ABSTRACT
The interactions between polymer bearing substrates are of interest due to their diverse applications as steric stabilizers and adhesion modifiers. The forces between such layers depend on the relative strength of the interactions between the polymer, the solvent and the surfaces. When one or more of these factors can be controlled, then the surface forces can be tuned. In general, most previous studies of the interactions of polymer coated surfaces have been performed in aqueous systems, though non-aqueous systems, which, in general, provide more possibilities for control of polymer-solvent interactions, are also of great technological importance. Steric stabilization is particularly important in non-aqueous media since electrostatic stabilization is ineffective under low dielectric constant conditions. An example of such a nonaqueous, sterically stabilized system is found in the ceramics industry, where electrophoretic deposition of nanoparticles requires a non-aqueous solvent [1,2].
