ABSTRACT
To use the AFM as a quantitative tool to investigate interfacial adhesion, cantilever calibration procedures and contact mechanics modeling need to be applied consistently. Adhesion data taken with the AFM can vary significantly due to seemingly subtle changes in the environmental conditions, AFM tip material and/or geometry, and surface contamination and/or modification. To ensure that calculated values for work of adhesion are intrinsic to the interface tested, rigorous characterization techniques of the tip and surface materials should be performed.
