Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopic study of surface glass transition of poly(vinyl alcohol)

Abstract

Sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy was employed to study surface glass transition of poly(vinyl alcohol) by monitoring the relaxation of rubbing-induced alignment of surface chains with increase of temperature. The observed chain relaxation is two-dimensional, parallel to the surface. The surface transition temperature is 58 +/- 2 degreesC, essentially the same as the bulk one.