In situ multi-modal monitoring of solvent vapor swelling in polymer thin films

Polymer processing techniques involving solvent vapor swelling are typically challenging to control and thus reproduce. Moreover, traditional descriptions of solvent swollen films lack microscopic detail. We describe the design and use of an apparatus that facilitates macroscopic and microscopic characterization of samples undergoing solvent vapor swelling in a controlled environment. The experimental design incorporates three critical characteristics: (1) a mass-flow controlled solvent vapor delivery system allows for precise control of the amount of solvent vapor delivered to the sample, (2) a sample prepared on a quartz crystal microbalance allows for real-time assessment of the extent of sample swelling, (3) a second sample prepared and assessed in parallel on a coverslip allows real-time fluorescence microscopy during swelling. We demonstrate that this apparatus allows for single-particle tracking, which in turn facilitates in situ monitoring of local environments within the solvent-swollen film.