ABSTRACT
X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been used to study the chemical evolution at metal (Cr or Ti)/polymer (polyimide or triazine) interfaces. The interfaces have been studied in-situ, by measuring the absorption of X-rays by the metal atom core levels. X-ray absorption near edge structure has been used to show that the oxidation state of the metal atoms in closest proximity to the polymer changes as a function of time, temperature, polymer, and polymer surface preparation. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure has been used to determine the structure of the thin metal overlayer by comparison with model systems. From previous XPS data, Ti is shown to form σ-bonds with the nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen in the polymer, and this distribution of compounds is shown to evolve to TiO2. Cr is found to form σ-bonds and π-complexes with aromatic species in the polymer. These initial species convert to oxides with a local structure indistinguishable from the bulk oxide.
