Atomic Force Microscopy of Polymer Coated Graphitic Carbon Surfaces

A modified AFM technique was used to measure interactions between graphitic carbon black particles and, hence, compare effectiveness of dispersants for stable dispersions. The carbon black dispersions were prepared in water using three polymeric dispersants Triton X100, Triton X405 and Lugalvan BNO12. The surfactants were selected based on a previous study with PE/F103 without aromatic ring. That surfactant had attractive interactions emphasizing need for aromatic ring in anchoring group. Attractive interactions between surfaces were observed in water and in absence of polymers. Lack of any attractive interactions in the presence of polymers proved that the selected dispersants are effective stabilizers.