| Abstract: | Surface molecular structures of two statistical copolymers, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate) (HEMA-co-BMA) and poly2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate-co-butyl methacrylate] (EOEOEMA-co-BMA), were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Besides the classical “dry” XPS technique, where the polymer samples were air-dried, also “deep-freezing” technique was used, where the samples were investigated in deep-frozen hydrated state. The differences in results obtained by the two techniques are discussed from the point of view of the polymer surface chain reorientation in response to various environment. The reverse polymer chain reorientation from the hydrated towards dry state was also followed. |
