An analysis of the effect of cross linking on polystyrene thin films

Polystyrene, a less expensive and transparent polymer with higher refractive index has high moldability.The mechanical properties and optical properties of the polystyrene thin films and its composites are being studied extensively as the applicability of these thin films in real life applications needs to be evaluated properly. Hasegawa et al. studied the stress-strain behaviour of ultrathin polystyrene thin films. The viscoelastic properties of the polystyrene thin films were studied by measuring the film thickness, and by using the thermal wrinkling phenomenon, by the research group of Christopher M. Stafford. There have also been studies on the impact of graphene sheets on the dynamical and structural properties of freestanding polymer films. Another study probed into the stabilization of the thin films of polystyrene by introducing a functional end group. Vignaud reported the densification and change in the glass transition temperature of thin films of polystyrene as a function of the film thickness. (author)