Gravimetric and density profiling using the combination of surface acoustic waves and neutron reflectivity

Toolan, D. T.W., Barker, R., Gough, T., Topham, P. D., Howse, J. R. and Glidle, A. (2017) Gravimetric and density profiling using the combination of surface acoustic waves and neutron reflectivity. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 487, pp. 465-474. (doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2016.10.039) (PMID:27814558)

[img]
Preview
Text
130547.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

1MB

Abstract

A new approach is described herein, where neutron reflectivity measurements that probe changes in the density profile of thin films as they absorb material from the gas phase have been combined with a Love wave based gravimetric assay that measures the mass of absorbed material. This combination of techniques not only determines the spatial distribution of absorbed molecules, but also reveals the amount of void space within the thin film (a quantity that can be difficult to assess using neutron reflectivity measurements alone). The uptake of organic solvent vapours into spun cast films of polystyrene has been used as a model system with a view to this method having the potential for extension to the study of other systems. These could include, for example, humidity sensors, hydrogel swelling, biomolecule adsorption or transformations of electroactive and chemically reactive thin films. This is the first ever demonstration of combined neutron reflectivity and Love wave-based gravimetry and the experimental caveats, limitations and scope of the method are explored and discussed in detail.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Award EPSRC (R127202) acknowledge is to Sheffield. JH acknowledges the support of the EPSRC – United Kingdom grant EP/H049479/1EPSRC.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Glidle, Dr Andrew
Authors: Toolan, D. T.W., Barker, R., Gough, T., Topham, P. D., Howse, J. R., and Glidle, A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0021-9797
Published Online:22 October 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 487: 465-474
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record