Looking for a powerful technique to probe polymer surfaces? This review summarizes the use of sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy for studying polymer materials. SFG has proven to be a valuable tool for molecular level detection of surface structures of many common polymers. This article highlights significant achievements, including in situ detection of surface structures in air, surface segregation of small end groups, polymer surface restructuring in water, and step-wise changes in polymer blend surfaces. Also reviewed are studies of surface glass transition and surface structures modified by rubbing, plasma deposition, UV light, oxygen ion and radical irradiation, and wet etching. SFG provides insights into the relationship between polymer surface structures and surface properties. This provides support for the design of polymer materials with desired surface properties. SFG can assist in the design of polymer materials with desired surface properties.
This comprehensive review is highly relevant for the Annual Review of Physical Chemistry, as it summarizes the significant advances in using SFG vibrational spectroscopy to characterize polymer surfaces. The article provides valuable insights into the relationship between polymer surface structure and properties.