Adsorption structure and adhesion strength of aqueous copolymer lubricant films on Si surface

The adsorption structure of aqueous triblock copolymer polypropylene oxide‐polyethylene oxide‐polypropylene oxide, PPO‐PEO‐PPO, on the Si surface was studied using neutron reflectometer. It is found that PEO blocks formed the outer layer of the adsorbed PPO‐PEO‐PPO film, while PPO blocks formed the inner layer and served as the anchor blocks. The adhesion strength of adsorbed PPO‐PEO‐PPO copolymer film was evaluated using atomic force microscopy and scratch tests. The results revealed that the molecular structure of triblock copolymer had a considerable effect on the adhesion strength. The triblock copolymer with a longer PPO chain and a higher weight percentage of PPO exhibited stronger adhesion and better lubrication performance.