Combinatorial Methods

Novel combinatorial methods for polymer "library" design and characterization have been developed in the Polymers Division. These include gradient flow coating with elevated temperature control, automated interferometric mapping of film thickness and refractive index, composition gradient library preparation, UV and wet etch for gradient surface hydrophobicity modification of inorganic and polymer surfaces, infrared spectroscopic composition mapping, temperature gradient processing stage, automated optical reflection and transmission microscopy with polarization and process control programming, automated multi-solvent contact angle instrument, high throughput opto-adhesion methodology, and state of the art on-line data analysis tools for image and pattern processing.