We present a combined x-ray and neutron reflectivity study characterizing the
interface between polystyrene (PS) and silanized surfaces. Motivated by the
large difference in slip velocity of PS on top of dodecyl-trichlorosilane (DTS)
and octadecyl-trichlorosilane (OTS) found in previous studies, these two
systems were chosen for the present investigation. The results reveal the
molecular conformation of PS on silanized silicon. Differences in the molecular
tilt of OTS and DTS are replicated by the adjacent phenyl rings of the PS. We
discuss our findings in terms of a potential link between the microscopic
interfacial structure and dynamic properties of polymeric liquids at
interfaces
