Scanning probe microscopy estimation of the wear resistance of the surface of a modified PVC film

An atomic force microscopy technique is proposed to determine the wear resistance of a protective coating deposited by the sol–gel method on the surface of a polyvinylchloride film. The force of action of a probe on a sample is estimated under various scanning conditions. It is shown that the obtained data on the resistance of a coating to the action of a probe in the contact mode can be used to qualitatively estimate the adhesion of the coating to the surface of a polymer matrix.