Nanoscale analyses of modified polypropylene microtubes internal surface: an approach covering topographical and force spectroscopic parameters

A nanoscale characterization of modified and unmodified polypropylene (PP) microtubes internal surface was performed to investigate their structural, chemical, and physical properties. Nanoroughness, stiffness, elasticity, attraction behavior, adhesion forces, and chemical environment were investigated to test some manufacturer statements regarding Axygen MAXYMum Recovery® products. They announced that this class of material presented special features, originated from a modification to the original PP resin and by using a diamond polished mould, providing lower retention and minor interference on laboratorial tests, such as low roughness and little interaction tendency. Then, in this study, modified and control internal surfaces of PP microtubes were compared by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Nanoroughness and force spectroscopy parameters assessed by atomic force microscopy showed out as a sensible and high‐resolution technique, crucial to discriminate differences between the surfaces. This type of investigation can be considered as a promising approach that can be applied to other polymeric systems, considering nanoscale properties, physical/chemical modifications, and as an alternative route for quality control checking concerning polymeric surfaces. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.