Improved Structural Bonding, Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Poly (Methy Methacrylate) (PMMA) Thin Film Induced by Chloroform Solvent Casting

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of chloroform solvent in
improving the structural bonding, surface morphology and mechanical strength of poly
(methy methacrylate) PMMA thin film via casting method. The functional group of this
material was determined using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and the
surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
mechanical properties were further characterized using the tensile testing machine and the
hardness tester. SEM images reveal that the PMMA film surface exhibits a large and
smooth homogeneous surface area, indicating the formation of a clear and highly
transparent optical film. FTIR spectra demonstrate a slight band shift and enhanced
intensity of C–O and C-H bands for the PMMA thin film as compared to the one in powder
form. The mechanical strength of the present PMMA thin film was found to be much
higher than that of the commercially available plastic and PMMA thin films, in which this
finding could convey a significant insight in order to boost the availability and functionality
of the current polymer applications.

Keywords: PMMA thin film, IR spectra, Young’s modulus, Mechanical stretching,
Hardness.