Nanosphere embedding into polymer surfaces: A viscoelastic contact mechanics analysis

Teichroeb and Forrest [Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 016104 (2003)] image gold nanosphere embedment into a polystyrene surface and imply the existence of a liquid surface layer. We use a viscoelastic contact mechanics model of their results to give a contrary interpretation. The surface interactions between gold and polystyrene and the indentation depth determine the loads on the nanospheres. Using bulk properties, quantitative agreement between the model and the data is obtained, implying little or no depression in the glass temperature or existence of a liquid layer at the polystyrene surface.