Nickel incorporated in polymer matrix (see below for notes)

4.5 x 4.5 micron AFM Image z-range: 20nm		3D image
1.5 x 1.5 micron AFM Image z-range: 12nm		3D image
0.55 x 0.55 micron AFM Image z-range: 7nm		3D image

Imaging conditions:

• Nanonics MultiView 400 system with a Ultrasharp probe in air 
• 10 x 10 micron Flat Scanner, z-range: 2 micron 
• Intermittent Contact mode imaging

In the 4.5 x 4.5 micron image, it can be clearly seen, that the polymer surface is very flat, but it consists of two distinct phases. There are islands which are 5 – 8 nm higher than the lower parts.

The same features are visible in the 1.5 x 1.5 micron image. In addition a granular structure of both the islands and the lower surface is visible in this image. This granules can have a connection to the incorporated Nickel, but it is also possible, that this granules are connected to the way the polymer film was fabricated.

The 0.55 x 0.55 micron image shows again the granular structure of both the islands and the lower surface. The granules are 20 – 50 nm in diameter and 0.5 – 2 nm high.There seems to be no difference in granularity between the islands and the lower polymer surface.