Probing Surface Modifications of a Chrome Oxide (CrOx) Substrate for Low-Surface Energy Applications Using Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy.

This study explores the use of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to improve release properties on chrome oxide surfaces by reducing surface energy. Four molecules (octadecanethiol (ODT), octylphosphonic acid (OPA), octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA), and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)) were investigated for self-assembly. SAM formation on the chrome oxide substrate was investigated at short (5 min) and long (1 h) time durations at a 5 mM molecular concentration.