactants present.
和泉 篤士*; 首藤 靖幸*; 柴山 充弘*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之
Langmuir, 37(47), p.13867 - 13872, 2021/11
被引用回数：3 パーセンタイル：15.23(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)The structural formation mechanism of phenolic resin-silica interfaces was investigated in situ by neutron reflectometry during curing. There was a 4 nm thick novolac resin adsorption layer on the silica surface before curing. The curing reaction of the novolac resin with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) increased the coherent neutron scattering length density of the resin due to the cure shrinkage accompanied by the volatilization of ammonia, which is a byproduct of HMTA decomposition. As curing proceeded at 180C, the thickness of the bulk layer increased despite the cure shrinkage, and the thickness of the interfacial layer decreased from 4 to 1 nm. This is attributed to the diffusion of decomposed HMTA fragments generated in the bulk layer into the interfacial novolac adsorption layer during diffusion throughout the bulk layer, incorporating the upper part of the interfacial layer reacting with the fragment into the bulk layer. On the other hand, the fragments could not diffuse into the tightly bound immobile segments of novolac resin in direct contact with the silica surface, retaining the 1-2 nm thick interfacial layer in the cured resin. This structural formation mechanism caused interfacial cross-link inhomogeneity in the cured resin on the silica surface.
丸山 龍治; 山崎 大; 青木 裕之; 阿久津 和宏*; 花島 隆泰*; 宮田 登*; 曽山 和彦; Bigault, T.*; Saerbeck, T.*; Courtois, P.*
Journal of Applied Physics, 130(8), p.083904_1 - 083904_10, 2021/08
被引用回数：3 パーセンタイル：18.54(Physics, Applied)Ferromagnetic (FM) interlayer exchange coupling of ion-beam sputtered Fe/Ge multilayers was investigated by off-specular polarized neutron scattering measurements. We observed a monotonously growing correlation of magnetic moments in the out-of-plane direction with decreasing Ge thickness. The results of the Fe/Ge multilayers were used to invoke FM interlayer exchange coupling in a neutron polarizing supermirror in order to extend its bandwidth. Typically, the bandwidth is limited due to a Curie temperature close to room temperature of the thinnest Fe layers with less than 3 nm. We propose a modified layer sequence of the neutron polarizing supermirror, where the minimum Fe thickness was set to 3.5 nm whereas the Ge thickness was reduced. A performance test of the neutron polarizing supermirror showed that the FM interlayer exchange coupling contributed to the presence of the magnetization comparable to the bulk and resulted in a marked extension in the bandwidth.
宮崎 司*; 宮田 登*; 有馬 寛*; 吉良 弘*; 大内 啓一*; 笠井 聡*; 津村 佳弘*; 青木 裕之
Langmuir, 37(32), p.9873 - 9882, 2021/08
被引用回数：7 パーセンタイル：37.29(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)We investigated the structure of the crystalline adsorption layer of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in hot water by neutron reflectivity in two cases: when the adsorption layer is exposed on the substrate by leaching the upper bulk layer and when it is deeply embedded between a relatively thick PVA film and substrate. In both cases, the PVA adsorption layer consists of three layers on the Si substrate. The bottom layer, consisting of amorphous chains that are strongly constrained on the substrate, is not swollen even in hot water at 90C. The middle layer, consisting of amorphous chains that are much more mobile compared with those in the bottom layer, has no freedom to assume a crystalline form. Only the molecular chains in the top layer are crystallizable in the adsorption layer, leading to a heterogeneous layered structure in the film thickness direction. This layered structure is attributed to the crystallizable chains of PVA during the formation of the adsorption layer driven by hydrogen bonding. However, the structure and dynamics in the adsorption layer may differ in both cases because the molecular chains in the vicinity of the surface seem to be affected by surface effects even in the adsorption layer.
丸山 龍治; 山崎 大; 阿久津 和宏*; 花島 隆泰*; 宮田 登*; 青木 裕之; 曽山 和彦
JPS Conference Proceedings (Internet), 33, p.011092_1 - 011092_6, 2021/03
中性子偏極スーパーミラーは、熱及び冷中性子ビームを偏極するための光学素子であり、実機への応用には高偏極率であるとともに必要な外部磁場を小さく抑えること、即ち偏極スーパーミラーを構成する磁気多層膜が磁気的にソフトであることが重要である。本発表では、J-PARC MLFの共用ビームラインBL17等を用いて得られた偏極スーパーミラーの高偏極率化、及び磁気多層膜の軟磁性化を目指しこれを構成する多層膜特有の磁気特性の解明に関する成果について議論する。
宮崎 司*; 下北 啓輔*; 山本 勝宏*; 青木 裕之; 山田 悟史*; 宮田 登*
Langmuir, 36(49), p.15181 - 15188, 2020/12
被引用回数：8 パーセンタイル：33.26(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)We investigated the polymer chain dynamics in a 2-3 nm thick poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) adsorption layer on a Si substrate with a native oxide layer via neutron reflectometry combined with toluene vapor-induced swelling. We can investigate the polymer chain dynamics difference in the film thickness direction by the difference in the degree of swelling of the polymer layers detected by neutron reflectometry. The mobility of the polymer chains depends on the distance from the substrate. The results elucidated that the interfacial layer with a thickness of approximately 1 nm did not swell at all with toluene vapor, which is a solvent for PVAc. Meanwhile, the surface layer excessively swells with toluene vapor compared to the bulk. This indicates that the polymer chain within the interfacial region is immobilized by the substrate through hydrogen-bonding interaction, but in the surface region, the surface effect overcomes this interfacial interaction. We concluded that the polymer chains in the adsorption layer are either strongly constrained to the substrate, owing to hydrogen bonding, or more mobile than the bulk, owing to the surface effect.
阿久津 和宏*; 吉良 弘*; 宮田 登*; 花島 隆泰*; 宮崎 司*; 笠井 聡*; 山崎 大; 曽山 和彦; 青木 裕之
Polymers (Internet), 12(10), p.2180_1 - 2180_10, 2020/10
被引用回数：4 パーセンタイル：11.95(Polymer Science)A large background scattering originating from the sample matrix is a major obstacle for fine-structure analysis of a nanometric layer buried in a bulk material. As polarization analysis can decrease undesired scattering in a neutron reflectivity (NR) profile, we performed NR experiments with polarization analysis on a polypropylene (PP)/perhydropolysilazane-derived SiO (PDS)/Si substrate sample, having a deep-buried layer of SiO to elucidate the fine structure of the nano-PDS layer. This method offers unique possibilities for increasing the amplitude of the Kiessig fringes in the higher scattering vector (Qz) region of the NR profiles in the sample by decreasing the undesired background scattering. Fitting and Fourier transform analysis results of the NR data indicated that the synthesized PDS layer remained between the PP plate and Si substrate with a thickness of approximately 109 
;. Furthermore, the scattering length density of the PDS layer, obtained from the background subtracted data appeared to be more accurate than that obtained from the raw data. Although the density of the PDS layer was lower than that of natural SiO, the PDS thin layer had adequate mechanical strength to maintain a uniform PDS layer in the depth-direction under the deep-buried condition.
有馬 寛*; 宮田 登*; 吉田 鉄生*; 笠井 聡*; 大内 啓一*; Zhang, S.*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之
Review of Scientific Instruments, 91(10), p.104103_1 - 104103_7, 2020/10
被引用回数：12 パーセンタイル：57.31(Instruments & Instrumentation)We developed a novel humidity control system for neutron reflectivity measurements based on the two-way gas-flow method that can generate up to 85% relative humidity (RH) within a temperature range of 5-85C. The system consists of a gas-flow-type humidity generator and a thermostatic sample chamber, each of which can independently control the temperature. The key features include rapid humidity response and long stable operation time. The humidity reaches equilibrium within 2 to 5 min during the humidity change, and the system exhibited acceptable stability over a three-day, nonstop experimental measurement duration, with a precision of 1% RH at 85C and 85% RH. The sample chamber is capable of measuring substrate samples with dimensions of up to 2-in. in diameter and 5-mm in thickness. We demonstrate the reflectivity data measured at a pulsed neutron facility, MLF BL17, in the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. The combined use of this system with neutrons permits in situ, time-resolved studies of the swelling process of polyvinyl alcohol and adhesive materials.
和泉 篤士*; 首藤 靖幸*; 柴山 充弘*; 吉田 鉄生*; 宮田 登*; 宮崎 司*; 青木 裕之
Macromolecules, 53(10), p.4082 - 4089, 2020/05
被引用回数：8 パーセンタイル：28.66(Polymer Science)The interfacial structure of a hexamethylenetetramine-cured phenolic resin on a silica surface was investigated by the complementary use of X-ray and neutron reflectivity (XRR and NR, respectively). The contrast-variation technique was applied using DO for the NR analysis in which the coherent neutron scattering length density (SLD) largely changed owing to the DO absorption of the dry phenolic resin and the hydrogen-to-deuterium exchange of phenolic hydroxyl groups. The XRR profile indicated no clear interfacial structure in terms of the mass density, whereas the NR profile indicated the presence of an interfacial nanolayer on the native silica surface according to the SLD. The thickness of the interfacial layer was 1-2 nm, which was independent of the thickness of the bulk resin layer. The formation of the interfacial layer on the silica surface could be caused by preferential adsorption of the novolac resin on the silica surface via strong hydrogen bonding between phenolic units in the novolac resin and silica surface comprising silanol and silyl ether groups resulting in interfacial cross-link inhomogeneity of the phenolic resin on the silica surface in the thickness direction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an experimental elucidation of the buried interfacial structure between the phenolic resins on the silica surface at a nanometer level.
宮崎 司*; 宮田 登*; 吉田 鉄生*; 有馬 寛*; 津村 佳弘*; 鳥飼 直也*; 青木 裕之; 山本 勝宏*; 金谷 利治*; 川口 大輔*; et al.
Langmuir, 36(13), p.3415 - 3424, 2020/04
被引用回数：17 パーセンタイル：59.50(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)We investigated in detail the structures in the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) adsorption layers on a Si substrate, which remained on the substrate after immersing the relatively thick 30 - 50 nm films in hot water, by neutron reflectometry under humid conditions. For the PVA with a degree of saponification exceeding 98 mol %, the adsorption layer exhibits a three-layered structure in the thickness direction. The bottom layer is considered to be the so-called inner adsorption layer that is not fully swollen with water vapor. This may be because the polymer chains in the inner adsorption layer are strongly constrained onto the substrate, which inhibits water vapor penetration. The polymer chains in this layer have many contact points to the substrate via the hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups in the polymer chain and the silanol groups on the surface of the Si substrate and consequently exhibit extremely slow dynamics. Therefore, it is inferred that the bottom layer is fully amorphous. Furthermore, we consider the middle layer to be somewhat amorphous because parts of the molecular chains are pinned below the interface between the middle and bottom layers. The molecular chains in the top layer become more mobile and ordered, owing to the large distance from the strongly constrained bottom layer; therefore, they exhibit a much lower degree of swelling compared to the middle amorphous layer. Meanwhile, for the PVA with a much lower degree of saponification, the adsorption layer structure consists of the two-layers. The bottom layer forms the inner adsorption layer that moderately swells with water vapor because the polymer chains have few contact points to the substrate. The molecular chains in the middle layer, therefore, are somewhat crystallizable because of this weak constraint.
宮崎 司*; 宮田 登*; 浅田 光則*; 津村 佳弘*; 鳥飼 直也*; 青木 裕之; 山本 勝宏*; 金谷 利治*; 川口 大輔*; 田中 敬二*
Langmuir, 35(34), p.11099 - 11107, 2019/08
被引用回数：25 パーセンタイル：67.04(Chemistry, Multidisciplinary)We investigated the swelling behaviors of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films deposited on Si wafers with water vapor, which is a good solvent for PVA for elucidating structural and dynamical heterogeneities in the film thickness direction. Using deuterated water vapor, structural and dynamical differences in the thickness direction can be detected easily as different degrees of swelling in the thickness direction by neutron reflectivity. Consequently, the PVA film with a degree of saponification exceeding 98 mol % exhibits a three-layered structure in the thickness direction. It is considered that an adsorption layer consisting of molecular chains that are strongly adsorbed onto the solid substrate is formed at the interface with the substrate, which is not swollen with water vapor compared with the bulk-like layer above it. The adsorption layer is considered to exhibit significantly slower dynamics than the bulk. Furthermore, a surface layer that swells excessively compared with the underneath bulk-like layer is found. This excess swelling of the surface layer may be related to a higher mobility of the molecular chains or lower crystallinity at the surface region compared to the underneath bulk-like layer. Meanwhile, for the PVA film with a much lower degree of saponification, a thin layer with a slightly lower degree of swelling than the bulk-like layer above it can be detected at the interface between the film and substrate only under a high humidity condition. This layer is considered to be the adsorption layer composed of molecular chains loosely adsorbed onto the Si substrate.
