Mapping surface heterogeneity: the AFM-based approach

In this short review, the use of maps is presented charting the surface distribution of the forces of adhesion, indentation and friction, as obtained with the atomic force microscope for the study of surface homogeneity. Phase-separated polymer blends are chosen as examples to demonstrate the complementarity of the method with the more usual topographical imaging approach. Consequent to recent advances towards the determination of surface energy at the sub-micrometre scale, the mapping of this property is now a realistic possibility