Nanoencapsulated aerogels produced by monomer vapor deposition and polymerization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Thomas A. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

Polymer coated aerogel comprising aerogel substrate comprising a substantially uniform polymer coating. In an embodiment, the polymer coated aerogel is comprised of a porosity and has a compressive modulus greater than the compressive modulus of the aerogel substrate.

Linking Precursor Alterations to Nanoscale Structure and Optical Transparency in Polymer Assisted Fast-Rate Dip-Coating of Vanadium Oxide Thin Films

PubMed Central

Glynn, Colm; Creedon, Donal; Geaney, Hugh; Armstrong, Eileen; Collins, Timothy; Morris, Michael A.; Dwyer, Colm O’

2015-01-01

Solution processed metal oxide thin films are important for modern optoelectronic devices ranging from thin film transistors to photovoltaics and for functional optical coatings. Solution processed techniques such as dip-coating, allow thin films to be rapidly deposited over a large range of surfaces including curved, flexible or plastic substrates without extensive processing of comparative vapour or physical deposition methods. To increase the effectiveness and versatility of dip-coated thin films, alterations to commonly used precursors can be made that facilitate controlled thin film deposition. The effects of polymer assisted deposition and changes in solvent-alkoxide dilution on the morphology, structure, optoelectronic properties and crystallinity of vanadium pentoxide thin films was studied using a dip-coating method using a substrate withdrawal speed within the fast-rate draining regime. The formation of sub-100 nm thin films could be achieved rapidly from dilute alkoxide based precursor solutions with high optical transmission in the visible, linked to the phase and film structure. The effects of the polymer addition was shown to change the crystallized vanadium pentoxide thin films from a granular surface structure to a polycrystalline structure composed of a high density of smaller in-plane grains, resulting in a uniform surface morphology with lower thickness and roughness. PMID:26123117

Shear sensitive monomer-polymer laminate structure and method of using same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Jag J. (Inventor); Eftekhari, Abe (Inventor); Parmar, Devendra S. (Inventor)

1993-01-01

Monomer cholesteric liquid crystals have helical structures which result in a phenomenon known as selective reflection, wherein incident white light is reflected in such a way that its wavelength is governed by the instantaneous pitch of the helix structure. The pitch is dependent on temperature and external stress fields. It is possible to use such monomers in flow visualization and temperature measurement. However, the required thin layers of these monomers are quickly washed away by a flow, making their application time dependent for a given flow rate. The laminate structure according to the present invention comprises a liquid crystal polymer substrate attached to a test surface of an article. A light absorbing coating is applied to the substrate and is thin enough to permit bonding steric interaction between the liquid crystal polymer substrate and an overlying liquid crystal monomer thin film. Light is directed through and reflected by the liquid crystal monomer thin film and unreflected light is absorbed by the underlying coating. The wavelength of the reflected light is indicative of the shear stress experienced by the test surface. Novel aspects of the invention include its firm bonding of a liquid crystal monomer to a model and its use of a coating to reduce interference from light unreflected by the monomer helical structure.

Fabrication of porous hierarchical polymer/ceramic composites by electron irradiation of organic/inorganic polymers: route to a highly durable, large-area superhydrophobic coating.

PubMed

Lee, Eun Je; Kim, Jae Joon; Cho, Sung Oh

2010-03-02

Polymer/ceramic composite films with micro- and nanocombined hierarchical structures are fabricated by electron irradiation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres/silicone grease. Electron irradiation induces volume contraction of PMMA microspheres and simultaneously transforms silicone grease into a ceramic material of silicon oxycarbide with many nanobumps. As a result, highly porous structures that consist of micrometer-sized pores and microparticles decorated with nanobumps are created. The fabricated films with the porous hierarchical structure exhibit good superhydrophobicity with excellent self-cleaning and antiadhesion properties after surface treatment with fluorosilane. In addition, the porous hierarchical structures are covered with silicon oxycarbide, and thus the superhydrophobic coatings have high hardness and strong adhesion to the substrate. The presented technique provides a straightforward route to producing large-area, mechanically robust superhydrophobic films on various substrate materials.

Electrically conductive polymer concrete coatings

DOEpatents

Fontana, J.J.; Elling, D.; Reams, W.

1990-03-13

A sprayable electrically conductive polymer concrete coating for vertical d overhead applications is described. The coating is permeable yet has low electrical resistivity (<10 ohm-cm), good bond strength to concrete substrates, and good weatherability. A preferred formulation contains about 60 wt % calcined coke breeze, 40 wt % vinyl ester with 3.5 wt % modified bentonite clay. Such formulations apply evenly and provide enough rigidity for vertical or overhead structures so there is no drip or sag.

Electrically conductive polymer concrete coatings

DOEpatents

Fontana, Jack J.; Elling, David; Reams, Walter

1990-01-01

A sprayable electrically conductive polymer concrete coating for vertical d overhead applications is described. The coating is permeable yet has low electrical resistivity (<10 ohm-cm), good bond strength to concrete substrates, and good weatherability. A preferred formulation contains about 60 wt % calcined coke breeze, 40 wt % vinyl ester with 3.5 wt % modified bentonite clay. Such formulations apply evenly and provide enough rigidity for vertical or overhead structures so there is no drip or sag.

Laminated structures and methods and compositions for producing same

DOEpatents

Fumei, Giancarlo J.; Karabedian, James A.

1977-04-05

Methods for bonding two substrates, one of which is polymeric, which comprise coating the surface of at least one substrate with an adhesive composition comprising a major component which is an adhesive for the first substrate and a minor disperse phase which is a solution of a polymer in a solvent for the polymeric substrate and contacting the coated surface of the one substrate with the surface of the other substrate, together with adhesive compositions useful for joining such substrates, laminates so formed, and articles comprised of such laminates.

Polymer and small molecule based hybrid light source

DOEpatents

Choong, Vi-En; Choulis, Stelios; Krummacher, Benjamin Claus; Mathai, Mathew; So, Franky

2010-03-16

An organic electroluminescent device, includes: a substrate; a hole-injecting electrode (anode) coated over the substrate; a hole injection layer coated over the anode; a hole transporting layer coated over the hole injection layer; a polymer based light emitting layer, coated over the hole transporting layer; a small molecule based light emitting layer, thermally evaporated over the polymer based light emitting layer; and an electron-injecting electrode (cathode) deposited over the electroluminescent polymer layer.

Method for nanoencapsulation of aerogels and nanoencapsulated aerogels produced by such method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, Thomas A. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A method for increasing the compressive modulus of aerogels comprising: providing aerogel substrate comprising a bubble matrix in a chamber; providing monomer to the chamber, the monomer comprising vapor phase monomer which polymerizes substantially free of polymerization byproducts; depositing monomer from the vapor phase onto the surface of the aerogel substrate under deposition conditions effective to produce a vapor pressure sufficient to cause the vapor phase monomer to penetrate into the bubble matrix and deposit onto the surface of the aerogel substrate, producing a substantially uniform monomer film; and, polymerizing the substantially uniform monomer film under polymerization conditions effective to produce polymer coated aerogel comprising a substantially uniform polymer coating substantially free of polymerization byproducts.Polymer coated aerogel comprising aerogel substrate comprising a substantially uniform polymer coating, said polymer coated aerogel comprising porosity and having a compressive modulus greater than the compressive modulus of the aerogel substrate, as measured by a 100 lb. load cell at 1 mm/minute in the linear range of 20% to 40% compression.

Electrically conductive polymer concrete coatings

DOEpatents

Fontana, J.J.; Elling, D.; Reams, W.

1988-05-26

A sprayable electrically conductive polymer concrete coating for vertical and overhead applications is described. The coating is permeable yet has low electrical resistivity (<10 ohm-cm), good bond strength to concrete substrates, and good weatherability. A preferred formulation contains about 60 wt% calcined coke breeze, 40 wt% vinyl ester resin with 3.5 wt% modified bentonite clay. Such formulations apply evenly and provide enough rigidity for vertical or overhead structures so there is no drip or sag. 4 tabs.

Microstructure and Properties of Thermally Sprayed Functionally Graded Coatings for Polymeric Substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivosevic, M.; Knight, R.; Kalidindi, S. R.; Palmese, G. R.; Sutter, J. K.

2003-01-01

The use of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) in the gas flow path of advanced turbine engines offers significant benefits for aircraft engine performance but their useful lifetime is limited by their poor erosion resistance. High velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed polymer/cermet functionally graded (FGM) coatings are being investigated as a method to address this technology gap by providing erosion and oxidation protection to polymer matrix composites. The FGM coating structures are based on a polyimide matrix filled with varying volume fractions of WC-Co. The graded coating architecture was produced using a combination of internal and external feedstock injection, via two computer-controlled powder feeders and controlled substrate preheating. Porosity, coating thickness and volume fraction of the WC-Co filler retained in the coatings were determined using standard metallographic techniques and computer image analysis. The pull-off strength (often referred to as the adhesive strength) of the coatings was evaluated according to the ASTM D 4541 standard test method, which measured the greatest normal tensile force that the coating could withstand. Adhesive/cohesive strengths were determined for three different types of coating structures and compared based on the maximum indicated load and the surface area loaded. The nature and locus of the fractures were characterized according to the percent of adhesive and/or cohesive failure, and the tested interfaces and layers involved were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy.

Controlling surface-segregation of a polymer to display carboxy groups on an outermost surface using perfluoroacyl groups.

PubMed

Nishimori, Keisuke; Kitahata, Shigeru; Nishino, Takashi; Maruyama, Tatsuo

2018-05-10

Controlling the surface properties of solid polymers is important for practical applications. We here succeeded in controlling the surface segregation of polymers to display carboxy groups on an outermost surface, which allowed the covalent immobilization of functional molecules via the carboxy groups on a substrate surface. Random methacrylate-based copolymers containing carboxy groups, in which carboxy groups were protected with perfluoroacyl (Rf) groups, were dip-coated on acrylic substrate surfaces. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact-angle measurements revealed that the Rf groups were segregated to the outermost surface of the dip-coated substrates. The Rf groups were removed by hydrolysis of the Rf esters in the copolymers, resulting in the display of carboxy groups on the surface. The quantification of carboxy groups on a surface revealed that the carboxy groups were reactive to a water-soluble solute in aqueous solution. The surface segregation was affected by the molecular structure of the copolymer used for dip-coating.

Laser patterning of transparent polymers assisted by plasmon excitation.

PubMed

Elashnikov, R; Trelin, A; Otta, J; Fitl, P; Mares, D; Jerabek, V; Svorcik, V; Lyutakov, O

2018-06-13

Plasmon-assisted lithography of thin transparent polymer films, based on polymer mass-redistribution under plasmon excitation, is presented. The plasmon-supported structures were prepared by thermal annealing of thin Ag films sputtered on glass or glass/graphene substrates. Thin films of polymethylmethacrylate, polystyrene and polylactic acid were then spin-coated on the created plasmon-supported structures. Subsequent laser beam writing, at the wavelength corresponding to the position of plasmon absorption, leads to mass redistribution and patterning of the thin polymer films. The prepared structures were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy and confocal and AFM microscopy. The shape of the prepared structures was found to be strongly dependent on the substrate type. The mechanism leading to polymer patterning was examined and attributed to the plasmon-heating. The proposed method makes it possible to create different patterns in polymer films without the need for wet technological stages, powerful light sources or a change in the polymer optical properties.

Single Layer Broadband Anti-Reflective Coatings for Plastic Substrates Produced by Full Wafer and Roll-to-Roll Step-and-Flash Nano-Imprint Lithography

PubMed Central

Burghoorn, Marieke; Roosen-Melsen, Dorrit; de Riet, Joris; Sabik, Sami; Vroon, Zeger; Yakimets, Iryna; Buskens, Pascal

2013-01-01

Anti-reflective coatings (ARCs) are used to lower the reflection of light on the surface of a substrate. Here, we demonstrate that the two main drawbacks of moth eye-structured ARCs—i.e., the lack of suitable coating materials and a process for large area, high volume applications—can be largely eliminated, paving the way for cost-efficient and large-scale production of durable moth eye-structured ARCs on polymer substrates. We prepared moth eye coatings on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate using wafer-by-wafer step-and-flash nano-imprint lithography (NIL). The reduction in reflection in the visible field achieved with these coatings was 3.5% and 4.0%, respectively. The adhesion of the coating to both substrates was good. The moth eye coating on PMMA demonstrated good performance in three prototypical accelerated ageing tests. The pencil hardness of the moth eye coatings on both substrates was <4B, which is less than required for most applications and needs further optimization. Additionally, we developed a roll-to-roll UV NIL pilot scale process and produced moth eye coatings on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) at line speeds up to two meters per minute. The resulting coatings showed a good replication of the moth eye structures and, consequently, a lowering in reflection of the coated PET of 3.0%. PMID:28788301

Surface modification for interaction study with bacteria and preosteoblast cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Qing

Surface modification plays a pivotal role in bioengineering. Polymer coatings can provide biocompatibility and biofunctionalities to biomaterials through surface modification. In this dissertation, initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) was utilized to coat two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) substrates with differently charged polyelectrolytes in order to generate antimicrobial and osteocompatible biomaterials. ICVD is a modified CVD technique that enables surface modification in an all-dry condition without substrate damage and solvent contamination. The free-radical polymerization allows the vinyl polymers to conformally coat on various micro- and nano-structured substrates and maintains the delicate structure of the functional groups. The vapor deposition of polycations provided antimicrobial activity to planar and porous substrates through destroying the negatively charged bacterial membrane and brought about high contact-killing efficiency (99.99%) against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. Additionally, the polyampholytes synthesized by iCVD exhibited excellent antifouling performance against the adhesion of Gram-positive Listeria innocua and Gram-negative E. coli in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Their antifouling activities were attributed to the electrostatic interaction and hydration layers that served as physical and energetic barriers to prevent bacterial adhesion. The contact-killing and antifouling polymers synthesized by iCVD can be applied to surface modification of food processing equipment and medical devices with the aim of reducing foodborne diseases and medical infections. Moreover, the charged polyelectrolyte modified 2D polystyrene surfaces displayed good osteocompatibility and enhanced osteogenesis of preosteoblast cells than the un-modified polystyrene surface. In order to promote osteoinduction of hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds, bioinspired polymer-controlled mineralization was conducted on the polyelectrolyte modified HA scaffolds. The mineralized scaffolds stimulated osteogenesis of preosteoblast cells compared with the control HA scaffolds. Therefore, the surface modification through vapor deposition of polyelectrolytes and polymer-controlled mineralization can improve osteoinduction of bone materials. In summary, the iCVD-mediated surface modification is a simple and promising approach to biofunctionalizing various structured substrates and generating antimicrobial and biocompatible biomaterials.

Improvement of mechanical robustness of the superhydrophobic wood surface by coating PVA/SiO2 composite polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Feng; Wang, Shuliang; Zhang, Ming; Ma, Miaolian; Wang, Chengyu; Li, Jian

2013-09-01

Improvement of the robustness of superhydrophobic surfaces is crucial for the purpose of achieving commercial applications of these surfaces in such various areas as self-cleaning, water repellency and corrosion resistance. We have investigated a fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/silica (SiO2) composite polymer coating on wooden substrates with super repellency toward water, low sliding angles, low contact angle hysteresis, and relatively better mechanical robustness. The composite polymer slurry, consisting of well-mixing SiO2 particles and PVA, is prepared simply and subsequently coated over wooden substrates with good adhesion. In this study, the mechanical robustness of superhydrophobic wood surfaces was evaluated. The effect of petaloid structures of the composite polymer on robustness was investigated using an abrasion test and the results were compared with those of superhydrophobic wood surfaces fabricated by other processes. The produced wood surfaces exhibited promising superhydrophobic properties with a contact angle of 159̊ and a sliding angle of 4̊, and the relatively better mechanical robustness.

Bottom Extreme-Ultraviolet-Sensitive Coating for Evaluation of the Absorption Coefficient of Ultrathin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hijikata, Hayato; Kozawa, Takahiro; Tagawa, Seiichi; Takei, Satoshi

2009-06-01

A bottom extreme-ultraviolet-sensitive coating (BESC) for evaluation of the absorption coefficients of ultrathin films such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) resists was developed. This coating consists of a polymer, crosslinker, acid generator, and acid-responsive chromic dye and is formed by a conventional spin-coating method. By heating the film after spin-coating, a crosslinking reaction is induced and the coating becomes insoluble. A typical resist solution can be spin-coated on a substrate covered with the coating film. The evaluation of the linear absorption coefficients of polymer films was demonstrated by measuring the EUV absorption of BESC substrates on which various polymers were spin-coated.

Fabrication of robust hydrogel coatings on polydimethylsiloxane substrates using micropillar anchor structures with chemical surface modification.

PubMed

Zhang, Hongbin; Bian, Chao; Jackson, John K; Khademolhosseini, Farzad; Burt, Helen M; Chiao, Mu

2014-06-25

A durable hydrophilic and protein-resistant surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based devices is desirable in many biomedical applications such as implantable and microfluidic devices. This paper describes a stable antifouling hydrogel coating on PDMS surfaces. The coating method combines chemical modification and surface microstructure fabrication of PDMS substrates. Three-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylates containing C═C groups were used to modify PDMS surfaces with micropillar array structures fabricated by a replica molding method. The micropillar structures increase the surface area of PDMS surfaces, which facilitates secure bonding with a hydrogel coating compared to flat PMDS surfaces. The adhesion properties of the hydrogel coating on PDMS substrates were characterized using bending, stretching and water immersion tests. Long-term hydrophilic stability (maintaining a contact angle of 55° for a month) and a low protein adsorption property (35 ng/cm(2) of adsorbed BSA-FITC) of the hydrogel coated PDMS were demonstrated. This coating method is suitable for PDMS modification with most crosslinkable polymers containing C═C groups, which can be useful for improving the anti-biofouling performance of PDMS-based biomedical microdevices.

Effect of parylene C coating on the antibiocorrosive and mechanical properties of different magnesium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surmeneva, M. A.; Vladescu, A.; Cotrut, C. M.; Tyurin, A. I.; Pirozhkova, T. S.; Shuvarin, I. A.; Elkin, B.; Oehr, C.; Surmenev, R. A.

2018-01-01

In this paper, parylene C coating with the thickness of 2 μm was deposited on different magnesium alloy substrates (AZ31, WE43 and AZ91). The structure and phase composition of parylene C coating was analysed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, extensive surface characterization was done using atomic force microscopy. The corrosion performance of polymer-coated magnesium alloys was investigated by electrochemical measurements in Hanks' balanced salts solution that simulates bodily fluids at 37 ± 0.5 °C. The depth-dependent mechanical properties including Young's modulus and nanohardness of parylene C films were investigated using nanoindentation technique. The effect of the penetration depth on the properties on nano- and microscale level have been described in detail. The percentage of elastic recovery was used to characterize the elastic properties of the polymeric coatings. The results of XRD showed (020) preferred orientation of the monoclinic unit cell of the alpha phase of parylene C. The parylene C revealed a semicrystalline structure with nanocrystalline blocks of 4.9 nm. The parylene C film shows a uniform surface morphology with a higher roughness level at micro and nanoscales compared to magnesium alloy surfaces. All of the uncoated substrates exhibited a low corrosion resistance compared to the coated samples, indicating that the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloys could be improved by parylene C coating. The resulting average nanohardness and Young's modulus of the parylene C coatings deposited onto different substrates were in the range of 0.18-0.25 GPa and 4.19-5.14 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, a higher percentage of elastic recovery of the polymer coating indicated a higher elasticity as compared to the magnesium alloy surface. The polymer coating has revealed the ability to recover elastically. Therefore, parylene C coating can not only improve corrosion resistance, but also provide the ability to recover elastically, expanding the potential applications of this material to include various biointerface platforms.

Boron hydride polymer coated substrates

DOEpatents

Pearson, R.K.; Bystroff, R.I.; Miller, D.E.

1986-08-27

A method is disclosed for coating a substrate with a uniformly smooth layer of a boron hydride polymer. The method comprises providing a reaction chamber which contains the substrate and the boron hydride plasma. A boron hydride feed stock is introduced into the chamber simultaneously with the generation of a plasma discharge within the chamber. A boron hydride plasma of ions, electrons and free radicals which is generated by the plasma discharge interacts to form a uniformly smooth boron hydride polymer which is deposited on the substrate.

Boron hydride polymer coated substrates

DOEpatents

Pearson, Richard K.; Bystroff, Roman I.; Miller, Dale E.

1987-01-01

A method is disclosed for coating a substrate with a uniformly smooth layer of a boron hydride polymer. The method comprises providing a reaction chamber which contains the substrate and the boron hydride plasma. A boron hydride feed stock is introduced into the chamber simultaneously with the generation of a plasma discharge within the chamber. A boron hydride plasma of ions, electrons and free radicals which is generated by the plasma discharge interacts to form a uniformly smooth boron hydride polymer which is deposited on the substrate.

Catechol chemistry inspired approach to construct self-cross-linked polymer nanolayers as versatile biointerfaces.

PubMed

Liu, Xinyue; Deng, Jie; Ma, Lang; Cheng, Chong; Nie, Chuanxiong; He, Chao; Zhao, Changsheng

2014-12-16

In this study, we proposed a catechol chemistry inspired approach to construct surface self-cross-linked polymer nanolayers for the design of versatile biointerfaces. Several representative biofunctional polymers, P(SS-co-AA), P(SBMA-co-AA), P(EGMA-co-AA), P(VP-co-AA), and P(MTAC-co-AA), were first synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and then the catecholic molecules (dopamine, DA) were conjugated to the acrylic acid (AA) units by the facile carbodiimide chemistry. Then, the catechol (Cat) group conjugated biofunctional polymers, named PSS-Cat, PSBMA-Cat, PEGMA-Cat, PVP-Cat, and PMTAC-Cat, were applied for the construction of self-cross-linked nanolayers on polymeric substrates via the pH induced catechol cross-linking and immobilization. The XPS spectra, surface morphology, and wettability gave robust evidence that the catechol conjugated polymers were successfully coated, and the coated substrates possessed increased surface roughness and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the systematic in vitro investigation of protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), cell viability, and antibacterial ability confirmed that the coated nanolayers conferred the substrates with versatile biological performances. The PSS-Cat coated substrate had low blood component activation and excellent anticoagulant activity; while the PEGMA-Cat and PSBMA-Cat showed ideal resistance to protein fouling and inhibition of platelet activation. The PSS-Cat and PVP-Cat coated substrates exhibited promoted endothelial cell proliferation and viability. The PMTAC-Cat coated substrate showed an outstanding activity on bacterial inhibition. In conclusion, the catechol chemistry inspired approach allows the self-cross-linked nanolayers to be easily immobilized on polymeric substrates with the stable conformation and multiple biofunctionalities. It is expected that this low-cost and facile bioinspired coating system will present great potential in creating novel and versatile biointerfaces.

Solvothermal synthesis of nanoporous polymer chalk for painting superhydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Zhang, Yong-Lai; Wang, Jian-Nan; He, Yan; He, Yinyan; Xu, Bin-Bin; Wei, Shu; Xiao, Feng-Shou

2011-10-18

Reported here is a facile synthesis of nanoporous polymer chalk for painting superhydrophobic surfaces. Taking this nanoporous polymer as a media, superhydrophobicity is rapidly imparted onto three typical kinds of substrates, including paper, transparent polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and finger skin. Quantitative characterization showed that the adhesion between the water droplet and polymer-coated substrates decreased significantly compared to that on the original surface, further indicating the effective wetting mode transformation. The nanoporous polymer coating would open a new door for facile, rapid, safe, and larger scale fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces on general substrates. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Polymer-assisted deposition of films and preparation of carbon nanotube arrays using the films

DOEpatents

Luo, Hongmei; Li, Qingwen; Bauer, Eve; Burrell, Anthony Keiran; McCleskey, Thomas Mark; Jia, Quanxi

2013-07-16

Carbon nanotubes were prepared by coating a substrate with a coating solution including a suitable solvent, a soluble polymer, a metal precursor having a first metal selected from iron, nickel, cobalt, and molybdenum, and optionally a second metal selected from aluminum and magnesium, and also a binding agent that forms a complex with the first metal and a complex with the second metal. The coated substrate was exposed to a reducing atmosphere at elevated temperature, and then to a hydrocarbon in the reducing atmosphere. The result was decomposition of the polymer and formation of carbon nanotubes on the substrate. The carbon nanotubes were often in the form of an array on the substrate.

Fabrication process for polymer PLC platforms with V-grooves for passive alignment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Suntak; Lee, Jong-Moo; Ahn, Joon Tae; Baek, Yong-Soon

2005-12-01

A method for polymer planar lightwave circuit (PLC) devices fabricated on a substrate with V-grooves is developed for passive alignment of an optical fiber to a polymer waveguide. In order to minimize thickness nonuniformity of polymer layers caused by the V-grooves, dry film resist (DFR) is used. The V-grooves are covered with the DFR before the polymer layers are spin-coated on the substrate. The DFR prevents the polymer from being filled in the V-grooves as well as from being spin-coated nonuniformly on the substrate. This process provides a simple and cost-effective fabrication method of polymer PLCs or platforms for passive alignment.

Mechanical Characterization of Polydopamine-Assisted Silver Deposition on Polymer Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cordes, Amanda Laurence

Inspired by the adhesive proteins in marine mussels, polydopamine has become a popular adhesive ad-layer for surface functionalization of a variety of substrates. Based on the chemistry of the dopamine monomer, amine and thiol functional groups are hypothesized to increase adhesion between polymer substrates and polydopamine thin films. This hypothesis was the central motivation for development of a tailorable thiol-ene system in order to study the effects of substrate chemistry on polydopamine adhesion. While polydopamine-adhered silver has been studied on a variety of substrates, no in depth mechanical characterization has been performed and to date, no research has been published on thiol-enes coated in polydopamine-adhered silver. The purpose of this study was to characterize the mechanical durability and adhesion properties of a polydopamine-adhered silver film on commercial substrates and a tailorable thiol-ene system. Polydopamine and silver coatings were deposited on a variety of polymer substrates through a simple dip-coat process. The polydopamine forms a thin uniform adhesive layer and the silver deposits in a discontinuous manner with a nanoparticle sized base layer covering the full surface and micron-sized clusters adhered sporadically on top. Mechanical tensile testing was performed to characterize the durability of the silver coating on commercial polymers. Coated nylon and HDPE showed no signs of degradation or delamination of the polydopamine-adhered silver coating up to 30% strain although both substrates showed large plastic deformation. Peel tests were performed on both commercial polymers as well as a tailorable thiol-ene system. Results support the hypothesis that polydopamine adhesion is increased with the presence of functional groups. Parts of the HDPE sample were cleanly peeled, but silver patches were left sporadically across the surface pointing to weaker adhesion between polyethylene and polydopamine. A high adhesive strength tape was used on nylon and the thiol-ene polymers and removed some of the large clusters but was ineffective at removing the particle base layer. The silver base layer remained firmly attached on the surface after multiple rounds of peel testing. With the addition of functional groups in the polymer makeup, the adhesion strength of polydopamine-adhered silver coatings can be increased to create a mechanically durable and adhesively robust silver coating.

Passivation coating for flexible substrate mirrors

DOEpatents

Tracy, C. Edwin; Benson, David K.

1990-01-01

A protective diffusion barrier for metalized mirror structures is provided by a layer or coating of silicon nitride which is a very dense, transparent, dielectric material that is impervious to water, alkali, and other impurities and corrosive substances that typically attack the metal layers of mirrors and cause degradation of the mirrors' reflectivity. The silicon nitride layer can be deposited on the substrate before metal deposition thereon to stabilize the metal/substrate interface, and it can be deposited over the metal to encapsulate it and protect the metal from corrosion or other degradation. Mirrors coated with silicon nitride according to this invention can also be used as front surface mirrors. Also, the silver or other reflective metal layer on mirrors comprising thin, lightweight, flexible substrates of metal or polymer sheets coated with glassy layers can be protected with silicon nitride according to this invention.

Influence of substrate and film thickness on polymer LIPSS formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Jing; Nogales, Aurora; Ezquerra, Tiberio A.; Rebollar, Esther

2017-02-01

Here we focus on the influence of both, substrate and film thickness on polymer Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) formation in polymer films. For this aim a morphological description of ripples structures generated on spin-coated polystyrene (PS) films by a linearly polarized laser beam with a wavelength of 266 nm is presented. The influence of different parameters on the quality and characteristics of the formed laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) was investigated. We found that well-ordered LIPSS are formed either on PS films thinner than 200 nm or thicker than 400 nm supported on silicon substrates as well as on thicker free standing films. However less-ordered ripples are formed on silicon supported films with intermediate thicknesses in the range of 200-380 nm. The effect of the thermal and optical properties of the substrate on the quality of LIPSS was analyzed. Differences observed in the fluence and number of pulses needed for the onset of surface morphological modifications is explained considering two main effects which are: (1) The temperature increase on polymer surface induced by the action of cumulative laser irradiation and (2) The differences in thermal conductivity between the polymer and the substrate which strongly affect the heat dissipation generated by irradiation.

Corrosion resistant PEM fuel cell

DOEpatents

Fronk, Matthew Howard; Borup, Rodney Lynn; Hulett, Jay S.; Brady, Brian K.; Cunningham, Kevin M.

2011-06-07

A PEM fuel cell having electrical contact elements comprising a corrosion-susceptible substrate metal coated with an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant polymer containing a plurality of electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant filler particles. The substrate may have an oxidizable metal first layer (e.g., stainless steel) underlying the polymer coating.

Corrosion resistant PEM fuel cell

DOEpatents

Fronk, Matthew Howard; Borup, Rodney Lynn; Hulett, Jay S.; Brady, Brian K.; Cunningham, Kevin M.

2002-01-01

A PEM fuel cell having electrical contact elements comprising a corrosion-susceptible substrate metal coated with an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant polymer containing a plurality of electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant filler particles. The substrate may have an oxidizable metal first layer (e.g., stainless steel) underlying the polymer coating.

Application of hybrid organic/inorganic polymers as coatings on metallic substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augustinho, T. R.; Motz, G.; Ihlow, S.; Machado, R. A. F.

2016-09-01

Acrylic polymers, particularly poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), have certain specific properties, such as good film formation, transparency, and good mechanical properties, which have been widely used in paints, coatings and adhesives. However, the limited chemical and physical stability of these pure polymers limits their applications when exposed to hostile conditions, as in ship hulls, for example. A suitable way to enhance PMMA properties is the addition of silicon polymers with very good protective characteristics. In this study, a PMMA and HTT 1800 (commercial silazane) copolymer were applied on metallic substrate and compared to pure PMMA and HTT 1800. All the materials were applied as coatings. They were applied on stainless steel via dip-coating to investigate the coating properties. Thermal cycling was employed to analyze coating durability at high temperatures (50 °C to 600 °C). Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the coated surfaces, and the adhesion of pure PMMA, pure HTT 1800 and PMMA/HTT 1800 coatings on metallic substrate was investigated by Cross-Cut-Test (ASTM D 3359). The sessile drop method was used to determine the contact angle. PMMA coatings presented complete degradation from 250 °C, while hybrid coatings of PMMA and HTT 1800 have good protection until 400 °C. The adherence of the coating on metallic substrate showed improvement in all synthesized materials when compared to pure PMMA, obtaining the best adherence possible. The contact angle test showed that the hydrophobicity of the hybrid coatings is higher than that of the pure coatings.

Plasma Amino Acid Coatings for a Conformal Growth of Titania Nanoparticles

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

of dry nitrogen. Periodic porous polymer SU8 templates fabricated using multi-beam IL according to published procedures have been supplied by Thomas...3D periodic polymer structures via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We demonstrate the efficient utilization of this functional amino acid...nanoparticles were grown directly on histidine-functionalized planar and 3D polymer substrates by a wet-chemistry method that showed uniform surface

Polymer nanoimprinting using an anodized aluminum mold for structural coloration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Tatsuya; Nishinaga, Osamu; Natsui, Shungo; Suzuki, Ryosuke O.

2015-06-01

Polymer nanoimprinting of submicrometer-scale dimple arrays with structural coloration was demonstrated. Highly ordered aluminum dimple arrays measuring 530-670 nm in diameter were formed on an aluminum substrate via etidronic acid anodizing at 210-270 V and subsequent anodic oxide dissolution. The nanostructured aluminum surface led to bright structural coloration with a rainbow spectrum, and the reflected wavelength strongly depends on the angle of the specimen and the period of the dimple array. The reflection peak shifts gradually with the dimple diameter toward longer wavelength, reaching 800 nm in wavelength at 670 nm in diameter. The shape of the aluminum dimple arrays were successfully transferred to a mercapto-ester ultra-violet curable polymer via self-assembled monolayer coating and polymer replications using a nanoimprinting technique. The nanostructured polymer surfaces with positively and negatively shaped dimple arrays also exhibited structural coloration based on the periodic nanostructure, and reflected light mostly in the visible region, 400-800 nm. This nanostructuring with structural coloration can be easily realized by simple techniques such as anodizing, SAM coating, and nanoimprinting.

Modification of Ti6Al4V implant surfaces by biocompatible TiO2/PCL hybrid layers prepared via sol-gel dip coating: Structural characterization, mechanical and corrosion behavior.

PubMed

Catauro, Michelina; Bollino, Flavia; Giovanardi, Roberto; Veronesi, Paolo

2017-05-01

Surface modification of metallic implants is a promising strategy to improve tissue tolerance, osseointegration and corrosion resistance of them. In the present work, bioactive and biocompatible organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were prepared using a sol-gel dip coating route. They consist of an inorganic TiO 2 matrix in which different percentages of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, were incorporated. The coatings were used to modify the surface of Ti6Al4V substrates in order to improve their wear and corrosion resistance. The chemical structure of the coatings was analyzed by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Coating microstructure, mechanical properties and ability to inhibit the corrosion of the substrates were evaluated as a function of the PCL amount. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the polymer allows to obtain crack-free coatings, but when high percentages were added uncoated areas appear. Nano-indentation tests revealed that, as expected, surface hardness and elastic modulus decrease as the percentage of polymeric matrix increases, but scratch testing demonstrated that the coatings are effective in preventing scratching of the underlying metallic substrate, at least for PCL contents up to 20wt%. The electrochemical tests (polarization curves acquired in order to evaluate the corrosion resistance) allowed to asses that the coatings have a significant effect in term of corrosion potential (E corr ) but they do not significantly affect the passivation process that titanium undergoes in contact with the test solution used (modified Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline or DPBS). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal Protective Coating for High Temperature Polymer Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barron, Andrew R.

1999-01-01

The central theme of this research is the application of carboxylate-alumoxane nanoparticles as precursors to thermally protective coatings for high temperature polymer composites. In addition, we will investigate the application of carboxylate-alumoxane nanoparticle as a component to polymer composites. The objective of this research was the high temperature protection of polymer composites via novel chemistry. The significance of this research is the development of a low cost and highly flexible synthetic methodology, with a compatible processing technique, for the fabrication of high temperature polymer composites. We proposed to accomplish this broad goal through the use of a class of ceramic precursor material, alumoxanes. Alumoxanes are nano-particles with a boehmite-like structure and an organic periphery. The technical goals of this program are to prepare and evaluate water soluble carboxylate-alumoxane for the preparation of ceramic coatings on polymer substrates. Our proposed approach is attractive since proof of concept has been demonstrated under the NRA 96-LeRC-1 Technology for Advanced High Temperature Gas Turbine Engines, HITEMP Program. For example, carbon and Kevlar(tm) fibers and matting have been successfully coated with ceramic thermally protective layers.

Method for making nanoporous hydrophobic coatings

DOEpatents

Fan, Hongyou; Sun, Zaicheng

2013-04-23

A simple coating method is used to form nanoporous hydrophobic films that can be used as optical coatings. The method uses evaporation-induced self-assembly of materials. The coating method starts with a homogeneous solution comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a surfactant polymer in a selective solvent. The solution is coated onto a substrate. The surfactant polymer forms micelles with the hydrophobic polymer residing in the particle core when the coating is dried. The surfactant polymer can be dissolved and selectively removed from the separated phases by washing with a polar solvent to form the nanoporous hydrophobic film.

Antibacterial graphene oxide coatings on polymer substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yiming; Wen, Jing; Gao, Yang; Li, Tianyang; Wang, Huifang; Yan, Hong; Niu, Baolong; Guo, Ruijie

2018-04-01

Graphene oxide (GO) was thought to be a promising antibacterial material. In this work, graphene oxide coatings on polymer substrate were prepared and the antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was investigated. It was demonstrated that the coatings exhibited stronger antibacterial activity against E. coli with thin membrane than S. aureus with thick membrane. Take into consideration the fact that the coatings presented smooth, sharp edges-free morphology and bonded parallelly to substrate, which was in mark contrast with their precursor GO nanosheets, oxidative stress mechanism was considered the main factor of antibacterial activity. The coatings, which are easy to recycle and have no inhalation risk, provide an alternative for application in antibacterial medical instruments.

Dry-spray deposition of TiO2 for a flexible dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) using a nanoparticle deposition system (NPDS).

PubMed

Kim, Min-Saeng; Chun, Doo-Man; Choi, Jung-Oh; Lee, Jong-Cheon; Kim, Yang Hee; Kim, Kwang-Su; Lee, Caroline Sunyong; Ahn, Sung-Hoon

2012-04-01

TiO2 powders were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates for application to the photoelectrode of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In the conventional DSSC manufacturing process, a semiconductor oxide such as TiO2 powder requires a sintering process at higher temperature than the glass transition temperature (T(g)) of polymers, and thus utilization of flexible polymer substrates in DSSC research has been constrained. To overcome this restriction related to sintering, we used a nanoparticle deposition system (NPDS) that could produce a thin coating layer through a dry-spray method under atmospheric pressure at room temperature. The powder was sprayed through a slit-type nozzle having a 0.4 x 10 mm2 rectangular outlet. In order to determine the deposited TiO2 thickness, five kinds of TiO2 layered specimens were prepared, where the specimens have single and double layer structures. Deposited powders on the ITO coated PET substrates were observed using FE-SEM and a scan profiler The thicker TiO2 photoelectrode with a DSSC having a double layer structure showed higher energy efficiency than the single layer case. The highest fabricated flexible DSSC displayed a short circuit current density J(sc) = 1.99 mA cm(-2), open circuit voltage V(oc) = 0.71 V, and energy efficiency eta = 0.94%. These results demonstrate the possibility of utilizing the dry-spray method to fabricate a TiO2 layer on flexible polymer substrates at room temperature under atmospheric pressure.

Vacuum-deposited polymer/silver reflector material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Affinito, John D.; Martin, Peter M.; Gross, Mark E.; Bennett, Wendy D.

1994-09-01

Weatherable, low cost, front surface, solar reflectors on flexible substrates would be highly desirable for lamination to solar concentrator panels. The method to be described in this paper may permit such reflector material to be fabricated for less the 50$CNT per square foot. Vacuum deposited Polymer/Silver/Polymer reflectors and Fabry-Perot interference filters were fabricated in a vacuum web coating operation on polyester substrates. Reflectivities were measured in the wavelength range from .4 micrometers to .8 micrometers . It is hoped that a low cost substrate can be used with the substrate laminated to the concentrator and the weatherable acrylic polymer coating facing the sun. This technique should be capable of deposition line speeds approaching 1500 linear feet/minute2. Central to this technique is a new vacuum deposition process for the high rate deposition of polymer films. This polymer process involves the flash evaporation of an acrylic monomer onto a moving substrate. The monomer is subsequently cured by an electron beam or ultraviolet light. This high speed polymer film deposition process has been named the PML process- for Polymer Multi- Layer.

Inorganic-polymer-derived dielectric films

DOEpatents

Brinker, C. Jeffrey; Keefer, Keith D.; Lenahan, Patrick M.

1987-01-01

A method of coating a substrate with a thin film of a polymer of predetermined porosity comprises depositing the thin film on the substrate from a non-gelled solution comprising at least one hydrolyzable metal alkoxide of a polymeric network forming cation, water, an alcohol compatible with the hydrolysis and the polymerization of the metal alkoxide, and an acid or a base, prior to depositing the film, controlling the structure of the polymer for a given composition of the solution exclusive of the acid or base component and the water component, (a) by adjusting each of the water content, the pH, and the temperature to obtain the desired concentration of alkoxide, and then adjusting the time of standing of the solution prior to lowering the temperature of the solution, and (b) lowering the temperature of the solution after the time of standing to about 15 degrees C. or lower to trap the solution in a state in which, after the depositing step, a coating of the desired porosity will be obtained, and curing the deposited film at a temperature effective for curing whereby there is obtained a thin film of a polymer of a predetermined porosity and corresponding pore size on the substrate.

Optical enhancing durable anti-reflective coating

DOEpatents

Maghsoodi, Sina; Varadarajan, Aravamuthan; Movassat, Meisam

2016-07-05

Disclosed herein are polysilsesquioxane based anti-reflective coating (ARC) compositions, methods of preparation, and methods of deposition on a substrate. In embodiments, the polysilsesquioxane of this disclosure is prepared in a two-step process of acid catalyzed hydrolysis of organoalkoxysilane followed by addition of tetralkoxysilane that generates silicone polymers with >40 mol % silanol based on Si-NMR. These high silanol siloxane polymers are stable and have a long shelf-life in the polar organic solvents at room temperature. Also disclosed are low refractive index ARC made from these compositions with and without additives such as porogens, templates, Si--OH condensation catalyst and/or nanofillers. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for applying coatings to flat substrates including substrate pre-treatment processes, coating processes including flow coating and roll coating, and coating curing processes including skin-curing using hot-air knives. Also disclosed are coating compositions and formulations for highly tunable, durable, highly abrasion-resistant functionalized anti-reflective coatings.

Bactericidal effects of plasma-modified surface chemistry of silicon nanograss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostrikov, Kola; Macgregor-Ramiasa, Melanie; Cavallaro, Alex; (Ken Ostrikov, Kostya; Vasilev, Krasimir

2016-08-01

The surface chemistry and topography of biomaterials regulate the adhesion and growth of microorganisms in ways that are still poorly understood. Silicon nanograss structures prepared via inductively coupled plasma etching were coated with plasma deposited nanometer-thin polymeric films to produce substrates with controlled topography and defined surface chemistry. The influence of surface properties on Staphylococcus aureus proliferation is demonstrated and explained in terms of nanograss substrate wetting behaviour. With the combination of the nanograss topography; hydrophilic plasma polymer coatings enhanced antimicrobial activity while hydrophobic coatings reduced it. This study advances the understanding of the effects of surface wettability on the bactericidal properties of reactive nano-engineered surfaces.

Sol-Gel Processing of MgF₂ Antireflective Coatings.

PubMed

Löbmann, Peer

2018-05-02

There are different approaches for the preparation of porous antireflective λ/4 MgF₂ films from liquid precursors. Among these, the non-aqueous fluorolytic synthesis of precursor solutions offers many advantages in terms of processing simplicity and scalability. In this paper, the structural features and optical performance of the resulting films are highlighted, and their specific interactions with different inorganic substrates are discussed. Due to their excellent abrasion resistance, coatings have a high potential for applications on glass. Using solvothermal treatment of precursor solutions, also the processing of thermally sensitive polymer substrates becomes feasible.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) Coated Magnesium for Nerve Regeneration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebaa, Meriam Amel

In an attempt to develop conductive, biodegradable, mechanically strong, and biocompatible nerve conduits, pure magnesium (Mg) was used as the biodegradable substrate material to provide strength while the conductive polymer, poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was used as a conductive coating material to control Mg degradation and improve cytocompatibility of Mg substrates. A series of electrochemical deposition conditions were explored to produce a uniform, consistent PEDOT coating on Mg substrates. Five cycles of CV with the potential ranging from -0.5V to 2.0V were used to produce consistent coatings for further evaluation. Scanning electron micrographs showed the micro-porous structure of PEDOT coatings. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) showed the peaks of sulfur, oxygen, and carbon, indicating PEDOT coating. Adhesion strength of the coating was measured using ASTM-D 3359 standard tape test. The adhesion strength of PEDOT coating was within the classifications of 3B to 4B. Tafel tests of the PEDOT coated Mg showed a corrosion current (ICORR) of 6.14e-5A and critical voltage of -1.10V, as compared with ICORR of 9.08e-4A with a critical voltage of -1.35V for non-coated Mg. The calculated corrosion rate for the PEDOT coated Mg was 8.6 mm/year, much slower than 126.9mm/year for the non-coated Mg. H9 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) culture studies were conducted using magnesium (Mg) coated with a conductive polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to study viability for potential neural applications. Stem cells cultured indirectly with the Mg coated with PEDOT for 2 cycles were viable for a about half the amount of time when compared with the stem cells cultured with the 5 cycle PEDOT coated Mg.

Mechanics of fluid flow over compliant wrinkled polymeric surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raayai, Shabnam; McKinley, Gareth; Boyce, Mary

2014-03-01

Skin friction coefficients (based on frontal area) of sharks and dolphins are lower than birds, fish and swimming beetles. By either exploiting flow-induced changes in their flexible skin or microscale textures, dolphins and sharks can change the structure of the fluid flow around them and thus reduce viscous drag forces on their bodies. Inspired by this ability, investigators have tried using compliant walls and riblet-like textures as drag reduction methods in aircraft and marine industries and have been able to achieve reductions up to 19%. Here we investigate flow-structure interaction and wrinkling of soft polymer surfaces that can emulate shark riblets and dolphin's flexible skin. Wrinkling arises spontaneously as the result of mismatched deformation of a thin stiff coating bound to a thick soft elastic substrate. Wrinkles can be fabricated by controlling the ratio of the stiffness of the coating and substrate, the applied displacement and the thickness of the coating. In this work we will examine the evolution in the kinematic structures associated with steady viscous flow over the polymer wrinkled surfaces and in particular compare the skin friction with corresponding results for flow over non-textured and rigid surfaces.

Enhanced PEDOT adhesion on solid substrates with electrografted P(EDOT-NH2)

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Liangqi; Wei, Bin; Kuo, Chin-chen; Pathak, Sheevangi; Farrell, Brendan; Martin, David C.

2017-01-01

Conjugated polymers, such as poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), have emerged as promising materials for interfacing biomedical devices with tissue because of their relatively soft mechanical properties, versatile organic chemistry, and inherent ability to conduct both ions and electrons. However, their limited adhesion to substrates is a concern for in vivo applications. We report an electrografting method to create covalently bonded PEDOT on solid substrates. An amine-functionalized EDOT derivative (2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methanamine (EDOT-NH2), was synthesized and then electrografted onto conducting substrates including platinum, iridium, and indium tin oxide. The electrografting process was performed under slightly basic conditions with an overpotential of ~2 to 3 V. A nonconjugated, cross-linked, and well-adherent P(EDOT-NH2)–based polymer coating was obtained. We found that the P(EDOT-NH2) polymer coating did not block the charge transport through the interface. Subsequent PEDOT electrochemical deposition onto P(EDOT-NH2)–modified electrodes showed comparable electroactivity to pristine PEDOT coating. With P(EDOT-NH2) as an anchoring layer, PEDOT coating showed greatly enhanced adhesion. The modified coating could withstand extensive ultrasonication (1 hour) without significant cracking or delamination, whereas PEDOT typically delaminated after seconds of sonication. Therefore, this is an effective means to selectively modify microelectrodes with highly adherent and highly conductive polymer coatings as direct neural interfaces. PMID:28275726

Effects of UV Aging on the Cracking of Titanium Oxide Layer on Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Substrate: Preprint

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Chao; Gray, Matthew H.; Tirawat, Robert

Thin oxide and metal films deposited on polymer substrates is an emerging technology for advanced reflectors for concentrated solar power applications, due to their unique combination of light weight, flexibility and inexpensive manufacture. Thus far, there is little knowledge on the mechanical integrity or structural persistence of such multi-layer thin film systems under long-term environmental aging. In this paper, the cracking of a brittle titanium dioxide layer deposited onto elasto-plastic poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate is studied through a combination of experiment and modeling. In-situ fragmentation tests have been conducted to monitor the onset and evolution of cracks both on pristinemore » and on samples aged with ultraviolet (UV) light. An analytical model is presented to simulate the cracking behavior and to predict the effects of UV aging. Based on preliminary experimental observation, the effect of aging is divided into three aspects and analyzed independently: mechanical property degradation of the polymer substrate; degradation of the interlayer between substrate and oxide coating; and internal stress-induced cracks on the oxide coating.« less

Molecular Level Investigations of Interfacial Friction of Polymer Brush Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perry, Scott

2005-03-01

The development of synthetic polymer lubricants to mimic joint lubrication within the human body will be presented. Unlike most industrial applications involving oils and greases, lubrication of these joints is accomplished in an aqueous environment. Fundamentally, water is a poor lubricant in most settings due to the weak pressure dependence of its viscosity, yet the contacting surfaces of skeletal joints function with low friction throughout a lifetime. Motivated by the molecular structure of materials making up joint surfaces, interfacial friction between polymer brush surfaces under aqueous environments has been probed with an array of molecularly sensitive surface analytical techniques including atomic force microscopy. The brush surfaces, comprised of poly(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG), have been generated through the spontaneous adsorption of polymer from solution onto oxide substrates and sodium borosilicate surfaces (AFM tip). The character of the polymer films has been investigated in-situ with the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) and ex-situ with ellipsometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The interfacial friction measurements have been carried out on polymer-coated substrates with bare or polymer-coated, microsphere-attached tips in over a range of solution conditions. It was found that the adsorption of polymer on oxides strikingly reduced the interfacial friction, resulting in ultra-low friction under certain conditions. By using a series of PLL-g-PEG polymers differing from each other in PEG side-chain length and grafting ratio, we observed that frictional properties of polymer-coated interfaces strongly depend on the architecture of PLL-g-PEG. Polymer-film formation and the influence of polymer architecture will be reviewed while the role of solvent and manifestation of ultra-low friction will be discussed in detail.

Optimization of High Porosity Thermal Barrier Coatings Generated with a Porosity Former

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Medřický, Jan; Curry, Nicholas; Pala, Zdenek; Vilemova, Monika; Chraska, Tomas; Johansson, Jimmy; Markocsan, Nicolaie

2015-04-01

Yttria-stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings are extensively used in turbine industry; however, increasing performance requirements have begun to make conventional air plasma sprayed coatings insufficient for future needs. Since the thermal conductivity of bulk material cannot be lowered easily; the design of highly porous coatings may be the most efficient way to achieve coatings with low thermal conductivity. Thus the approach of fabrication of coatings with a high porosity level based on plasma spraying of ceramic particles of dysprosia-stabilized zirconia mixed with polymer particles, has been tested. Both polymer and ceramic particles melt in plasma and after impact onto a substrate they form a coating. When the coating is subjected to heat treatment, polymer burns out and a complex structure of pores and cracks is formed. In order to obtain desired porosity level and microstructural features in coatings; a design of experiments, based on changes in spray distance, powder feeding rate, and plasma-forming atmosphere, was performed. Acquired coatings were evaluated for thermal conductivity and thermo-cyclic fatigue, and their morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that porosity level can be controlled by appropriate changes in spraying parameters.

Germanium films by polymer-assisted deposition

DOEpatents

Jia, Quanxi; Burrell, Anthony K.; Bauer, Eve; Ronning, Filip; McCleskey, Thomas Mark; Zou, Guifu

2013-01-15

Highly ordered Ge films are prepared directly on single crystal Si substrates by applying an aqueous coating solution having Ge-bound polymer onto the substrate and then heating in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere. A coating solution was prepared by mixing water, a germanium compound, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and polyethyleneimine to form a first aqueous solution and then subjecting the first aqueous solution to ultrafiltration.

Enhanced Self-Organized Dewetting of Ultrathin Polymer Blend Film for Large-Area Fabrication of SERS Substrate.

PubMed

Zhang, Huanhuan; Xu, Lin; Xu, Yabo; Huang, Gang; Zhao, Xueyu; Lai, Yuqing; Shi, Tongfei

2016-12-06

We study the enhanced dewetting of ultrathin Polystyrene (PS)/Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films in a mixed solution, and reveal the dewetting can act as a simple and effective method to fabricate large-area surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. A bilayer structure consisting of under PMMA layer and upper PS layer forms due to vertical phase separation of immiscible PS/PMMA during the spin-coating process. The thicker layer of the bilayer structure dominates the dewetting structures of PS/PMMA blend films. The diameter and diameter distribution of droplets, and the average separation spacing between the droplets can be precisely controlled via the change of blend ratio and film thickness. The dewetting structure of 8 nm PS/PMMA (1:1 wt%) blend film is proved to successfully fabricate large-area (3.5 cm × 3.5 cm) universal SERS substrate via deposited a silver layer on the dewetting structure. The SERS substrate shows good SERS-signal reproducibility (RSD < 7.2%) and high enhancement factor (2.5 × 10 7 ). The enhanced dewetting of polymer blend films broadens the application of dewetting of polymer films, especially in the nanotechnology, and may open a new approach for the fabrication of large-area SERS substrate to promote the application of SERS substrate in the rapid sensitive detection of trace molecules.

Enhanced Self-Organized Dewetting of Ultrathin Polymer Blend Film for Large-Area Fabrication of SERS Substrate

PubMed Central

Zhang, Huanhuan; Xu, Lin; Xu, Yabo; Huang, Gang; Zhao, Xueyu; Lai, Yuqing; Shi, Tongfei

2016-01-01

We study the enhanced dewetting of ultrathin Polystyrene (PS)/Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films in a mixed solution, and reveal the dewetting can act as a simple and effective method to fabricate large-area surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. A bilayer structure consisting of under PMMA layer and upper PS layer forms due to vertical phase separation of immiscible PS/PMMA during the spin-coating process. The thicker layer of the bilayer structure dominates the dewetting structures of PS/PMMA blend films. The diameter and diameter distribution of droplets, and the average separation spacing between the droplets can be precisely controlled via the change of blend ratio and film thickness. The dewetting structure of 8 nm PS/PMMA (1:1 wt%) blend film is proved to successfully fabricate large-area (3.5 cm × 3.5 cm) universal SERS substrate via deposited a silver layer on the dewetting structure. The SERS substrate shows good SERS-signal reproducibility (RSD < 7.2%) and high enhancement factor (2.5 × 107). The enhanced dewetting of polymer blend films broadens the application of dewetting of polymer films, especially in the nanotechnology, and may open a new approach for the fabrication of large-area SERS substrate to promote the application of SERS substrate in the rapid sensitive detection of trace molecules. PMID:27922062

Gas Sensor Test Chip

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buehler, M.; Ryan, M.

1995-01-01

A new test chip is being developed to characterize conducting polymers used in gas sensors. The chip, a seven-layer cofired alumina substrate with gold electrodes, contains 11 comb and U- bend test structures. These structures are designed to measure the sheet resistance, conduction anisotropy, and peripheral conduction of spin-coated films that are not subsequently patterned.

High gain durable anti-reflective coating

DOEpatents

Maghsoodi, Sina; Brophy, Brenor L.; Colson, Thomas E.; Gonsalves, Peter R.; Abrams, Ze'ev R.

2016-07-26

Disclosed herein are polysilsesquioxane-based anti-reflective coating (ARC) compositions, methods of preparation, and methods of deposition on a substrate. In one embodiment, the polysilsesquioxane of this disclosure is prepared in a two-step process of acid catalyzed hydrolysis of organoalkoxysilane followed by addition of tetralkoxysilane that generates silicone polymers with >40 mol % silanol based on Si-NMR. These high silanol siloxane polymers are stable and have a long shelf-life in polar organic solvents at room temperature. Also disclosed are low refractive index ARC made from these compositions with and without additives such as porogens, templates, thermal radical initiator, photo radical initiators, crosslinkers, Si--OH condensation catalyst and nano-fillers. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for applying coatings to flat substrates including substrate pre-treatment processes, coating processes and coating curing processes including skin-curing using hot-air knives. Also disclosed are coating compositions and formulations for highly tunable, durable, highly abrasion-resistant functionalized anti-reflective coatings.

Scalable and durable polymeric icephobic and hydrate-phobic coatings.

PubMed

Sojoudi, Hossein; Arabnejad, Hadi; Raiyan, Asif; Shirazi, Siamack A; McKinley, Gareth H; Gleason, Karen K

2018-05-09

Ice formation and accumulation on surfaces can result in severe problems for solar photovoltaic installations, offshore oil platforms, wind turbines and aircrafts. In addition, blockage of pipelines by formation and accumulation of clathrate hydrates of natural gases has safety and economical concerns in oil and gas operations, particularly at high pressures and low temperatures such as those found in subsea or arctic environments. Practical adoption of icephobic/hydrate-phobic surfaces requires mechanical robustness and stability under harsh environments. Here, we develop durable and mechanically robust bilayer poly-divinylbenzene (pDVB)/poly-perfluorodecylacrylate (pPFDA) coatings using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) to reduce the adhesion strength of ice/hydrates to underlying substrates (silicon and steel). Utilizing a highly-cross-linked polymer (pDVB) underneath a very thin veneer of fluorine-rich polymer (pPFDA) we have designed inherently rough bilayer polymer films that can be deposited on rough steel substrates resulting in surfaces which exhibit a receding water contact angle (WCA) higher than 150° and WCA hysteresis as low as 4°. Optical profilometer measurements were performed on the films and root mean square (RMS) roughness values of Rq = 178.0 ± 17.5 nm and Rq = 312.7 ± 23.5 nm were obtained on silicon and steel substrates, respectively. When steel surfaces are coated with these smooth hard iCVD bilayer polymer films, the strength of ice adhesion is reduced from 1010 ± 95 kPa to 180 ± 85 kPa. The adhesion strength of the cyclopentane (CyC5) hydrate is also reduced from 220 ± 45 kPa on rough steel substrates to 34 ± 12 kPa on the polymer-coated steel substrates. The durability of these bilayer polymer coated icephobic and hydrate-phobic substrates is confirmed by sand erosion tests and examination of multiple ice/hydrate adhesion/de-adhesion cycles.

Piezoelectric biosensor with a ladder polymer substrate coating

DOEpatents

Renschler, Clifford L.; White, Christine A.; Carter, Robert M.

1998-01-01

A piezoelectric biosensor substrate useful for immobilizing biomolecules in an oriented manner on the surface of a piezoelectric sensor has a ladder polymer of polyacrylonitrile. To make the substrate, a solution of an organic polymer, preferably polyacrylonitrile, is applied to the surface of a piezoelectric sensor. The organic polymer is modifying by heating the polymer in a controlled fashion in air such that a ladder polymer is produced which, in turn, forms the attachment point for the biomolecules comprising the piezoelectric biosensor.

Piezoelectric biosensor with a ladder polymer substrate coating

DOEpatents

Renschler, C.L.; White, C.A.; Carter, R.M.

1998-09-29

A piezoelectric biosensor substrate useful for immobilizing biomolecules in an oriented manner on the surface of a piezoelectric sensor has a ladder polymer of polyacrylonitrile. To make the substrate, a solution of an organic polymer, preferably polyacrylonitrile, is applied to the surface of a piezoelectric sensor. The organic polymer is modifying by heating the polymer in a controlled fashion in air such that a ladder polymer is produced which, in turn, forms the attachment point for the biomolecules comprising the piezoelectric biosensor. 3 figs.

Undercutting of defects in thin film protective coatings on polymer surfaces exposed to atomic oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rutledge, Sharon K.; Mihelcic, Judith A.

1989-01-01

Protection for polymeric surfaces is needed to make them durable in the low Earth orbital environment, where oxidation by atomic oxygen is the predominant failure mechanism. Thin film coatings of oxides such as silicon dioxide are viable candidates to provide this protection, but concern has been voiced over the ability of these coatings to protect when defects are present in the coating due to surface anomalies occurring during the deposition process, handling, or micrometeoroid and debris bombardment in low Earth orbit. When a defected coating protecting a polymer substrate is exposed to atomic oxygen, the defect provides a pathway to the underlying polymer allowing oxidation and subsequent undercutting to occur. Defect undercutting was studied for sputter deposited coatings of silicon dioxide on polyimide Kapton. Preliminary results indicate that undercutting may be limited as long as the coating remains intact with the substrate. Therefore, coatings may not need to be defect free to give protection to the underlying surface.

An Electronic-Nose Sensor Node Based on a Polymer-Coated Surface Acoustic Wave Array for Wireless Sensor Network Applications

PubMed Central

Tang, Kea-Tiong; Li, Cheng-Han; Chiu, Shih-Wen

2011-01-01

This study developed an electronic-nose sensor node based on a polymer-coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor array. The sensor node comprised an SAW sensor array, a frequency readout circuit, and an Octopus II wireless module. The sensor array was fabricated on a large K2 128° YX LiNbO3 sensing substrate. On the surface of this substrate, an interdigital transducer (IDT) was produced with a Cr/Au film as its metallic structure. A mixed-mode frequency readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) was fabricated using a TSMC 0.18 μm process. The ASIC output was connected to a wireless module to transmit sensor data to a base station for data storage and analysis. This sensor node is applicable for wireless sensor network (WSN) applications. PMID:22163865

An electronic-nose sensor node based on a polymer-coated surface acoustic wave array for wireless sensor network applications.

PubMed

Tang, Kea-Tiong; Li, Cheng-Han; Chiu, Shih-Wen

2011-01-01

This study developed an electronic-nose sensor node based on a polymer-coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor array. The sensor node comprised an SAW sensor array, a frequency readout circuit, and an Octopus II wireless module. The sensor array was fabricated on a large K(2) 128° YX LiNbO3 sensing substrate. On the surface of this substrate, an interdigital transducer (IDT) was produced with a Cr/Au film as its metallic structure. A mixed-mode frequency readout application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) was fabricated using a TSMC 0.18 μm process. The ASIC output was connected to a wireless module to transmit sensor data to a base station for data storage and analysis. This sensor node is applicable for wireless sensor network (WSN) applications.

Optimal Substrate Preheating Model for Thermal Spray Deposition of Thermosets onto Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivosevic, M.; Knight, R.; Kalidindi, S. R.; Palmese, G. R.; Tsurikov, A.; Sutter, J. K.

2003-01-01

High velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed, functionally graded polyimide/WC-Co composite coatings on polymer matrix composites (PMC's) are being investigated for applications in turbine engine technologies. This requires that the polyimide, used as the matrix material, be fully crosslinked during deposition in order to maximize its engineering properties. The rapid heating and cooling nature of the HVOF spray process and the high heat flux through the coating into the substrate typically do not allow sufficient time at temperature for curing of the thermoset. It was hypothesized that external substrate preheating might enhance the deposition behavior and curing reaction during the thermal spraying of polyimide thermosets. A simple analytical process model for the deposition of thermosetting polyimide onto polymer matrix composites by HVOF thermal spray technology has been developed. The model incorporates various heat transfer mechanisms and enables surface temperature profiles of the coating to be simulated, primarily as a function of substrate preheating temperature. Four cases were modeled: (i) no substrate preheating; (ii) substrates electrically preheated from the rear; (iii) substrates preheated by hot air from the front face; and (iv) substrates electrically preheated from the rear and by hot air from the front.

Sol-Gel Processing of MgF2 Antireflective Coatings

PubMed Central

Löbmann, Peer

2018-01-01

There are different approaches for the preparation of porous antireflective λ/4 MgF2 films from liquid precursors. Among these, the non-aqueous fluorolytic synthesis of precursor solutions offers many advantages in terms of processing simplicity and scalability. In this paper, the structural features and optical performance of the resulting films are highlighted, and their specific interactions with different inorganic substrates are discussed. Due to their excellent abrasion resistance, coatings have a high potential for applications on glass. Using solvothermal treatment of precursor solutions, also the processing of thermally sensitive polymer substrates becomes feasible. PMID:29724064

Controlled placement and orientation of nanostructures

DOEpatents

Zettl, Alex K; Yuzvinsky, Thomas D; Fennimore, Adam M

2014-04-08

A method for controlled deposition and orientation of molecular sized nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) on substrates is disclosed. The method comprised: forming a thin layer of polymer coating on a substrate; exposing a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer to alter a selected portion of the thin layer of polymer; forming a suspension of nanostructures in a solvent, wherein the solvent suspends the nanostructures and activates the nanostructures in the solvent for deposition; and flowing a suspension of nanostructures across the layer of polymer in a flow direction; thereby: depositing a nanostructure in the suspension of nanostructures only to the selected portion of the thin layer of polymer coating on the substrate to form a deposited nanostructure oriented in the flow direction. By selectively employing portions of the method above, complex NEMS may be built of simpler NEMSs components.

Surface characteristic of chemically converted graphene coated low carbon steel by electro spray coating method for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell bipolar plate.

PubMed

Kim, Jungsoo; Kim, Yang Do; Nam, Dae Geun

2013-05-01

Graphene was coated on low carbon steel (SS400) by electro spray coating method to improve its properties of corrosion resistance and contact resistance. Exfoliated graphite was made of the graphite by chemical treatment (Chemically Converted Graphene, CCG). CCG is distributed using dispersing agent, and low carbon steel was coated with diffuse graphene solution by electro spray coating method. The structure of the CCG was analyzed using XRD and the coating layer of surface was analyzed using SEM. Analysis showed that multi-layered graphite structure was destroyed and it was transformed in to fine layers graphene structure. And the result of SEM analysis on the surface and the cross section, graphene layer was uniformly formed with 3-5 microm thickness on the surface of substrate. Corrosion resistance test was applied in the corrosive solution which is similar to the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack inside. And interfacial contact resistance (ICR) test was measured to simulate the internal operating conditions of PEMFC stack. As a result of measuring corrosion resistance and contact resistance, it could be confirmed that low carbon steel coated with CCG was revealed to be more effective in terms of its applicability as PEMFC bipolar plate.

Acoustic method of investigating the material properties and humidity sensing behavior of polymer coated piezoelectric substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caliendo, Cinzia

2006-09-01

The relative humidity (RH) sensing behavior of a polymeric film was investigated by means of polymer coated surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay lines implemented on single crystal piezoelectric substrates, such as quartz and LiNbO3, and on thin piezoelectric polycrystalline films, such as ZnO and AlN, on Si and GaAs. The same SAW delay line configuration was implemented on each substrate and the obtained devices' operating frequency was in the range of 105-156MHz, depending on the type of the substrate, on its crystallographic orientation, and on the SAW propagation direction. The surface of each SAW device was covered by the same type RH sensitive film of the same thickness and the RH sensitivity of each polymer coated substrate, i.e., the SAW relative phase velocity shift per RH unit changes, was investigated in the 0%—80% RH range. The perturbational approach was used to relate the SAW sensor velocity response to the RH induced changes in the physical parameters of the sensitive polymer film: the incremental change in the mass density and shear modulus of the polymer film per unit RH change were estimated. The shift of the bare SAW delay lines operating frequency induced by the presence of the polymer film, at RH =0% and at T =-10°C, allowed the experimental estimation of the mass sensitivity values of each substrate. These values were in good accordance with those reported in the literature and with those theoretically evaluated by exact numerical calculation. The shift of the bare SAW delay lines propagation loss induced by the polymer coating of the device surface, at RH =0% and at ambient temperature, allowed the experimental estimation of the elastic sensitivity of each substrate. These values were found in good accordance with those available from the literature. The temperature coefficient of delay and the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the bare substrates were also estimated. The membrane sensitivity to ethanol, methanol and isopropylic alcohol was tested by means of a high-frequency (670MHz) high-sensitivity Si /AlN resonator sensor.

Polymer compositions, polymer films and methods and precursors for forming same

DOEpatents

Klaehn, John R; Peterson, Eric S; Orme, Christopher J

2013-09-24

Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 .mu.m and about 30 .mu.m may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed.

Process optimization of ultrasonic spray coating of polymer films.

PubMed

Bose, Sanjukta; Keller, Stephan S; Alstrøm, Tommy S; Boisen, Anja; Almdal, Kristoffer

2013-06-11

In this work we have performed a detailed study of the influence of various parameters on spray coating of polymer films. Our aim is to produce polymer films of uniform thickness (500 nm to 1 μm) and low roughness compared to the film thickness. The coatings are characterized with respect to thickness, roughness (profilometer), and morphology (optical microscopy). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is used to do a full factorial design of experiments with selected process parameters such as temperature, distance between spray nozzle and substrate, and speed of the spray nozzle. A mathematical model is developed for statistical analysis which identifies the distance between nozzle and substrate as the most significant parameter. Depending on the drying of the sprayed droplets on the substrate, we define two broad regimes, "dry" and "wet". The optimum condition of spraying lies in a narrow window between these two regimes, where we obtain a film of desired quality. Both with increasing nozzle-substrate distance and temperature, the deposition moves from a wet state to a dry regime. Similar results are also achieved for solvents with low boiling points. Finally, we study film formation during spray coating with poly (D,L-lactide) (PDLLA). The results confirm the processing knowledge obtained with PVP and indicate that the observed trends are identical for spraying of other polymer films.

Thermal casting of polymers in centrifuge for producing X-ray optics

DOEpatents

Hill, Randy M [Livermore, CA; Decker, Todd A [Livermore, CA

2012-03-27

An optic is produced by the steps of placing a polymer inside a rotateable cylindrical chamber, the rotateable cylindrical chamber having an outside wall, rotating the cylindrical chamber, heating the rotating chamber forcing the polymer to the outside wall of the cylindrical chamber, allowing the rotateable cylindrical chamber to cool while rotating producing an optic substrate with a substrate surface, sizing the optic substrate, and coating the substrate surface of the optic substrate to produce the optic with an optic surface.

A modified dynamical model of drying process of polymer blend solution coated on a flat substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagami, Hiroyuki

2008-05-01

We have proposed and modified a model of drying process of polymer solution coated on a flat substrate for flat polymer film fabrication. And for example numerical simulation of the model reproduces a typical thickness profile of the polymer film formed after drying. Then we have clarified dependence of distribution of polymer molecules on a flat substrate on a various parameters based on analysis of numerical simulations. Then we drove nonlinear equations of drying process from the dynamical model and the fruits were reported. The subject of above studies was limited to solution having one kind of solute though the model could essentially deal with solution having some kinds of solutes. But nowadays discussion of drying process of a solution having some kinds of solutes is needed because drying process of solution having some kinds of solutes appears in many industrial scenes. Polymer blend solution is one instance. And typical resist consists of a few kinds of polymers. Then we introduced a dynamical model of drying process of polymer blend solution coated on a flat substrate and results of numerical simulations of the dynamical model. But above model was the simplest one. In this study, we modify above dynamical model of drying process of polymer blend solution adding effects that some parameters change with time as functions of some variables to it. Then we consider essence of drying process of polymer blend solution through comparison between results of numerical simulations of the modified model and those of the former model.

Antireflective graded index silica coating, method for making

DOEpatents

Yoldas, Bulent E.; Partlow, Deborah P.

1985-01-01

Antireflective silica coating for vitreous material is substantially non-reflecting over a wide band of radiations. This is achieved by providing the coating with a graded degree of porosity which grades the index of refraction between that of air and the vitreous material of the substrate. To prepare the coating, there is first prepared a silicon-alkoxide-based coating solution of particular polymer structure produced by a controlled proportion of water to alkoxide and a controlled concentration of alkoxide to solution, along with a small amount of catalyst. The primary solvent is alcohol and the solution is polymerized and hydrolized under controlled conditions prior to use. The prepared solution is applied as a film to the vitreous substrate and rapidly dried. It is thereafter heated under controlled conditions to volatilize the hydroxyl radicals and organics therefrom and then to produce a suitable pore morphology in the residual porous silica layer. The silica layer is then etched in order to enlarge the pores in a graded fashion, with the largest of the pores remaining being sufficiently small that radiations to be passed through the substrate are not significantly scattered. For use with quartz substrates, extremely durable coatings which display only 0.1% reflectivity have been prepared.

Critical Role of Surface Energy in Guiding Crystallization of Solution-Coated Conjugated Polymer Thin Films

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Fengjiao; Mohammadi, Erfan; Luo, Xuyi; ...

2017-10-02

It is well-known that substrate surface properties have a profound impact on morphology of thin films solution coated atop and the resulting solid-state properties. However, design rules for guiding the substrate selection have not yet been established. Such design rules are particularly important for solution coated semiconducting polymers, as the substratedirected thin film morphology can impact charge transport properties by orders of magnitude. We hypothesize that substrate surface energies dictate the thin film morphology by modulating the free energy barrier to heterogeneous nucleation. To test this hypothesis, we systematically vary the substrate surface energy via surface functionalization techniques. We performmore » in-depth morphology and device characterizations to establish the relationship between substrate surface energy, thin film morphology and charge transport properties, employing a donor-accepter (D-A) conjugated polymer. Here, we find that decreasing the substrate surface energy progressively increases thin film crystallinity, degree of molecular ordering and extent of domain alignment. Notably, the enhanced morphology on the lowest surface energy substrate lead to a 10-fold increase in the charge carrier mobility. We further develop a free energy model relating the substrate surface energy to the penalty of heterogeneous nucleation from solution in the thin film geometry. The model correctly predicts the experimental trend, thereby validating our hypothesis. This work is a significant step towards establishing design rules and understanding the critical role of substrates in determining morphology of solution coated thin films.« less

Critical Role of Surface Energy in Guiding Crystallization of Solution-Coated Conjugated Polymer Thin Films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Fengjiao; Mohammadi, Erfan; Luo, Xuyi

It is well-known that substrate surface properties have a profound impact on morphology of thin films solution coated atop and the resulting solid-state properties. However, design rules for guiding the substrate selection have not yet been established. Such design rules are particularly important for solution coated semiconducting polymers, as the substratedirected thin film morphology can impact charge transport properties by orders of magnitude. We hypothesize that substrate surface energies dictate the thin film morphology by modulating the free energy barrier to heterogeneous nucleation. To test this hypothesis, we systematically vary the substrate surface energy via surface functionalization techniques. We performmore » in-depth morphology and device characterizations to establish the relationship between substrate surface energy, thin film morphology and charge transport properties, employing a donor-accepter (D-A) conjugated polymer. Here, we find that decreasing the substrate surface energy progressively increases thin film crystallinity, degree of molecular ordering and extent of domain alignment. Notably, the enhanced morphology on the lowest surface energy substrate lead to a 10-fold increase in the charge carrier mobility. We further develop a free energy model relating the substrate surface energy to the penalty of heterogeneous nucleation from solution in the thin film geometry. The model correctly predicts the experimental trend, thereby validating our hypothesis. This work is a significant step towards establishing design rules and understanding the critical role of substrates in determining morphology of solution coated thin films.« less

Polymeric Coatings for Combating Biocorrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jing; Yuan, Shaojun; Jiang, Wei; Lv, Li; Liang, Bin; Pehkonen, Simo O.

2018-03-01

Biocorrosion has been considered as big trouble in many industries and marine environments due to causing great economic loss. The main disadvantages of present approaches to prevent corrosion include being limited by environmental factors, being expensive, inapplicable to field, and sometimes inefficient. Studies show that polymer coatings with anti-corrosion and anti-microbial properties have been widely accepted as a novel and effective approach to preventbiocorrosion. The main purpose of this review is to summarize up the progressive status of polymer coatings used for combating microbially-induced corrosion. Polymers used to synthesize protective coatings are generally divided into three categories: i) traditional polymers incorporated with biocides, ii) antibacterial polymers containing quaternary ammonium compounds, and iii) conductive polymers. The strategies to synthesize polymer coatings resort mainly to grafting anti-bacterial polymers from the metal substrate surface using novel surface-functionalization approaches, such as free radical polymerization, chemically oxidative polymerization and surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, as opposed to the traditional approaches of dip coating or spin coating.

Precursor polymer compositions comprising polybenzimidazole

DOEpatents

Klaehn, John R.; Peterson, Eric S.; Orme, Christopher J.

2015-07-14

Stable, high performance polymer compositions including polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a melamine-formaldehyde polymer, such as methylated, poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde), for forming structures such as films, fibers and bulky structures. The polymer compositions may be formed by combining polybenzimidazole with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form a precursor. The polybenzimidazole may be reacted and/or intertwined with the melamine-formaldehyde polymer to form the polymer composition. For example, a stable, free-standing film having a thickness of, for example, between about 5 .mu.m and about 30 .mu.m may be formed from the polymer composition. Such films may be used as gas separation membranes and may be submerged into water for extended periods without crazing and cracking. The polymer composition may also be used as a coating on substrates, such as metal and ceramics, or may be used for spinning fibers. Precursors for forming such polymer compositions are also disclosed.

Metallization of Various Polymers by Cold Spray

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che, Hanqing; Chu, Xin; Vo, Phuong; Yue, Stephen

2018-01-01

Previous results have shown that metallic coatings can be successfully cold sprayed onto polymeric substrates. This paper studies the cold sprayability of various metal powders on different polymeric substrates. Five different substrates were used, including carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyethylenimine (PEI); mild steel was also used as a benchmark substrate. The CFRP used in this work has a thermosetting matrix, and the ABS, PEEK and PEI are all thermoplastic polymers, with different glass transition temperatures as well as a number of distinct mechanical properties. Three metal powders, tin, copper and iron, were cold sprayed with both a low-pressure system and a high-pressure system at various conditions. In general, cold spray on the thermoplastic polymers rendered more positive results than the thermosetting polymers, due to the local thermal softening mechanism in the thermoplastics. Thick copper coatings were successfully deposited on PEEK and PEI. Based on the results, a method is proposed to determine the feasibility and deposition window of cold spraying specific metal powder/polymeric substrate combinations.

Reactive polymer coatings: A robust platform towards sophisticated surface engineering for biotechnology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hsien-Yeh

Functionalized poly(p-xylylenes) or so-called reactive polymers can be synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization. The resulting ultra-thin coatings are pinhole-free and can be conformally deposited to a wide range of substrates and materials. More importantly, the equipped functional groups can served as anchoring sites for tailoring the surface properties, making these reactive coatings a robust platform that can deal with sophisticated challenges faced in biointerfaces. In this work presented herein, surface coatings presenting various functional groups were prepared by CVD process. Such surfaces include aldehyde-functionalized coating to precisely immobilize saccharide molecules onto well-defined areas and alkyne-functionalized coating to click azide-modified molecules via Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. Moreover, CVD copolymerization has been conducted to prepare multifunctional coatings and their specific functions were demonstrated by the immobilization of biotin and NHS-ester molecules. By using a photodefinable coating, polyethylene oxides were immobilized onto a wide range of substrates through photo-immobilization. Spatially controlled protein resistant properties were characterized by selective adsorption of fibrinogen and bovine serum albumin as model systems. Alternatively, surface initiator coatings were used for polymer graftings of polyethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, and the resultant protein- and cell- resistant properties were characterized by adsorption of kinesin motor proteins, fibrinogen, and murine fibroblasts (NIH3T3). Accessibility of reactive coatings within confined microgeometries was systematically studied, and the preparation of homogeneous polymer thin films within the inner surface of microchannels was demonstrated. Moreover, these advanced coatings were applied to develop a dry adhesion process for microfluidic devices. This process provides (i) excellent bonding strength, (ii) extended storage time prior to bonding, and (iii) well-defined surface functionalities for subsequent surface modifications. Finally, we have also prepared surface microstructures and surface patterns using reactive coatings via photopatterning, projection lithography, supramolecular nanostamping (SuNS), and vapor-assisted micropatterning in replica structures (VAMPIR). These patterning techniques can be complimentarily used and provide access to precisely confined microenvironments on flat and curved geometries. Reactive coatings provide a technology platform that creates active, long-term control and may lead to improved mimicry of biological systems for effective bio-functional modifications.

2D mesoscale colloidal crystal patterns on polymer substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bredikhin, Vladimir; Bityurin, Nikita

2018-05-01

The development of nanosphere lithography relies on the ability of depositing 2D colloidal crystals comprising micro- and nano-size elements on substrates of different materials. One of the most difficult problems here is deposition of coatings on hydrophobic substrates, e.g. polymers, from aqueous colloidal solutions. We use UV photooxidation for substrate hydrophilization. We demonstrate a new method of producing a two-dimensional ordered array of polymer microparticles (polystyrene microspheres ∼1 μm in diameter) on a polymer substrate (PMMA). We show that implementation of the new deposition technique for directed self-assembly of microspheres on an UV irradiated surface provides an opportunity to obtain coatings on a hydrophilized PMMA surface of large area (∼5 cm2). UV irradiation of the surface through masks allows creating 2D patterns consisting of mesoscale elements formed by the deposited self-assembled microparticles owing to the fact that the colloidal particles are deposited only on the irradiated area leaving the non-irradiated sections intact.

High gain durable anti-reflective coating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maghsoodi, Sina; Brophy, Brenor L.; Colson, Thomas E.

Disclosed herein are polysilsesquioxane-based anti-reflective coating (ARC) compositions, methods of preparation, and methods of deposition on a substrate. In one embodiment, the polysilsesquioxane of this disclosure is prepared in a two-step process of acid catalyzed hydrolysis of organoalkoxysilane followed by addition of tetralkoxysilane that generates silicone polymers with >40 mol % silanol based on Si-NMR. These high silanol siloxane polymers are stable and have a long shelf-life in polar organic solvents at room temperature. Also disclosed are low refractive index ARC made from these compositions with and without additives such as porogens, templates, thermal radical initiator, photo radical initiators, crosslinkers,more » Si--OH condensation catalyst and nano-fillers. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for applying coatings to flat substrates including substrate pre-treatment processes, coating processes and coating curing processes including skin-curing using hot-air knives. Also disclosed are coating compositions and formulations for highly tunable, durable, highly abrasion-resistant functionalized anti-reflective coatings.« less

The origins of microstructure in phase inversion coatings or membranes: Snapshots of the transient from time-sectioning cryo-SEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, Sai Sivasankaran

2001-11-01

Time-sectioning cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) is a unique method of visualizing how the microstructure of liquid coatings evolves during processing. Time-sectioning means rapidly freezing (nearly) identical specimens at successively later stages of the process; doing this requires that coating and drying be well controlled in the dry phase inversion process, and solvents exchange likewise in the wet phase inversion process. With control, frozen specimens are fractured, etched by limited sublimation, sputter-coated, and imaged at temperatures of ca -175°C. The coatings examined were of cellulose acetate, of high and low molecular weights, and polysulfone in mixed solvents and nonsolvents: acetone and water with cellulose acetate undergoing dry phase inversion; and tetrahydrofuran, dimethylacetamide, ethanol with polysulfone undergoing dry-wet phase inversion. All coatings, cast on silicon substrates, were initially homogeneous. The initial compositions of the high and low molecular weight cellulose acetate ternary solutions were "off-critical" and "near-critical", respectively, connoting their proximities to the critical or plait point of the phase diagram. The initial composition of the polysulfone quaternary solution was located near the binodal of the pseudo-ternary phase diagram. It appeared that as the higher molecular weight cellulose acetate coating dries, it nucleates and grows polymer-poor droplets that coalesce into a bicontinuous structure underlying a thin, dense skin. Bicontinuity of structure was verified by stereomicroscopy of the dry sample. The lower molecular weight cellulose acetate coating phase-separates, seemingly spinodally, directly into a bicontinuous structure whose polymer-rich network, stressed by frustrated in-plane shrinkage, ruptures far beneath the skin in some locales to form macrovoids. When, after partial drying, the polysulfone coating was immersed in a bath of water, a nonsolvent, it appeared to swell in thickness as it phase-separates. A dense skin, thinner than a micron, appeared to overlie a two-phase substructure that is punctuated with pear-shaped macrovoids. At early immersion times, this substructure is visibly bicontinuous or open-celled near the bath-side, and dispersion-like (droplets dispersed in a polymeric matrix) or closed-celled near the substrate-side. Moreover, in the bicontinuous regions, length-scales of the individual phases seem to increase across the coating thickness from the bath-side to the substrate-side. After prolonged immersion, the substructure, excluding the macrovoids, is entirely bicontinuous. The bicontinuity presumably results from a combination of spinodal decomposition and nucleation and growth plus coalescence. Quite strikingly, macrovoids are present exclusively in regions where phases are bicontinuous, and are absent where droplets are dispersed in the polymeric matrix. Evidence suggests that macrovoids result from an instability caused by a progressive rupture of polymer-rich links deeper and deeper beneath the skin, aggravated by stress localization in the rupturing network and a buildup of pressure in the polymer-poor phase (the pore space), as suspected by Grobe and Meyer in 1959.

A systemic study on key parameters affecting nanocomposite coatings on magnesium substrates.

PubMed

Johnson, Ian; Wang, Sebo Michelle; Silken, Christine; Liu, Huinan

2016-05-01

Nanocomposite coatings offer multiple functions simultaneously to improve the interfacial properties of magnesium (Mg) alloys for skeletal implant applications, e.g., controlling the degradation rate of Mg substrates, improving bone cell functions, and providing drug delivery capability. However, the effective service time of nanocomposite coatings may be limited due to their early delamination from the Mg-based substrates. Therefore, the objective of this study was to address the delamination issue of nanocomposite coatings, improve the coating properties for reducing the degradation of Mg-based substrates, and thus improve their cytocompatibility with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The surface conditions of the substrates, polymer component type of the nanocomposite coatings, and post-deposition processing are the key parameters that contribute to the efficacy of the nanocomposite coatings in regulating substrate degradation and bone cell responses. Specifically, the effects of metallic surface versus alkaline heat-treated hydroxide surface of the substrates on coating quality were investigated. For the nanocomposite coatings, nanophase hydroxyapatite (nHA) was dispersed in three types of biodegradable polymers, i.e., poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), or poly(caprolactone) (PCL) to determine which polymer component could provide integrated properties for slowest Mg degradation. The nanocomposite coatings with or without post-deposition processing, i.e., melting, annealing, were compared to determine which processing route improved the properties of the nanocomposite coatings most significantly. The results showed that optimizing the coating processes addressed the delamination issue. The melted then annealed nHA/PCL coating on the metallic Mg substrates showed the slowest degradation and the best coating adhesion, among all the combinations of conditions studied; and, it improved the adhesion density of BMSCs. This study elucidated the key parameters for optimizing nanocomposite coatings on Mg-based substrates for skeletal implant applications, and provided rational design guidelines for the nanocomposite coatings on Mg alloys for potential clinical translation of biodegradable Mg-based implants. This manuscript describes the systemic optimization of nanocomposite coatings to control the degradation and bioactivity of magnesium for skeletal implant applications. The key parameters influencing the integrity and functions of the nanocomposite coatings on magnesium were identified, guidelines for the optimization of the coatings were established, and the benefits of coating optimization were demonstrated through reduced magnesium degradation and increased bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) adhesion in vitro. The guidelines developed in this manuscript are valuable for the biometal field to improve the design of bioresorbable implants and devices, which will advance the clinical translation of magnesium-based implants. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative fabrication, performance optimization and comparison of PEG and zwitterionic polymer antifouling coatings.

PubMed

Xing, Cheng-Mei; Meng, Fan-Ning; Quan, Miao; Ding, Kai; Dang, Yuan; Gong, Yong-Kuan

2017-09-01

A versatile fabrication and performance optimization strategy of PEG and zwitterionic polymer coatings is developed on the sensor chip of surface plasma resonance (SPR) instrument. A random copolymer bearing phosphorylcholine zwitterion and active ester side chains (PMEN) and carboxylic PEG coatings with comparable thicknesses were deposited on SPR sensor chips via amidation coupling on the precoated polydopamine (PDA) intermediate layer. The PMEN coating showed much stronger resistance to bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption than PEG coating at very thin thickness (∼1nm). However, the BSA resistant efficacy of PEG coating could exceed that of PMEN due to stronger steric repelling effect when the thickness increased to 1.5∼3.3nm. Interestingly, both the PEG and PMEN thick coatings (≈3.6nm) showed ultralow fouling by BSA and bovine plasma fibrinogen (Fg). Moreover, changes in the PEG end group from -OH to -COOH, protein adsorption amount could increase by 10-fold. Importantly, the optimized PMEN and PEG-OH coatings were easily duplicated on other substrates due to universal adhesion of the PDA layer, showed excellent resistance to platelet, bacteria and proteins, and no significant difference in the antifouling performances was observed. These detailed results can explain the reported discrepancy in performances between PEG and zwitterionic polymer coatings by thickness. This facile and substrate-independent coating strategy may benefit the design and manufacture of advanced antifouling biomedical devices and long circulating nanocarriers. Prevention of biofouling is one of the biggest challenges for all biomedical applications. However, it is very difficult to fabricate a highly hydrophilic antifouling coating on inert materials or large devices. In this study, PEG and zwitterion polymers, the most widely investigated polymers with best antifouling performance, are conveniently immobilized on different kinds of substrates from their aqueous solutions by precoating a polydopamine intermediate layer as the universal adhesive and readily re-modifiable surface. Importantly, the coating fabrication and antifouling performance can be monitored and optimized quantitatively by a surface plasma resonance (SPR) system. More significantly, the SPR on-line optimized coatings were successfully duplicated off-line on other substrates, and supported by their excellent antifouling properties. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxygen plasma treatment and deposition of CN{sub x} on a fluorinated polymer matrix composite for improved erosion resistance

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muratore, C.; Korenyi-Both, A.; Bultman, J. E.

2007-07-15

The use of polymer matrix composites in aerospace propulsion applications is currently limited by insufficient resistance to erosion by abrasive media. Erosion resistant coatings may provide necessary protection; however, adhesion to many high temperature polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials is poor. A low pressure oxygen plasma treatment process was developed to improve adhesion of CN{sub x} coatings to a carbon reinforced, fluorinated polymer matrix composite. Fullerene-like CN{sub x} was selected as an erosion resistant coating for its high hardness-to-elastic modulus ratio and elastic resilience which were expected to reduce erosion from media incident at different angles (normal or glancing) relativemore » to the surface. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to evaluate the effect of the plasma treatment on surface chemistry, and electron microscopy was used to identify changes in the surface morphology of the PMC substrate after plasma exposure. The fluorine concentration at the surface was significantly reduced and the carbon fibers were exposed after plasma treatment. CN{sub x} coatings were then deposited on oxygen treated PMC substrates. Qualitative tests demonstrated that plasma treatment improved coating adhesion resulting in an erosion resistance improvement of a factor of 2 compared to untreated coated composite substrates. The combination of PMC pretreatment and coating with CN{sub x} reduced the erosion rate by an order of magnitude for normally incident particles.« less

Chlorine-rich plasma polymer coating for the prevention of attachment of pathogenic fungal cells onto materials surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamont-Friedrich, Stephanie J.; Michl, Thomas D.; Giles, Carla; Griesser, Hans J.; Coad, Bryan R.

2016-07-01

The attachment of pathogenic fungal cells onto materials surfaces, which is often followed by biofilm formation, causes adverse consequences in a wide range of areas. Here we have investigated the ability of thin film coatings from chlorinated molecules to deter fungal colonization of solid materials by contact killing of fungal cells reaching the surface of the coating. Coatings were deposited onto various substrate materials via plasma polymerization, which is a substrate-independent process widely used for industrial coating applications, using 1,1,2-trichloroethane as the process vapour. XPS surface analysis showed that the coatings were characterized by a highly chlorinated hydrocarbon polymer nature, with only a very small amount of oxygen incorporated. The activity of these coatings against human fungal pathogens was quantified using a recently developed, modified yeast assay and excellent antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Plasma polymer surface coatings derived from chlorinated hydrocarbon molecules may therefore offer a promising solution to preventing yeast and mould biofilm formation on materials surfaces, for applications such as air conditioners, biomedical devices, food processing equipment, and others.

Implantable devices having ceramic coating applied via an atomic layer deposition method

DOEpatents

Liang, Xinhua; Weimer, Alan W.; Bryant, Stephanie J.

2016-03-08

Substrates coated with films of a ceramic material such as aluminum oxides and titanium oxides are biocompatible, and can be used in a variety of applications in which they are implanted in a living body. The substrate is preferably a porous polymer, and may be biodegradable. An important application for the ceramic-coated substrates is as a tissue engineering scaffold for forming artificial tissue.

Paintable band-edge liquid crystal lasers.

PubMed

Gardiner, Damian J; Morris, Stephen M; Hands, Philip J W; Mowatt, Carrie; Rutledge, Rupert; Wilkinson, Timothy D; Coles, Harry J

2011-01-31

In this paper we demonstrate photonic band-edge laser emission from emulsion-based polymer dispersed liquid crystals. The lasing medium consists of dye-doped chiral nematic droplets dispersed within a polymer matrix that spontaneously align as the film dries. Such lasers can be easily formed on single substrates with no alignment layers. The system combines the self-organizing periodic structure of chiral nematic liquid crystals with the simplicity of the emulsion procedure so as to produce a material that retains the emission characteristics of band-edge lasers yet can be readily coated. Sequential and stacked layers demonstrate the possibility of achieving simultaneous multi-wavelength laser output from glass, metallic, and flexible substrates.

Very high laser-damage threshold of polymer-derived Si(B)CN-carbon nanotube composite coatings.

PubMed

Bhandavat, R; Feldman, A; Cromer, C; Lehman, J; Singh, G

2013-04-10

We study the laser irradiance behavior and resulting structural evolution of polymer-derived silicon-boron-carbonitride (Si(B)CN) functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite spray coatings on copper substrate. We report a damage threshold value of 15 kWcm(-2) and an optical absorbance of 0.97 after irradiation. This is an order of magnitude improvement over MWCNT (1.4 kWcm(-2), 0.76), SWCNT (0.8 kWcm(-2), 0.65) and carbon paint (0.1 kWcm(-2), 0.87) coatings previously tested at 10.6 μm (2.5 kW CO2 laser) exposure. Electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests partial oxidation of Si(B)CN forming a stable protective SiO2 phase upon irradiation.

Au-coated 3-D nanoporous titania layer prepared using polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) block copolymer nanoparticles.

PubMed

Shin, Won-Jeong; Basarir, Fevzihan; Yoon, Tae-Ho; Lee, Jae-Suk

2009-04-09

New nanoporous structures of Au-coated titania layers were prepared by using amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticles as a template. A 3-D template composed of self-assembled quaternized polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (Q-PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer nanoparticles below 100 nm was prepared. The core-shell-type nanoparticles were well ordered three-dimensionally using the vertical immersion method on the substrate. The polar solvents were added to the polymer solution to prevent particle merging at 40 degrees C when considering the interaction between polymer nanoparticles and solvents. Furthermore, Au-coated PS-b-P2VP nanoparticles were prepared using thiol-capped Au nanoparticles (3 nm). The 3-D arrays with Au-coated PS-b-P2VP nanoparticles as a template contributed to the preparation of the nanoporous Au-coated titania layer. Therefore, the nanoporous Au-coated titania layer was fabricated by removing PS-b-P2VP block copolymer nanoparticles by oxygen plasma etching.

Antibacterial polymer coatings.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilson, Mollye C.; Allen, Ashley N.; Barnhart, Meghan

2009-09-01

A series of poly(sulfone)s with quaternary ammonium groups and another series with aldehyde groups are synthesized and tested for biocidal activity against vegetative bacteria and spores, respectively. The polymers are sprayed onto substrates as coatings which are then exposed to aqueous suspensions of organisms. The coatings are inherently biocidal and do not release any agents into the environment. The coatings adhere well to both glass and CARC-coated coupons and they exhibit significant biotoxicity. The most effective quaternary ammonium polymers kills 99.9% of both gram negative and gram positive bacteria and the best aldehyde coating kills 81% of the spores onmore » its surface.« less

Preparation of dielectric coating of variable dielectric constant by plasma polymerization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hudis, M.; Wydeven, T. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A plasma polymerization process for the deposition of a dielectric polymer coating on a substrate comprising disposing of the substrate in a closed reactor between two temperature controlled electrodes connected to a power supply is presented. A vacuum is maintained within the closed reactor, causing a monomer gas or gas mixture of a monomer and diluent to flow into the reactor, generating a plasma between the electrodes. The vacuum varies and controls the dielectric constant of the polymer coating being deposited by regulating the gas total and partial pressure, the electric field strength and frequency, and the current density.

Improvement of transmission properties of visible pilot beam for polymer-coated silver hollow fibers with acrylic silicone resin as buffer layer for sturdy structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwai, Katsumasa; Takaku, Hiroyuki; Miyagi, Mitsunobu; Shi, Yi-Wei; Zhu, Xiao-Song; Matsuura, Yuji

2017-02-01

Flexible hollow fibers with 530-μm-bore size were developed for infrared laser delivery. Sturdy hollow fibers were fabricated by liquid-phase coating techniques. A silica glass capillary is used as the substrate. Acrylic silicone resin is used as a buffer layer and the buffer layer is firstly coated on the inner surface of the capillary to protect the glass tube from chemical damages due to the following silver plating process. A silver layer was inner-plated by using the conventional silver mirror-plating technique. To improve adhesion of catalyst to the buffer layer, a surface conditioner has been introduced in the method of silver mirror-plating technique. We discuss improvement of transmission properties of sturdy polymer-coated silver hollow fibers for the Er:YAG laser and red pilot beam delivery.

Multifunctional polymer nano-composite based superhydrophobic surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maitra, Tanmoy; Asthana, Ashish; Buchel, Robert; Tiwari, Manish K.; Poulikakos, Dimos

2014-11-01

Superhydrophobic surfaces become desirable in plethora of applications in engineering fields, automobile industry, construction industries to name a few. Typical fabrication of superhydrophobic surface consists of two steps: first is to create rough morphology on the substrate of interest, followed by coating of low energy molecules. However, typical exception of the above fabrication technique would be direct coating of functional polymer nanocomposites on substrate where superhydrophobicity is needed. Also in this case, the use of different nanoparticles in the polymer matrix can be exploited to impart multi-functional properties to the superhydrophobic coatings. Herein, different carbon nanoparticles like graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon black (CB) are used in fluropolymer matrix to prepare superhydrophobic coatings. The multi-functional properties of coatings are enhanced by combining two different carbon fillers in the matrix. The aforementioned superhydrophobic coatings have shown high electrical conductivity and excellent droplet meniscus impalement resistance. Simultaneous superhydrophobic and oleophillic character of the above coating is used to separate mineral oil and water through filtration of their mixture. Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) Grant 200021_135479.

Inorganic-polymer-derived dielectric films

DOEpatents

Brinker, C.J.; Keefer, K.D.; Lenahan, P.M.

1985-02-25

A method is disclosed for coating a substrate with a thin film of a predetermined porosity. The method comprises: depositing the thin film on the substrate from a non-gelled solution comprising at least one metal alkoxide of a polymeric network forming cation, water, an alcohol compatible with the hydrolysis and the polymerization of the metal alkoxide, and an acid or a base; prior to said depositing step, controlling the porosity and structure of said coating for a given composition of said solution exclusive of the acid or base component and the water component, by adjusting each of the water content, the pH, the temperature and the time of standing of said solution, increasing/descreasing the water content or the pH to increase/decrease the pore size of said coating, and increasing/decreasing the temperature or time of standing of said solution to increase/decrease the pore size of said coating; and curing said deposited film at a temperature effective for curing whereby there is obtained a thin film coating of a predetermined porosity on the substrate.

Antithrombogenic Polymer Coating.

DOEpatents

Huang, Zhi Heng; McDonald, William F.; Wright, Stacy C.; Taylor, Andrew C.

2003-01-21

An article having a non-thrombogenic surface and a process for making the article are disclosed. The article is formed by (i) coating a polymeric substrate with a crosslinked chemical combination of a polymer having at least two amino substituted side chains, a crosslinking agent containing at least two crosslinking functional groups which react with amino groups on the polymer, and a linking agent containing a first functional group which reacts with a third functional group of the crosslinking agent, and (ii) contacting the coating on the substrate with an antithrombogenic agent which covalently bonds to a second functional group of the linking agent. In one example embodiment, the polymer is a polyamide having amino substituted alkyl chains on one side of the polyamide backbone, the crosslinking agent is a phosphine having the general formula (A).sub.3 P wherein A is hydroxyalkyl, the linking agent is a polyhydrazide and the antithrombogenic agent is heparin.

Effect of bone sialoprotein coating of ceramic and synthetic polymer materials on in vitro osteogenic cell differentiation and in vivo bone formation.

PubMed

Schaeren, Stefan; Jaquiéry, Claude; Wolf, Francine; Papadimitropoulos, Adam; Barbero, Andrea; Schultz-Thater, Elke; Heberer, Michael; Martin, Ivan

2010-03-15

In this study, we addressed whether Bone Sialoprotein (BSP) coating of various substrates could enhance the in vitro osteogenic differentiation and in vivo bone formation capacity of human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells (BMSC). Moreover, we tested whether synthetic polymer-based porous scaffolds, despite the absence of a mineral component, could support ectopic bone formation by human BMSC if coated with BSP. Adsorption of recombinant human BSP on tissue culture-treated polystyrene (TCTP), beta-tricalcium phosphate (Osteologic) or synthetic polymer (Polyactive) substrates was dose dependent, but did not consistently accelerate or enhance in vitro BMSC osteogenic differentiation, as assessed by the mRNA expression of osteoblast-related genes. Similarly, BSP coating of porous beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds (Skelite) did not improve the efficiency of bone tissue formation following loading with BMSC and ectopic implantation in nude mice. Finally, Polyactive foams seeded with BMSC did not form bone tissue in the same ectopic assay, even if coated with BSP. We conclude that BSP coating of a variety of substrates is not directly associated with an enhancement of osteoprogenitor cell differentiation in vitro or in vivo, and that presentation of BSP on polymeric materials is not sufficient to prime BMSC functional osteoblastic differentiation in vivo. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Novel biodegradable calcium phosphate/polymer composite coating with adjustable mechanical properties formed by hydrothermal process for corrosion protection of magnesium substrate.

PubMed

Kaabi Falahieh Asl, Sara; Nemeth, Sandor; Tan, Ming Jen

2016-11-01

Ceramic type coatings on metallic implants, such as calcium phosphate (Ca-P), are generally stiff and brittle, potentially leading to the early failure of the bone-implant interface. To reduce material brittleness, polyacrylic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose were used in this study to deposit two types of novel Ca-P/polymer composite coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy using a one-step hydrothermal process. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed that the deposited Ca-P crystal phase and morphology could be controlled by the type and concentration of polymer used. Incorporation of polymer in the Ca-P coatings reduced the coating elastic modulus bringing it close to that of magnesium and that of human bone. Nanoindentation test results revealed significantly decreased cracking tendency with the incorporation of polymer in the Ca-P coating. Apart from mechanical improvements, the protective composite layers had also enhanced the corrosion resistance of the substrate by a factor of 1000 which is sufficient for implant application. Cell proliferation studies indicated that the composite coatings induced better cell attachment compared with the purely inorganic Ca-P coating, confirming that the obtained composite materials could be promising candidates for surface protection of magnesium for implant application with the multiple functions of corrosion protection, interfacial stress reduction, and cell attachment/cell growth promotion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1643-1657, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Effect of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles on Hydroxyapatite (HA)/TiO2 Composite Coating Fabricated by Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amirnejad, M.; Afshar, A.; Salehi, S.

2018-05-01

Composite coatings of Hydroxyapatite (HA) with ceramics, polymers and metals are used to modify the surface structure of implants. In this research, HA/TiO2 composite coating was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on 316 stainless steel substrate. HA/TiO2 composite coatings with 5, 10 and 20 wt.% of TiO2, deposited at 40 V and 90 s as an optimum condition. The samples coated at this condition led to an adherent, continuous and crack-free coating. The influence of TiO2 content was studied by performing different characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF), coating's dissolution rate in physiological solution and bond strength to the substrate. The results showed that the higher amount of TiO2 in the composite coating led to increase in bond strength of coating to stainless steel substrate from 3 MPa for HA coating to 5.5 MPa for HA-20 wt.% TiO2 composite coating. In addition, it caused to reduction of corrosion current density of samples in the SBF solution from 18.92 μA/cm2 for HA coating to 6.35 μA/cm2 for HA-20 wt.% TiO2 composite coating.

The Effect of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanoparticles on Hydroxyapatite (HA)/TiO2 Composite Coating Fabricated by Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amirnejad, M.; Afshar, A.; Salehi, S.

2018-04-01

Composite coatings of Hydroxyapatite (HA) with ceramics, polymers and metals are used to modify the surface structure of implants. In this research, HA/TiO2 composite coating was fabricated by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) on 316 stainless steel substrate. HA/TiO2 composite coatings with 5, 10 and 20 wt.% of TiO2, deposited at 40 V and 90 s as an optimum condition. The samples coated at this condition led to an adherent, continuous and crack-free coating. The influence of TiO2 content was studied by performing different characterization methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), corrosion resistance in simulated body fluid (SBF), coating's dissolution rate in physiological solution and bond strength to the substrate. The results showed that the higher amount of TiO2 in the composite coating led to increase in bond strength of coating to stainless steel substrate from 3 MPa for HA coating to 5.5 MPa for HA-20 wt.% TiO2 composite coating. In addition, it caused to reduction of corrosion current density of samples in the SBF solution from 18.92 μA/cm2 for HA coating to 6.35 μA/cm2 for HA-20 wt.% TiO2 composite coating.

The Conformation of Thermoresponsive Polymer Brushes Probed by Optical Reflectivity.

PubMed

Varma, Siddhartha; Bureau, Lionel; Débarre, Delphine

2016-04-05

We describe a microscope-based optical setup that allows us to perform space- and time-resolved measurements of the spectral reflectance of transparent substrates coated with ultrathin films. This technique is applied to investigate the behavior in water of thermosensitive polymer brushes made of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) grafted on glass. We show that spectral reflectance measurements yield quantitative information about the conformation and axial structure of the brushes as a function of temperature. We study how parameters such as grafting density and chain length affect the hydration state of a brush, and provide one of the few experimental evidences for the occurrence of vertical phase separation in the vicinity of the lower critical solution temperature of the polymer. The origin of the hysteretic behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brushes upon cycling the temperature is also clarified. We thus demonstrate that our optical technique allows for in-depth characterization of stimuli-responsive polymer layers, which is crucial for the rational design of smart polymer coatings in actuation, gating, or sensing applications.

Wetting of polymer melts on coated and uncoated steel surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vera, Julie; Contraires, Elise; Brulez, Anne-Catherine; Larochette, Mathieu; Valette, Stéphane; Benayoun, Stéphane

2017-07-01

A comparative study of the wetting of three different commercial polymer melts on various coated and uncoated steel surfaces is described in this report. The wettability of steel and coatings (three different titanium nitride coatings, TiN, TiNOx, TiNOy, a chromium coating, CrN, and a diamond-like carbon coating, DLC) used for mold in polymer processing is determined at different temperatures between 25 °C and 120 °C. Contact angle measurements of melted polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC) on steel and on the different coatings were performed to investigate the wetting behavior under closer-to-processing conditions. Recommendations for good measurement conditions were proposed. Moreover, the surface free energy of each melt polymer was determined. The works of adhesion between all polymers and all substrates were established. Among all tested polymers, the lowest value of the works of adhesion is calculated for ABS and for PC thereafter, and the highest value is calculated for PP. These results will be particularly important for such applications as determining the extent to which these polymers can contribute to the replication quality in injection molding.

Lift-off process with bi-layer photoresist patterns for conformal-coated superhydrophilic pulsed plasma chemical vapor deposition-SiOx on SiCx for lab-on-a-chip applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konishi, Satoshi; Nakagami, Chise; Kobayashi, Taizo; Tonomura, Wataru; Kaizuma, Yoshihiro

2015-04-01

In this work, a lift-off process with bi-layer photoresist patterns was applied to the formation of hydrophobic/hydrophilic micropatterns on practical polymer substrates used in healthcare diagnostic commercial products. The bi-layer photoresist patterns with undercut structures made it possible to peel the conformal-coated silicon oxide (SiOx) films from substrates. SiOx and silicon carbide (SiCx) layers were deposited by pulsed plasma chemical vapor deposition (PPCVD) method which can form roughened surfaces to enhance hydrophilicity of SiOx and hydrophobicity of SiCx. Microfluidic applications using hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterns were also demonstrated on low-cost substrates such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and paper films.

Polymer network/carbon layer on monolith support and monolith catalytic reactor

DOEpatents

Nordquist, Andrew Francis; Wilhelm, Frederick Carl; Waller, Francis Joseph; Machado, Reinaldo Mario

2003-08-26

The present invention relates to an improved monolith catalytic reactor and a monolith support. The improvement in the support resides in a polymer network/carbon coating applied to the surface of a porous substrate and a catalytic metal, preferably a transition metal catalyst applied to the surface of the polymer network/carbon coating. The monolith support has from 100 to 800 cells per square inch and a polymer network/carbon coating with surface area of from 0.1 to 15 m.sup.2 /gram as measured by adsorption of N.sub.2 or Kr using the BET method.

Light-Weight Low-Loss Dielectric Polymer Composites Containing Carbon Nanostructure

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-17

increases in temperature. Subsequent thermal breakdown and carbonization of the polyurethane coating and polyimide substrate significantly reduced the RF...measurements through HD-GNR films. For the highly uniform films produced in separate experiments on a glass substrate with sufficient thermal conductivity ...further carbonized the polyurethane- coated polyimide substrate. This was attributed to the electromagnetic and the resulting thermal energy

Corrosion prevention of cold rolled steel using water dispersible lignosulfonic acid doped polyaniline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viswanathan, Tito (Inventor)

2007-01-01

The invention provides coatings useful for preventing corrosion of metals. The coatings comprise a film-forming resin and conductive polymers comprising linearly conjugated .pi.-systems and residues of sulfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid or derivatives of solfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid. The invention also provides a latex formulation of the coatings, and articles of manufacture comprising a metal substrate and a coating in contact with the metal substrate.

Corrosion Prevention of Cold Rolled Steel Using Water Dispersible Lignosulfonic Acid Doped Polyaniline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viswanathan, Tito (Inventor)

2007-01-01

The invention provides coatings useful for preventing corrosion of metals. The coatings comprise a film-forming resin and conductive polymers comprising linearly conjugated x-systems and residues of sulfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid or derivatives of solfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid. The invention also provides a latex formulation of the coatings, and articles of manufacture comprising a metal substrate and a coating in contact with the metal substrate.

CORROSION PREVENTION OF COLD ROLLED STEEL USING WATER DISPERSIBLE LIGNOSULFONIC ACID DOPED POLYANILINE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Viswanathan, Tito (Inventor)

2005-01-01

The invention provides coatings useful for preventing corrosion of metals. The coatings comprise a film-forming resin and conductive polymers comprising linearly conjugated pi-systems and residues of sulfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid or derivatives of sulfonated lignin or a sulfonated polyflavonoid. The invention also provides a latex formulation of the coatings, and articles of manufacture comprising a metal substrate and a coating in contact with the metal substrate.

Design of a new bottom antireflective coating composition for KrF resist

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizutani, Kazuyoshi; Momota, Makoto; Aoai, Toshiaki; Yagihara, Morio

1999-06-01

A study for a new organic bottom antireflective coating (BARC) composition is described. A structural design of a light-absorbing dye was most important because dye structure not only plays a role in eliminating reflection from a substrate but also shows influence on dry etch rate of BARC material to a considerable extent. For example, an anthracene moiety with large absorption at 248 nm had undesirable dry etch resistance. 3-Hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid moiety was found to be one of suitable dyes for KrF BARC compositions, and the polymer bearing the dye showed enough absorbance and good erodability in dry etch. The BARC polymer was eroded as one and a half times faster than a novolak resin, and a little faster than an anthracene incorporated polymer. The result was discussed from the concepts of Ohnishi parameter and the ring parameter for dry etch durability of resist materials. BARC polymer should be thermoset by hard bake to eliminate intermixing with resist compositions. The BARC polymer bearing hydroxy group which is useful for a crosslinking reaction was thermoset in the presence of melamine-formaldehyde crosslinker and an acid catalyst after baking over 200 degrees C.

Protection of bronze artefacts through polymeric coatings based on nanocarriers filled with corrosion inhibitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Luna, Martina Salzano; Buonocore, Giovanna; Di Carlo, Gabriella; Giuliani, Chiara; Ingo, Gabriel M.; Lavorgna, Marino

2016-05-01

Protective coatings based on polymers synthesized from renewable sources (chitosan or an amorphous vinyl alcohol based polymer) have been prepared for the protection of bronze artifacts from corrosion. Besides acting as an effective barrier against corrosive species present in the environment, the efficiency of the coatings has been improved by adding corrosion inhibitor compounds (benzotriazole or mercaptobenzothiazole) to the formulations. The liquid medium of the formulations has been carefully selected looking at maximizing the wettability on the bronze substrate and optimizing the solvent evaporation rate. The minimum amount of inhibitor compounds has been optimized by performing accelerated corrosion tests on coated bronze substrates. The inhibitors have been directly dissolved in the coating-forming solutions and/or introduced by means of nanocarriers, which allow to control the release kinetics. The free dissolved inhibitor molecules immediately provide a sufficient protection against corrosion. On the other hand, the inhibitor molecules contained in the nanocarriers serve as long-term reservoir, which can be activated by external corrosion-related stimuli in case of particularly severe conditions. Particular attention has been paid to other features which affect the coating performances. Specifically, the adhesion of the protective polymer layer to the bronze substrate has been assessed, as well as its permeability properties and transparency, the latter being a fundamental feature of protective coating for cultural heritages. Finally, the protective efficiency of the produced smart coatings has been assessed through accelerated corrosion tests.

An elasto-plastic solution for channel cracking of brittle coating on polymer substrate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Chao; Chen, Fangliang; Gray, Matthew H.

In this study, an elasto-plastic channel-cracking model is presented to study the open-mode fracture of a thin layer brittle coating grown on a polymer substrate. A linear elastic shear interlayer is introduced to describe the stress transfer from the elasto-plastic substrate to the brittle coating, on basis of the shear-lag principle. The channel cracking behavior involves three stages: elastic, elasto-plastic and plastic stages, which are solved in a continuous manner based on the deformation status of the substrate. Explicit solutions are derived for the mutli-stage cracking process. Corresponding experimental tests for a titanium oxide (TiO 2) coating on a polymore » (ethylene terephthalate) substrate are conducted. The fracture toughness of the coating layer is estimated based on the crack spacing versus layer thickness relationship at certain strain levels. This method is found to be more reliable than the traditional methods using crack onset strain. Parametric studies of the fracture energy release rate for the coating and interfacial compliance of the thin film system are conducted, through which the effect of plastic deformation on the channel cracking behavior is studied extensively. The results indicate that the tangent modulus of the substrate controls the evolution curvature of crack spacing where a smaller tangent modulus corresponds to a slower saturation of crack spacing. The energy release rate also varies significantly with the properties of the interlayer. The study highlights the necessity of an elasto-plastic model for the thin film systems of brittle coating on a plastic substrate.« less

An elasto-plastic solution for channel cracking of brittle coating on polymer substrate

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Chao; Chen, Fangliang; Gray, Matthew H.; ...

2017-04-25

In this study, an elasto-plastic channel-cracking model is presented to study the open-mode fracture of a thin layer brittle coating grown on a polymer substrate. A linear elastic shear interlayer is introduced to describe the stress transfer from the elasto-plastic substrate to the brittle coating, on basis of the shear-lag principle. The channel cracking behavior involves three stages: elastic, elasto-plastic and plastic stages, which are solved in a continuous manner based on the deformation status of the substrate. Explicit solutions are derived for the mutli-stage cracking process. Corresponding experimental tests for a titanium oxide (TiO 2) coating on a polymore » (ethylene terephthalate) substrate are conducted. The fracture toughness of the coating layer is estimated based on the crack spacing versus layer thickness relationship at certain strain levels. This method is found to be more reliable than the traditional methods using crack onset strain. Parametric studies of the fracture energy release rate for the coating and interfacial compliance of the thin film system are conducted, through which the effect of plastic deformation on the channel cracking behavior is studied extensively. The results indicate that the tangent modulus of the substrate controls the evolution curvature of crack spacing where a smaller tangent modulus corresponds to a slower saturation of crack spacing. The energy release rate also varies significantly with the properties of the interlayer. The study highlights the necessity of an elasto-plastic model for the thin film systems of brittle coating on a plastic substrate.« less

Corrugated grating on organic multilayer Bragg reflector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaquet, Sylvain; Scharf, Toralf; Herzig, Hans Peter

2007-08-01

Polymeric multilayer Bragg structures are combined with diffractive gratings to produce artificial visual color effects. A particular effect is expected due to the angular reflection dependence of the multilayer Bragg structure and the dispersion caused by the grating. The combined effects can also be used to design particular filter functions and various resonant structures. The multilayer Bragg structure is fabricated by spin-coating of two different low-cost polymer materials in solution on a cleaned glass substrate. These polymers have a refractive index difference of about 0.15 and permit multilayer coatings without interlayer problems. Master gratings of different periods are realized by laser beam interference and replicated gratings are superimposed on the multilayer structure by soft embossing in a UV curing glue. The fabrication process requires only polymer materials. The obtained devices are stable and robust. Angular dependent reflection spectrums for the visible are measured. These results show that it is possible to obtain unexpected reflection effects. A rich variety of color spectra can be generated, which is not possible with a single grating. This can be explained by the coupling of transmission of grating orders and the Bragg reflection band. A simple model permits to explain some of the spectral vs angular dependence of reflected light.

Tailoring controlled-release oral dosage forms by combining inkjet and flexographic printing techniques.

PubMed

Genina, Natalja; Fors, Daniela; Vakili, Hossein; Ihalainen, Petri; Pohjala, Leena; Ehlers, Henrik; Kassamakov, Ivan; Haeggström, Edward; Vuorela, Pia; Peltonen, Jouko; Sandler, Niklas

2012-10-09

We combined conventional inkjet printing technology with flexographic printing to fabricate drug delivery systems with accurate doses and tailored drug release. Riboflavin sodium phosphate (RSP) and propranolol hydrochloride (PH) were used as water-soluble model drugs. Three different paper substrates: A (uncoated woodfree paper), B (triple-coated inkjet paper) and C (double-coated sheet fed offset paper) were used as porous model carriers for drug delivery. Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) containing solutions were printed onto 1 cm × 1 cm substrate areas using an inkjet printer. The printed APIs were coated with water insoluble polymeric films of different thickness using flexographic printing. All substrates were characterized with respect to wettability, surface roughness, air permeability, and cell toxicity. In addition, content uniformity and release profiles of the produced solid dosage forms before and after coating were studied. The substrates were nontoxic for the human cell line assayed. Substrate B was smoothest and least porous. The properties of substrates B and C were similar, whereas those of substrate A differed significantly from those of B, C. The release kinetics of both printed APIs was slowest from substrate B before and after coating with the water insoluble polymer film, following by substrate C, whereas substrate A showed the fastest release. The release rate decreased with increasing polymer coating film thickness. The printed solid dosage forms showed excellent content uniformity. So, combining the two printing technologies allowed fabricating controlled-release oral dosage forms that are challenging to produce using a single technique. The approach opens up new perspectives in the manufacture of flexible doses and tailored drug-delivery systems. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduced Zeta potential through use of cationic adhesion promoter for improved resist process performance and minimizing material consumption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hodgson, Lorna; Thompson, Andrew

2012-03-01

This paper presents the results of a non-HMDS (non-silane) adhesion promoter that was used to reduce the zeta potential for very thin (proprietary) polymer on silicon. By reducing the zeta potential, as measured by the minimum sample required to fully coat a wafer, the amount of polymer required to coat silicon substrates was significantly reduced in the manufacture of X-ray windows used for high transmission of low-energy X-rays. Moreover, this approach used aqueous based adhesion promoter described as a cationic surface active agent that has been shown to improve adhesion of photoresists (positive, negative, epoxy [SU8], e-beam and dry film). As well as reducing the amount of polymer required to coat substrates, this aqueous adhesion promoter is nonhazardous, and contains non-volatile solvents.

Adsorbed Polymer Nanolayers on Solids: Mechanism, Structure and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sen, Mani Kuntal

In this thesis, by combining various advanced x-ray scattering, spectroscopic and other surface sensitive characterization techniques, I report the equilibrium polymer chain conformations, structures, dynamics and properties of polymeric materials at the solid-polymer melt interfaces. Following the introduction, in chapter 2, I highlight that the backbone chains (constituted of CH and CH2 groups) of the flattened polystyrene (PS) chains preferentially orient normal to the weakly interactive substrate surface via thermal annealing regardless of the initial chain conformations, while the orientation of the phenyl rings becomes randomized, thereby increasing the number of surface-segmental contacts (i.e., enthalpic gain) which is the driving force for the flattening process of the polymer chains even onto a weakly interactive solid. In chapter 3, I elucidate the flattened structures in block copolymer (BCP) thin films where both blocks lie flat on the substrate, forming a 2D randomly phase-separated structure irrespective of their microdomain structures and interfacial energetics. In chapter 4, I reveal the presence of an irreversibly adsorbed BCP layer which showed suppressed dynamics even at temperatures far above the individual glass transition temperatures of the blocks. Furthermore, this adsorbed BCP layer plays a crucial role in controlling the microdomain orientation in the entire film. In chapter 5, I report a radically new paradigm of designing a polymeric coating layer of a few nanometers thick ("polymer nanolayer") with anti-biofouling properties.

Verification of the modified model of the drying process of a polymer liquid film on a flat substrate by experiment (2): through more accurate experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagami, Hiroyuki

2006-05-01

We have proposed and modified a model of drying process of polymer solution coated on a flat substrate for flat polymer film fabrication and have presented the fruits through Photomask Japan 2002, 2003, 2004 and so on. And for example numerical simulation of the model qualitatively reappears a typical thickness profile of the polymer film formed after drying, that is, the profile that the edge of the film is thicker and just the region next to the edge's bump is thinner. Then we have clarified dependence of distribution of polymer molecules on a flat substrate on a various parameters based on analysis of many numerical simulations. Then we done a few kinds of experiments so as to verify the modified model and reported the initial result of them through Photomask Japan 2005. Through the initial result we could observe some results supporting the modified model. But we could not observe a characteristic region of a valley next to the edge's bump of a polymer film after drying because a shape of a solution's film coated on a substrate in the experiment was different from one in resists' coating and drying process or imagined in the modified model. In this study, we improved above difference between experiment and the model and did experiments for verification again with a shape of a solution's film coated on a substrate coincident with one imagined in the modified model and using molar concentration. As a result, some were verified more strongly and some need to be examined again. That is, we could confirm like results of last experiment that the smaller average molecular weight of Metoloses was, the larger the gradient of thickness profile of a polymer thin film was. But we could not observe a depression just inside the edge of the thin film also in this improved experiment. We may be able to enumerate the fact that not an organic solution but an aqueous solution was used in the experiment as the cause of non-formation of the depression.

Hydrogel films and coatings by swelling-induced gelation

PubMed Central

Moreau, David; Chauvet, Caroline; Etienne, François; Rannou, François P.

2016-01-01

Hydrogel films used as membranes or coatings are essential components of devices interfaced with biological systems. Their design is greatly challenged by the need to find mild synthesis and processing conditions that preserve their biocompatibility and the integrity of encapsulated compounds. Here, we report an approach to produce hydrogel films spontaneously in aqueous polymer solutions. This method uses the solvent depletion created at the surface of swelling polymer substrates to induce the gelation of a thin layer of polymer solution. Using a biocompatible polymer that self-assembles at high concentration [poly(vinyl alcohol)], hydrogel films were produced within minutes to hours with thicknesses ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers. A simple model and numerical simulations of mass transport during swelling capture the experiments and predict how film growth depends on the solution composition, substrate geometry, and swelling properties. The versatility of the approach was verified with a variety of swelling substrates and hydrogel-forming solutions. We also demonstrate the potential of this technique by incorporating other solutes such as inorganic particles to fabricate ceramic-hydrogel coatings for bone anchoring and cells to fabricate cell-laden membranes for cell culture or tissue engineering. PMID:27821765

The optimization of CNT-PVA nanocomposite for mild steel coating: Effect of CNTs concentration on the corrosion rate of mild steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maryam, M.; Ibrahim, N. M. A. A.; Eswar, K. A.; Guliling, M.; Suhaimi, M. H. F.; Khusaimi, Z.; Abdullah, S.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are molecular-scale tubes of graphitic carbon which have outstanding mechanical and magnetic properties with extraordinary strength. It can be said that CNTs can be used in coating application to prevent corrosion and lower the rate of corrosion on steel. However, CNT alone cannot be used for coating purposes. Therefore, by combining it with polymer to produce a nanocomposite thin film, it can be used for nanocoating on mild steel substrate. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was chosen due to its high strength and high modulus polymer fibers and has the possibilities of improving the physicochemical properties of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes and polyvinyl alcohol (CNT-PVA) nanocomposite were prepared by using sol-gel method and coated as thin film on mild steel substrate by using spin coating. Sol-gel is a convenient technique used for the production of nanocomposite aqueous solution. Five samples were prepared at the different concentration of CNTs-PVA to verify the corrosion rate application. The samples were then characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) obtaining the structural properties, surface morphology and topography of samples. Raman spectroscopy was used to determine the microraman spectra of CNTs which showed the quality and purity of samples. Finally, corrosion test was done to measure the corrosion rate of samples at the different concentration of CNTs/PVA nanocomposite.

Nonlinear dynamics that appears in the dynamical model of drying process of a polymer solution coated on a flat substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kagami, Hiroyuki

2007-01-01

We have proposed and modified the dynamical model of drying process of polymer solution coated on a flat substrate for flat polymer film fabrication and have presented the fruits through some meetings and so on. Though basic equations of the dynamical model have characteristic nonlinearity, character of the nonlinearity has not been studied enough yet. In this paper, at first, we derive nonlinear equations from the dynamical model of drying process of polymer solution. Then we introduce results of numerical simulations of the nonlinear equations and consider roles of various parameters. Some of them are indirectly concerned in strength of non-equilibriumity. Through this study, we approach essential qualities of nonlinearity in non-equilibrium process of drying process.

Inorganic dual-layer microporous supported membranes

DOEpatents

Brinker, C. Jeffrey; Tsai, Chung-Yi; Lu, Yungfeng

2003-03-25

The present invention provides for a dual-layer inorganic microporous membrane capable of molecular sieving, and methods for production of the membranes. The inorganic microporous supported membrane includes a porous substrate which supports a first inorganic porous membrane having an average pore size of less than about 25 .ANG. and a second inorganic porous membrane coating the first inorganic membrane having an average pore size of less than about 6 .ANG.. The dual-layered membrane is produced by contacting the porous substrate with a surfactant-template polymeric sol, resulting in a surfactant sol coated membrane support. The surfactant sol coated membrane support is dried, producing a surfactant-templated polymer-coated substrate which is calcined to produce an intermediate layer surfactant-templated membrane. The intermediate layer surfactant-templated membrane is then contacted with a second polymeric sol producing a polymeric sol coated substrate which is dried producing an inorganic polymeric coated substrate. The inorganic polymeric coated substrate is then calcined producing an inorganic dual-layered microporous supported membrane in accordance with the present invention.

Viscoelastic Thin Polymer Films under Transient Residual Stresses: Two-Stage Dewetting on Soft Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Akhrass, S.; Reiter, G.; Hou, S. Y.; Yang, M. H.; Chang, Y. L.; Chang, F. C.; Wang, C. F.; Yang, A. C.-M.

2008-05-01

A nonmonotonic, two-stage dewetting behavior was observed for spin coated thin viscoelastic polymer films on soft elastic substrates. At times shorter than the relaxation time of the polymer (t<τrep), dewetting generated deep trenches in the soft rubbery substrate which, in turn, almost stopped dewetting. At later stages (t≫τrep), dewetting accelerated, accompanied by an unstable rim. However, holes nucleated at t<τrep showed only this second-stage behavior. Our observations are attributed to large elastic deformations in the substrate caused by transient residual stresses within the film.

Bacterial plaque retention on oral hard materials: effect of surface roughness, surface composition, and physisorbed polycarboxylate.

PubMed

McConnell, Marla D; Liu, Yu; Nowak, Andrew P; Pilch, Shira; Masters, James G; Composto, Russell J

2010-03-15

Bacterial adhesion to oral hard materials is dependent on various factors, for example, surface roughness and surface composition. In this study, bacteria retention on three oral hard substrates, hydroxyapatite (HAP), enamel, and polished enamel (p-enamel) were investigated. The surface morphology and roughness of the three substrates were measured by scanning probe microscopy. HAP had the roughest surface, followed by enamel and polished enamel. For each individual substrate type, the roughness was shown to increase with scan size up to 50 microm x 50 microm. For HAP and enamel, roughness decreased considerably after formation of a pellicle, while addition of polymer coating to the pellicle layer reduced roughness much less in comparison. Bacterial surface coverage was measured at 30 min, 3 h, and 24 h on both native and surface-modified substrates, which were coated with two different polycarboxylate-based polymers, Gantrez S97 and Carbopol 940. As a result, the polymer coated surfaces had reduced bacteria coverage compared with the native surfaces over all time points and substrates measured. The reduction is the combined effect of electrostatic repulsion and sequestering of Ca(2+) ions at the surface, which plays a key role in the initial adhesion of bacteria to enamel surfaces in models of plaque formation. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Ordered alternating binary polymer nanodroplet array by sequential spin dewetting.

PubMed

Bhandaru, Nandini; Das, Anuja; Salunke, Namrata; Mukherjee, Rabibrata

2014-12-10

We report a facile technique for fabricating an ordered array of nearly equal-sized mesoscale polymer droplets of two constituent polymers (polystyrene, PS and poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA) arranged in an alternating manner on a topographically patterned substrate. The self-organized array of binary polymers is realized by sequential spin dewetting. First, a dilute solution of PMMA is spin-dewetted on a patterned substrate, resulting in an array of isolated PMMA droplets arranged along the substrate grooves due to self-organization during spin coating itself. The sample is then silanized with octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), and subsequently, a dilute solution of PS is spin-coated on to it, which also undergoes spin dewetting. The spin-dewetted PS drops having a size nearly equal to the pre-existing PMMA droplets position themselves between two adjacent PMMA drops under appropriate conditions, forming an alternating binary polymer droplet array. The alternating array formation takes place for a narrow range of solution concentration for both the polymers and depends on the geometry of the substrate. The size of the droplets depends on the extent of confinement, and droplets as small as 100 nm can be obtained by this method, on a suitable template. The findings open up the possibility of creating novel surfaces having ordered multimaterial domains with a potential multifunctional capability.

Ferrocene pixels by laser-induced forward transfer: towards flexible microelectrode printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitu, B.; Matei, A.; Filipescu, M.; Palla Papavlu, A.; Bercea, A.; Lippert, T.; Dinescu, M.

2017-03-01

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the potential of laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) as a printing technology, alternative to standard microfabrication techniques, in the area of flexible micro-electrode fabrication. First, ferrocene thin films are deposited onto fused silica and fused silica substrates previously coated with a photodegradable polymer film (triazene polymer) by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). The morphology and chemical structure of the ferrocene thin films deposited by MAPLE has been investigated by atomic force microscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, and no structural damage occurs as a result of the laser deposition. Second, LIFT is applied to print for the first time ferrocene pixels and lines onto flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. The ferrocene pixels and lines are flawlessly transferred onto the PDMS substrates in air at room temperature, without the need of additional conventional photolithography processes. We believe that these results are very promising for a variety of applications ranging from flexible electronics to lab-on-a-chip devices, MEMS, and medical implants.

Radiation Shielding System Using a Composite of Carbon Nanotubes Loaded with Electropolymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McKay, Chris; Chen, Bin

2012-01-01

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) coated with a hydrogen-rich, electrically conducting polymer such as polyethylene, receive and dissipate a portion of incoming radiation pulse energy to electrical signals that are transmitted along the CNT axes, and are received at energy-dissipating terminals. In this innovation, an array of highly aligned nanowires is grown using a strong electric field or another suitable orientation procedure. Polyethylene (PE), polymethymlethacrylate (PMMA), or other electrically conducting polymer is spin-coated onto the SWCNTs with an average thickness of a few hundred nanometers to a few tenths of micrometers to form a PE/SWCNT composite. Alternatively, the polymer is spin-coated onto the nanowire array or an anodized alumina membrane (AAM) to form a PE/metal core shell structure, or PE can be electropolymerized using the SWCNTs or the metal nanowires as an electrode to form a PE/SWCNT core shell structure. The core shell structures can be extruded as anisotropic fibers. A monomer can be polymerized in the presence of SWCNTs to form highly cross-linked PE/SWCNT films. Alternatively, Pb colloid solution can be impregnated into a three-dimensional PE/SWCNT nanostructure to form a PW/SWCNT/Pb composite structure. A face-centered cubic (FCC) arrangement provides up to 12 interconnection channels connected to each core, with transverse channel dimensions up to 20 nm, with adequate mechanical compressive strength, and with an associated electrical conductivity of around 3 Seimens/cm for currents ranging from 0.01 to 10 mA. This threedimensional nanostructure is used as a host material to house appropriate radiation shielding material such as hydrogen- rich polymer/CNT structures, metal nanoparticles, and nanowires. Thicknesses of this material required to attenuate 10 percent, 50 percent, and 90 percent of an incident beam (gamma, X-ray, ultraviolet, neutron, proton, and electron) at energies in the range of 0 440 MeV are being determined, for example, by measuring fluence rate reduction. For example, a radiation field arrives first at an exposed surface of the innovation and produces an associated first electric field within the metal-like fingers of the three-dimensional nanostructure. This field is intensified near the exposed tips of the fingers, and this intensified field generates an intensified second electric field near the adjacent exposed tips of the coated CNSs. This generates an associated electrical current in the CNSs, and the associated electropolymer coating. The current is received by the second substrate transport component and is transported to the dissipation mechanism located contiguously to the second substrate.

Characterization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon substrate comparative with polymer substrate for Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moldovan, Carmen; Mihailescu, Carmen; Stan, Dana; Ruta, Lavinia; Iosub, Rodica; Gavrila, Raluca; Purica, Munizer; Vasilica, Schiopu

2009-08-01

This article presents the characterization of two substrates, silicon and polymer coated with gold, that are functionalized by mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in order to efficiently immobilize the anti- Escherichia coli O157:H7 polyclonal purified antibody. A biosurface functionalized by SAMs (self-assembled monolayers) technique has been developed. Immobilization of goat anti- E. coli O157:H7 antibody was performed by covalently bonding of thiolate mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) realized on two substrates: polymer coated with gold and silicon coated with gold. The F(ab') 2 fragments of the antibodies have been used for eliminating nonspecific bindings between the Fc portions of antibodies and the Fc receptor on cells. The properties of the monolayers and the biofilm formatted with attached antibody molecules were analyzed at each step using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). In our study the gold-coated silicon substrates approach yielded the best results. These experimental results revealed the necessity to investigate each stage of the immobilization process taking into account in the same time the factors that influence the chemistry of the surface and the further interactions as well and also provide a solid basis for further studies aiming at elaborating sensitive and specific immunosensor or a microarray for the detection of E. coli O157:H7.

Cracking the chocolate egg problem: polymeric films coated on curved substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brun, Pierre-Thomas; Lee, Anna; Marthelot, Joel; Balestra, Gioele; Gallaire, François; Reis, Pedro

2015-11-01

Inspired by the traditional chocolate egg recipe, we show that pouring a polymeric solution onto spherical molds yields a simple and robust path of fabrication of thin elastic curved shells. The drainage dynamics naturally leads to uniform coatings frozen in time as the polymer cures, which are subsequently peeled off their mold. We show how the polymer curing affects the drainage dynamics and eventually selects the shell thickness and sets its uniformity. To this end, we perform coating experiments using silicon based elastomers, Vinylpolysiloxane (VPS) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). These results are rationalized combining numerical simulations of the lubrication flow field to a theoretical model of the dynamics yielding an analytical prediction of the formed shell characteristics. In particular, the robustness of the coating technique and its flexibility, two critical features for providing a generic framework for future studies, are shown to be an inherent consequence of the flow field (memory loss). The shell structure is both independent of initial conditions and tailorable by changing a single experimental parameter.

Coatings Would Protect Polymers Against Atomic Oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Banks, Bruce A.; Rutledge, Sharon K.

1995-01-01

Proposed interposition of layers of silver oxide tens to hundreds of angstroms thick between polymeric substrates and overlying films helps protect substrates against chemical attack by monatomic oxygen. In original application, polymer substrate would be, sheet of polyimide supporting array of solar photovoltaic cells on spacecraft in low orbit around Earth. Concept also applicable to protection of equipment in terrestrial laboratory and industrial vacuum and plasma chambers in which monatomic oxygen present.

Water-Based Assembly of Polymer-Metal Organic Framework (MOF) Functional Coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De, Souvik; Nandasiri, Manjula I.; Schaef, Herbert T.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained tremendous attention for their porosity, size selectivity, and structural diversity. There is a need for MOF-based coatings, particularly in applications such as separations, electronics and energy; yet forming thin, functional, conformal coatings is prohibitive because MOFs exist as a powder. Layer-by- layer assembly, a versatile thin film coating approach, offers a unique solution to this problem, but this approach requires MOFs that are water-dispersible and bear a surface charge. Here, we address these issues by examining water-based dispersions of MIL-101(Cr) that facilitate the formation of robust polymer-MOF hybrid coatings. Specifically, the substrate to bemore » coated is alternately exposed to an aqueous solution of poly(styrene sulfonate) and dispersion MIL-101(Cr), yielding linear film growth and coatings with a MOF content as high as 77 wt%.This approach is surface-agnostic, in which the coating is successfully applied to silicon, glass, flexible plastic, and even cotton fabric, conformally coating individual fibers. In contrast, prior attempts at forming MOF-coatings were severely limited to a handful of surfaces, required harsh chemical treatment, and were not conformal. The approach presented here unambiguously confirms that MOFs can be conformally coated onto complex and unusual surfaces, opening the door for a wide variety of applications.« less

25th anniversary article: CVD polymers: a new paradigm for surface modification and device fabrication.

PubMed

Coclite, Anna Maria; Howden, Rachel M; Borrelli, David C; Petruczok, Christy D; Yang, Rong; Yagüe, Jose Luis; Ugur, Asli; Chen, Nan; Lee, Sunghwan; Jo, Won Jun; Liu, Andong; Wang, Xiaoxue; Gleason, Karen K

2013-10-11

Well-adhered, conformal, thin (<100 nm) coatings can easily be obtained by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) for a variety of technological applications. Room temperature modification with functional polymers can be achieved on virtually any substrate: organic, inorganic, rigid, flexible, planar, three-dimensional, dense, or porous. In CVD polymerization, the monomer(s) are delivered to the surface through the vapor phase and then undergo simultaneous polymerization and thin film formation. By eliminating the need to dissolve macromolecules, CVD enables insoluble polymers to be coated and prevents solvent damage to the substrate. CVD film growth proceeds from the substrate up, allowing for interfacial engineering, real-time monitoring, and thickness control. Initiated-CVD shows successful results in terms of rationally designed micro- and nanoengineered materials to control molecular interactions at material surfaces. The success of oxidative-CVD is mainly demonstrated for the deposition of organic conducting and semiconducting polymers. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Method of making nanopatterns and nanostructures and nanopatterned functional oxide materials

DOEpatents

Dravid, Vinayak P; Donthu, Suresh K; Pan, Zixiao

2014-02-11

Method for nanopatterning of inorganic materials, such as ceramic (e.g. metal oxide) materials, and organic materials, such as polymer materials, on a variety of substrates to form nanopatterns and/or nanostructures with control of dimensions and location, all without the need for etching the materials and without the need for re-alignment between multiple patterning steps in forming nanostructures, such as heterostructures comprising multiple materials. The method involves patterning a resist-coated substrate using electron beam lithography, removing a portion of the resist to provide a patterned resist-coated substrate, and spin coating the patterned resist-coated substrate with a liquid precursor, such as a sol precursor, of the inorganic or organic material. The remaining resist is removed and the spin coated substrate is heated at an elevated temperature to crystallize the deposited precursor material.

INK-JET PRINTING OF PF6 FOR OLED APPLICATIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burrasca, G.; Fasolino, T.; Miscioscia, R.

2008-08-28

In the last years there has been much interest in applying ink-jet printing (IJP) technology to the deposition of several materials for organic electronics applications, including metals, polymers and nanoparticles dispersions on flexible substrates. The aim of this work is to study the effect of ink-jet deposition of polymer films in the manufacturing of OLED devices comparing their performances to standard technologies. The ink-jet printed polymer is introduced in an hybrid structure in which other layers are deposited by vacuum thermal evaporation. The electrical and optical properties of the obtained devices are investigated.OLEDs with the same structure were fabricated bymore » spin-coating a polymer film by the same solution used as ink. Results have been compared to the above ones to determine how the deposition method affects the device optoelectronic properties.« less

Constructing honeycomb micropatterns on nonplanar substrates with high glass transition temperature polymers.

PubMed

Ding, Jianyun; Gong, Jianliang; Bai, Hua; Li, Lei; Zhong, Yawen; Ma, Zhi; Svrcek, Vladimir

2012-08-15

In Qiao's previous report, only star polymers with T(g) (glass transition temperature) below 48°C were found forming homogeneous honeycomb coatings on the nonplanar substrates. The polymers with high T(g) are believed not able to duplicate nonplanar substrate due to their brittleness. This article presents a comprehensive study on the construction of macroporous polymeric films on various nonplanar substrates with static breath figure (BF) technique, using linear polymers with high T(g). Two kinds of linear polymers with high T(g), polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) and polystyrene without polar end groups, are employed to prepare 3-dimensional macroporous films on different nonplanar substrates. Scanning electronic microscopy views on the side wall in addition to views in-plane prove that polymer films with BF array perfectly replicated the surface features of these substrates. The formation processes of macropores on these substrates are analyzed in detail, and it demonstrates that neither molecular topography nor T(g) of polymers is the critical factor contouring nonplanar substrate. A new hypothesis involving polymer plasticization and conformation during the solvent evaporation is formulated. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rolling dry-coupled transducers for ultrasonic inspections of aging aircraft structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komsky, Igor N.

2004-07-01

Some advanced aircraft materials or coatings are porous or otherwise sensitive to the application of water, gel, or some other ultrasonic couplants. To overcome the problems associated with the liquid coupling medium, dry-coupled rolling modules were developed at Northwestern University for the transmission of both longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves at frequencies up to 10 MHz. Dry-coupled ultrasonic modules contain solid core internal stators and solid or flexible external rotors with the flexible polymer substrates. Two types of the dry-coupled modules are under development. Cylindrical base transducer modules include solid core cylindrical rotors with flexible polymer substrates that rotate around the stators with ultrasonic elements. Dry-coupled modules with elongated bases contain solid core stators and flexible track-like polymer substrates that rotate around the stators as rotors of the modules. The elongated base modules have larger contact interfaces with the inspection surface in comparison with the cylindrical base modules. Some designs of the dry-coupled rolling modules contain several ultrasonic elements with different incident angles or a variable angle unit for rapid adjustments of incident angles. The prototype dry-coupled rolling modules were integrated with the portable ultrasonic inspection systems and tested on a number of Boeing aircraft structures.

A zwitterionic macro-crosslinker for durable non-fouling coatings.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Lu, Yang; Xie, Jinbing; Zhu, Hui; Cao, Zhiqiang

2016-03-28

A novel zwitterionic macro-crosslinker was developed and applied to fabricate durable non-fouling coatings on a polyurethane substrate. The zwitterionic macro-crosslinker coating exhibited superior durability over the traditional brush polymer coating and was able to retain its non-fouling property even after weeks of shearing in flowing liquid.

Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymeric Substrates and Method Relating Thereto

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Joycelyn O. (Inventor); St.Claire, Terry L. (Inventor)

2002-01-01

A thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate was prepared, This thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate may be used to prepare electromechanical transducers, thermomechanical transducers, accelerometers, acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, impact sensors. in-situ temperature sensors, in-situ stress/strain sensors, micro actuators, switches. adjustable fresnel lenses, speakers, tactile sensors, weather sensors, micro positioners, ultrasonic devices, power generators, tunable reflectors, microphones, and hydrophones. The process for preparing these polymeric substrates includes: providing a polymeric substrate having a softening temperature greater than 100 C; depositing a metal electrode material onto the polymer film; attaching a plurality of electrical leads to the metal electrode coated polymeric substrates; heating the metal electrode coated polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium; applying a voltage to the heated metal electrode coated polymeric substrate to induce polarization; and cooling the polarized metal electrode coated polymeric electrode while maintaining a constant voltage.

Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymeric Substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Joycely O. (Inventor); St.Clair, Terry L. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate was prepared. This thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate may be used to prepare electromechanical transducers, thermomechanical transducers, accelerometers. acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, impact sensors, in-situ temperature sensors, in-situ stress/strain sensors, micro actuators, switches, adjustable fresnel lenses, speakers, tactile sensors. weather sensors, micro positioners, ultrasonic devices, power generators, tunable reflectors, microphones, and hydrophones. The process for preparing these polymeric substrates includes: providing a polymeric substrate having a softening temperature greater than 1000 C; depositing a metal electrode material onto the polymer film; attaching a plurality of electrical leads to the metal electrode coated polymeric substrate; heating the metal electrode coated polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium; applying a voltage to the heated metal electrode coated polymeric substrate to induce polarization; and cooling the polarized metal electrode coated polymeric electrode while maintaining a constant voltage.

Method of Making Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Proelectric Polymeric Substrates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Joycelyn O. (Inventor); St.Clair, Terry L. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

A thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate was prepared. This thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate may be used to prepare electromechanical transducers, thermomechanical transducers, accelerometers, acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, pressure sensors, vibration sensors, impact sensors. in-situ temperature sensors, in-situ stress/strain sensors, micro actuators, switches, adjustable fresnel lenses, speakers, tactile sensors, weather sensors, micro positioners, ultrasonic devices, power generators, tunable reflectors, microphones, and hydrophones. The process for preparing these polymeric substrates includes: providing a polymeric substrate having a softening temperature greater than 100 C; depositing a metal electrode material onto the polymer film; attaching a plurality of electrical leads to the metal electrode coated polymeric substrate; heating the metal electrode coated polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium: applying a voltage to the heated metal electrode coated polymeric substrate to induce polarization; and cooling the polarized metal electrode coated polymeric electrode while maintaining a constant voltage.

Fabrication of a cost-effective polymer nanograting as a disposable plasmonic biosensor using nanoimprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, Saswat; Kumari, Sudha; Moirangthem, Rakesh S.

2017-07-01

A simple and cost-effective flexible plasmonic sensor is developed using a gold-coated polymer nanograting structure prepared via soft UV nanoimprint lithography. The sub-wavelength nanograting patterns of digital versatile discs were used as a template to prepare the polydimethylsiloxane stamp. The plasmonic sensing substrate was achieved after coating a gold thin film on top of the imprinted nanograting sample. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) modes excited on the gold-coated nanograting structure appeared as a dip in the reflectance spectrum measured at normal incidence under white light illumination in the ambient air medium. Electromagnetic simulation based on the finite element method was carried out to analyze the excited SPR modes. The simulated result shows very close agreement with the experimental data. The performance of the sensor with respect to changing the surrounding dielectric medium yields a bulk refractive index sensitivity of 788  ±  21 nm per refractive index unit. Further, label-free detection of proteins using a plasmonic sensing substrate was demonstrated by monitoring specific interactions between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti-BSA proteins, which gave a detection limit of 123 pg mm-2 with respect to target anti-BSA protein binding. Thus, our proposed plasmonic sensor has potential for the development of an economical and highly sensitive label-free optical biosensing device for biomedical applications.

Evaluation available encapsulation materials for low-cost long-life silicon photovoltaic arrays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carmichael, D. C.; Gaines, G. B.; Noel, G. T.; Sliemers, F. A.; Nance, G. P.; Bunk, A. R.; Brockway, M. C.

1978-01-01

Experimental evaluation of selected encapsulation designs and materials based on an earlier study which have potential for use in low cost, long-life photovoltaic arrays are reported. The performance of candidate materials and encapsulated cells were evaluated principally for three types of encapsulation designs based on their potentially low materials and processing costs: (1) polymeric coatings, transparent conformal coatings over the cell with a structural-support substrate; (2) polymeric film lamination, cells laminated between two films or sheets of polymeric materials; and (3) glass-covered systems, cells adhesively bonded to a glass cover (superstrate) with a polymeric pottant and a glass or other substrate material. Several other design types, including those utilizing polymer sheet and pottant materials, were also included in the investigation.

Controlling the interparticle spacing of Au-salt loaded micelles and Au nanoparticles on flat surfaces.

PubMed

Bansmann, J; Kielbassa, S; Hoster, H; Weigl, F; Boyen, H G; Wiedwald, U; Ziemann, P; Behm, R J

2007-09-25

The self-organization of diblock copolymers into micellar structures in an appropriate solvent allows the deposition of well ordered arrays of pure metal and alloy nanoparticles on flat surfaces with narrow distributions in particle size and interparticle spacing. Here we investigated the influence of the materials (substrate and polymer) and deposition parameters (temperature and emersion velocity) on the deposition of metal salt loaded micelles by dip-coating from solution and on the order and inter-particle spacing of the micellar deposits and thus of the metal nanoparticle arrays resulting after plasma removal of the polymer shell. For identical substrate and polymer, variation of the process parameters temperature and emersion velocity enables the controlled modification of the interparticle distance within a certain length regime. Moreover, also the degree of hexagonal order of the final array depends sensitively on these parameters.

PVD coating for optical applications on temperature-resistant thermoplastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munzert, Peter; Schulz, Ulrike; Kaiser, Norbert

2004-02-01

The performance of the high temperature resistant polymers Pleximid, APEC and Ultrason as substrate materials in plasma-assisted physical vapor deposition processes was studied and compared with well-known thermoplastics for optical applications. Different effects of UV irradiation and plasma exposure on the polymers' optical features, surface energy and adhesion properties for oxide layers, typically used for interference multilayer coatings, are shown.

Influence of biodegradable polymer coatings on corrosion, cytocompatibility and cell functionality of Mg-2.0Zn-0.98Mn magnesium alloy.

PubMed

Witecka, Agnieszka; Yamamoto, Akiko; Idaszek, Joanna; Chlanda, Adrian; Święszkowski, Wojciech

2016-08-01

Four kinds of biodegradable polymers were employed to prepare bioresorbable coatings on Mg-2.0Zn-0.98Mn (ZM21) alloy to understand the relationship between polymer characteristics, protective effects on substrate corrosion, cytocompatibility and cell functionality. Poly-l-lactide (PLLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) was spin-coated on ZM21, obtaining a smooth, non-porous coating less than 0.5μm in thickness. Polymer coating characterization, a degradation study, and biocompatibility evaluations were performed. After 4 w of immersion into cell culture medium, degradation of PLGA and PLLA coatings were confirmed by ATR-FTIR observation. The coatings of PLLA, PHB and PHBV, which have lower water permeability and slower degradation than PLGA, provide better suppression of initial ZM21 degradation and faster promotion of human osteosarcoma cell growth and differentiation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Boundary layers of aqueous surfactant and block copolymer solutions against hydrophobic and hydrophilic solid surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steitz, Roland; Schemmel, Sebastian; Shi, Hongwei; Findenegg, Gerhard H.

2005-03-01

The boundary layer of aqueous surfactants and amphiphilic triblock copolymers against flat solid surfaces of different degrees of hydrophobicity was investigated by neutron reflectometry (NR), grazing incidence small angle neutron scattering (GISANS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Solid substrates of different hydrophobicities were prepared by appropriate surface treatment or by coating silicon wafers with polymer films of different chemical natures. For substrates coated with thin films (20-30 nm) of deuterated poly(styrene) (water contact angle \\theta_{\\mathrm {w}} \\approx 90^\\circ ), neutron reflectivity measurements on the polymer/water interface revealed a water depleted liquid boundary layer of 2-3 nm thickness and a density about 90% of the bulk water density. No pronounced depletion layer was found at the interface of water against a less hydrophobic polyelectrolyte coating (\\theta_{\\mathrm {w}} \\approx 63^\\circ ). It is believed that the observed depletion layer at the hydrophobic polymer/water interface is a precursor of the nanobubbles which have been observed by AFM at this interface. Decoration of the polymer coatings by adsorbed layers of nonionic CmEn surfactants improves their wettability by the aqueous phase at surfactant concentrations well below the critical micellar concentration (CMC) of the surfactant. Here, GISANS experiments conducted on the system SiO2/C8E4/D2O reveal that there is no preferred lateral organization of the C8E4 adsorption layers. For amphiphilic triblock copolymers (PEO-PPO-PEO) it is found that under equilibrium conditions they form solvent-swollen brushes both at the air/water and the solid/water interface. In the latter case, the brushes transform to uniform, dense layers after extensive rinsing with water and subsequent solvent evaporation. The primary adsorption layers maintain properties of the precursor brushes. In particular, their thickness scales with the number of ethylene oxide units (EO) of the block copolymer. In the case of dip-coating without subsequent rinsing, surface patterns of the presumably crystalline polymer on top of the primary adsorption layer develop upon drying under controlled conditions. The morphology depends mainly on the nominal surface coverage with the triblock copolymer. Similar morphologies are found on bare and polystyrene-coated silicon substrates, indicating that the surface patterning is mainly driven by segregation forces within the polymer layers and not by interactions with the substrate.

Role of Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Microstructure of Maleic Anhydride Plasma Polymer Thin Films.

PubMed

Brioude, Michel M; Roucoules, Vincent; Haidara, Hamidou; Vonna, Laurent; Laborie, Marie-Pierre

2015-07-01

Recently, it was shown that the microstructure of a maleic anhydride plasma polymer (MAPP) could be tailored ab initio by adjusting the plasma process parameters. In this work, we aim to investigate the ability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to induce topographical structuration. Thus, a new approach was designed based on the deposition of MAPP on CNCs model surfaces. The nanocellulosic surfaces were produced by spin-coating the CNC suspension on a silicon wafer substrate and on a hydrophobic silicon wafer substrate patterned with circular hydrophilic microsized domains (diameter of 86.9 ± 4.9 μm), resulting in different degrees of CNC aggregation. By depositing the MAPP over these surfaces, it was possible to observe that the surface fraction of nanostructures increased from 20% to 35%. This observation suggests that CNCs can act as nucleation points resulting in more structures, although a critical density of the CNCs is required.

Directed ordering of phase separated domains and dewetting of thin polymer blend films on a topographically patterned substrate.

PubMed

Bhandaru, Nandini; Karim, Alamgir; Mukherjee, Rabibrata

2017-07-21

Substrate pattern guided self-organization of ultrathin and confined polymeric films on a topographically patterned substrate is a useful approach for obtaining ordered meso and nano structures over large areas, particularly if the ordering is achieved during film preparation itself, eliminating any post-processing such as thermal or solvent vapor annealing. By casting a dilute solution of two immiscible polymers, polystyrene (PS) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), from a common solvent (toluene) on a topographically patterned substrate with a grating geometry, we show the formation of self-organized meso patterns with various degrees of ordering. The morphology depends on both the concentration of the dispensed solution (C n ) and the blend composition (R B ). Depending on the extent of dewetting during spin coating, the final morphologies can be classified into three distinct categories. At a very low C n the solution dewets fully, resulting in isolated polymer droplets aligned along substrate grooves (Type 1). Type 2 structures comprising isolated threads with aligned phase separated domains along each substrate groove are observed at intermediate C n . A continuous film (Type 3) is obtained above a critical concentration (C n *) that depends on R B . While the extent of ordering of the domains gradually diminishes with an increase in film thickness for Type 3 patterns, the size of the domains remains much smaller than that on a flat substrate, resulting in significant downsizing of the features due to the lateral confinement imposed on the phase separation process by the topographic patterns. Finally, we show that some of these structures exhibit excellent broadband anti-reflection (AR) properties.

Heat resistant substrates and battery separators made therefrom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langer, Alois (Inventor); Scala, Luciano C. (Inventor); Ruffing, Charles R. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A flexible substrate having a caustic resistant support and at least one membrane comprising a solid polymeric matrix containing a network of interconnected pores and interdispersed inorganic filler particles with a ratio of filler: polymer in the polymeric matrix of between about 1:1 to 5:1, is made by coating at least one side of the support with a filler:coating formulation mixture of inorganic filler particles and a caustic resistant, water insoluble polymer dissolved in an organic solvent, and removing the solvent from the mixture to provide a porous network within the polymeric matrix.

Failure Surface Analysis of Polyimide/Titanium Notched Coating Adhesion Specimens

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

GIUNTA,RACHEL K.; KANDER,RONALD G.

2000-12-18

Adhesively bonded joints of LaRC{trademark} PETI-5, a phenylethynyl-terminated polyimide, with chromic acid anodized titanium were fabricated and debonded interfacially. The adhesive-substrate failure surfaces were investigated using several surface analysis techniques. From Auger spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy studies, polymer appears to be penetrating the pores of the anodized substrate to a depth of approximately 100 nm. From x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, the polymer penetrating the pores appears to be in electrical contact with the titanium substrate, leading to differential charging. These analyses confirm that the polymer is becoming mechanically interlocked within the substrate surface.

High flux filtration medium based on nanofibrous substrate with hydrophilic nanocomposite coating.

PubMed

Wang, Xuefen; Chen, Xuming; Yoon, Kyunghwan; Fang, Dufei; Hsiao, Benjamin S; Chu, Benjamin

2005-10-01

A novel high flux filtration medium, consisting of a three-tier composite structure, i.e., a nonporous hydrophilic nanocomposite coating top layer, an electrospun nanofibrous substrate midlayer, and a conventional nonwoven microfibrous support, was demonstrated for oil/water emulsion separations for the first time. The nanofibrous substrate was prepared by electrospinning of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) followed by chemical cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GA) in acetone. The resulting cross-linked PVA substrates showed excellent water resistance and good mechanical properties. The top coating was based on a nanocomposite layer containing hydrophilic polyether-b-polyamide copolymer or a cross-linked PVA hydrogel incorporated with surface-oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations indicated that the nanocomposite layer was nonporous within the instrumental resolution and MWNTs were well dispersed in the polymer matrix. Oil/ water emulsion tests showed that this unique type of filtration media exhibited a high flux rate (up to 330 L/m2-h at the feed pressure of 100 psi) and an excellent total organic solute rejection rate (99.8%) without appreciable fouling. The increase in the concentration of surface-oxidized MWNT in the coating layer generally improves the flux rate, which can be attributed to the generation of more effective hydrophilic nanochannels for water passage in the composite membranes.

The Mechanical Robustness of Atomic-Layer- and Molecular-Layer-Deposited Coatings on Polymer Substrates

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

coatings include flexible liquid crystal displays, OLEDs , and photovoltaic modules.15 Additional applications include packaging for medical devices...copyright, see http://jap.aip.org/jap/copyright.jsp ics of TFT Technology on Flexible Substrates, Flexible Flat Panel Dis- plays, edited by G. P. Crawford...grade “Teonex Q65” is commonly used in the organic light emitting diode OLED field because it is both heat stabilized and coated with a scratch

Polymer subtrates for dry-coupled ultrasonic transducers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komsky, Igor N.

2003-07-01

Dry-coupled inspection techniques are very important for applications on components with non-uniform surfaces and for inspections of advanced materials or coatings that are porous or otherwise sensitive to the application of water, gel, or some other ultrasonic couplants. To overcome the problems associated with the liquid coupling medium, a number of polymer films have been developed to transmit the ultrasound through a dry interface. These materials are very flexible so even low pressure loading is sufficient to adapt the films to the irregular inspection surfaces. Several polymer films have been evaluated to develop dry-coupled substrates for transducer modules. The modules will be utilized to detect and characterize fatigue cracks and corrosion spots in the aircraft structures. Ultrasonic properties of the polymer films were measured and compared with the properties of plastic or rubber-like materials commonly used for ultrasonic applications. Experiments have been carried out to analyze propagation of longitudinal and shear waves in the films. Two different types of the ultrasonic modules with the flexible polymer substrates are being developed. The influence of the surface condition on the module performance was evaluated for both types of the modules.

Corrosion resistance and durability of siloxane ceramic/polymer films for aluminum alloys in marine environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusada, Kentaro

The objective of this study is to evaluate corrosion resistance and durability of siloxane ceramic/polymer films for aluminum alloys in marine environments. Al5052-H3 and Al6061-T6 were selected as substrates, and HCLCoat11 and HCLCoat13 developed in the Hawaii Corrosion Laboratory were selected for the siloxane ceramic/polymer coatings. The HCLCoat11 is a quasi-ceramic coating that has little to no hydrocarbons in its structure. The HCLCoat13 is formulated to incorporate more hydrocarbons to improve adhesion to substrate surfaces with less active functionalities. In this study, two major corrosion evaluation methods were used, which were the polarization test and the immersion test. The polarization tests provided theoretical corrosion rates (mg/dm 2/day) of bare, HCLCoat11-coated, and HCLCoat13-coated aluminum alloys in aerated 3.15wt% sodium chloride solution. From these results, the HCLCoat13-coated Al5052-H3 was found to have the lowest corrosion rate which was 0.073mdd. The next lowest corrosion rate was 0.166mdd of the HCLCoat11-coated Al5052-H3. Corrosion initiation was found to occur at preexisting breaches (pores) in the films by optical microscopy and SEM analysis. The HCLCoat11 film had many preexisting breaches of 1-2microm in diameter, while the HCLCoat13 film had much fewer preexisting breaches of less than 1microm in diameter. However, the immersion tests showed that the seawater immersion made HCLCoat13 film break away while the HCLCoat11 film did not apparently degrade, indicating that the HCLCoat11 film is more durable against seawater than the HCLCoat13. Raman spectroscopy revealed that there was some degradation of HCLCoat11 and HCLCoat13. For the HCLCoat11 film, the structure relaxation of Si-O-Si linkages was observed. On the other hand, seawater generated C-H-S bonds in the HCLCoat13 film resulting in the degradation of the film. In addition, it was found that the HCLCoat11 coating had anti-fouling properties due to its high water contact angle. As candidate materials for a marine construction (e.g. the heat exchangers for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants), the HCLCoat11-coated Al5052-H3 proved to be a durable, corrosion resistant combination with anti-fouling characteristics.

Fabrication of biocompatible hydrogel coatings for implantable medical devices using Fenton-type reaction.

PubMed

Butruk, Beata; Trzaskowski, Maciej; Ciach, Tomasz

2012-08-01

In this paper the authors present a simple method of coating polyurethane (PU) surface with poly(vinyl pirrolidone) (PVP) hydrogel. The hydrogel-coated materials were designed for use in biomedical applications, especially in blood-contacting devices. The coating is formed due to free radical macromolecular grafting-crosslinking. Polymer surface was first immersed in an organic solution containing radical source: cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) with an addition of a branching and anchoring agent: ethylene glycol dimethylacrylate (EGDMA). In the second step, the substrate was immersed in a water solution containing given concentration of PVP and Fe(2+). The novelty of the process consists in the fact that free radicals are formed mostly at the polymer/solution interface, what assures high grafting efficiency together with the formation of covalent bonds between polymer substrate and modifying layer. The process was optimized for reagents concentrations. The coating properties: thickness and the swelling ratio were strongly influenced by CHP, Fe(2+), PVP and EGMDA concentrations. The chemical composition of the surface analyzed with FTIR-ATR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of PVP coating. In vitro biocompatibility tests with L929 fibroblasts confirmed non-cytotoxicity of the coatings. Hydrogel coating significantly improved polyurethane hemocompatibility. Studies with human whole blood revealed that both, the platelet consumption and the level of platelet activation were as low as for negative control. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A green single-step procedure to synthesize Ag-containing nanocomposite coatings with low cytotoxicity and efficient antibacterial properties

PubMed Central

Ma, Kena; Gong, Lingling; Cai, Xinjie; Huang, Pin; Cai, Jing; Huang, Dan; Jiang, Tao

2017-01-01

Implant-associated infections still pose a serious threat leading to several complications. This study reported an environmentally benign Ag-containing nanocomposite coating with efficient antibacterial property fabricated on the metal implant via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). In such coatings, Ag2O/AgCl mixed with chitosan/gelatin (CS/G) polymers work together to exert the antibacterial property which could act as an alternative to traditional Ag nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy images showed the shuttle fiber-like morphology distributed lamellarly and some nanoparticles carved uniformly into the cross section. Transmission electron microscopy results revealed a core–shell-like structure of the released nanoparticles in experimental groups. The Ag-containing coatings exhibited strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus strains and Escherichia coli strains. Meanwhile, the CCK-8 tests showed that after assembling with chitosan and gelatin polymers, the cytotoxicity of Ag was largely decreased. In addition, such coatings also exhibited strong bond strength with metal substrates and good degradable properties. Therefore, such Ag-containing CS/G coatings fabricated via EPD may be a promising candidate to be administrated in controlling the implant-associated infections. PMID:28553106

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering on periodic metal nanotips with tunable sharpness.

PubMed

Linn, Nicholas C; Sun, Chih-Hung; Arya, Ajay; Jiang, Peng; Jiang, Bin

2009-06-03

This paper reports on a scalable bottom-up technology for producing periodic gold nanotips with tunable sharpness as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. Inverted silicon pyramidal pits, which are templated from non-close-packed colloidal crystals prepared by a spin-coating technology, are used as structural templates to replicate arrays of polymer nanopyramids with nanoscale sharp tips. The deposition of a thin layer of gold on the polymer nanopyramids leads to the formation of SERS-active substrates with a high enhancement factor (up to 10(8)). The thickness of the deposited metal determines the sharpness of the nanotips and the resulting Raman enhancement factor. Finite-element electromagnetic modeling shows that the nanotips can significantly enhance the local electromagnetic field and the sharpness of nanotips greatly affects the SERS enhancement.

Two Dimensional Polymer That Generates Nitric Oxide.

DOEpatents

McDonald, William F.; Koren, Amy B.

2005-10-04

A polymeric composition that generates nitric oxide and a process for rendering the surface of a substrate nonthrombogenic by applying a coating of the polymeric composition to the substrate are disclosed. The composition comprises: (1) a crosslinked chemical combination of (i) a polymer having amino group-containing side chains along a backbone forming the polymer, and (ii) a crosslinking agent containing functional groups capable of reacting with the amino groups; and (2) a plurality of nitric oxide generating functional groups associated with the crosslinked chemical combination. Once exposed to a physiological environment, the coating generates nitric oxide thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation. In one embodiment, the nitric oxide generating functional groups are provided by a nitrated compound (e.g., nitrocellulose) imbedded in the polymeric composition. In another embodiment, the nitric oxide generating functional groups comprise N2O2- groups covalently bonded to amino groups on the polymer.

Preparation of flexible TiO2 photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wen-Ren; Wang, Hsiu-Hsuan; Lin, Chia-Feng; Su, Chaochin

2014-09-01

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on nanocrystalline TiO2 photoelectrodes on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polymer substrates have drawn great attention due to its lightweight, flexibility and advantages in commercial applications. However, the thermal instability of polymer substrates limits the process temperature to below 150 °C. In order to assure high and firm interparticle connection between TiO2 nanocrystals (TiO2-NC) and polymer substrates, the post-treatment of flexible TiO2 photoelectrodes (F-TiO2-PE) by mechanical compression was employed. In this work, Degussa P25 TiO2-NC was mixed with tert-butyl alcohol and DI-water to form TiO2 paste. F-TiO2-PE was then prepared by coating the TiO2 paste onto ITO coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate using doctor blade followed by low temperature sintering at 120 °C for 2 hours. To study the effect of mechanical compression, we applied 50 and 100 kg/cm2 pressure on TiO2/PET to complete the fabrication of F-TiO2-PE. The surface morphology of F-TiO2-PE was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The resultant F-TiO2-PE sample exhibited a smooth, crack-free structure indicating the great improvement in the interparticle connection of TiO2-NC. Increase of compression pressure could lead to the increase of DSSC photoconversion efficiency. The best photoconversion efficiency of 4.19 % (open circuit voltage (Voc) = 0.79 V, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) = 7.75 mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) = 0.68) was obtained for the F-TiO2-PE device, which showed great enhancement compared with the F-TiO2-PE cell without compression treatment. The effect of compression in DSSC performance was vindicated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurement.

Facile fabrication of uniaxial nanopatterns on shape memory polymer substrates using a complete bottom-up approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhongbi; Krishnaswamy, Sridhar

2014-03-01

In earlier work, we have demonstrated an assisted self-assembly fabrication method for unidirectional submicron patterns using pre-programmed shape memory polymers (SMP) as the substrate in an organic/inorganic bilayer structure. In this paper, we propose a complete bottom-up method for fabrication of uniaxial wrinkles whose wavelength is below 300 nm. The method starts with using the aforementioned self-assembled bi-layer wrinkled surface as the template to make a replica of surface wrinkles on a PDMS layer which is spin-coated on a pre-programmed SMP substrate. When the shape recovery of the substrate is triggered by heating it to its transition temperature, the substrate has been programmed in such a way that it shrinks uniaxially to return to its permanent shape. Consequently, the wrinkle wavelength on PDMS reduces accordingly. A subsequent contact molding process is carried out on the PDMS layer spin-coated on another pre-programmed SMP substrate, but using the wrinkled PDMS surface obtained in the previous step as the master. By activating the shape recovery of the substrate, the wrinkle wavelength is further reduced a second time in a similar fashion. Our experiments showed that the starting wavelength of 640 nm decreased to 290 nm after two cycles of recursive molding. We discuss the advantages and limitations of our recursive molding approach compared to the prevalent top-down fabrication methods represented by lithography. The present study is expected to o er a simple and cost-e ective fabrication method of nano-scale uniaxial wrinkle patterns with the potential for large-scale mass-production.

Finger materials for air cushion vehicles. Volume 1: Flexible coatings for finger materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conn, P. K.; Snell, I. C.; Klemens, W.

1984-12-01

Twenty polymer formulations from ten selected gum rubber polymers or polymer blends and fourteen formulations of castable liquid polyurethane polymers were characterized as coatings for the coated fabric that is the type material used to make flexible fingers for air cushion vehicles. The formulations were screened for crack growth and flexural fatigue resistance; the results were compared to results from a natural rubber/cisabutadiene blend control coating. In addition, selected polymers were evaluated with primary and secondary characterization tests and the results compared to results from the control formulation. One polymer also was used to evaluate the use of a reticulated carbon black to improve thermal conductivity. Several polymers had better crack growth resistance and a number had better flexural fatique resistance than the control polymer. A clorinated polyethylene polymer coated on nylon fabric had properties equivalent to the control polymer coated on nylon fabric. Hysteresis tests at different rates of deformation yielded results which suggested that the standard tests may not identify polymers with improved performance on air cushion vehicles. Woven fabric, knit, and mat structures were evaluated as reinforcements for polymer coatings; the knit and mat structures were not as efficient on a strength-to-weight basis as woven fabrics.

An update on pharmaceutical film coating for drug delivery.

PubMed

Felton, Linda A; Porter, Stuart C

2013-04-01

Pharmaceutical coating processes have generally been transformed from what was essentially an art form in the mid-twentieth century to a much more technology-driven process. This review article provides a basic overview of current film coating processes, including a discussion on polymer selection, coating formulation additives and processing equipment. Substrate considerations for pharmaceutical coating processes are also presented. While polymeric coating operations are commonplace in the pharmaceutical industry, film coating processes are still not fully understood, which presents serious challenges with current regulatory requirements. Novel analytical technologies and various modeling techniques that are being used to better understand film coating processes are discussed. This review article also examines the challenges of implementing process analytical technologies in coating operations, active pharmaceutical ingredients in polymer film coatings, the use of high-solids coating systems and continuous coating and other novel coating application methods.

Silver/hydroxyapatite composite coatings on porous titanium surfaces by sol-gel method.

PubMed

Qu, Jie; Lu, Xiong; Li, Dan; Ding, Yonghui; Leng, Yang; Weng, Jie; Qu, Shuxin; Feng, Bo; Watari, Fumio

2011-04-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings loaded with nanosilver particles is an attractive method to impart the HA coating with antibacterial properties. Producing Ag/HA coatings on porous Ti substrates have been an arduous job since commonly used line-of-sight techniques are not able to deposit uniform coatings on the inner pore surfaces of the porous Ti. In this study, porous Ti scaffolds with high porosity and interconnected structures were prepared by polymer impregnating method. A sol-gel process was used to produce uniform Ag/HA composite coatings on the surfaces of porous Ti substrates. Ca(NO(3) )(2) ·4H(2) O and P(2) O(5) in an ethyl alcohol based system was selected to prepare the sol, which ensured the homogeneous distribution of Ag in the sol. The characterization revealed that silver particles uniformly distributed in the coatings without agglomeration. High antibacterial ratio (>95%), against E. coli and S. albus was expressed by the silver-containing coatings (Ag/HA 0.8 and 1.6 wt %). The biocompatibility of the Ag/HA 0.8 surfaces was as good as that of pure HA surface, as revealed by culturing osteoblasts on them. The results indicated that Ag/HA 0.8 had the good balance between the biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of the coatings. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Controlled release from drug microparticles via solventless dry-polymer coating.

PubMed

Capece, Maxx; Barrows, Jason; Davé, Rajesh N

2015-04-01

A novel solvent-less dry-polymer coating process employing high-intensity vibrations avoiding the use of liquid plasticizers, solvents, binders, and heat treatments is utilized for the purpose of controlled release. The main hypothesis is that such process having highly controllable processing intensity and time may be effective for coating particularly fine particles, 100 μm and smaller via exploiting particle interactions between polymers and substrates in the dry state, while avoiding breakage yet achieving conformal coating. The method utilizes vibratory mixing to first layer micronized polymer onto active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particles by virtue of van der Waals forces and to subsequently mechanically deform the polymer into a continuous film. As a practical example, ascorbic acid and ibuprofen microparticles, 50-500 μm, are coated with the polymers polyethylene wax or carnauba wax, a generally recognized as safe material, resulting in controlled release on the order of seconds to hours. As a novelty, models are utilized to describe the coating layer thickness and the controlled-release behavior of the API, which occurs because of a diffusion-based mechanism. Such modeling would allow the design and control of the coating process with application for the controlled release of microparticles, particularly those less than 100 μm, which are difficult to coat by conventional solvent coating methods. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Bar-Coated Ultrathin Semiconductors from Polymer Blend for One-Step Organic Field-Effect Transistors.

PubMed

Ge, Feng; Liu, Zhen; Lee, Seon Baek; Wang, Xiaohong; Zhang, Guobing; Lu, Hongbo; Cho, Kilwon; Qiu, Longzhen

2018-06-27

One-step deposition of bi-functional semiconductor-dielectric layers for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) is an effective way to simplify the device fabrication. However, the proposed method has rarely been reported in large-area flexible organic electronics. Herein, we demonstrate wafer-scale OFETs by bar coating the semiconducting and insulating polymer blend solution in one-step. The semiconducting polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) segregates on top of the blend film, whereas dielectric polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acts as the bottom layer, which is achieved by a vertical phase separation structure. The morphology of blend film can be controlled by varying the concentration of P3HT and PMMA solutions. The wafer-scale one-step OFETs, with a continuous ultrathin P3HT film of 2.7 nm, exhibit high electrical reproducibility and uniformity. The one-step OFETs extend to substrate-free arrays that can be attached everywhere on varying substrates. In addition, because of the well-ordered molecular arrangement, the moderate charge transport pathway is formed, which resulted in stable OFETs under various organic solvent vapors and lights of different wavelengths. The results demonstrate that the one-step OFETs have promising potential in the field of large-area organic wearable electronics.

Biofouling-resistant ceragenin-modified materials and structures for water treatment

DOEpatents

Hibbs, Michael; Altman, Susan J.; Jones, Howland D. T.; Savage, Paul B.

2013-09-10

This invention relates to methods for chemically grafting and attaching ceragenin molecules to polymer substrates; methods for synthesizing ceragenin-containing copolymers; methods for making ceragenin-modified water treatment membranes and spacers; and methods of treating contaminated water using ceragenin-modified treatment membranes and spacers. Ceragenins are synthetically produced antimicrobial peptide mimics that display broad-spectrum bactericidal activity. Alkene-functionalized ceragenins (e.g., acrylamide-functionalized ceragenins) can be attached to polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using amine-linking, amide-linking, UV-grafting, or silane-coating methods. In addition, silane-functionalized ceragenins can be directly attached to polymer surfaces that have free hydroxyls.

Structural changes of polymer-coated microgranules and excipients on tableting investigated by microtomography using synchrotron X-ray radiation.

PubMed

Kajihara, Ryusuke; Noguchi, Shuji; Iwao, Yasunori; Suzuki, Yoshio; Terada, Yasuko; Uesugi, Kentaro; Itai, Shigeru

2015-03-15

Multiple-unit tablets consisting of polymer-coated microgranules and excipients have a number of advantageous pharmaceutical properties. Polymer-coated microgranules are known to often lose their functionality because of damage to the polymer coating caused by tableting, and the mechanism of polymer coating damage as well as the structural changes of excipients upon tableting had been investigated but without in-situ visualization and quantitative analysis. To elucidate the mechanism of coating damage, the internal structures of multiple-unit tablets were investigated by X-ray computed microtomography using synchrotron X-rays. Cross sectional images of the tablets with sub-micron spatial resolution clearly revealed that void spaces remained around the compressed excipient particles in the tablets containing an excipient composed of cellulose and lactose (Cellactose(®) 80), whereas much smaller void spaces remained in the tablets containing an excipient made of sorbitol (Parteck(®) SI 150). The relationships between the void spaces and the physical properties of the tablets such as hardness and disintegration were investigated. Damage to the polymer coating in tablets was found mainly where polymer-coated microgranules were in direct contact with each other in both types of tablets, which could be attributed to the difference in hardness of excipient particles and the core of the polymer-coated microgranules. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Computer simulation of the mechanical properties of metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerasimov, R. A.; Eremeyev, V. A.; Petrova, T. O.; Egorov, V. I.; Maksimova, O. G.; Maksimov, A. V.

2016-08-01

For a hybrid discrete-continual model describing a system which consists of a substrate and polymer coating, we provide computer simulation of its mechanical properties for various levels of deformations. For the substrate, we apply the elastic model with the Hooke law while for the polymeric coating, we use a discrete model. Here we use the Stockmayer potential which is a Lennard-Jones potential with additional term which describes the dipole interactions between neighbour segments of polymer chains, that is Keesom energy. Using Monte-Carlo method with Metropolis algorithm for a given temperature the equilibrium state is determined. We obtain dependencies of the energy, force, bending moment and Young's modulus for various levels of deformations and for different values of temperature. We show that for the increase of the deformations level the influence of surface coating on the considered material parameters is less pronounced. We provide comparison of obtained results with experimental data on deformations of crystalline polymers (gutta-percha, etc.)

Degradation of Polymer-Coated Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-01

Al and Al - Cu alloy metallizations about 800 nm thick were deposited on glass substrates and...accumulation under corrosion resistant organic coatings. Al and Al - Cu alloy metallizations about 800 nm thick were deposited on glass substrates and then...exposed to salt spray chamber for 16 days. Figure 1.4.10 Images of corrosion sites in Al - Cu thin film at “As deposited ” condition under

Self-Lubricating Coatings for Elevated Temperature Applications Using A High-Velocity-Particle-Consolidation (HVPC) Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

Deposition of copper by cold gas dynamic spraying : An investigation of dependence of microstructure and properties of the deposits on the...the deposition of metals, alloys , polymers, and composite powder -materials onto various substrates without significant heating of the spray powders or... Spray method is a relatively new coating method for deposition of metal, alloy , polymer, and/or composite powder material onto

Fabrication of wafer-scale nanopatterned sapphire substrate through phase separation lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xu; Ni, Mengyang; Zhuang, Zhe; Dai, Jiangping; Wu, Feixiang; Cui, Yushuang; Yuan, Changsheng; Ge, Haixiong; Chen, Yanfeng

2016-04-01

A phase separation lithography (PSL) based on polymer blend provides an extremely simple, low-cost, and high-throughput way to fabricate wafer-scale disordered nanopatterns. This method was introduced to fabricate nanopatterned sapphire substrates (NPSSs) for GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The PSL process only involved in spin-coating of polystyrene (PS)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer blend on sapphire substrate and followed by a development with deionized water to remove PEG moiety. The PS nanoporous network was facilely obtained, and the structural parameters could be effectively tuned by controlling the PS/PEG weight ratio of the spin-coating solution. 2-in. wafer-scale NPSSs were conveniently achieved through the PS nanoporous network in combination with traditional nanofabrication methods, such as O2 reactive ion etching (RIE), e-beam evaporation deposition, liftoff, and chlorine-based RIE. In order to investigate the performance of such NPSSs, typical blue LEDs with emission wavelengths of ~450 nm were grown on the NPSS and a flat sapphire substrate (FSS) by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, respectively. The integral photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the NPSS LED was enhanced by 32.3 % compared to that of the FSS-LED. The low relative standard deviation of 4.7 % for PL mappings of NPSS LED indicated the high uniformity of PL data across the whole 2-in. wafer. Extremely simple, low cost, and high throughput of the process and the ability to fabricate at the wafer scale make PSL a potential method for production of nanopatterned sapphire substrates.

Spray forming polymer membranes, coatings and films

DOEpatents

McHugh, Kevin M.; Watson, Lloyd D.; McAtee, Richard E.; Ploger, Scott A.

1993-01-01

A method of forming a polymer film having controlled physical and chemical characteristics, wherein a plume of nebulized droplets of a polymer or polymer precursor is directed toward a substrate from a converging/diverging nozzle having a throat at which the polymer or a precursor thereof is introduced and an exit from which the nebulized droplets of the polymer or precursor thereof leave entrained in a carrier gas. Relative movement between the nozzle and the substrate is provided to form a polymer film. Physical and chemical characteristics can be controlled by varying the deposition parameters and the gas and liquid chemistries. Semipermeable membranes of polyphosphazene films are disclosed, as are a variety of other polymer systems, both porous and non-porous.

Spray forming polymer membranes, coatings and films

DOEpatents

McHugh, K.M.; Watson, L.D.; McAtee, R.E.; Ploger, S.A.

1993-10-12

A method is described for forming a polymer film having controlled physical and chemical characteristics, wherein a plume of nebulized droplets of a polymer or polymer precursor is directed toward a substrate from a converging/diverging nozzle having a throat at which the polymer or a precursor thereof is introduced and an exit from which the nebulized droplets of the polymer or precursor thereof leave entrained in a carrier gas. Relative movement between the nozzle and the substrate is provided to form a polymer film. Physical and chemical characteristics can be controlled by varying the deposition parameters and the gas and liquid chemistries. Semipermeable membranes of polyphosphazene films are disclosed, as are a variety of other polymer systems, both porous and non-porous. 4 figures.

Optical coatings of variable refractive index and high laser-resistance from physical-vapor-deposited perfluorinated amorphous polymer

DOEpatents

Chow, Robert; Loomis, Gary E.; Thomas, Ian M.

1999-01-01

Variable index optical single-layers, optical multilayer, and laser-resistant coatings were made from a perfluorinated amorphous polymer material by physical vapor deposition. This was accomplished by physically vapor depositing a polymer material, such as bulk Teflon AF2400, for example, to form thin layers that have a very low refractive index (.about.1.10-1.31) and are highly transparent from the ultra-violet through the near infrared regime, and maintain the low refractive index of the bulk material. The refractive index can be varied by simply varying one process parameter, either the deposition rate or the substrate temperature. The thus forming coatings may be utilized in anti-reflectors and graded anti-reflection coatings, as well as in optical layers for laser-resistant coatings at optical wavelengths of less than about 2000 nm.

Hybrid microfabrication of nanofiber-based sheets and rods for tissue engineering applications.

PubMed

Park, Suk-Hee; Kim, Min Sung; Lee, Dasom; Choi, Yong Whan; Kim, Deok-Ho; Suh, Kahp-Yang

2013-12-01

Electrospun nanofibers have been developed into a variety of forms for tissue engineering scaffolds to regulate the cellular functions guided by nanotopographical cues. Here, we have successfully fabricated nanofiber-based scaffold complexes of rod and sheet type by combining the three microfabrication techniques of electrospinning, spin coating, and polymer melt deposition. It was demonstrated that this hybrid fabrication could produce uniaxially aligned nanofiber scaffolds supported by a thin film, allowing for a mechanically enforced substrate for cell culture as well as facile scaffold manipulation. The results of cell analysis indicated that nanofibers on spin-coated films could provide contact guidance effects on cells and retain them even after manipulation. As an application of the cell-laden nanofiber film, we built a rod-type structure by rolling up the film around a mechanically supporting core microfiber, which was incorporated by polymer melt deposition. A biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, polycaprolactone, was used throughout the processes and thus could be used as a directly implantable substitute in tissue regeneration.

Printing of polymer microcapsules for enzyme immobilization on paper substrate.

PubMed

Savolainen, Anne; Zhang, Yufen; Rochefort, Dominic; Holopainen, Ulla; Erho, Tomi; Virtanen, Jouko; Smolander, Maria

2011-06-13

Poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) microcapsules containing laccase from Trametes hirsuta (ThL) and Trametes versicolor (TvL) were printed onto paper substrate by three different methods: screen printing, rod coating, and flexo printing. Microcapsules were fabricated via interfacial polycondensation of PEI with the cross-linker sebacoyl chloride, incorporated into an ink, and printed or coated on the paper substrate. The same ink components were used for three printing methods, and it was found that laccase microcapsules were compatible with the ink. Enzymatic activity of microencapsulated TvL was maintained constant in polymer-based ink for at least eight weeks. Thick layers with high enzymatic activity were obtained when laccase-containing microcapsules were screen printed on paper substrate. Flexo printed bioactive paper showed very low activity, since by using this printing method the paper surface was not fully covered by enzyme microcapsules. Finally, screen printing provided a bioactive paper with high water-resistance and the highest enzyme lifetime.

Replication of surface nano-structure of the wing of dragonfly ( Pantala Flavescens) using nano-molding and UV nanoimprint lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Joong-Yeon; Kim, Gyutae; Kim, Sungwook; Lee, Heon

2013-07-01

The hydrophobicity of a dragonfly's wing originates from the naturally occurring nano-structure on its surface. The nano-structure on a dragonfly's wing consists of an array of nano-sized pillars, 100 nm in diameter. We re-create this hydrophobicity on various substrates, such as Si, glass, curved acrylic polymer, and flexible PET film, by replicating the nano-structure using UV curable nano-imprint lithography (NIL) and PDMS molding. The success of the nano-structure duplication was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hydrophobicity was measured by water-based contact angle measurements. The water contact angle of the replica made of UV cured polymer was 135° ± 2°, which was slightly lower than that of the original dragonfly's wing (145° ± 2°), but much higher than that of the UV cured polymer surface without any nano-sized pillars (80°). The hydrophobicity was further improved by applying a coating of Teflon-like material.

Direct Printing of Graphene onto Plastic Substrates.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hines, Daniel; Lock, Evgeniya; Walton, Scott; Baraket, Mira; Laskoski, Matthew; Mulvaney, Shawn; Sheehan, Paul; Lee, Woo; Robinson, Jeremy

2011-03-01

Graphene films have been synthesized on metal foils using CVD growth and have the potential to be compatible with roll-to-roll printing. To be usable in electronic devices, these films need to be removed from the metallic substrate. Currently this is accomplished by spin coating a polymer film over the graphene and chemically etching away the metal substrate. We have developed a direct printing method that allows graphene films to be printed off the metal substrate onto a polymer substrate. This printing process does not generate chemical waste, is compatible with roll-to-toll processing and renders the metal foil reusable. Adhesion of the graphene film to the polymer substrate is established by attaching perfluorophenylazides (PFPA) azide linker molecules to a plasma activated polymer surface. The transfer printing was performed by placing the PFPA treated polymer surface in contact with a graphene covered Cu foil and heating under pressure. Graphene films successfully printed onto a polystyrene substrate have been characterized by Raman spectroscopy and electrical measurements revealed the presence of Gr on the polymer surface. Details of the printing process along with characteristics of the graphene film after printing will be presented.

Enhanced Cycling Stability of Sulfur Electrodes through Effective Binding of Pyridine-Functionalized Polymer

DOE PAGES

Tsao, Yuchi; Chen, Zheng; Rondeau-Gagne, Simon; ...

2017-09-20

Porous carbons have previously been widely used as host materials for sulfur (S) electrodes because of their high conductivity and high surface area. However, they generally lack strong chemical affinity to stabilize polysulfide species. Therefore, conducting polymers have been employed to stabilize S electrodes. Integrating conducting polymers with high-surface-area carbons can create a new materials platform and synergize their functions. However, the previously used conducting polymers were often insoluble, and coating them uniformly from solution onto a nonpolar carbon substrate is a challenge. Here, we report that solution-processable isoindigo-based polymers incorporating polar substituents provide critical features: the conjugated backbone providesmore » good conductivity; functional pyridine groups provide high affinity to polysulfide species; and they possess high solubility in organic solvents. Here, these lead to effective coating on various carbonaceous substrates to provide highly stable sulfur electrodes. Importantly, the electrodes exhibit good capacity retention (80% over 300 cycles) at sulfur mass loading of 3.2 mg/cm 2, which significantly surpasses the performance of others reported in polymer-enabled sulfur cathodes.« less

Estimation of the Friction Coefficient of a Nanostructured Composite Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shil'ko, S. V.; Chernous, D. A.; Ryabchenko, T. V.; Hat'ko, V. V.

2017-11-01

The frictional-mechanical properties of a thin polymer-ceramic coating obtained by gas-phase impregnation of nanoporous anodic alumina with a fluoropolymer (octafluorocyclobutane) have been investigated. The coefficient of sliding friction of the coating is predicted based on an analysis of contact deformation within the framework of the Winkler elastic foundation hypothesis and a three-phase micromechanical model. It is shown that an acceptable prediction accuracy can be obtained considering the uniaxial strain state of the coating. It was found that, on impregnation by the method of plasmachemical treatment, the relative depth of penetration of the polymer increased almost in proportion to the processing time. The rate and maximum possible depth of penetration of the polymer into nanoscale pores grew with increasing porosity of the alumina substrate.

Laminated rare earth structure and method of making

DOEpatents

Senor, David J [West Richland, WA; Johnson, Roger N [Richland, WA; Reid, Bruce D [Pasco, WA; Larson, Sandra [Richland, WA

2002-07-30

A laminated structure having two or more layers, wherein at least one layer is a metal substrate and at least one other layer is a coating comprising at least one rare earth element. For structures having more than two layers, the coating and metal substrate layers alternate. In one embodiment of the invention, the structure is a two-layer laminate having a rare earth coating electrospark deposited onto a metal substrate. In another embodiment of the invention, the structure is a three-layer laminate having the rare earth coating electrospark deposited onto a first metal substrate and the coating subsequently abonded to a second metal substrate. The bonding of the coating to the second metal substrate may be accomplished by hot pressing, hot rolling, high deformation rate processing, or combinations thereof. The laminated structure may be used in nuclear components where reactivity control or neutron absorption is desired and in non-nuclear applications such as magnetic and superconducting films.

Thin coatings in packaging: Fundamental and practical aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thorne, N. A.

1996-01-01

A beverage or food can is very much a functionalized product, the overall performance characteristics being achieved by the use of several materials each of which provides a specific property. Schematically, the metal substrate provides the mechanical and barrier properties, whereby the chemical resistance is provided by specific surface treatments to the metal surface and the application of a thin organic coating. Between about 4-15 μm in thickness, this organic coating has a double protective role, as it must protect the substrate from the foodstuff (corrosion) and the foodstuff from the substrate (taste..) over the required shelflife of the product. To give an idea of the industrial importance of this application, over 100 billion beverage cans per year are produced worldwide, each being individually sprayed with a protective organic layer. To perform correctly these coatings need to possess the following characteristics: —ability to be applied in thin, homogeneous layers without macroscopic or microscopic defects, —sufficient adhesion with the substrate and possess considerable interface stability —mechanical properties sufficient to withstand the can forming operations —intrinsic diffusion barrier properties necessary to prevent significant interaction with the substrate —sufficient chemical resistance to withstand any significant modification of the coating structure and hence intrinsic properties induced by the foodstuff Whereas a considerable amount of scientific attention has been applied to ``bulk'' systems, such as the mechanical properties of epoxies used for composite materials, diffusion in polymer packaging..., little published work is available concerning the specific properties of these thin coatings. The task is not helped by the commercial nature of the resin formulations used, the need to adapt these formulations to the multitude of industrial operations and the physical size of the coatings. The above coating properties will be discussed in relation to the ability to understand the underlying mechanisms involved, to measure the required properties and in the long term predict coating performance.

FEM Modeling of In-Plane Stress Distribution in Thick Brittle Coatings/Films on Ductile Substrates Subjected to Tensile Stress to Determine Interfacial Strength.

PubMed

Wang, Kaishi; Zhang, Fangzhou; Bordia, Rajendra K

2018-03-27

The ceramic-metal interface is present in various material structures and devices that are vulnerable to failures, like cracking, which are typically due to their incompatible properties, e.g., thermal expansion mismatch. In failure of these multilayer systems, interfacial shear strength is a good measure of the robustness of interfaces, especially for planar films. There is a widely-used shear lag model and method by Agrawal and Raj to analyse and measure the interfacial shear strength of thin brittle film on ductile substrates. The use of this classical model for a type of polymer derived ceramic coatings (thickness ~18 μm) on steel substrate leads to high values of interfacial shear strength. Here, we present finite element simulations for such a coating system when it is subjected to in-plane tension. Results show that the in-plane stresses in the coating are non-uniform, i.e., varying across the thickness of the film. Therefore, they do not meet one of the basic assumptions of the classical model: uniform in-plane stress. Furthermore, effects of three significant parameters, film thickness, crack spacing, and Young's modulus, on the in-plane stress distribution have also been investigated. 'Thickness-averaged In-plane Stress' (TIS), a new failure criterion, is proposed for estimating the interfacial shear strength, which leads to a more realistic estimation of the tensile strength and interfacial shear strength of thick brittle films/coatings on ductile substrates.

FEM Modeling of In-Plane Stress Distribution in Thick Brittle Coatings/Films on Ductile Substrates Subjected to Tensile Stress to Determine Interfacial Strength

PubMed Central

Zhang, Fangzhou; Bordia, Rajendra K.

2018-01-01

The ceramic-metal interface is present in various material structures and devices that are vulnerable to failures, like cracking, which are typically due to their incompatible properties, e.g., thermal expansion mismatch. In failure of these multilayer systems, interfacial shear strength is a good measure of the robustness of interfaces, especially for planar films. There is a widely-used shear lag model and method by Agrawal and Raj to analyse and measure the interfacial shear strength of thin brittle film on ductile substrates. The use of this classical model for a type of polymer derived ceramic coatings (thickness ~18 μm) on steel substrate leads to high values of interfacial shear strength. Here, we present finite element simulations for such a coating system when it is subjected to in-plane tension. Results show that the in-plane stresses in the coating are non-uniform, i.e., varying across the thickness of the film. Therefore, they do not meet one of the basic assumptions of the classical model: uniform in-plane stress. Furthermore, effects of three significant parameters, film thickness, crack spacing, and Young’s modulus, on the in-plane stress distribution have also been investigated. ‘Thickness-averaged In-plane Stress’ (TIS), a new failure criterion, is proposed for estimating the interfacial shear strength, which leads to a more realistic estimation of the tensile strength and interfacial shear strength of thick brittle films/coatings on ductile substrates. PMID:29584647

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

21 CFR 888.3358 - Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average... titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high...

Deformation sensor based on polymer-supported discontinuous graphene multi-layer coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carotenuto, G.; Schiavo, L.; Romeo, V.; Nicolais, L.

2014-05-01

Graphene can be conveniently used in the modification of polymer surfaces. Graphene macromolecules are perfectly transparent to the visible light and electrically conductive, consequently these two properties can be simultaneously provided to polymeric substrates by surface coating with thin graphene layers. In addition, such coating process provides the substrates of: water-repellence, higher surface hardness, low-friction, self-lubrication, gas-barrier properties, and many other functionalities. Polyolefins have a non-polar nature and therefore graphene strongly sticks on their surface. Nano-crystalline graphite can be used as graphene precursor in some chemical processes (e.g., graphite oxide synthesis by the Hummer method), in addition it can be directly applied to the surface of a polyolefin substrate (e.g., polyethylene) to cover it by a thin graphene multilayer. In particular, the nano-crystalline graphite perfectly exfoliate under the application of a combination of shear and friction forces and the produced graphene single-layers perfectly spread and adhere on the polyethylene substrate surface. Such polymeric materials can be used as ITO (indium-tin oxide) substitute and in the fabrication of different electronic devices. Here the fabrication of transparent resistive deformation sensors based on low-density polyethylene films coated by graphene multilayers is described. Such devices are very sensible and show a high reversible and reproducible behavior.

Cold Spray Coating of Submicronic Ceramic Particles on Poly(vinyl alcohol) in Dry and Hydrogel States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreau, David; Borit, François; Corté, Laurent; Guipont, Vincent

2017-06-01

We report an approach using cold spray technology to coat poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in polymer and hydrogel states with hydroxyapatite (HA). Using porous aggregated HA powder, we hypothesized that fragmentation of the powder upon cold spray could lead to formation of a ceramic coating on the surface of the PVA substrate. However, direct spraying of this powder led to complete destruction of the swollen PVA hydrogel substrate. As an alternative, HA coatings were successfully produced by spraying onto dry PVA substrates prior to swelling in water. Dense homogeneous HA coatings composed of submicron particles were obtained using rather low-energy spraying parameters (temperature 200-250 °C, pressure 1-3 MPa). Coated PVA substrates could swell in water without removal of the ceramic layer to form HA-coated hydrogels. Microscopic observations and in situ measurements were used to explain how local heating and impact of sprayed aggregates induced surface roughening and strong binding of HA particles to the molten PVA substrate. Such an approach could lead to design of ceramic coatings whose roughness and crystallinity can be finely adjusted to improve interfacing with biological tissues.

Amine quinone polyurethane polymers for improved performance in advanced particulate media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Warren, G. W.; Sharma, Rahul; Nikles, D. E.; Hu, Y.; Street, S. C.

1999-03-01

The magnetic layer used in commercial, high density, metal particle recording media consists of sub-micron sized Fe particles suspended in a polyurethane polymer binder. New amine-quinone polymers, AQPU15 and AQPU100, have been developed for improving corrosion resistance of the particles. A fundamental study of the nature of the AQ polymer/metal oxide interface and its relationship to corrosion resistance is reported. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to evaluate corrosion behavior of Fe substrates coated with two different thicknesses of each polymer. The extent of corrosion of Fe particles coated with AQ polymers was also measured via the loss in MS with time of immersion in an acid solution. AQ coated particles showed significant improvement in corrosion resistance. FTIR-RA and XPS data show an interaction between AQM14A, a simple model for a portion of the polymer, and metal (Fe, Cu, Al) surfaces which occurs through the π system of the AQ functional group.

Polyacrylonitrile nanofiber as polar solvent N,N-dimethyl formamide sensor based on quartz crystal microbalance technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rianjanu, A.; Julian, T.; Hidayat, S. N.; Suyono, E. A.; Kusumaatmaja, A.; Triyana, K.

2018-04-01

Here, we describe an N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) vapour sensor fabricated by coating polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber structured on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The PAN nanofiber sensors with an average diameter of 225 nm to 310 nm were fabricated via electrospinning process with different mass deposition on QCM substrate. The nanostructured of PAN nanofiber offers a high specific surface area that improved the sensing performance of nanofiber sensors. Benefiting from that fine structure, and high polymer-solvent affinity between PAN and DMF, the development of DMF sensors presented good response at ambient temperature. Since there is no chemical reaction between PAN nanofiber and DMF vapour, weak physical interaction such absorption and swelling were responsible for the sensing behavior. The results are indicating that the response of PAN nanofiber sensors has more dependency on the nanofiber structure (specific surface area) rather than its mass deposition. The sensor also showed good stability after a few days sensing. These findings have significant implications for developing DMF vapour sensor based on QCM coated polymer nanofibers.

Tribo-mechanical properties of thin boron coatings deposited on polished cobalt alloy surfaces for orthopedic applications

PubMed Central

Klepper, C. C.; Williams, J. M.; Truhan, J.J.; Qu, J.; Riester, L.; Hazelton, R. C.; Moschella, J.J.; Blau, P.J.; Anderson, J.P.; Popoola, O.O.; Keitz, M.D.

2008-01-01

This paper presents experimental evidence that thin (<∼200 nm) boron coatings, deposited with a (vacuum) cathodic arc technique on pre-polished Co-Cr-Mo surfaces, could potentially extend the life of metal-on-polymer orthopedic devices using cast Co-Cr-Mo alloy for the metal component. The primary tribological test used a linear, reciprocating pin-on-disc arrangement, with pins made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The disks were cast Co-Cr-Mo samples that were metallographically polished and then coated with boron at a substrate bias of 500 V and at about 100 °C. The wear tests were carried out in a saline solution to simulate the biological environment. The improvements were manifested by the absence of a detectable wear track scar on the coated metal component, while significant polymer transfer film was detected on the uncoated (control) samples tested under the same conditions. The polymer transfer track was characterized with both profilometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy. Mechanical characterization of the thin films included nano-indentation, as well as additional pin-on-disk tests with a steel ball to demonstrate adhesion, using ultra-high frequency acoustic microscopy to probe for any void occurrence at the coating-substrate interface. PMID:19340285

Polymer thin film as coating layer to prevent corrosion of metal/metal oxide film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Suman; Kundu, Sarathi

2018-04-01

Thin film of polymer is used as coating layer and the corrosion of metal/metal oxide layer is studied with the variation of the thickness of the coating layer. The thin layer of polystyrene is fabricated using spin coating method on copper oxide (CuO) film which is deposited on glass substrate using DC magnetron sputtering technique. Thickness of the polystyrene and the CuO layers are determined using X-ray reflectivity (XRR) technique. CuO thin films coated with the polystyrene layer are exposed to acetic acid (2.5 v/v% aqueous CH3COOH solution) environments and are subsequently analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface morphology of the film before and after interaction with the acidic environment is determined using AFM. Results obtained from the XRR and UV-Vis spectroscopy confirm that the thin film of polystyrene acts as an anticorrosion coating layer and the strength of the coating depends upon the polymer layer thickness at a constant acid concentration.

Evaluation of coated metallic bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Wonseok; Huang, Xinyu; Fazzino, Paul; Reifsnider, Kenneth L.; Akkaoui, Michael A.

Metallic bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells typically require coatings for corrosion protection. Other requirements for the corrosion protective coatings include low electrical contact resistance, good mechanical robustness, low material and fabrication cost. The authors have evaluated a number of protective coatings deposited on stainless steel substrates by electroplating and physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods. The coatings are screened with an electrochemical polarization test for corrosion resistance; then the contact resistance test was performed on selected coatings. The coating investigated include Gold with various thicknesses (2 nm, 10 nm, and 1 μm), Titanium, Zirconium, Zirconium Nitride (ZrN), Zirconium Niobium (ZrNb), and Zirconium Nitride with a Gold top layer (ZrNAu). The substrates include three types of stainless steel: 304, 310, and 316. The results show that Zr-coated samples satisfy the DOE target for corrosion resistance at both anode and cathode sides in typical PEM fuel cell environments in the short-term, but they do not meet the DOE contact resistance goal. Very thin gold coating (2 nm) can significantly decrease the electrical contact resistance, however a relatively thick gold coating (>10 nm) with our deposition method is necessary for adequate corrosion resistance, particularly for the cathode side of the bipolar plate.

Several factors influencing the fabrication of rigid foam-film solar concentrators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ubaidullaev, A. K.; Kagan, M. B.; Ataullaev, O. Kh.; Sobirov, O. Iu.; Rabbimov, R. T.

The strength of adhesion between the reflecting film base of an expanded-sheet concentrator and a fixative coating (epoxy resin or polyurethane foam) is studied. According to experiments on the separation of the reflecting surface of a metallized polyethylene terephthalate film from a rigid polymer coating, the stressed state of the inflated reflecting film base before the application of the coating is one cause of adhesion loss. Other important factors identified were the thermal expansion coefficients of the aluminum substrate and polymer coating, as well as the contact temperature. Increased adhesion was obtained with additions of 10-12 percent chromium oxide or 12-18 percent aluminum oxide.

Low-Melt Polyamic Acid Based Powder Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jolley, Scott T. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

The present invention is directed to a method for powder coating a metal substrate using a low-melt polyamic acid (PAA) polymer that readily imidizes to polyimides. These low-melt PAAs have been shown to be useful in resins applied as powder coatings to metal surfaces. The resin includes an end-capping material capable of providing crosslinking functionality to at least one end of the low-melt PAA polymer. The end-capping material functions dually as a polymerization chain terminator and crosslinking agent, thus producing resins that have molecular weights low enough to flow well and form good cured films applicable for use in powder coating.

Recent Advances in the Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Support for Homogeneous Catalysts

PubMed Central

Govan, Joseph; Gun’ko, Yurii K.

2014-01-01

Magnetic nanoparticles are a highly valuable substrate for the attachment of homogeneous inorganic and organic containing catalysts. This review deals with the very recent main advances in the development of various nanocatalytic systems by the immobilisation of homogeneous catalysts onto magnetic nanoparticles. We discuss magnetic core shell nanostructures (e.g., silica or polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles) as substrates for catalyst immobilisation. Then we consider magnetic nanoparticles bound to inorganic catalytic mesoporous structures as well as metal organic frameworks. Binding of catalytically active small organic molecules and polymers are also reviewed. After that we briefly deliberate on the binding of enzymes to magnetic nanocomposites and the corresponding enzymatic catalysis. Finally, we draw conclusions and present a future outlook for the further development of new catalytic systems which are immobilised onto magnetic nanoparticles. PMID:28344220

Phospholipid arrays on porous polymer coatings generated by micro-contact spotting

PubMed Central

de Freitas, Monica; Tröster, Lea-Marie; Jochum, Tobias; Levkin, Pavel A; Hirtz, Michael; Fuchs, Harald

2017-01-01

Nanoporous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (HEMA-EDMA) is used as a 3D mesh for spotting lipid arrays. Its porous structure is an ideal matrix for lipid ink to infiltrate, resulting in higher fluorescent signal intensity as compared to similar arrays on strictly 2D substrates like glass. The embedded lipid arrays show high stability against washing steps, while still being accessible for protein and antibody binding. To characterize binding to polymer-embedded lipids we have applied Streptavidin as well as biologically important biotinylated androgen receptor binding onto 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(cap biotinyl) (Biotinyl Cap PE) and anti-DNP IgE recognition of 2,4-dinitrophenyl[1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[6-[(2,4-dinitrophenyl)amino]hexanoyl] (DNP)] antigen. This approach adds lipid arrays to the range of HEMA polymer applications and makes this solid substrate a very attractive platform for a variety of bio-applications. PMID:28487815

Surface Nanostructures Formed by Phase Separation of Metal Salt-Polymer Nanocomposite Film for Anti-reflection and Super-hydrophobic Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Con, Celal; Cui, Bo

2017-12-01

This paper describes a simple and low-cost fabrication method for multi-functional nanostructures with outstanding anti-reflective and super-hydrophobic properties. Our method employed phase separation of a metal salt-polymer nanocomposite film that leads to nanoisland formation after etching away the polymer matrix, and the metal salt island can then be utilized as a hard mask for dry etching the substrate or sublayer. Compared to many other methods for patterning metallic hard mask structures, such as the popular lift-off method, our approach involves only spin coating and thermal annealing, thus is more cost-efficient. Metal salts including aluminum nitrate nonahydrate (ANN) and chromium nitrate nonahydrate (CNN) can both be used, and high aspect ratio (1:30) and high-resolution (sub-50 nm) pillars etched into silicon can be achieved readily. With further control of the etching profile by adjusting the dry etching parameters, cone-like silicon structure with reflectivity in the visible region down to a remarkably low value of 2% was achieved. Lastly, by coating a hydrophobic surfactant layer, the pillar array demonstrated a super-hydrophobic property with an exceptionally high water contact angle of up to 165.7°.

Surface Nanostructures Formed by Phase Separation of Metal Salt-Polymer Nanocomposite Film for Anti-reflection and Super-hydrophobic Applications.

PubMed

Con, Celal; Cui, Bo

2017-12-16

This paper describes a simple and low-cost fabrication method for multi-functional nanostructures with outstanding anti-reflective and super-hydrophobic properties. Our method employed phase separation of a metal salt-polymer nanocomposite film that leads to nanoisland formation after etching away the polymer matrix, and the metal salt island can then be utilized as a hard mask for dry etching the substrate or sublayer. Compared to many other methods for patterning metallic hard mask structures, such as the popular lift-off method, our approach involves only spin coating and thermal annealing, thus is more cost-efficient. Metal salts including aluminum nitrate nonahydrate (ANN) and chromium nitrate nonahydrate (CNN) can both be used, and high aspect ratio (1:30) and high-resolution (sub-50 nm) pillars etched into silicon can be achieved readily. With further control of the etching profile by adjusting the dry etching parameters, cone-like silicon structure with reflectivity in the visible region down to a remarkably low value of 2% was achieved. Lastly, by coating a hydrophobic surfactant layer, the pillar array demonstrated a super-hydrophobic property with an exceptionally high water contact angle of up to 165.7°.

Biobased polymers for corrosion protection of metals

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Anticorrosive biobased polymers were developed in our lab. We isolated an exopolysaccharide produced by a microbe that, when coated on metal substrates, exhibited unique corrosion inhibition. Corrosion is a worldwide problem and impacts the economy, jeopardizes human health and safety, and impedes t...

Polymer blend lithography: A versatile method to fabricate nanopatterned self-assembled monolayers.

PubMed

Huang, Cheng; Moosmann, Markus; Jin, Jiehong; Heiler, Tobias; Walheim, Stefan; Schimmel, Thomas

2012-01-01

A rapid and cost-effective lithographic method, polymer blend lithography (PBL), is reported to produce patterned self-assembled monolayers (SAM) on solid substrates featuring two or three different chemical functionalities. For the pattern generation we use the phase separation of two immiscible polymers in a blend solution during a spin-coating process. By controlling the spin-coating parameters and conditions, including the ambient atmosphere (humidity), the molar mass of the polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and the mass ratio between the two polymers in the blend solution, the formation of a purely lateral morphology (PS islands standing on the substrate while isolated in the PMMA matrix) can be reproducibly induced. Either of the formed phases (PS or PMMA) can be selectively dissolved afterwards, and the remaining phase can be used as a lift-off mask for the formation of a nanopatterned functional silane monolayer. This "monolayer copy" of the polymer phase morphology has a topographic contrast of about 1.3 nm. A demonstration of tuning of the PS island diameter is given by changing the molar mass of PS. Moreover, polymer blend lithography can provide the possibility of fabricating a surface with three different chemical components: This is demonstrated by inducing breath figures (evaporated condensed entity) at higher humidity during the spin-coating process. Here we demonstrate the formation of a lateral pattern consisting of regions covered with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (FDTS) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), and at the same time featuring regions of bare SiO(x). The patterning process could be applied even on meter-sized substrates with various functional SAM molecules, making this process suitable for the rapid preparation of quasi two-dimensional nanopatterned functional substrates, e.g., for the template-controlled growth of ZnO nanostructures [1].

Antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity of cotton fabric coated with conducting polymers, polyaniline or polypyrrole, and with deposited silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maráková, Nela; Humpolíček, Petr; Kašpárková, Věra; Capáková, Zdenka; Martinková, Lenka; Bober, Patrycja; Trchová, Miroslava; Stejskal, Jaroslav

2017-02-01

Cotton fabric was coated with conducting polymers, polyaniline or polypyrrole, in situ during the oxidation of respective monomers. Raman and FTIR spectra proved the complete coating of substrates. Polypyrrole content was 19.3 wt.% and that of polyaniline 6.0 wt.%. Silver nanoparticles were deposited from silver nitrate solutions of various concentrations by exploiting the reduction ability of conducting polymers. The content of silver was up to 11 wt.% on polypyrrole and 4 wt.% on polyaniline. The sheet resistivity of fabrics was determined. The conductivity was reduced after deposition of silver. The chemical cleaning reduced the conductivity by less than one order of magnitude for polypyrrole coating, while for polyaniline the decrease was more pronounced. The good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli and low cytotoxicity of polypyrrole-coated cotton, both with and without deposited silver nanoparticles

Optical coatings of variable refractive index and high laser-resistance from physical-vapor-deposited perfluorinated amorphous polymer

DOEpatents

Chow, R.; Loomis, G.E.; Thomas, I.M.

1999-03-16

Variable index optical single-layers, optical multilayer, and laser-resistant coatings were made from a perfluorinated amorphous polymer material by physical vapor deposition. This was accomplished by physically vapor depositing a polymer material, such as bulk Teflon AF2400, for example, to form thin layers that have a very low refractive index (ca. 1.10--1.31) and are highly transparent from the ultra-violet through the near infrared regime, and maintain the low refractive index of the bulk material. The refractive index can be varied by simply varying one process parameter, either the deposition rate or the substrate temperature. The thus forming coatings may be utilized in anti-reflectors and graded anti-reflection coatings, as well as in optical layers for laser-resistant coatings at optical wavelengths of less than about 2000 nm. 2 figs.

Protection of Polymers from the Space Environment by Atomic Layer Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindholm, Ned F.; Zhang, Jianming; Minton, Timothy K.; O'Patchen, Jennifer; George, Steven M.; Groner, Markus D.

2009-01-01

Polymers in space may be subjected to a barrage of incident atoms, photons, and/or ions. For example, oxygen atoms can etch and oxidize these materials. Photons may act either alone or in combination with oxygen atoms to degrade polymers and paints and thus limit their usefulness. Colors fade under the intense vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) solar radiation. Ions can lead to the build-up of static charge on polymers. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques can provide coatings that could mitigate many challenges for polymers in space. ALD is a gas-phase technique based on two sequential, self-limiting surface reactions, and it can deposit very uniform, conformal, and pinhole-free films with atomic layer control. We have studied the efficacy of various ALD coatings to protect Kapton® polyimide, FEP Teflon®, and poly(methyl methacrylate) films from atomic-oxygen and VUV attack. Atomic-oxygen and VUV studies were conducted with the use of a laser-breakdown source for hyperthermal O atoms and a D2 lamp as a source of VUV light. These studies used a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to monitor mass loss in situ, as well as surface profilometry and scanning electron microscopy to study the surface recession and morphology changes ex situ. Al2O3 ALD coatings applied to polyimide and FEP Teflon® films protected the underlying substrates from O-atom attack, and ZnO coatings protected the poly(methyl methacrylate) substrate from VUV-induced damage.

Fabrication of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Composite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles and Chitosan Polymer.

PubMed

Khun, Kimleang; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; AlSalhi, Mohamad S; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees A; Willander, Magnus

2013-09-30

In this study, by taking the advantage of both inorganic ZnO nanoparticles and the organic material chitosan as a composite seed layer, we have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate using the hydrothermal growth method. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by the Raman spectroscopic techniques, which showed the nanocrystalline phase of the ZnO nanoparticles. Different composites of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan were prepared and used as a seed layer for the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the structural characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate. This study has shown that the ZnO nanorods are well-aligned, uniform, and dense, exhibit the wurtzite hexagonal structure, and are perpendicularly oriented to the substrate. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods are only composed of Zn and O atoms. An optical study was also carried out for the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods, and the obtained results have shown that the fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibit good crystal quality. This study has provided a cheap fabrication method for the controlled morphology and good alignment of ZnO nanorods, which is of high demand for enhancing the working performance of optoelectronic devices.

Fabrication of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Composite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles and Chitosan Polymer

PubMed Central

Khun, Kimleang; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; AlSalhi, Mohamad S.; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees A.; Willander, Magnus

2013-01-01

In this study, by taking the advantage of both inorganic ZnO nanoparticles and the organic material chitosan as a composite seed layer, we have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate using the hydrothermal growth method. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by the Raman spectroscopic techniques, which showed the nanocrystalline phase of the ZnO nanoparticles. Different composites of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan were prepared and used as a seed layer for the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the structural characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate. This study has shown that the ZnO nanorods are well-aligned, uniform, and dense, exhibit the wurtzite hexagonal structure, and are perpendicularly oriented to the substrate. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods are only composed of Zn and O atoms. An optical study was also carried out for the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods, and the obtained results have shown that the fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibit good crystal quality. This study has provided a cheap fabrication method for the controlled morphology and good alignment of ZnO nanorods, which is of high demand for enhancing the working performance of optoelectronic devices. PMID:28788336

Method for adhering a coating to a substrate structure

DOEpatents

Taxacher, Glenn Curtis; Crespo, Andres Garcia; Roberts, III, Herbert Chidsey

2015-02-17

A method for adhering a coating to a substrate structure comprises selecting a substrate structure having an outer surface oriented substantially parallel to a direction of radial stress, modifying the outer surface to provide a textured region having steps to adhere a coating thereto, and applying a coating to extend over at least a portion of the textured region, wherein the steps are oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of radial stress to resist deformation of the coating relative to the substrate structure. A rotating component comprises a substrate structure having an outer surface oriented substantially parallel to a direction of radial stress. The outer surface defines a textured region having steps to adhere a coating thereto, and a coating extends over at least a portion of the textured region. The steps are oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of radial stress to resist creep.

Substrate dependent stability of conducting polymer coatings on medical electrodes.

PubMed

Green, Rylie A; Hassarati, Rachelle T; Bouchinet, Lucie; Lee, Chaekyung S; Cheong, Gin L M; Yu, Jin F; Dodds, Christopher W; Suaning, Gregg J; Poole-Warren, Laura A; Lovell, Nigel H

2012-09-01

Conducting polymer (CP) coatings on medical electrodes have the potential to provide superior performance when compared to conventional metallic electrodes, but their stability is strongly dependant on the substrate properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of laser roughening of underlying platinum (Pt) electrode surfaces on the mechanical, electrical and biological performance of CP coatings. In addition, the impact of dopant type on electrical performance and stability was assessed. The CP poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was coated on Pt microelectrode arrays, with three conventional dopant ions. The in vitro electrical characteristics were assessed by cyclic voltammetry and biphasic stimulation. Results showed that laser roughening of the underlying substrate did not affect the charge injection limit of the coated material, but significantly improved the passive stability and chronic stimulation lifetime without failure of the coating. Accelerated material ageing and long-term biphasic stimulus studies determined that some PEDOT variants experienced delamination within as little as 10 days when the underlying Pt was smooth, but laser roughening to produce a surface index of 2.5 improved stability, such that more than 1.3 billion stimulation cycles could be applied without evidence of failure. PEDOT doped with paratoluene sulfonate (PEDOT/pTS) was found to be the most stable CP on roughened Pt, and presented a surface topography which encouraged neural cell attachment. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rapid localized heating of graphene coating on a silicon mold by induction for precision molding of polymer optics.

PubMed

Zhang, Lin; Zhou, Wenchen; Yi, Allen Y

2017-04-01

In compression molding of polymer optical components with micro/nanoscale surface features, rapid heating of the mold surface is critical for the implementation of this technology for large-scale applications. In this Letter, a novel method of a localized rapid heating process is reported. This process is based on induction heating of a thin conductive coating deposited on a silicon mold. Since the graphene coating is very thin (∼45  nm), a high heating rate of 10∼20°C/s can be achieved by employing a 1200 W 30 kHz electrical power unit. Under this condition, the graphene-coated surface and the polymer substrate can be heated above the polymer's glass transition temperature within 30 s and subsequently cooled down to room temperature within several tens of seconds after molding, resulting in an overall thermal cycle of about 3 min or shorter. The feasibility of this process was validated by fabrication of optical gratings, micropillar matrices, and microlens arrays on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) substrates with very high precision. The uniformity and surface geometries of the replicated optical elements are evaluated using an optical profilometer, a diffraction test setup, and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor built with a molded PMMA microlens array. Compared with the conventional bulk heating molding process, this novel rapid localized induction heating process could improve replication efficiency with better geometrical fidelity.

Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

DOEpatents

Skotheim, Terje A.

1985-01-01

A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte wherein an assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

Method of synthesizing polymers from a solid electrolyte

DOEpatents

Skotheim, T.A.

1984-10-19

A method of synthesizing electrically conductive polymers from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte is disclosed. An assembly of a substrate having an electrode thereon, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a solution of PEO complexed with an alkali salt, and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in an evacuated chamber into which a selected monomer vapor is introduced while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin transparent electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate, whereby a highly conductive polymer film is grown on the transparent electrode between it and the solid electrolyte.

Development of flexible Ni80Fe20 magnetic nano-thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vopson, M. M.; Naylor, J.; Saengow, T.; Rogers, E. G.; Lepadatu, S.; Fetisov, Y. K.

2017-11-01

Flexible magnetic Ni80Fe20 thin films with excellent adhesion, mechanical and magnetic properties have been fabricated using magnetron plasma deposition. We demonstrate that flexible Ni80Fe20 thin films maintain their non-flexible magnetic properties when the films are over 60 nm thick. However, when their thickness is reduced, the flexible thin films display significant increase in their magnetic coercive field compared to identical films coated on a solid Silicon substrate. For a 15 nm flexible Ni80Fe20 film coated onto 110 μm Polyvinylidene fluoride polymer substrate, we achieved a remarkable 355% increase in the magnetic coercive field relative to the same film deposited onto a Si substrate. Experimental evidence, backed by micro-magnetic modelling, indicates that the increase in the coercive fields is related to the larger roughness texture of the flexible substrates. This effect essentially transforms soft Ni80Fe20 permalloy thin films into medium/hard magnetic films allowing not only mechanical flexibility of the structure, but also fine tuning of their magnetic properties.

Microstructure, Tensile Adhesion Strength and Thermal Shock Resistance of TBCs with Different Flame-Sprayed Bond Coat Materials Onto BMI Polyimide Matrix Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abedi, H. R.; Salehi, M.; Shafyei, A.

2017-10-01

In this study, thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) composed of different bond coats (Zn, Al, Cu-8Al and Cu-6Sn) with mullite top coats were flame-sprayed and air-plasma-sprayed, respectively, onto bismaleimide matrix composites. These polyimide matrix composites are of interest to replace PMR-15, due to concerns about the toxicity of the MDA monomer from which PMR-15 is made. The results showed that pores and cracks appeared at the bond coat/substrate interface for the Al-bonded TBC because of its high thermal conductivity and diffusivity resulting in transferring of high heat flux and temperature to the polymeric substrate during top coat deposition. The other TBC systems due to the lower conductivity and diffusivity of bonding layers could decrease the adverse thermal effect on the polymer substrate during top coat deposition and exhibited adhesive bond coat/substrate interfaces. The tensile adhesion test showed that the adhesion strength of the coatings to the substrate is inversely proportional to the level of residual stress in the coatings. However, the adhesion strength of Al bond-coated sample decreased strongly after mullite top coat deposition due to thermal damage at the bond coat/substrate interface. TBC system with the Cu-6Sn bond coat exhibited the best thermal shock resistance, while Al-bonded TBC showed the lowest. It was inferred that thermal mismatch stresses and oxidation of the bond coats were the main factors causing failure in the thermal shock test.

Towards seamlessly-integrated textile electronics: methods to coat fabrics and fibers with conducting polymers for electronic applications.

PubMed

Allison, Linden; Hoxie, Steven; Andrew, Trisha L

2017-06-29

Traditional textile materials can be transformed into functional electronic components upon being dyed or coated with films of intrinsically conducting polymers, such as poly(aniline), poly(pyrrole) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene). A variety of textile electronic devices are built from the conductive fibers and fabrics thus obtained, including: physiochemical sensors, thermoelectric fibers/fabrics, heated garments, artificial muscles and textile supercapacitors. In all these cases, electrical performance and device ruggedness is determined by the morphology of the conducting polymer active layer on the fiber or fabric substrate. Tremendous variation in active layer morphology can be observed with different coating or dyeing conditions. Here, we summarize various methods used to create fiber- and fabric-based devices and highlight the influence of the coating method on active layer morphology and device stability.

Polymer-coated compliant receivers for intact laser-induced forward transfer of thin films: experimental results and modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feinaeugle, Matthias; Horak, Peter; Sones, Collin L.; Lippert, Thomas; Eason, Rob W.

2014-09-01

In this study, we investigate both experimentally and numerically laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of thin films to determine the role of a thin polymer layer coating the receiver with the aim of modifying the rate of deceleration and reduction of material stress preventing intact material transfer. A numerical model of the impact phase during LIFT shows that such a layer reduces the modelled stress. The evolution of stress within the transferred deposit and the substrate as a function of the thickness of the polymer layer, the transfer velocity and the elastic properties of the polymer are evaluated. The functionality of the polymer layer is verified experimentally by LIFT printing intact 1- m-thick bismuth telluride films and polymeric light-emitting diode pads onto a layer of 12-m-thick polydimethylsiloxane and 50-nm-thick poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) blended with poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated experimentally that the introduction of such a compliant layer improves adhesion between the deposit and its substrate.

Coated carbon nanotube array electrodes

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng; Wen, Jian; Chen, Jinghua; Huang, Zhongping; Wang, Dezhi

2006-12-12

The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Coated carbon nanotube array electrodes

DOEpatents

Ren, Zhifeng [Newton, MA; Wen, Jian [Newton, MA; Chen, Jinghua [Chestnut Hill, MA; Huang, Zhongping [Belmont, MA; Wang, Dezhi [Wellesley, MA

2008-10-28

The present invention provides conductive carbon nanotube (CNT) electrode materials comprising aligned CNT substrates coated with an electrically conducting polymer, and the fabrication of electrodes for use in high performance electrical energy storage devices. In particular, the present invention provides conductive CNTs electrode material whose electrical properties render them especially suitable for use in high efficiency rechargeable batteries. The present invention also provides methods for obtaining surface modified conductive CNT electrode materials comprising an array of individual linear, aligned CNTs having a uniform surface coating of an electrically conductive polymer such as polypyrrole, and their use in electrical energy storage devices.

Determination of elastic mechanical characteristics of surface coatings from analysis of signals obtained by impulse excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyaguly, E.; Craştiu, I.; Deac, S.; Gozman-Pop, C.; Drăgănescu, G.; Bereteu, L.

2018-01-01

Most of the surface coatings are based on the synthetic polymers, which are substances composed from very large molecules that form tough, flexible, adhesive films when applied to surfaces. The other components of surface coverings materials are pigments that provide colour, opacity, gloss and other properties. Surface coatings are two-phase composite materials: constitute a polymer matrix on the one side, and on the other side of the pigments and additives dispersed in the matrix. Their role is not only aesthetically but also to ensure anticorrosive protection or even improve some mechanical properties of coated surfaces. In this paper it will follow, starting from the mechanical properties of the substrate, the metallic sheet in general, to determine the new properties of the assembly of substrate and the two coating layers, also the determination of mechanical properties of the layers. From the analysis of vibroacoustic signals obtained by the impulse excitation of the sample, one can determine the elasticity modulus. These results come to validate the results based on finite element analysis (FEA) of the same samples.

Polyaniline coating with various substrates for hexavalent chromium removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Bin; Xu, Cuixia; Sun, Dezhi; Wang, Qiang; Gu, Hongbo; Zhang, Xin; Weeks, Brandon L.; Hopper, Jack; Ho, Thomas C.; Guo, Zhanhu; Wei, Suying

2015-04-01

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination is increasingly serious in surface water and groundwater, therefore, its removal attracts increasing attention due to its highly toxic to human health. The cost effective and sustainable adsorbents are urgently needed for the remediation of Cr(VI) pollution. Polyanline (PANI), a conductive polymer, has demonstrated a great performance on Cr(VI) removal. But the recycling is the challenge for its application due to its small size. The PANI coating with various substrates is an effective approach to solve this problem. The synthesis methods and applications of the PANI coated magnetic Fe3O4, carbon fabric and cellulose composites for the Cr(VI) removal were reviewed. Finally, this review analyzed the Cr(VI) removal mechanisms by the PANI composites considering the substrate and the PANI coating.

Development of osteoblast colonies on new bioactive coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legoux, J. G.; Chellat, F.; Lima, R. S.; Marple, B. R.; Bureau, M. N.; Shen, H.; Candeliere, G. A.

2006-12-01

The aging baby boomer population coupled with an increase in life expectancy is leading to a rising number of active elderly persons in occidental countries. As a result, the orthopedic implant industry is facing numerous challenges such as the need to extend implant life, reduce the incidence of revision surgery, and improve implant performance. This paper reports results of an investigation on the bioperformance of newly developed coating-substrate systems. Hydroxyapatite (HA) and nano-titania (nano-TiO2) coatings were produced on Ti-6Al-4V and fiber reinforced polymer composite substrates. In vitro studies were conducted to determine the capacity of bioactive coatings developed to sustain osteoblast cells (fetal rat calvaria) adherence, growth, and differentiation. As revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and alkaline phosphatase activity, cell adhesion and proliferation demonstrated that HA coatings over a polymer composite are at least as good as HA coatings made over Ti-6Al-4V substrate in terms of osteoblast cell activity. Nano-TiO2 coatings produced by high-velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) spraying led to different results. For short-term cell culture (4.5 and 24 h), the osteoblasts appeared more flattened when grown on nano-TiO2 than on HA. The surface cell coverage after seven days of incubation was also more complete on nano-TiO2 than HA. Preliminary results indicate that osteoblast activity after 15 days of incubation on nano-TiO2 is equivalent to or greater than that observed on HA.

Microcontact printing for patterning carbon nanotube/polymer composite films with electrical conductivity.

PubMed

Ogihara, Hitoshi; Kibayashi, Hiro; Saji, Tetsuo

2012-09-26

Patterned carbon nanotube (CNT)/acrylic resin composite films were prepared using microcontact printing (μCP). To prepare ink for μCP, CNTs were dispersed into propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) solution in which acrylic resin and a commercially available dispersant (Disperbyk-2001) dissolved. The resulting ink were spin-coated onto poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamps. By drying solvent components from the ink, CNT/polymer composite films were prepared over PDMS stamps. Contact between the stamps and glass substrates provided CNT/polymer composite patternings on the substrates. The transfer behavior of the CNT/polymer composite films depended on the thermal-treatment temperature during μCP; thermal treatment at temperatures near the glass-transition temperature (T(g)) of the acrylic resin was effective to form uniform patternings on substrates. Moreover, contact area between polymer and substrates also affect the transfer behavior. The CNT/polymer composite films showed high electrical conductivity, despite the nonconductivity of polymer components, because CNTs in the films were interconnected. The electrical conductivity of the composite films increased as CNT content in the film became higher; as a result, the composite patternings showed almost as high electrical conductivity as previously reported CNT/polymer bulk composites.

Increased Alignment in Carbon Nanotube Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delzeit, Lance D. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

Method and system for fabricating an array of two or more carbon nanotube (CNT) structures on a coated substrate surface, the structures having substantially the same orientation with respect to a substrate surface. A single electrode, having an associated voltage source with a selected voltage, is connected to a substrate surface after the substrate is coated and before growth of the CNT structures, for a selected voltage application time interval. The CNT structures are then grown on a coated substrate surface with the desired orientation. Optionally, the electrode can be disconnected before the CNT structures are grown.

Microsphere coated substrate containing reactive aldehyde groups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, Richard C. K. (Inventor); Rembaum, Alan (Inventor)

1984-01-01

A synthetic organic resin is coated with a continuous layer of contiguous, tangential, individual microspheres having a uniform diameter preferably between 100 Angstroms and 2000 Angstroms. The microspheres are an addition polymerized polymer of an unsaturated aldehyde containing 4 to 20 carbon atoms and are covalently bonded to the substrate by means of high energy radiation grafting. The microspheres contain reactive aldehyde groups and can form conjugates with proteins such as enzymes or other aldehyde reactive materials.

Temperature-responsive grafted polymer brushes obtained from renewable sources with potential application as substrates for tissue engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raczkowska, Joanna; Stetsyshyn, Yurij; Awsiuk, Kamil; Lekka, Małgorzata; Marzec, Monika; Harhay, Khrystyna; Ohar, Halyna; Ostapiv, Dmytro; Sharan, Mykola; Yaremchuk, Iryna; Bodnar, Yulia; Budkowski, Andrzej

2017-06-01

The novel temperature-responsive poly(cholesteryl methacylate) (PChMa) coatings derived from renewable sources were synthesized and characterized. Temperature induced changes in wettability were accompanied by surface roughness modifications, traced with AFM. Topographies recorded for temperatures increasing from 5 to 25 °C showed a slight but noticeable increase of calculated root mean square (RMS) roughness by a factor of 1.5, suggesting a horizontal rearrangement in the structure of PChMa coatings. Another structural reordering was observed in the 55-85 °C temperature range. The recorded topography changed noticeably from smooth at 55 °C to very structured and rough at 60 °C and returned eventually to relatively smooth at 85 °C. In addition, temperature transitions of PChMa molecules were revealed by DSC measurements. The biocompatibility of the PChMa-grafted coatings was shown for cultures of granulosa cells and a non malignant bladder cancer cell (HCV29 line) culture.

The properties and performance of moisture/oxygen barrier layers deposited by remote plasma sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Hayley Louise

The development of flexible lightweight OLED devices requires oxygen/moisture barrier layer thin films with water vapour transmission rates (WVTR) of < 10-6 g/m2/day. This thesis reports on single and multilayer architecture barrier layers (mostly based on SiO2, Al2O3 and TiO2) deposited onto glass, Si and polymeric substrates using remote plasma sputtering. The reactive sputtering depositions were performed on Plasma Quest S500 based sputter systems and the morphology, nanostructure and composition of the coatings have been examined using SEM, EDX, STEM, XPS, XRD and AFM. The WVTR has been determined using industry standard techniques (e.g. MOCON) but, for rapid screening of the deposited layers, an in-house permeation test was also developed. SEM, XRD and STEM results showed that the coatings exhibited a dense, amorphous structure with no evidence of columnar growth. However, all of the single and multilayer coatings exhibited relatively poor WVTRs of > 1 x 10-1 g/m2/day at 38 °C and 85 % RH. Further characterisation indicated that the barrier films were failing due to the presence of substrate asperities and airborne particulates. Different mechanisms were investigated in an attempt to reduce the density of film defects including incorporation of a getter layer, modification of growth kinetics, plasma treatment and polymer planarising, but none were successful in lowering the WVTR. Review of this issue indicated that the achievement of good barrier layers was likely to be problematic in commercial practice due to the cost implications of adequately reducing particulate density and the need to cover deliberately non-planar surfaces and fabricated 3D structures. Conformal coverage would therefore be required to bury surface structures and to mitigate particulate issues. Studies of the remote plasma system showed that it both inherently delivered an ionised physical vapour deposition (IPVD) process and was compatible with bias re-sputtering of substrates. Accordingly, a process using RF substrate bias to conformally coat surfaces was developed to encapsulate surface particulates and seal associated permeation paths. An order of magnitude improvement in WVTR (6.7 x 10-2 g/m2/day) was measured for initial Al2O3 coatings deposited with substrate bias. The development of substrate bias to enhance conformal coverage provides significant new commercial benefit. Furthermore, conformal coverage of 5:1 aspect ratio structures have been demonstrated by alternating the substrate bias between -222 V and -267 V, with a 50 % dwell time at each voltage. Further development and optimisation of the substrate bias technique is required to fully explore the potential for further improving barrier properties and conformal coverage of high aspect ratio and other 3D structures.

Coated foams, preparation, uses and articles

DOEpatents

Duchane, D.V.; Barthell, B.L.

1982-10-21

Hydrophobic cellular material is coated with a thin hydrophilic polymer skin which stretches tightly over the foam but which does not fill the cells of the foam, thus resulting in a polymer-coated foam structure having a smoothness which was not possible in the prior art. In particular, when the hydrophobic cellular material is a specially chosen hydrophobic polymer foam and is formed into arbitrarily chosen shapes prior to the coating with hydrophilic polymer, inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets of arbitrary shapes can be produced by subsequently coating the shapes with metal or with any other suitable material. New articles of manufacture are produced, including improved ICF targets, improved integrated circuits, and improved solar reflectors and solar collectors. In the coating method, the cell size of the hydrophobic cellular material, the viscosity of the polymer solution used to coat, and the surface tension of the polymer solution used to coat are all very important to the coating.

Flame Suppression of Cotton with Polymer-Clay Thin Film Assemblies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sukhonosova, Galina; Li, Yu-Chin; Grunlan, Jaime

2010-03-01

Cotton fabric was treated with flame-retardant coatings composed of branched polyethylenimine (PEI) and montmorillonite (MMT), prepared via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Four coatings were created with solutions of BPEI (pH 7 or 10) and MMT (0.2 or 1 wt. %). The thickness and composition of the coatings were studied by ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance. PEI at pH 10 produces the thickest films. Each coating recipe was evaluated at 5 and 20 bilayers. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that coated fabrics left 13 % char after heating at 500 C, over an order of magnitude more char than from uncoated fabric, with less than 4% coming from the coating itself. Coating reduced afterglow time by 9 seconds in vertical flame tests. Post-burn chars of coated fabrics were examined by scanning electron microscopy, revealing that weave structure and fiber shape in all coated fabrics were preserved through burning. This is the first study of its kind to use layer-by-layer assembly to generate a flame retardant coating on a complex substrate like cotton fabric.

Quantitative spatial distribution of sirolimus and polymers in drug-eluting stents using confocal Raman microscopy.

PubMed

Balss, K M; Llanos, G; Papandreou, G; Maryanoff, C A

2008-04-01

Raman spectroscopy was used to differentiate each component found in the CYPHER Sirolimus-eluting Coronary Stent. The unique spectral features identified for each component were then used to develop three separate calibration curves to describe the solid phase distribution found on drug-polymer coated stents. The calibration curves were obtained by analyzing confocal Raman spectral depth profiles from a set of 16 unique formulations of drug-polymer coatings sprayed onto stents and planar substrates. The sirolimus model was linear from 0 to 100 wt % of drug. The individual polymer calibration curves for poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) [PEVA] and poly(n-butyl methacrylate) [PBMA] were also linear from 0 to 100 wt %. The calibration curves were tested on three independent drug-polymer coated stents. The sirolimus calibration predicted the drug content within 1 wt % of the laboratory assay value. The polymer calibrations predicted the content within 7 wt % of the formulation solution content. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra from five formulations confirmed a linear response to changes in sirolimus and polymer content. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

S-SIMS and MetA-SIMS study of organic additives in thin polymer coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adriaensen, L.; Vangaever, F.; Lenaerts, J.; Gijbels, R.

2006-07-01

In the present study a methodology for TOF-S-SIMS measurements is developed to gain information on the distribution of molecules on and in polymer coatings (thickness ˜100 μm). Experiments were carried out on model systems consisting of one or more additive-containing polyvinylbutyral coatings. Several organic additives were selected: carbocyanine dyes, basonyl blue and the pharmaceutical risperidone. The additives have been measured as pure compounds on a Si substrate to obtain good reference spectra. After optimisation of the sample preparation method, the coatings were embedded in epoxy resin and stored in an oven (60 °C) for 24 h. Cross-sections were made by means of a microtome. S-SIMS spectra were taken on the prepared cross-sections before and after Au was deposited on the sample surface. Compared to the untreated samples, the Au covered samples give rise to more intense secondary ion signals. Generally, signals of the intact cations were more intense than those of the fragment ions. Apart from mass spectra, images of the additive distribution in the coatings could also be acquired by recording structural ion signals. It was possible to make secondary ion images of the additive molecule ions with a (sub)-micrometer lateral resolution.

Confinement induced ordering in dewetting of ultra-thin polymer bilayers on nanopatterned substrates.

PubMed

Bhandaru, Nandini; Das, Anuja; Mukherjee, Rabibrata

2016-01-14

We report the dewetting of a thin bilayer of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) on a topographically patterned nonwettable substrate comprising an array of pillars, arranged in a square lattice. With a gradual increase in the concentration of the PMMA solution (Cn-PMMA), the morphology of the bottom layer changes to: (1) an aligned array of spin dewetted droplets arranged along substrate grooves at very low Cn-PMMA; (2) an interconnected network of threads surrounding each pillar at intermediate Cn-PMMA; and (3) a continuous bottom layer at higher Cn-PMMA. On the other hand the morphology of the PS top layer depends largely on the nature of the pre-existing bottom layer, in addition to Cn-PS. An ordered array of PMMA core-PS shell droplets forms right after spin coating when both Cn-PMMA and Cn-PS are very low. Bilayers with all other initial configurations evolve during thermal annealing, resulting in a variety of ordered structures. Unique morphologies realized include laterally coexisting structures of the two polymers confined within the substrate grooves due to initial rupture of the bottom layer on the substrate followed by a squeezing flow of the top layer; an array of core-shell and single polymer droplets arranged in an alternating order etc., to highlight a few. Such structures cannot be fabricated by any stand-alone lithography technique. On the other hand, in some cases the partially dewetted bottom layer imparts stability to an intact top PS layer against dewetting. Apart from ordering, under certain specific conditions significant miniaturization and downsizing of dewetted feature periodicity and dimension as compared to dewetting of a single layer on a flat substrate is observed. With the help of a morphology phase diagram we show that ordering is achieved over a wide combination of Cn-PMMA and Cn-PS, though the morphology and dewetting pathway differs significantly with variation in the thickness of the individual layers.

Using tethered triblock copolymers to mediate the interaction between substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chern, Shyh-Shi; Zhulina, Ekaterina B.; Pickett, Galen T.; Balazs, Anna C.

1998-04-01

Using scaling analysis and a self-consistent field (SCF) theory, we compress two copolymer-coated surfaces and isolate conditions that yield multiple, distinct minima in the interaction profile. We focus on planar surfaces that are coated with ABC triblock copolymers. Tethered to the surface by the last monomer in the C block, the copolymers are grafted at relatively low densities. The surrounding solution is a poor solvent for both the A and C blocks, and is a good solvent for the B blocks. Through scaling theory, we pinpoint the parameters that yield two minima in the interaction profile. The SCF calculations reveal the changes in the morphology of the polymers as the layers are compressed. Through both studies, we determine how the morphological changes give rise to the observed surface interactions. The results provide guidelines for creating polymer-coated colloidal systems that can form two stable crystal structures. Such systems could be used for bistable, optical switches. The findings also yield a prescription for creating systems that exhibit additional minima in the free energy of interaction.

Long-Term Stable Adhesion for Conducting Polymers in Biomedical Applications: IrOx and Nanostructured Platinum Solve the Chronic Challenge.

PubMed

Boehler, Christian; Oberueber, Felix; Schlabach, Sabine; Stieglitz, Thomas; Asplund, Maria

2017-01-11

Conducting polymers (CPs) have frequently been described as outstanding coating materials for neural microelectrodes, providing significantly reduced impedance or higher charge injection compared to pure metals. Usability has until now, however, been limited by poor adhesion of polymers like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to metallic substrates, ultimately precluding long-term applications. The aim of this study was to overcome this weakness of CPs by introducing two novel adhesion improvement strategies that can easily be integrated with standard microelectrode fabrication processes. Iridium Oxide (IrOx) demonstrated exceptional stability for PEDOT coatings, resulting in polymer survival over 10 000 redox cycles and 110 days under accelerated aging conditions at 60 °C. Nanostructured Pt was furthermore introduced as a purely mechanical adhesion promoter providing 10-fold adhesion improvement compared to smooth Pt substrates by simply altering the morphology of Pt. This layer can be realized in a very simple process that is compatible with any electrode design, turning nanostructured Pt into a universal adhesion layer for CP coatings. By the introduction of these adhesion-promoting strategies, the weakness of CP-based neural probes can ultimately be eliminated and true long-term stable use of PEDOT on neural probes will be possible in future electrode generations.

Studies of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caneba, Gerard T.

2005-01-01

The fellowship experience for this summer for 2004 pertains to carbon nanotube coatings for various space-related applications. They involve the following projects: (a) EMI protection films from HiPco-polymers, and (b) Thermal protection nanosilica materials. EMI protection films are targeted to be eventually applied onto casings of laptop computers. These coatings are composites of electrically-conductive SWNTs and compatible polymers. The substrate polymer will be polycarbonate, since computer housings are typically made of carbon composites of this type of polymer. A new experimental copolymer was used last year to generate electrically-conductive and thermal films with HiPco at 50/50 wt/wt composition. This will be one of the possible formulations. Reference films will be base polycarbonate and neat HiPco onto polycarbonate films. Other coating materials that will be tried will be based on HiPco composites with commercial enamels (polyurethane, acrylic, polyester), which could be compatible with the polycarbonate substrate. Nanosilica fibers are planned for possible use as thermal protection tiles on the shuttle orbiter. Right now, microscale silica is used. Going to the nanoscale will increase the surface-volume-per-unit-area of radiative heat dissipation. Nanoscale carbon fibers/nanotubes can be used as templates for the generation of nanosilica. A sol-gel operation is employed for this purpose.

Thermal Spray Formation of Polymer Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coquill, Scott; Galbraith, Stephen L.; Tuss. Darren L.; Ivosevic, Milan

2008-01-01

This innovation forms a sprayable polymer film using powdered precursor materials and an in-process heating method. This device directly applies a powdered polymer onto a substrate to form an adherent, mechanically-sound, and thickness-regulated film. The process can be used to lay down both fully dense and porous, e.g., foam, coatings. This system is field-deployable and includes power distribution, heater controls, polymer constituent material bins, flow controls, material transportation functions, and a thermal spray apparatus. The only thing required for operation in the field is a power source. Because this method does not require solvents, it does not release the toxic, volatile organic compounds of previous methods. Also, the sprayed polymer material is not degraded because this method does not use hot combustion gas or hot plasma gas. This keeps the polymer from becoming rough, porous, or poorly bonded.

Conductive polymer-based material

DOEpatents

McDonald, William F [Utica, OH; Koren, Amy B [Lansing, MI; Dourado, Sunil K [Ann Arbor, MI; Dulebohn, Joel I [Lansing, MI; Hanchar, Robert J [Charlotte, MI

2007-04-17

Disclosed are polymer-based coatings and materials comprising (i) a polymeric composition including a polymer having side chains along a backbone forming the polymer, at least two of the side chains being substituted with a heteroatom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus and combinations thereof; and (ii) a plurality of metal species distributed within the polymer. At least a portion of the heteroatoms may form part of a chelation complex with some or all of the metal species. In many embodiments, the metal species are present in a sufficient concentration to provide a conductive material, e.g., as a conductive coating on a substrate. The conductive materials may be useful as the thin film conducting or semi-conducting layers in organic electronic devices such as organic electroluminescent devices and organic thin film transistors.

Ion Diffusion-Directed Assembly Approach to Ultrafast Coating of Graphene Oxide Thick Multilayers.

PubMed

Zhao, Xiaoli; Gao, Weiwei; Yao, Weiquan; Jiang, Yanqiu; Xu, Zhen; Gao, Chao

2017-10-24

The layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach has been widely used to fabricate multilayer coatings on substrates with multiple cycles, whereas it is hard to access thick films efficiently. Here, we developed an ion diffusion-directed assembly (IDDA) strategy to rapidly make multilayer thick coatings in one step on arbitrary substrates. To achieve multifunctional coatings, graphene oxide (GO) and metallic ions were selected as the typical building blocks and diffusion director in IDDA, respectively. With diffusion of metallic ions from substrate to negatively charged GO dispersion spontaneously (i.e., from high-concentration region to low-concentration region), GO was assembled onto the substrate sheet-by-sheet via sol-gel transformation. Because metallic ions with size of subnanometers can diffuse directionally and freely in the aqueous dispersion, GO was coated on the substrate efficiently, giving rise to films with desired thickness up to 10 μm per cycle. The IDDA approach shows three main merits: (1) high efficiency with a μm-scale coating rate; (2) controllability over thickness and evenness; and (3) generality for substrates of plastics, metals and ceramics with any shapes and morphologies. With these merits, IDDA strategy was utilized in the efficient fabrication of functional graphene coatings that exhibit outstanding performance as supercapacitors, electromagnetic interference shielding textiles, and anticorrosion coatings. This IDDA approach can be extended to other building blocks including polymers and colloidal nanoparticles, promising for the scalable production and application of multifunctional coatings.

The effect of composition and thermodynamics on the surface morphology of durable superhydrophobic polymer coatings

PubMed Central

Nahum, Tehila; Dodiuk, Hanna; Kenig, Samuel; Panwar, Artee; Barry, Carol; Mead, Joey

2017-01-01

Durable superhydrophobic coatings were synthesized using a system of silica nanoparticles (NPs) to provide nanoscale roughness, fluorosilane to give hydrophobic chemistry, and three different polymer binders: urethane acrylate, ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, and epoxy. Coatings composed of different binders incorporating NPs in various concentrations exhibited different superhydrophobic attributes when applied on polycarbonate (PC) and glass substrates and as a function of coating composition. It was found that the substrate surface characteristics and wettability affected the superhydrophobic characteristics of the coatings. Interfacial tension and spreading coefficient parameters (thermodynamics) of the coating components were used to predict the localization of the NPs for the different binders’ concentrations. The thermodynamic analysis of the NPs localization was in good agreement with the experimental observations. On the basis of the thermodynamic analysis and the experimental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, profilometry, and atomic force microscopy results, it was concluded that localization of the NPs on the surface was critical to provide the necessary roughness and resulting superhydrophobicity. The durability evaluated by tape testing of the epoxy formulations was the best on both glass and PC. Several coating compositions retained their superhydrophobicity after the tape test. In summary, it was concluded that thermodynamic analysis is a powerful tool to predict the roughness of the coating due to the location of NPs on the surface, and hence can be used in the design of superhydrophobic coatings. PMID:28243071

The effect of composition and thermodynamics on the surface morphology of durable superhydrophobic polymer coatings.

PubMed

Nahum, Tehila; Dodiuk, Hanna; Kenig, Samuel; Panwar, Artee; Barry, Carol; Mead, Joey

2017-01-01

Durable superhydrophobic coatings were synthesized using a system of silica nanoparticles (NPs) to provide nanoscale roughness, fluorosilane to give hydrophobic chemistry, and three different polymer binders: urethane acrylate, ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, and epoxy. Coatings composed of different binders incorporating NPs in various concentrations exhibited different superhydrophobic attributes when applied on polycarbonate (PC) and glass substrates and as a function of coating composition. It was found that the substrate surface characteristics and wettability affected the superhydrophobic characteristics of the coatings. Interfacial tension and spreading coefficient parameters (thermodynamics) of the coating components were used to predict the localization of the NPs for the different binders' concentrations. The thermodynamic analysis of the NPs localization was in good agreement with the experimental observations. On the basis of the thermodynamic analysis and the experimental scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, profilometry, and atomic force microscopy results, it was concluded that localization of the NPs on the surface was critical to provide the necessary roughness and resulting superhydrophobicity. The durability evaluated by tape testing of the epoxy formulations was the best on both glass and PC. Several coating compositions retained their superhydrophobicity after the tape test. In summary, it was concluded that thermodynamic analysis is a powerful tool to predict the roughness of the coating due to the location of NPs on the surface, and hence can be used in the design of superhydrophobic coatings.

Photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced polymer antimicrobial coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Xiaojin; Yang, Zhendi; Tay, See Leng; Gao, Wei

2014-01-01

Copper (Cu) containing coatings can provide sustainable protection against microbial contamination. However, metallic Cu coatings have not been widely used due to the relatively high cost, poor corrosion resistance, and low compatibility with non-metal substrates. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) possesses antibacterial functions by its photocatalytic properties which can destroy bacteria or suppress their reproduction. TiO2 also has the function of improving the mechanical properties through particle dispersion strengthening. We have recently developed an innovative polymer based coating system containing fine particles of Cu and TiO2 nanoparticles. These polymer based coatings simultaneously display excellent antimicrobial and good mechanical properties. The results showed that the addition of TiO2 has improved the antimicrobial property under sunlight, which provides extended applications in outdoor environment. The elimination of 106 bacterial by contacting the coatings without TiO2 needs 5 h, while contacting with the Cu/TiO2- 1 wt.% TiO2 took only 2 h to kill the same amount of bacteria. The coatings also presented enhanced hardness and wear resistance after adding TiO2. The width of wear track decreased from 270 μm of the Cu-polymer coating to 206 μm of Cu/TiO2-polymer coatings with 10 wt.% TiO2. Synchrotron Infrared Microscopy was used to in-situ and in-vivo study the bacteria killing process at the molecular level. The real-time chemical images of bacterial activities showed that the bacterial cell membranes were damaged by the Cu and TiO2 containing coatings

Nano-anisotropic surface coating based on drug immobilized pendant polymer to suppress macrophage adhesion response.

PubMed

Kaladhar, K; Renz, H; Sharma, C P

2015-04-01

Exploring drug molecules for material design, to harness concepts of nano-anisotropy and ligand-receptor interactions, are rather elusive. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the bottom-up design of a single-step and bio-interactive polymeric surface coating, based on drug based pendant polymer. This can be applied on to polystyrene (PS) substrates, to suppress macrophage adhesion and spreading. The drug molecule is used in this coating for two purposes. The first one is drug as a "pendant" group, to produce nano-anisotropic properties that can enable adhesion of the coatings to the substrate. The second purpose is to use the drug as a "ligand", to produce ligand-receptor interaction, between the bound ligand and receptors of albumin, to develop a self-albumin coat over the surface, by the preferential binding of albumin in biological environment, to reduce macrophage adhesion. Our in silico studies show that, diclofenac (DIC) is an ideal drug based "ligand" for albumin. This can also act as a "pendant" group with planar aryl groups. The combination of these two factors can help to harness, both nano-anisotropic properties and biological functions to the polymeric coating. Further, the drug, diclofenac (DIC) is immobilized to the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), to develop the pendant polymer (PVA-DIC). The interaction of bound DIC with the albumin is a ligand-receptor based interaction, as per the studies by circular dichroism, differential scanning calorimetry, and SDS-PAGE. The non-polar π-π* interactions are regulating; the interactions between PVA bound DIC-DIC interactions, leading to "nano-anisotropic condensation" to form distinct "nano-anisotropic segments" inside the polymeric coating. This is evident from, the thermo-responsiveness and uniform size of nanoparticles, as well as regular roughness in the surface coating, with similar properties as that of nanoparticles. In addition, the hydrophobic DIC-polystyrene (PS) interactions, between the PVA-DIC coating and PS-substrate produce improved coating stability. Subsequently, the PVA-DIC coated substrate has the maximum capacity to suppress the macrophage (RAW 264.7 cell line) adhesion and spreading, which is partly due to wavy-surface topography of hydrophilic PVA and preferential albumin binding capacity of PVA bound DIC. Our result shows that, such surfaces suppress the macrophages, even under stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The modified tissue culture plates can be used as an in vitro tool, to study the macrophage response under low spatial cues. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Thermal, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Fluoropolymer Composite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Y.; Farokhzadeh, K.; Edrisy, A.

2017-04-01

Perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) is a potential polymer coating material for low-temperature waste heat recovery in heat exchangers. Nonetheless, poor thermal conductivity, low strength and susceptibility to surface degradation by erosion/wear pose restrictions in its application. In this study, four types of fillers, namely graphite, silicon carbide, alumina and boron nitride, were introduced to enhance the thermal, mechanical and tribological properties in PFA coatings. The thermal diffusivity and specific heat capacity of the composites (reinforced with 20 wt.% filler) were also measured using laser flash and differential scanning calorimetry techniques, respectively. The results indicated that the addition of graphite or boron nitride increased the thermal conductivity of PFA by at least 2.8 orders of magnitude, while the composites with the same weight fraction of alumina or silicon carbide showed 20-80% rise in thermal conductivity. The micromechanical deformation and tribological behavior of composite coatings, electrostatically sprayed on steel substrates, were investigated by means of instrumented indentation and scratch tests. The deformation response and friction characteristics were investigated, and the failure mechanisms were identified. Surface hardness, roughness and structure of fillers influenced the sliding performance of the composite coatings. PFA coatings filled with Al2O3 or SiC particles showed high load-bearing capacity under sliding conditions. Conversely, BN- and graphite-filled PFA coatings exhibited lower interfacial adhesion to steel substrate and were prone to failure at relatively lower applied loads.

Development of environmentally friendly coatings and paints using medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) as the polymer binder.

PubMed

van der Walle, G A; Buisman, G J; Weusthuis, R A; Eggink, G

1999-01-01

Unsaturated medium-chain-length poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (mcl-PHAs) produced by Pseudomonas putida from linseed oil fatty acids (LOFA) and tall oil fatty acids (TOFA), were used as the polymer binder in the formulation of high solid alkyd-like paints. The relatively high concentration of unsaturated alkyl side chains incorporated into the PHA resins resulted in oxidative drying PHA paints having excellent coating properties. The homogeneously pigmented PHA coatings yielded high-gloss, smooth and strong films upon curing and showed an excellent flexibility, a good adhesion to different substrates, cohesive film properties and resistance to chipping.

Silica-polyethylene glycol hybrids synthesized by sol-gel: Biocompatibility improvement of titanium implants by coating.

PubMed

Catauro, M; Bollino, F; Papale, F; Ferrara, C; Mustarelli, P

2015-10-01

Although metallic implants are the most used in dental and orthopaedic fields, they can early fail due to low tissue tolerance or osseointegration ability. To overcome this drawback, functional coatings can be applied on the metallic surface to provide a firm fixation of the implants. The objective of the present study was twofold: to synthesize and to characterize silica/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hybrid materials using sol-gel technique and to investigate their capability to dip-coat titanium grade 4 (Ti-gr4) substrates to improve their biological properties. Various hybrid systems have been synthesized by changing the ratio between the organic and inorganic phases in order to study the influence of the polymer amount on the structure and, thus, on the properties of the coatings. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) allowed us to detect the formation of hydrogen bonds between the inorganic sol-gel matrix and the organic component. SEM analysis showed that high PEG content enables to obtain crack free-coating. Moreover, the effective improvement in biological properties of Ti-gr4 implants has been evaluated by performing in vitro tests. The bioactivity of the hybrid coatings has been showed by the hydroxyapatite formation on the surface of SiO2/PEG coated Ti-gr4 substrates after soaking in a simulated body fluid and the lack of cytotoxicity by the WST-8 Assay. The results showed that the coated substrates are more bioactive and biocompatible than the uncoated ones and that the bioactivity is not significantly affected by PEG amount whereas its addition makes the films more biocompatible. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Self-Positioned Nanosized Mask for Transparent and Flexible Ferroelectric Polymer Nanodiodes Array.

PubMed

Hyun, Seung; Kwon, Owoong; Choi, Chungryong; Vincent Joseph, Kanniyambatti L; Kim, Yunseok; Kim, Jin Kon

2016-10-12

High density arrays of ferroelectric polymer nanodiodes have gained strong attention for next-generation transparent and flexible nonvolatile resistive memory. Here, we introduce a facile and innovative method to fabricate ferroelectric polymer nanodiode array on an ITO-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate by using block copolymer self-assembly and oxygen plasma etching. First, polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymer (PS-b-P2VP) micelles were spin-coated on poly(vinylidene fluoride-ran-trifluoroethylene) copolymer (P(VDF-TrFE)) film/ITO-coated PET substrate. After the sample was immersed in a gold precursor (HAuCl 4 ) containing solution, which strongly coordinates with nitrogen group in P2VP, oxygen plasma etching was performed. During the plasma etching, coordinated gold precursors became gold nanoparticles (GNPs), which successfully acted as self-positioned etching mask to fabricate a high density array of P(VDF-TrFE)) nanoislands with GNP at the top. Each nanoisland shows clearly individual diode property, as confirmed by current-voltage (I-V) curve. Furthermore, due to the transparent and flexible nature of P(VDF-TrFE)) nanoisland as well as the substrate, the P(VDF-TrFE) nanodiode array was highly tranparent, and the diode property was maintained even after a large number of bendings (for instance, 1000 times). The array could be used as the next-generation tranparent and flexible nonvolatile memory device.

Thin-film fractal nanostructures formed by electrical breakdown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadtaev, P. O.; Bobkov, A. A.; Borodzyulya, V. F.; Lamkin, I. A.; Mihailov, I. I.; Moshnikov, V. A.; Permyakov, N. V.; Solomonov, A. V.; Sudar, N. T.; Tarasov, S. A.

2017-11-01

This is a study of the fractal micro- and nanostructures formation caused by the electrical breakdown of the indium-tin oxide (ITO) covered with various organic coatings. The samples were created by covering a glass substrate with a 1 to 10um-thick layer of indium-tin oxide. Some of the samples were then coated with organic layers of polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate) and others. In order to create high local electrical field densities a special setup based on a eutectic GaIn liquid needle was created: it allowed for the contact area of 60um in diameter and application of the step voltage swept from 20 to 300 volts. The setup also contained a spectrometer for measuring the spectra of the breakdown optical effects. The results showed that the destruction of ITO led to the formation of the spiral fractal nanostructures, parameters of which depended on the thickness of the layer and the presence of the organic cover. In case of the latter, polymer coating was shown to visualize and zoom the topography of the nanostructures which might be used as a method of “polymer photography” for such fractal formations. The analysis of the spectra showed their dependence on the parameters of the structures which proves the possibility of conducting optical diagnostics of the created structures.

Electrospun Nanofiber-Coated Membrane Separators for Lithium-Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hun

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as a power source for portable electronic devices and hybrid electric vehicles due to their excellent energy and power densities, long cycle life, and enhanced safety. A separator is considered to be the critical component in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The separator is placed between the positive and negative electrodes in order to prevent the physical contact of electrodes while allowing the transportation of ions. In most commercial lithium-ion batteries, polyolefin microporous membranes are commonly used as the separator due to their good chemical stability and high mechanical strength. However, some of their intrinsic natures, such as low electrolyte uptake, poor adhesion property to the electrodes, and low ionic conductivity, can still be improved to achieve higher performance of lithium-ion batteries. In order to improve these intrinsic properties, polyolefin microporous membranes can be coated with nanofibers by using electrospinning technique. Electrospinning is a simple and efficient method to prepare nanofibers which can absorb a significant amount of liquid electrolyte to achieve low internal resistance and battery performance. This research presents the preparation and investigation of composite membrane separators prepared by coating nanofibers onto polyolefin microporous membranes via electrospinning technique. Polyvinylidene fluoride polymers and copolymers were used for the preparation of electrospun nanofiber coatings because they have excellent electrochemical stability, good adhesion property, and high temperature resistance. The nanofiber coatings prepared by electrospinning form an interconnected and randomly orientated structure on the surface of the polyolefin microporous membranes. The size of the nanofibers is on a scale that does not interfere with the micropores in the membrane substrates. The resultant nanofiber-coated membranes have the potential to combine advantages of both the polyolefin separator membranes and the nanoscale fibrous polymer coatings. The polyolefin microporous membranes serve as the supporting substrate which provides the required mechanical strength for the assembling process of lithium-ion batteries. The electrospun nanofiber coatings improve the wettability of the composite membrane separators to the liquid electrolyte, which is desirable for the lithium-ion batteries with high kinetics and good cycling performance. The results show that the nanofiber-coated membranes have enhanced adhesion properties to the battery electrode which can help prevent the formation of undesirable gaps between the separators and electrodes during prolonged charge-discharge cycles, especially in large-format batteries. The improvement on adhesive properties of nanofiber-coated membranes was evaluated by peel test. Nanofiber coatings applied to polyolefin membrane substrates improve the adhesion of separator membranes to battery electrodes. Electrolyte uptakes, ionic conductivities and interfacial resistances of the nanofiber-coated membrane separators were studied by soaking the membrane separators with a liquid electrolyte solution of 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate dissolved in ethylene carbonate/dimethylcarbonate/ethylmethyl carbonate (1:1:1 vol). The nanofiber coatings on the surface of the membrane substrates increase the electrolyte uptake capacity due to the high surface area and capillary effect of nanofibers. The nanofiber-coated membranes soaked in the liquid electrolyte solution exhibit high ionic conductivities and low interfacial resistances to the lithium electrode. The cells containing LiFePO 4 cathode and the nanofiber-coated membranes as the separator show high discharge specific capacities and good cycling stability at room temperature. The nanofiber coatings on the membrane substrates contribute to high ionic conductivity and good electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, these nanofiber-coated composite membranes can be directly used as novel battery separators for high performance of lithium-ion batteries. Coating polyolefin microporous membranes with electrospun nanofibers is a promising approach to obtain highperformance separators for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

Influence of residual stress on the adhesion and surface morphology of PECVD-coated polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaritz, Montgomery; Hopmann, Christian; Behm, Henrik; Kirchheim, Dennis; Wilski, Stefan; Grochla, Dario; Banko, Lars; Ludwig, Alfred; Böke, Marc; Winter, Jörg; Bahre, Hendrik; Dahlmann, Rainer

2017-11-01

The properties of plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) coatings on polymer materials depend to some extent on the surface and material properties of the substrate. Here, isotactic polypropylene (PP) substrates are coated with silicon oxide (SiO x ) films. Plasmas for the deposition of SiO x are energetic and oxidative due to the high amount of oxygen in the gas mixture. Residual stress measurements using single Si cantilever stress sensors showed that these coatings contain high compressive stress. To investigate the influence of the plasma and the coatings, residual stress, silicon organic (SiOCH) coatings with different thicknesses between the PP and the SiO x coating are used as a means to protect the substrate from the oxidative SiO x coating process. Pull-off tests are performed to analyse differences in the adhesion of these coating systems. It could be shown that the adhesion of the PECVD coatings on PP depends on the coatings’ residual stress. In a PP/SiOCH/SiO x -multilayer system the residual stress can be significantly reduced by increasing the thickness of the SiOCH coating, resulting in enhanced adhesion.

Manipulating polymers and composites from the nanoscopic to microscopic length scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Suresh

2008-10-01

This thesis focuses on the manipulation of polymers and composites on length scales ranging from the nanoscopic to microscopic. In particular, on the microscopic length scale electric fields were used to produce instabilities at the air surface and at polymer interfaces that lead to novel three dimensional structures and patterns. On the nanoscopic length scale, the interaction of ligands attached to nanoparticles and polymer matrix were used to induce self-assembly processes that, in turn, lead to systems that self-heal, self-corral, or are patterned. For manipulation at the micron length scale, electrohydrodynamic instabilities were used in trilayer system composed of a layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a second layer of polystyrene (PS) and a third layer of air. Dewetting of the polymer at the substrate at the polymer/polymer interface under an applied electric field was used to generate novel three dimensional structures. Also, electrohydrodynamic instabilities were used to pattern thin polymer films in conjunction with ultrasonic vibrations and patterned upper electrodes. Self-assembly processes involving polymers and nanoparticles offer a unique means of generating pattern materials or materials that self heal. Simple polymer/nanoparticle composites were investigated. Here, in the absence of interactions between the poly(ethylene oxide) ligands attached to the nanoparticles and PMMA polymer matrix, the opportunity to generate self-healing systems was opened. The size of the nanoparticle was varied and the effect on diffusion of nanoparticle in the polymer matrix was studied. CdSe nanorods were also assembled on a substrate templated with or guided by microphase separated diblock copolymers. The nanorods were incorporated in the diblock copolymer thin films by spin coating the co-solution of nanorods and polymer, surface adsorption of nanorods on to the patterned diblock copolymer films and surface reconstruction of PS/PMMA diblock copolymer thin film. Further, the interactions between the PMMA polymer matrix and the tri n-octyl phosphine oxide ligands attached to an anisotropic nanoparticle, i.e. nanorods, were used to influence the dispersion of the nanorods in the polymer. This led to a novel assembly, termed self-corralling where under an applied electric field highly oriented, highly ordered arrays of nanorods form. Further, self corralling of nanorods was directed by chemically patterned substrates.

Colloids with high-definition surface structures

PubMed Central

Chen, Hsien-Yeh; Rouillard, Jean-Marie; Gulari, Erdogan; Lahann, Joerg

2007-01-01

Compared with the well equipped arsenal of surface modification methods for flat surfaces, techniques that are applicable to curved, colloidal surfaces are still in their infancy. This technological gap exists because spin-coating techniques used in traditional photolithographic processes are not applicable to the curved surfaces of spherical objects. By replacing spin-coated photoresist with a vapor-deposited, photodefinable polymer coating, we have now fabricated microstructured colloids with a wide range of surface patterns, including asymmetric and chiral surface structures, that so far were typically reserved for flat substrates. This high-throughput method can yield surface-structured colloidal particles at a rate of ≈107 to 108 particles per operator per day. Equipped with spatially defined binding pockets, microstructured colloids can engage in programmable interactions, which can lead to directed self-assembly. The ability to create a wide range of colloids with both simple and complex surface patterns may contribute to the genesis of previously unknown colloidal structures and may have important technological implications in a range of different applications, including photonic and phononic materials or chemical sensors. PMID:17592149

Poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) graphene oxide composite coatings for controlling magnesium implant corrosion.

PubMed

Catt, Kasey; Li, Huaxiu; Cui, X Tracy

2017-01-15

Magnesium (Mg) is a promising biodegradable implant material because of its appropriate mechanical properties and safe degradation products. However, in vivo corrosion speed and hydrogen gas production need to be controlled for uses in biomedical applications. Here we report the development of a conducting polymer 3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene (PEDOT) and graphene oxide (GO) composite coating as a corrosion control layer. PEDOT/GO was electropolymerized on Mg samples in ethanol media. The coated Mg samples were subjected to various corrosion tests. The PEDOT/GO coating significantly reduced the rate of corrosion as evidenced by lower Mg ion concentration and pH of the corrosion media. In addition, the coating decreased the evolved hydrogen. Electrochemical analysis of the corroding samples showed more positive corrosion potential, a decreased corrosion current, and an increase in the polarization resistance. PEDOT/GO corrosion protection is attributed to three factors; an initial passive layer preventing solution ingress, buildup of negative charges in the film, and formation of corrosion protective Mg phosphate layer through redox coupling with Mg corrosion. To explore the biocompatibility of the coated implants in vitro, corrosion media from PEDOT/GO coated or uncoated Mg samples were exposed to cultured neurons where PEDOT/GO coated samples showed decreased toxicity. These results suggest that PEDOT/GO coating will be an effective treatment for controlling corrosion of Mg based medical implants. Coating Mg substrates with a PEDOT/GO composite coating showed a significant decrease in corrosion rate. While conducting polymer coatings have been used to prevent corrosion on various metals, there has been little work on the use of these coatings for Mg. Additionally, to our knowledge, there has not been a report of the combined used of conducting polymer and GO as a corrosion control layer. Corrosion control is attributed to an initial barrier layer followed by electrochemical coupling of the PEDOT/GO coating with the substrate to facilitate the formation of a protective phosphate layer. This coupling also resulted in a decrease in hydrogen produced during corrosion, which could further improve the host tissue integration of Mg implants. This work elaborates on the potential for electroactive polymers to serve as corrosion control methods. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel and facile strategy for highly flame retardant polymer foam composite materials: Transforming silicone resin coating into silica self-extinguishing layer.

PubMed

Wu, Qian; Zhang, Qian; Zhao, Li; Li, Shi-Neng; Wu, Lian-Bin; Jiang, Jian-Xiong; Tang, Long-Cheng

2017-08-15

In this study, a novel strategy was developed to fabricate highly flame retardant polymer foam composite materials coated by synthesized silicone resin (SiR) polymer via a facile dip-coating processing. Applying the SiR polymer coating, the mechanical property and thermal stability of SiR-coated polymer foam (PSiR) composites are greatly enhanced without significantly altering their structure and morphology. The minimum oxygen concentration to support the combustion of foam materials is greatly increased, i.e. from LOI 14.6% for pure foam to LOI 26-29% for the PSiR composites studied. Especially, adjusting pendant group to SiOSi group ratio (R/Si ratio) of SiRs produces highly flame retardant PSiR composites with low smoke toxicity. Cone calorimetry results demonstrate that 44-68% reduction in the peak heat release rate for the PSiR composites containing different R/Si ratios over pure foam is achieved by the presence of appropriate SiR coating. Digital and SEM images of post-burn chars indicate that the SiR polymer coating can be transformed into silica self-extinguishing porous layer as effective inorganic barrier effect, thus preserving the polymer foam structure from fire. Our results show that the SiR dip-coating technique is a promising strategy for producing flame retardant polymer foam composite materials with improved mechanical properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conductive polymer and Si nanoparticles composite secondary particles and structured current collectors for high loading lithium ion negative electrode application

DOEpatents

Liu, Gao

2017-07-11

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a composition of matter comprising a silicon (Si) nanoparticle coated with a conductive polymer. Another embodiment discloses a method for preparing a composition of matter comprising a plurality of silicon (Si) nanoparticles coated with a conductive polymer comprising providing Si nanoparticles, providing a conductive polymer, preparing a Si nanoparticle, conductive polymer, and solvent slurry, spraying the slurry into a liquid medium that is a non-solvent of the conductive polymer, and precipitating the silicon (Si) nanoparticles coated with the conductive polymer. Another embodiment discloses an anode comprising a current collector, and a composition of matter comprising a silicon (Si) nanoparticle coated with a conductive polymer.

Thin Bioactive Zn Substituted Hydroxyapatite Coating Deposited on Ultrafine Grained Titanium Substrate: Structure Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prosolov, Konstantin A.; Belyavskaya, Olga A.; Muehle, Uwe; Sharkeev, Yurii P.

2018-02-01

Nanocrystalline Zn substituted hydroxyapatite coatings were deposited by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering on the surface of ultrafine-grained titanium substrates. Cross section transmission electron microscopy provided information about the morphology and texture of the thin film while in-column energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed the presence of Zn in the coating. The Zn substituted hydroxyapatite coating was formed by an equiaxed polycrystalline grain structure. Effect of substrate crystallinity on the structure of deposited coating is discussed. An amorphous TiO2 sublayer of 8 nm thickness was detected in the interface between the polycrystalline coating and the Ti substrate. Its appearance in the amorphous state is attributed to prior to deposition etching of the substrate and subsequent condensation of oxygen-containing species sputtered from the target. This layer contributes to the high coating-to-substrate adhesion. The major P-O vibrational modes of high intensity were detected by Raman spectroscopy. The Zn substituted hydroxyapatite could be a material of choice when antibacterial osteoconductive coating with a possibility of withstanding mechanical stress during implantation and service is needed.

Photocatalytic Anatase TiO2 Thin Films on Polymer Optical Fiber Using Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma.

PubMed

Baba, Kamal; Bulou, Simon; Choquet, Patrick; Boscher, Nicolas D

2017-04-19

Due to the undeniable industrial advantages of low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma processes, such as low cost, low temperature, easy implementation, and in-line process capabilities, they have become the most promising next-generation candidate system for replacing thermal chemical vapor deposition or wet chemical processes for the deposition of functional coatings. In the work detailed in this article, photocatalytic anatase TiO 2 thin films were deposited at a low temperature on polymer optical fibers using an atmospheric-pressure plasma process. This method overcomes the challenge of forming crystalline transition metal oxide coatings on polymer substrates by using a dry and up-scalable method. The careful selection of the plasma source and the titanium precursor, i.e., titanium ethoxide with a short alkoxy group, allowed the deposition of well-adherent, dense, and crystalline TiO 2 coatings at low substrate temperature. Raman and XRD investigations showed that the addition of oxygen to the precursor's carrier gas resulted in a further increase of the film's crystallinity. Furthermore, the films deposited in the presence of oxygen exhibited a better photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue degradation assumedly due to their higher amount of photoactive {101} facets.

Dual Imprinted Polymer Thin Films via Pattern Directed Self-Organization.

PubMed

Grolman, Danielle; Bandyopadhyay, Diya; Al-Enizi, Abdullah; Elzatahry, Ahmed; Karim, Alamgir

2017-06-21

Synthetic topographically patterned films and coatings are typically contoured on one side, yet many of nature's surfaces have distinct textures on different surfaces of the same object. Common examples are the top and bottom sides of the butterfly wing or lotus leaf, onion shells, and the inside versus outside of the stem of a flower. Inspired by nature, we create dual (top and bottom) channel patterned polymer films. To this end, we first develop a novel fabrication method to create ceramic line channel relief structures by converting the oligomeric residue of stamped poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) nanopatterns on silicon substrates to glass (SiOx, silica) by ultraviolet-ozone (UVO) exposure. These silica patterned substrates are flow coated with polystyrene (PS) films and confined within an identically patterned top confining soft PDMS elastomer film. Annealing of the sandwich structures drives the PS to rapidly mold fill the top PDMS pattern in conjunction with a dewetting tendency of the PS on the silica pattern. Varying the film thickness h, from less than to greater than the pattern height, and varying the relative angle between the top-down and bottom-up patterned confinement surfaces create interesting uniform and nonuniform digitized defects in PS channel patterns, as also a defect-free channel regime. Our dual patterned polymer channels provide a novel fabrication route to topographically imprinted Moiré patterns (whose applications range from security encrypting holograms to sensitive strain gauges), and their basic laser light diffractions properties are illustrated and compared to graphical simulations and 2D-FFT of real-space AFM channel patterns. While traditional "geometrical" and "fringe" Moiré patterns function by superposition of two misaligned optical patterned transmittance gratings, our topographic pattern gratings are quite distinct and may allow for more unique holographic optical characteristics with further development.

Three-dimensional blade coating of complex fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vachitar; Grimaldi, Emma; Sauret, Alban; Dressaire, Emilie

2015-11-01

The application of a layer of non-newtonian fluid on a solid substrate is an important industrial problem involved in polymer or paint coatings, and an everyday life challenge when it comes to spreading peanut butter on a toast. Most experimental and theoretical work has focused on the two-dimensional situation, i.e. the scraping of a fixed blade on a moving substrate to turn a thick layer of liquid into a thin coat. However the spreading of a finite volume of non-newtonian fluid using a blade has received less attention, despite significant practical and fundamental implications. In this study, we investigate experimentally the spreading of a finite volume of a model non-newtonian fluid, carbopol, initially deposited against the fixed blade. As the substrate is translated at constant speed, we characterize the dynamics of spreading and the final shape of the coated layer. We measure and rationalize the influence of the liquid volume, the height and orientation of the blade, and the speed of the substrate on the spreading.

Development of Anticorrosive Polymer Nanocomposite Coating for Corrosion Protection in Marine Environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mardare, L.; Benea, L.

2017-06-01

The marine environment is considered to be a highly aggressive environment for metal materials. Steels are the most common materials being used for shipbuilding. Corrosion is a major cause of structural deterioration in marine and offshore structures. Corrosion of carbon steel in marine environment becomes serious due to the highly corrosive nature of seawater with high salinity and microorganism. To protect metallic materials particularly steel against corrosion occurrence various organic and inorganic coatings are used. The most used are the polymeric protective coatings. The nanostructured TiO2 polymer coating is able to offer higher protection to steel against corrosion, and performed relatively better than other polymer coatings.

Protective Behavior of Poly(m-aminophenol) and Polypyrrole Coatings on Mild Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahaya, Sabrina M.; Harun, M. K.; Rosmamuhamadani, R.; Bonnia, N. N.; Ratim, S.

2018-01-01

Electrodeposition of polypyrrole (PPy) and poly (m-aminophenol) (PMAP) films on mild steel (MS) substrate was achieved in 0.3M oxalic acid solution and 0.3M NaOH, water:ethanol (70:30) solvent respectively using cyclic voltammetry technique. The morphology of the films constructed was determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) while energy dispersive X-Ray analyzer (EDX) was used to establish the presence of organic PMAP and PPy film coating and its compositions. The corrosion performance of MS coated with both polymer films were investigated after 0.5 hours immersed in 0.5M NaCl aqueous solution by using polarization curves. It was found that PPy coating provides anodic protection while PMAP coating provides cathodic protection towards corrosion protection of mild steel substrate.

Poly (p-phenyleneneacetylene) light-emitting diodes

DOEpatents

Shinar, Joseph; Swanson, Leland S.; Lu, Feng; Ding, Yiwei; Barton, Thomas J.; Vardeny, Zeev V.

1994-10-04

Acetylene containing poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) (PPA) - based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. The LEDs are fabricated by coating a hole-injecting electrode, preferably an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate, with a PPA polymer, such as a 2,5-dibutoxy or a 2,5-dihexoxy derivative of PPA, dissolved in an organic solvent. This is then followed by evaporating a layer of material capable of injecting electrons, such as Al or Al/Ca, onto the polymer to form a base electrode. This composition is then annealed to form efficient EL diodes.

Poly (p-phenyleneacetylene) light-emitting diodes

DOEpatents

Shinar, J.; Swanson, L.S.; Lu, F.; Ding, Y.; Barton, T.J.; Vardeny, Z.V.

1994-10-04

Acetylene containing poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) (PPA) - based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. The LEDs are fabricated by coating a hole-injecting electrode, preferably an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate, with a PPA polymer, such as a 2,5-dibutoxy or a 2,5-dihexoxy derivative of PPA, dissolved in an organic solvent. This is then followed by evaporating a layer of material capable of injecting electrons, such as Al or Al/Ca, onto the polymer to form a base electrode. This composition is then annealed to form efficient EL diodes. 8 figs.

Fabrication of poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) light-emitting diodes

DOEpatents

Shinar, J.; Swanson, L.S.; Lu, F.; Ding, Y.

1994-08-02

Acetylene-containing poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) (PPA)-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. The LEDs are fabricated by coating a hole-injecting electrode, preferably an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate, with a PPA polymer, such as a 2,5-dibutoxy or a 2,5-dihexoxy derivative of PPA, dissolved in an organic solvent. This is then followed by evaporating a layer of material capable of injecting electrons, such as Al or Al/Ca, onto the polymer to form a base electrode. This composition is then annealed to form efficient EL diodes. 8 figs.

Fabrication of poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) light-emitting diodes

DOEpatents

Shinar, Joseph; Swanson, Leland S.; Lu, Feng; Ding, Yiwei

1994-08-02

Acetylene containing poly(p-phenyleneacetylene) (PPA) - based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. The LEDs are fabricated by coating a hole-injecting electrode, preferably an indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate, with a PPA polymer, such as a 2,5-dibutoxy or a 2,5-dihexoxy derivative of PPA, dissolved in an organic solvent. This is then followed by evaporating a layer of material capable of injecting electrons, such as A1 or A1/Ca, onto the polymer to form a base electrode. This composition is then annealed to form efficient EL diodes.

The use of FT-IR reflection-absorbance spectroscopy to study photochemical degradation of polymeric coatings on mirrors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Webb, J.D.; Chughtai, A.R.; Czanderna, A.W.

1981-10-01

A technique is presented for in situ study of degradative changes in polymeric coatings on metallic substrates. The technique uses a controlled environment chamber in conjunction with a Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer. The chamber design permits collection of IR reflection-absorbance spectra from a sample undergoing exposure to controlled ultraviolet (UV) radiation, gas mixtures, and temperatures. Initial data presented confirm the ability of the technique to provide information regarding the bulk photochemistry of bisphenol-A polycarbonate coatings on gold and aluminum substrates. Refinements of this technique should allow a detailed kinetic study of degradative reactions at the polymer/metal interface.

Use of FT-IR reflection-absorbance spectroscopy to study photochemical degradation of polymeric coatings on mirrors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Webb, J D; Schissel, P; Czanderna, A W

1981-01-01

A technique is presented for in situ study of degradative changes in polymeric coatings on metallic substrates. The technique uses a controlled environment chamber in conjunction with a Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrophotometer. The chamber design permits collection of IR reflection-absorbance spectra from a sample undergoing exposure to controlled ultraviolet (uv) radiation, gas mixtures, and temperatures. Initial data presented confirm the ability of the technique to provide information regarding the bulk photochemistry of bisphenol-A polycarbonate coatings on gold and aluminum substrates. Refinements of this technique should allow a detailed kinetic study of degradative reactions at the polymer/metal interface.

Polymer poling characterization using second harmonic generation (SHG)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tellier, Gildas; Averty, Dominique; Blart, Errol; Boisrobert, Christian; Gundel, Hartmut; Le Tacon, Sylvain; Monnereau, Cyrille; Odobel, Fabrice; Seveno, Raynald

2006-04-01

Several polymer molecules have structures which are suitable for the non-linear optic applications. We report on the design and fabrication of a high performance electro-optic modulator made of polymer thin films. The polymer we study contains a chromophore based on Disperse Red One covalently grafted to a host-matrix. The polymer materials are deposited in thin layers on a glass substrate by chemical solution deposition, either by spin-coating or by dip-coating. The thickness of the films is ranging from a hundred nanometers to several micrometers. Initially, the polymer molecules are randomly oriented and the films are isotropic, hence no electro-optic effect can be observed. In order to break the symmetry and align the chromophores, the films are submitted to the so-called corona poling process. As a result, their structure become non-centrosymmetric and the second-order susceptibility is no longer zero. The corona poling method consists of applying a high electric field to the polymer by means of a needle electrode, placed above the polymer film which is posed on a grounded sample support electrode. Thermal regulation of the support electrode allows to control the temperature during the poling of the films. Once the poling process has been established, a chemical cross-linking function is thermally activated in order to fix the orientation of the chromophores in the polymer matrix. The orientation and its stability in time is evaluated with a Second Harmonic Generation measurement set-up using the Makers Fringes configuration. We studied the influence of the poling temperature, the distance between the corona needle electrode and the sample, the high voltage applied, and the duration of the poling process on the efficiency of chromophore orientation in order to optimize the poling procedure. Finally, aging of poled polymer samples has been investigated at elevated temperatures, confirming the stability of the cross-linking process.

Dewetting of Thin Polymer Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dixit, P. S.; Sorensen, J. L.; Kent, M.; Jeon, H. S.

2001-03-01

DEWETTING OF THIN POLYMER FILMS P. S. Dixit,(1) J. L. Sorensen,(2) M. Kent,(2) H. S. Jeon*(1) (1) Department of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 801 Leroy Place, Socorro, NM 87801, jeon@nmt.edu (2) Department 1832, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM. Dewetting of thin polymer films is of technological importance for a variety of applications such as protective coatings, dielectric layers, and adhesives. Stable and smooth films are required for the above applications. Above the glass transition temperature (Tg) the instability of polymer thin films on a nonwettable substrate can be occurred. The dewetting mechanism and structure of polypropylene (Tg = -20 ^circC) and polystyrene (Tg = 100 ^circC) thin films is investigated as a function of film thickness (25 Åh < 250 Åand quenching temperature. Contact angle measurements are used in conjunction with optical microscope to check the surface homogeneity of the films. Uniform thin films are prepared by spin casting the polymer solutions onto silicon substrates with different contact angles. We found that the stable and unstable regions of the thin films as a function of the film thickness and quenching temperature, and then constructed a stability diagram for the dewetting of thin polymer films. We also found that the dewetting patterns of the thin films are affected substantially by the changes of film thickness and quenching temperature.

Silk and PEG as means to stiffen a parylene probe for insertion in the brain: toward a double time-scale tool for local drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lecomte, A.; Castagnola, V.; Descamps, E.; Dahan, L.; Blatché, M. C.; Dinis, T. M.; Leclerc, E.; Egles, C.; Bergaud, C.

2015-12-01

The use of soft materials as substrate for neural probes aims at achieving better compliance with the surrounding neurons while maintaining minimal rejection. Many strategies have emerged to enable such probes to penetrate the cortex, among which the use of resorbable polymers. We performed several tests involving two resorbable polymers considered most promising: polyethylene glycol (PEG) and silk fibroin (SF) from Bombyx Mori silkworms. Our coating method provides a repeatable, uniform structure optimized for a stress-reduced insertion of a parylene-C neural probe. Standard compression tests as well as in vitro and in vivo insertion assessments show that both SF and PEG-coated probes are stiff enough to avoid the buckling effect during insertion in the cortex. However, with a buckling force of 300 mN and a mechanical holding in vitro of tens of minutes, we assess silk fibroin to be more reliable for practical handling. In vivo first try-outs in mouse brain showed neither buckling issues of the probe nor undesired alteration of the signal recording. Moreover, we evidenced two distinct time scales in the bioresorption of our polymer coatings: silk fibroin degrades itself in a matter of weeks and PEG dissolves itself within seconds in the presence of water. We then present a hybrid PEG and SF coating that could be used as a drug delivery system with different time scales to reduce both the acute and the chronic body reaction.

Versatility of Alkyne-Modified Poly(Glycidyl Methacrylate) Layers for Click Reactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Soto-Cantu, Dr. Erick; Lokitz, Bradley S; Hinestrosa Salazar, Juan Pablo

2011-01-01

Functional soft interfaces are of interest for a variety of technologies. We describe three methods for preparing substrates with alkyne groups, which show versatility for 'click' chemistry reactions. Two of the methods have the same root: formation of thin, covalently attached, reactive interfacial layers of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) via spin coating onto silicon wafers followed by reactive modification with either propargylamine or 5-hexynoic acid. The amine or the carboxylic acid moieties react with the epoxy groups of PGMA, creating interfacial polymer layers decorated with alkyne groups. The third method consists of using copolymers comprising glycidyl methacrylate and propargyl methacrylate (pGP).more » The pGP copolymers are spin coated and covalently attached on silicon wafers. For each method, we investigate the factors that control film thickness and content of alkyne groups using ellipsometry, and study the nanophase structure of the films using neutron reflectometry. Azide-terminated polymers of methacrylic acid and 2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization were attached to the alkyne-modified substrates using 'click' chemistry, and grafting densities in the range of 0.007-0.95 chains nm{sup -2} were attained. The maximum density of alkyne groups attained by functionalization of PGMA with propargylamine or 5-hexynoic acid was approximately 2 alkynes nm{sup -3}. The alkyne content obtained by the three decorating approaches was sufficiently high that it was not the limiting factor for the click reaction of azide-capped polymers.« less

Synthesis and processing of ELISA polymer substitute: The influence of surface chemistry and morphology on detection sensitivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Samira; Ibrahim, Fatimah; Djordjevic, Ivan; Rothan, Hussin A.; Yusof, Rohana; van der Marel, Cees; Koole, Leo H.

2014-10-01

Despite the known drawbacks of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), one of the deficiencies that have relatively been ignored is the performance of ELISA substrate itself. Polystyrene (PS), as the cost effective material of choice for mass production of ELISA well-plates, has shown obvious lacks of suitable physical and chemical properties for protein attachment. The general concept of this work was to develop a potential substrate that can be suggested as a material of choice for production of a new generation of ELISA analytical kits. Spin-coated thin films of polymethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid (PMMA-co-MAA) on silicon surfaces were designed and processed for detection of dengue virus. Coated surfaces of different molar ratios have been investigated as carboxyl-functionalized layers for obtaining platform for biomolecule immobilization with high level of protein activity. To improve the sensitivity of detection, we have used amine functional "spacers", hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), which were covalently bonded to the surfaces of PMMA-co-MAA coatings. Results demonstrate that the variation of surface concentration of carboxyl groups of PMMA-co-MAA can be used to control the amine surface concentration after carbodiimide coupling with HMDA and PEI spacers. The presence of amine spacers increases hydrophilicity of the coatings and significantly impacts the polymer surface morphology. In particular, protein immobilization via amine-bearing spacers has been achieved in two effective steps: (1) carbodiimide bonding between amine spacer molecules and PMMA-co-MAA polymer coatings; and (2) covalent immobilization of antibody via glutaraldehyde reaction with amine groups from amine-treated surfaces. The application of PEI spacer in comparison to HMDA has shown much higher intensity of detection signal in ELISA experiment, indicating better immobilization efficiency and preservation of antibody activity upon attachment to the polymer surface.

In-Plane Channel-Structured Catalyst Layer for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Lee, Dong-Hyun; Jo, Wonhee; Yuk, Seongmin; Choi, Jaeho; Choi, Sungyu; Doo, Gisu; Lee, Dong Wook; Kim, Hee-Tak

2018-02-07

In this study, we present a novel catalyst layer (CL) with in-plane flow channels to enhance the mass transports in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The CL with in-plane channels on its surface is fabricated by coating a CL slurry onto a surface-treated substrate with the inverse line pattern and transferring the dried CL from the substrate to a membrane. The membrane electrode assembly with the in-plane channel-patterned CL has superior power performances in high current densities compared with an unpatterned, flat CL, demonstrating a significant enhancement of the mass-transport property by the in-plane channels carved in the CL. The performance gain is more pronounced when the channel direction is perpendicular to the flow field direction, indicating that the in-plane channels increase the utilization of the CL under the rib area. An oxygen-transport resistance analysis shows that both molecular and Knudsen diffusion can be facilitated with the introduction of the in-plane channels. The direct CL patterning technique provides a platform for the fabrication of advanced CL structures with a high structural fidelity and design flexibility and a rational guideline for designing high-performance CLs.

Porous Aluminum Oxide and Magnesium Oxide Films Using Organic Hydrogels as Structure Matrices

PubMed Central

Chen, Zimei

2018-01-01

We describe the synthesis of mesoporous Al2O3 and MgO layers on silicon wafer substrates by using poly(dimethylacrylamide) hydrogels as porogenic matrices. Hydrogel films are prepared by spreading the polymer through spin-coating, followed by photo-cross-linking and anchoring to the substrate surface. The metal oxides are obtained by swelling the hydrogels in the respective metal nitrate solutions and subsequent thermal conversion. Combustion of the hydrogel results in mesoporous metal oxide layers with thicknesses in the μm range and high specific surface areas up to 558 m2∙g−1. Materials are characterized by SEM, FIB ablation, EDX, and Kr physisorption porosimetry. PMID:29565802

Strong guided mode resonant local field enhanced visible harmonic generation in an azo-polymer resonant waveguide grating.

PubMed

Lin, Jian Hung; Tseng, Chun-Yen; Lee, Ching-Ting; Young, Jeff F; Kan, Hung-Chih; Hsu, Chia Chen

2014-02-10

Guided mode resonance (GMR) enhanced second- and third-harmonic generation (SHG and THG) is demonstrated in an azo-polymer resonant waveguide grating (RWG), comprised of a poled azo-polymer layer on top of a textured SU8 substrate with a thin intervening layer of TiO2. Strong SHG and THG outputs are observed by matching either in-coming fundamental- or out-going harmonic-wavelength to the GMR wavelengths of the azo-polymer RWG. Without the azo-polymer coating, pure TiO2 RWGs, do not generate any detectable SHG using a fundamental beam peak intensity of 2 MW/cm(2). Without the textured TiO2 layer, a planar poled azo-polymer layer results in 3650 times less SHG than the full nonlinear RWG structure under identical excitation conditions. Rigorous coupled-wave analysis calculations confirm that this enhancement of the nonlinear conversion is due to strong local electric fields that are generated at the interfaces of the TiO2 and azo-polymer layers when the RWG is excited at resonant wavelengths associated with both SHG and THG conversion processes.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Korol, A.A.; Korol, Y.A.; Kasich-Pilipenko, I.Y.

Melted slip coatings were obtained and the structural changes in the coatings and their substrates upon simultaneous heating by concentrated solar radiant energy fluxes were studied. Well known wear and corrosion resistant TiC-Ni-B and WC-Ni-B coatings 50 to 300 microns thick applied by the slip method to flat or cylindrical stainless steel and titanium specimens were examined. The specimens were heated in an SGU-5 solar heating installation with a 2 m diameter parabolic mirror concentrator in a process chamber with a quartz window under a vacuum. Metallographic analysis revealed a finely dispersed heterogeneous structure with no visible porosity, good bondingmore » of coating to substrate, and uniform distribution of carbide phase in the metal matrix of the TiC-Ni-B coatings on titanium. Results were similar for the other coatings, indicating that concentrated solar energy can produce coatings with satisfactory surface quality, good density, and a framework structure. The coating interacted with the substrate by diffusion. Most of the volume of the substrate underwent no significant changes, indicating good bond strength between coatings and substrate.« less

Method of forming a continuous polymeric skin on a cellular foam material

DOEpatents

Duchane, David V.; Barthell, Barry L.

1985-01-01

Hydrophobic cellular material is coated with a thin hydrophilic polymer skin which stretches tightly over the outer surface of the foam but which does not fill the cells of the foam, thus resulting in a polymer-coated foam structure having a smoothness which was not possible in the prior art. In particular, when the hydrophobic cellular material is a specially chosen hydrophobic polymer foam and is formed into arbitrarily chosen shapes prior to the coating with hydrophilic polymer, inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets of arbitrary shapes can be produced by subsequently coating the shapes with metal or with any other suitable material. New articles of manufacture are produced, including improved ICF targets, improved integrated circuits, and improved solar reflectors and solar collectors. In the coating method, the cell size of the hydrophobic cellular material, the viscosity of the polymer solution used to coat, and the surface tensin of the polymer solution used to coat are all very important to the coating.

Utilizing laser interference lithography to fabricate hierarchical optical active nanostructures inspired by the blue Morpho butterfly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siddique, Radwanul H.; Faisal, Abrar; Hünig, Ruben; Bartels, Carolin; Wacker, Irene; Lemmer, Uli; Hoelscher, Hendrik

2014-09-01

The famous non-iridescent blue of the Morpho butter by is caused by a `Christmas tree' like nanostructure which is a challenge for common fabrication techniques. Here, we introduce a method to fabricate this complex morphology utilizing dual beam interference lithography. We add a reflective coating below the photoresist to create a second interference pattern in vertical direction by exploiting the back reflection from the substrate. This vertical pattern exposes the lamella structure into the photosensitive polymer while the horizontal interference pattern determines the distance of the ridges. The photosensitive polymer is chosen accordingly to create the Christmas tree' like tapered shape. The resulting artificial Morpho replica shows brilliant non-iridescent blue up to an incident angle of 40. Its optical properties are close to the original Morpho structure because the refractive index of the polymer is close to chitin. Moreover, the biomimetic surface is water repellent with a contact angle of 110.

High-temperature crystallized thin-film PZT on thin polyimide substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Tianning; Wallace, Margeaux; Trolier-McKinstry, Susan; Jackson, Thomas N.

2017-10-01

Flexible piezoelectric thin films on polymeric substrates provide advantages in sensing, actuating, and energy harvesting applications. However, direct deposition of many inorganic piezoelectric materials such as Pb(Zrx,Ti1-x)O3 (PZT) on polymers is challenging due to the high temperature required for crystallization. This paper describes a transfer process for PZT thin films. The PZT films are first grown on a high-temperature capable substrate such as platinum-coated silicon. After crystallization, a polymeric layer is added, and the polymer-PZT combination is removed from the high-temperature substrate by etching away a release layer, with the polymer layer then becoming the substrate. The released PZT on polyimide exhibits enhanced dielectric response due to reduction in substrate clamping after removal from the rigid substrate. For Pb(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)0.98Nb0.02O3 films, release from Si increased the remanent polarization from 17.5 μC/cm2 to 26 μC/cm2. In addition, poling led to increased ferroelastic/ferroelectric realignment in the released films. At 1 kHz, the average permittivity was measured to be around 1160 after release from Si with a loss tangent below 3%. Rayleigh measurements further confirmed the correlation between diminished substrate constraint and increased domain wall mobility in the released PZT films on polymers.

Preparation of polystyrene brush film by radical chain-transfer polymerization and micromechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Jing; Chen, Miao; An, Yanqing; Liu, Jianxi; Yan, Fengyuan

2008-12-01

A radical chain-transfer polymerization technique has been applied to graft-polymerize brushes of polystyrene (PSt) on single-crystal silicon substrates. 3-Mercapto-propyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), as a chain-transfer agent for grafting, was immobilized on the silicon surface by a self-assembling process. The structure and morphology of the graft-functionalized silicon surfaces were characterized by the means of contact-angle measurement, ellipsometric thickness measurement, Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The nanotribological and micromechanical properties of the as-prepared polymer brush films were investigated by frictional force microscopy (FFM), force-volume analysis and scratch test. The results indicate that the friction properties of the grafted polymer films can be improved significantly by the treatment of toluene, and the chemically bonded polystyrene film exhibits superior scratch resistance behavior compared with the spin-coated polystyrene film. The resultant polystyrene brush film is expected to develop as a potential lubrication coating for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

Bioinspired polydimethylsiloxane-based composites with high shear resistance against wet tissue.

PubMed

Fischer, Sarah C L; Levy, Oren; Kroner, Elmar; Hensel, René; Karp, Jeffrey M; Arzt, Eduard

2016-08-01

Patterned microstructures represent a potential approach for improving current wound closure strategies. Microstructures can be fabricated by multiple techniques including replica molding of soft polymer-based materials. However, polymeric microstructures often lack the required shear resistance with tissue needed for wound closure. In this work, scalable microstructures made from composites based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were explored to enhance the shear resistance with wet tissue. To achieve suitable mechanical properties, PDMS was reinforced by incorporation of polyethylene (PE) particles into the pre-polymer and by coating PE particle reinforced substrates with parylene. The reinforced microstructures showed a 6-fold enhancement, the coated structures even a 13-fold enhancement in Young׳s modulus over pure PDMS. Shear tests of mushroom-shaped microstructures (diameter 450µm, length 1mm) against chicken muscle tissue demonstrate first correlations that will be useful for future design of wound closure or stabilization implants. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Zeolite-imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) membrane synthesis on a mixed-matrix substrate.

PubMed

Barankova, Eva; Pradeep, Neelakanda; Peinemann, Klaus-Viktor

2013-10-21

A thin, dense, compact and hydrogen selective ZIF-8 membrane was synthesized on a polymer/metal oxide mixed-matrix support by a secondary seeding method. The new concept of incorporating ZnO particles into the support and PDMS coating of the ZIF-8 layer is introduced to improve the preparation of ZIF-polymer composite membranes.

Poly(glycidyl ether)-Based Monolayers on Gold Surfaces: Control of Grafting Density and Chain Conformation by Grafting Procedure, Surface Anchor, and Molecular Weight.

PubMed

Heinen, Silke; Weinhart, Marie

2017-03-07

For a meaningful correlation of surface coatings with their respective biological response reproducible coating procedures, well-defined surface coatings, and thorough surface characterization with respect to layer thickness and grafting density are indispensable. The same applies to polymeric monolayer coatings which are intended to be used for, e.g., fundamental studies on the volume phase transition of surface end-tethered thermoresponsive polymer chains. Planar gold surfaces are frequently used as model substrates, since they allow a variety of straightforward surface characterization methods. Herein we present reproducible grafting-to procedures performed with thermoresponsive poly(glycidyl ether) copolymers composed of glycidyl methyl ether (GME) and ethyl glycidyl ether (EGE). The copolymers feature different molecular weights (2 kDa, 9 kDa, 24 kDa) and are equipped with varying sulfur-containing anchor groups in order to achieve adjustable grafting densities on gold surfaces and hence control the tethered polymers' chain conformation. We determined "wet" and "dry" thicknesses of these coatings by QCM-D and ellipsometry measurements and deduced anchor distances and degrees of chain overlap of the polymer chains assembled on gold. Grafting under cloud point conditions allowed for higher degrees of chain overlap compared to grafting from a good solvent like ethanol, independent of the used sulfur-containing anchor group for polymers with low (2 kDa) and medium (9 kDa) molecular weights. By contrast, the achieved grafting densities and thus chain overlaps of surface-tethered polymers with high (24 kDa) molecular weights were identical for both grafting methods. Monolayers prepared from an ethanolic solution of poly(glycidyl ether)s equipped with sterically demanding disulfide-containing anchors revealed the lowest degrees of chain overlap. The ratio of the radius of gyration to the anchor distance (2 R g /l) of the latter coating was found to be lower than 1.4, indicating that the assembly was rather in the mushroom-like than in the brush regime. Polymer chains with thiol-containing anchors of different alkyl chain lengths (C 11 SH vs C 4 SH) formed assemblies with comparable degrees of chain overlap with 2 R g /l values above 1.4 and are thus in the brush regime. Molecular weights influenced the achievable degree of chain overlap on the surface. Coatings prepared with the medium molecular weight polymer (9 kDa) resulted in the highest chain packing density. Control of grafting density and thus chain overlap in different regimes (brush vs mushroom) on planar gold substrates are attainable for monolayer coatings with poly(GME-ran-EGE) by adjusting the polymer's molecular weight and anchor group as well as the conditions for the grafting-to procedure.

Fabrication of highly uniform and porous MgF2 anti-reflective coatings by polymer-based sol-gel processing on large-area glass substrates.

PubMed

Raut, Hemant Kumar; Dinachali, Saman Safari; Ansah-Antwi, Kwadwo Konadu; Ganesh, V Anand; Ramakrishna, Seeram

2013-12-20

Despite recent progress in the fabrication of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) anti-reflective coatings (ARCs), simple, effective and scalable sol-gel fabrication of MgF2 ARCs for large-area glass substrates has prospective application in various optoelectronic devices. In this paper, a polymer-based sol-gel route was devised to fabricate highly uniform and porous MgF2 ARCs on large-area glass substrates. A sol-gel precursor made of polyvinyl acetate and magnesium trifluoroacetate assisted in the formation of uniformly mesoporous MgF2 ARCs on glass substrates, leading to the attainment of a refractive index of ~1.23. Systematic optimization of the thickness of the ARC in the sub-wavelength regime led to achieving ~99.4% transmittance in the case of the porous MgF2 ARC glass. Precise control of the thickness of porous MgF2 ARC glass also resulted in a mere ~0.1% reflection, virtually eliminating reflection off the glass surface at the target wavelength. Further manipulation of the thickness of the ARC on either side of the glass substrate led to the fabrication of relatively broadband, porous MgF2 ARC glass.

Extreme Activity of Drug Nanocrystals Coated with A Layer of Non-Covalent Polymers from Self-Assembled Boric Acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Honglei; Liang, Jun F.

2016-12-01

Non-covalent polymers have remarkable advantages over synthetic polymers for wide biomedical applications. In this study, non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid were used as the capping reagent to replace synthetic polymers in drug crystallization. Under acidic pH, boric acid self-assembled on the surface of drug nanocrystals to form polymers with network-like structures held together by hydrogen bonds. Coating driven by boric acid self-assembly had negligible effects on drug crystallinity and structure but resulted in drug nanocrystals with excellent dispersion properties that aided in the formation of a more stable suspension. Boric acid coating improved drug stability dramatically by preventing drug molecules from undergoing water hydrolysis in a neutral environment. More importantly, the specific reactivity of orthoboric groups to diols in cell glycocalyx facilitated a rapid cross-membrane translocation of drug nanocrystals, leading to efficient intracellular drug delivery, especially on cancer cells with highly expressed sialic acids. Boric acid coated nanocrystals of camptothecin, an anticancer drug with poor aqueous solubility and stability, demonstrated extreme cytotoxic activity (IC50 < 5.0 μg/mL) to cancer cells compared to synthetic polymer coated CPT nanocrystals and free CPT. Surface coating using non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid will have wide biomedical applications especially in biomaterials and drug delivery field.

Extreme Activity of Drug Nanocrystals Coated with A Layer of Non-Covalent Polymers from Self-Assembled Boric Acid.

PubMed

Zhan, Honglei; Liang, Jun F

2016-12-09

Non-covalent polymers have remarkable advantages over synthetic polymers for wide biomedical applications. In this study, non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid were used as the capping reagent to replace synthetic polymers in drug crystallization. Under acidic pH, boric acid self-assembled on the surface of drug nanocrystals to form polymers with network-like structures held together by hydrogen bonds. Coating driven by boric acid self-assembly had negligible effects on drug crystallinity and structure but resulted in drug nanocrystals with excellent dispersion properties that aided in the formation of a more stable suspension. Boric acid coating improved drug stability dramatically by preventing drug molecules from undergoing water hydrolysis in a neutral environment. More importantly, the specific reactivity of orthoboric groups to diols in cell glycocalyx facilitated a rapid cross-membrane translocation of drug nanocrystals, leading to efficient intracellular drug delivery, especially on cancer cells with highly expressed sialic acids. Boric acid coated nanocrystals of camptothecin, an anticancer drug with poor aqueous solubility and stability, demonstrated extreme cytotoxic activity (IC 50  < 5.0 μg/mL) to cancer cells compared to synthetic polymer coated CPT nanocrystals and free CPT. Surface coating using non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid will have wide biomedical applications especially in biomaterials and drug delivery field.

Extreme Activity of Drug Nanocrystals Coated with A Layer of Non-Covalent Polymers from Self-Assembled Boric Acid

PubMed Central

Zhan, Honglei; Liang, Jun F.

2016-01-01

Non-covalent polymers have remarkable advantages over synthetic polymers for wide biomedical applications. In this study, non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid were used as the capping reagent to replace synthetic polymers in drug crystallization. Under acidic pH, boric acid self-assembled on the surface of drug nanocrystals to form polymers with network-like structures held together by hydrogen bonds. Coating driven by boric acid self-assembly had negligible effects on drug crystallinity and structure but resulted in drug nanocrystals with excellent dispersion properties that aided in the formation of a more stable suspension. Boric acid coating improved drug stability dramatically by preventing drug molecules from undergoing water hydrolysis in a neutral environment. More importantly, the specific reactivity of orthoboric groups to diols in cell glycocalyx facilitated a rapid cross-membrane translocation of drug nanocrystals, leading to efficient intracellular drug delivery, especially on cancer cells with highly expressed sialic acids. Boric acid coated nanocrystals of camptothecin, an anticancer drug with poor aqueous solubility and stability, demonstrated extreme cytotoxic activity (IC50 < 5.0 μg/mL) to cancer cells compared to synthetic polymer coated CPT nanocrystals and free CPT. Surface coating using non-covalent polymers from self-assembled boric acid will have wide biomedical applications especially in biomaterials and drug delivery field. PMID:27934922

Influence of the side chain and substrate on polythiophene thin film surface, bulk, and buried interfacial structures.

PubMed

Xiao, Minyu; Jasensky, Joshua; Zhang, Xiaoxian; Li, Yaoxin; Pichan, Cayla; Lu, Xiaolin; Chen, Zhan

2016-08-10

The molecular structures of organic semiconducting thin films mediate the performance of various devices composed of such materials. To fully understand how the structures of organic semiconductors alter on substrates due to different polymer side chains and different interfacial interactions, thin films of two kinds of polythiophene derivatives with different side-chains, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(3-potassium-6-hexanoate thiophene) (P3KHT), were deposited and compared on various surfaces. A combination of analytical tools was applied in this research: contact angle goniometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize substrate dielectric surfaces with varied hydrophobicity for polymer film deposition; X-ray diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy were used to examine the polythiophene film bulk structure; sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was utilized to probe the molecular structures of polymer film surfaces in air and buried solid/solid interfaces. Both side-chain hydrophobicity and substrate hydrophobicity were found to mediate the crystallinity of the polythiophene film, as well as the orientation of the thiophene ring within the polymer backbone at the buried polymer/substrate interface and the polymer thin film surface in air. For the same type of polythiophene film deposited on different substrates, a more hydrophobic substrate surface induced thiophene ring alignment with the surface normal at both the buried interface and on the surface in air. For different films (P3HT vs. P3KHT) deposited on the same dielectric substrate, a more hydrophobic polythiophene side chain caused the thiophene ring to align more towards the surface at the buried polymer/substrate interface and on the surface in air. We believe that the polythiophene surface, bulk, and buried interfacial molecular structures all influence the hole mobility within the polythiophene film. Successful characterization of an organic conducting thin film surface, buried interfacial, and bulk structures is a first crucial step in understanding the structure-function relationship of such films in order to optimize device performance. An in-depth understanding on how the side-chain influences the interfacial and surface polymer orientation will guide the future molecular structure design of organic semiconductors.

Development of composite facets for the surface of a space-based solar dynamic concentrator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ayers, Schuyler R.; Morel, Donald E.; Sanborn, James A.

1986-01-01

An account is given of the composite fabrication techniques envisioned for the production of mirror-quality substrates furnishing the specular reflectance required for the NASA Space Station's solar dynamic concentrator energy system. The candidate materials were graphite fiber-reinforced glass, aluminum, and polymer matrices whose surfaces would be coated with thin metal layers and with atomic oxygen degradation-inhibiting protective coatings to obtain the desired mirror surface. Graphite-epoxy mirror substrate samples have been found to perform satisfactorily for the required concentrator lifetime.

Fabrication and performance of polymer-nanocomposite anti-reflective thin films deposited by RIR-MAPLE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Singaravelu, S.; Mayo, D. C.; Park, H-. K.

2014-07-01

Design of polymer anti-reflective (AR) optical coatings for plastic substrates is challenging because polymers exhibit a relatively narrow range of refractive indices. Here, we report synthesis of a four-layer AR stack using hybrid polymer: nanoparticle materials deposited by resonant infrared matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation. An Er: YAG laser ablated frozen solutions of a high-index composite containing TiO2 nanoparticles and poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), alternating with a layer of PMMA. The optimized AR coatings, with thicknesses calculated using commercial software, yielded a coating for polycarbonate with transmission over 97 %, scattering <3 %, and a reflection coefficient below 0.5 % across the visiblemore » range, with a much smaller number of layers than would be predicted by a standard thin film calculation. The TiO2 nanoparticles contribute more to the enhanced refractive index of the high-index layers than can be accounted for by an effective medium model of the nanocomposite.« less

Literature Review of Polymer Derived Ceramics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Peterson, Reuben James

2016-05-25

Polymer Derived Ceramics (PDCs), also known as preceramic polymers, are valuable coating agents that are used to produce surface barriers on substrates such as stainless steel. These barriers protect against a multitude of environmental threats, and have been used since their research and development in 19772. This paper seeks to review and demonstrate the remarkable properties and versatility that PDCs have to offer, while also giving a brief overview of the processing techniques used today.

Development of a Microelectromechanical System for Small Satellite Thermal Control

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-05-06

polymer frame or post over a silicon substrate. The membrane should be coated with a high emissivity material. This design was based on the principle...allowing heat conduction to the silicon. While the device was off, both the poor thermal conductivity of the polymer and the gap between membrane and...EnergyThermally Isolating Vacuum and Polymer Heat Conduction (a) (b) Figure 4. Heat conduction and radiation in the on and off states

Experimental studies of contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces – Toward the understanding and control of wettability for different applications.

PubMed

Grundke, K; Pöschel, K; Synytska, A; Frenzel, R; Drechsler, A; Nitschke, M; Cordeiro, A L; Uhlmann, P; Welzel, P B

2015-08-01

Contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces have been studied by contact angle measurements using sessile liquid droplets and captive air bubbles in conjunction with a drop shape method known as Axisymmetric Drop Shape Analysis - Profile (ADSA-P). In addition, commercially available sessile drop goniometer techniques were used. The polymer surfaces were characterized with respect to their surface structure (morphology, roughness, swelling) and surface chemistry (elemental surface composition, acid-base characteristics) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and streaming potential measurements. Heterogeneous polymer surfaces with controlled roughness and chemical composition were prepared by different routes using plasma etching and subsequent dip coating or grafting of polymer brushes, anodic oxidation of aluminium substrates coated with thin polymer films, deposition techniques to create regular patterned and rough fractal surfaces from core-shell particles, and block copolymers. To reveal the effects of swelling and reorientation at the solid/liquid interface contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polyimide surfaces, cellulose membranes, and thermo-responsive hydrogels have been studied. The effect of different solutes in the liquid (electrolytes, surfactants) and their impact on contact angle hysteresis were characterized for solid polymers without and with ionizable functional surface groups in aqueous electrolyte solutions of different ion concentrations and pH and for photoresist surfaces in cationic aqueous surfactant solutions. The work is an attempt toward the understanding of contact angle hysteresis phenomena on polymer surfaces aimed at the control of wettability for different applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Coating by Cold Spray Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravi, Kesavan; Ichikawa, Yuji; Deplancke, Tiana; Ogawa, Kazuhiro; Lame, Olivier; Cavaille, Jean-Yves

2015-08-01

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or UHMWPE is an extremely difficult material to coat with, as it is rubbery and chemically very inert. The Cold Spray process appears to be a promising alternative processing technique but polymers are in general difficult to deposit using this method. So, attempts to develop UHMWPE coatings were made using a downstream injection cold spray technique incorporating a few modifications. A conventional cold spray machine yielded only a few deposited particles of UHMWPE on the substrate surface, but with some modifications in the nozzle geometry (especially the length and inner geometry) a thin coating of 45 μm on Al substrate was obtained. Moreover, experiments with the addition of fumed nano-alumina to the feedstock yielded a coating of 1-4 mm thickness on Al and polypropylene substrates. UHMWPE was seen to be melt crystallized during the coating formation, as can be seen from the differential calorimetry curves. Influence of nano-ceramic particles was explained by observing the creation of a bridge bond between UHMWPE particles.

Medical implants and methods of making medical implants

DOEpatents

Shaw, Wendy J; Yonker, Clement R; Fulton, John L; Tarasevich, Barbara J; McClain, James B; Taylor, Doug

2014-09-16

A medical implant device having a substrate with an oxidized surface and a silane derivative coating covalently bonded to the oxidized surface. A bioactive agent is covalently bonded to the silane derivative coating. An implantable stent device including a stent core having an oxidized surface with a layer of silane derivative covalently bonded thereto. A spacer layer comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) is covalently bonded to the layer of silane derivative and a protein is covalently bonded to the PEG. A method of making a medical implant device including providing a substrate having a surface, oxidizing the surface and reacting with derivitized silane to form a silane coating covalently bonded to the surface. A bioactive agent is then covalently bonded to the silane coating. In particular instances, an additional coating of bio-absorbable polymer and/or pharmaceutical agent is deposited over the bioactive agent.

Strong Photo-Amplification Effects in Flexible Organic Capacitors with Small Molecular Solid-State Electrolyte Layers Sandwiched between Photo-Sensitive Conjugated Polymer Nanolayers

PubMed Central

Lee, Hyena; Kim, Jungnam; Kim, Hwajeong; Kim, Youngkyoo

2016-01-01

We demonstrate strong photo-amplification effects in flexible organic capacitors which consist of small molecular solid-state electrolyte layers sandwiched between light-sensitive conjugated polymer nanolayers. The small molecular electrolyte layers were prepared from aqueous solutions of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid) aluminum (ALQSA3), while poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was employed as the light-sensitive polymer nanolayer that is spin-coated on the indium-tin oxide (ITO)-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film substrates. The resulting capacitors feature a multilayer device structure of PET/ITO/P3HT/ALQSA3/P3HT/ITO/PET, which were mechanically robust due to good adhesion between the ALQSA3 layers and the P3HT nanolayers. Results showed that the specific capacitance was increased by ca. 3-fold when a white light was illuminated to the flexible organic multilayer capacitors. In particular, the capacity of charge storage was remarkably (ca. 250-fold) enhanced by a white light illumination in the potentiostatic charge/discharge operation, and the photo-amplification functions were well maintained even after bending for 300 times at a bending angle of 180o. PMID:26846891

Strong Photo-Amplification Effects in Flexible Organic Capacitors with Small Molecular Solid-State Electrolyte Layers Sandwiched between Photo-Sensitive Conjugated Polymer Nanolayers.

PubMed

Lee, Hyena; Kim, Jungnam; Kim, Hwajeong; Kim, Youngkyoo

2016-02-05

We demonstrate strong photo-amplification effects in flexible organic capacitors which consist of small molecular solid-state electrolyte layers sandwiched between light-sensitive conjugated polymer nanolayers. The small molecular electrolyte layers were prepared from aqueous solutions of tris(8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid) aluminum (ALQSA3), while poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was employed as the light-sensitive polymer nanolayer that is spin-coated on the indium-tin oxide (ITO)-coated poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film substrates. The resulting capacitors feature a multilayer device structure of PET/ITO/P3HT/ALQSA3/P3HT/ITO/PET, which were mechanically robust due to good adhesion between the ALQSA3 layers and the P3HT nanolayers. Results showed that the specific capacitance was increased by ca. 3-fold when a white light was illuminated to the flexible organic multilayer capacitors. In particular, the capacity of charge storage was remarkably (ca. 250-fold) enhanced by a white light illumination in the potentiostatic charge/discharge operation, and the photo-amplification functions were well maintained even after bending for 300 times at a bending angle of 180(°).

Novel Biocatalytic Polymer-Based Antimicrobial Coatings as Potential Ureteral Biomaterial: Preparation and In Vitro Performance Evaluation▿

PubMed Central

Dave, Rachna N.; Joshi, Hiren M.; Venugopalan, Vayalam P.

2011-01-01

Catheters and other indwelling devices placed inside human body are prone to bacterial infection, causing serious risk to patients. Infections associated with implants are difficult to resolve, and hence the prevention of bacterial colonization of such surfaces is quite appropriate. In this context, the development of novel antimicrobial biomaterials is currently gaining momentum. We describe here the preparation and antibacterial properties of an enzyme-embedded polycaprolactone (PCL)-based coating, coimpregnated with the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate (GS). The enzyme uses PCL itself as substrate; as a result, the antibiotic gets released at a rate controlled by the degradation of the PCL base. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated sustained release of GS from the PCL film throughout its lifetime. By modulating the enzyme concentration in the PCL film, we were able to vary the lifetime of the coating from 33 h to 16 days. In the end, the polymer is completely degraded, delivering the entire load of the antibiotic. The polymer exhibited antibacterial properties against three test isolates: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Foley urinary catheters coated with the modified polymer exhibited sustained in vitro release of GS over a 60-h period. The results suggest that the antibiotic-plus-enzyme-loaded polymer can be used as tunable self-degrading antimicrobial biomaterial coating on catheters. PMID:21135190

Mechanically flexible organic electroluminescent device with directional light emission

DOEpatents

Duggal, Anil Raj; Shiang, Joseph John; Schaepkens, Marc

2005-05-10

A mechanically flexible and environmentally stable organic electroluminescent ("EL") device with directional light emission comprises an organic EL member disposed on a flexible substrate, a surface of which is coated with a multilayer barrier coating which includes at least one sublayer of a substantially transparent organic polymer and at least one sublayer of a substantially transparent inorganic material. The device includes a reflective metal layer disposed on the organic EL member opposite to the substrate. The reflective metal layer provides an increased external quantum efficiency of the device. The reflective metal layer and the multilayer barrier coating form a seal around the organic EL member to reduce the degradation of the device due to environmental elements.

Development of a special purpose spacecraft interior coating, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartoszek, E. J.; Nannelli, P.

1975-01-01

Coating formulations were developed consisting of latex blends of fluorocarbon polymers, acrylic resins, stabilizers, modifiers, other additives, and a variety of inorganic pigments. Suitable latex primers were also developed from an acrylic latex base. The formulations dried to touch in about one hour and were fully dry in about twenty-four hours under normal room temperature and humidity conditions. The resulting coatings displayed good optical and mechanical properties, including excellent bonding to (pre-treated) substrates. In addition, the preferred compositions were found to be self-extinguishing when applied to nonflammable substrates and could meet the offgassing requirements specified by NASA for the intended application. Improvements are needed in abrasion resistance and hardness.

Spontaneous formation of nanoparticle stripe patterns through dewetting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jiaxing; Kim, Franklin; Tao, Andrea R.; Connor, Stephen; Yang, Peidong

2005-12-01

Significant advancement has been made in nanoparticle research, with synthetic techniques extending over a wide range of materials with good control over particle size and shape. A grand challenge is assembling and positioning the nanoparticles in desired locations to construct complex, higher-order functional structures. Controlled positioning of nanoparticles has been achieved in pre-defined templates fabricated by top-down approaches. A self-assembly method, however, is highly desirable because of its simplicity and compatibility with heterogeneous integration processes. Here we report on the spontaneous formation of ordered gold and silver nanoparticle stripe patterns on dewetting a dilute film of polymer-coated nanoparticles floating on a water surface. Well-aligned stripe patterns with tunable orientation, thickness and periodicity at the micrometre scale were obtained by transferring nanoparticles from a floating film onto a substrate in a dip-coating fashion. This facile technique opens up a new avenue for lithography-free patterning of nanoparticle arrays for various applications including, for example, multiplexed surface-enhanced Raman substrates and templated fabrication of higher-order nanostructures.

Environmentally Benign and Permanent Modifications to Prevent Biofouling on Marine and Hydrokinetic Devices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng Zhang

2012-04-19

Semprus Biosciences is developing environmentally benign and permanent modifications to prevent biofouling on Marine and Hydrokinetic (MHK) devices. Biofouling, including growth on external surfaces by bacteria, algae, barnacles, mussels, and other marine organisms, accumulate quickly on MHK devices, causing mechanical wear and changes in performance. Biofouling on crucial components of hydrokinetic devices, such as rotors, generators, and turbines, imposes substantial mass and hydrodynamic loading with associated efficiency loss and maintenance costs. Most antifouling coatings leach toxic ingredients, such as copper and tributyltin, through an eroding process, but increasingly stringent regulation of biocides has led to interest in the development ofmore » non-biocidal technologies to control fouling. Semprus Biosciences research team is developing modifications to prevent fouling from a broad spectrum of organisms on devices of all shapes, sizes, and materials for the life of the product. The research team designed and developed betaine-based polymers as novel underwater coatings to resist the attachment of marine organisms. Different betaine-based monomers and polymers were synthesized and incorporated within various coating formulations. The formulations and application methods were developed on aluminum panels with required adhesion strength and mechanical properties. The coating polymers were chemically stable under UV, hydrolytic and oxidative environments. The sulfobetaine formulations are applicable as nonleaching and stable underwater coatings. For the first time, coating formulations modified with highly packed sulfobetaine polymers were prepared and demonstrated resistance to a broad spectrum of marine organisms. Assays for comparing nonfouling performance were developed to evaluate protein adsorption and bacteria attachment. Barnacle settlement and removal were evaluated and a 60-day field test was performed. Silicone substrates including a commercial fouling release coating were used for comparison. Compared with the unmodified silicone substrates, the sulfobetaine-modified formulations were able to exhibit a 98% reduction in fibrinogen adsorption, 97.0% (E. coli), 99.6% (S. aureus), and 99.5% (C. lytica) reduction in bacteria attachment, and 100% reduction in barnacles cyprid attachment. In addition to the significant improvement in fouling resistance of various organisms, the 60-day field test also showed an evident efficacy from visual assessment, foul rating, and fouling removal test. The research confirmed that the novel antifouling mechanism of betaine polymers provides a new avenue for marine coating development. The developed coatings out-performed currently used nontoxic underwater coatings in a broad spectrum of fouling resistance. By further developing formulations and processing methods for specific devices, the technology is ready for the next stage of development with demonstration in MHK systems.« less

Controlled assembly of nanoparticle structures: spherical and toroidal superlattices and nanoparticle-coated polymeric beads.

PubMed

Isojima, Tatsushi; Suh, Su Kyung; Vander Sande, John B; Hatton, T Alan

2009-07-21

The emulsion droplet solvent evaporation method has been used to prepare nanoclusters of monodisperse magnetite nanoparticles of varying morphologies depending on the temperature and rate of solvent evaporation and on the composition (solvent, presence of polymer, nanoparticle concentration, etc.) of the emulsion droplets. In the absence of a polymer, and with increasing solvent evaporation temperatures, the nanoparticles formed single- or multidomain crystalline superlattices, amorphous spherical aggregates, or toroidal clusters, as determined by the energetics and dynamics of the solvent evaporation process. When polymers that are incompatible with the nanoparticle coatings were included in the emulsion formulation, monolayer- and multilayer-coated polymer beads and partially coated Janus beads were prepared; the nanoparticles were expelled by the polymer as its concentration increased on evaporation of the solvent and accumulated on the surfaces of the beads in a well-ordered structure. The precise number of nanoparticle layers depended on the polymer/magnetic nanoparticle ratio in the oil droplet phase parent emulsion. The magnetic nanoparticle superstructures responded to the application of a modest magnetic field by forming regular chains with alignment of nonuniform structures (e.g., toroids and Janus beads) that are in accord with theoretical predictions and with observations in other systems.

Treatments to induce the nucleation and growth of apatite-like layers on polymeric surfaces and foams.

PubMed

Reis, R L; Cunha, A M; Fernandes, M H; Correia, R N

1997-12-01

In this work, a bioactive glass is used as a percusor of calcium-phosphate (Ca-P) film deposition onto several polymer-based materials. Both bioinert (high molecular weight polyethylene, HMWPE), and biodegradable (corn starch-based blends, SEVA-C) polymers, unreinforced or reinforced with hydroxylapatite (HA), were coated by the very simple proposed route. Also polyurethane (PU) foams, with an open-cell structure, were mineralized by the proposed method. In fact, it was possible to induce the growth of the Ca-P films not only at the surface, but also in the bulk of the PU foam. These cellular materials are intended for cancellous bone replacement applications. The morphology of the formed films was strongly dependent on the used substrate, its polar character, and on the presence of HA in its composition, as observed by SEM. Nevertheless, a well defined needly like structure was observed in all samples at high magnifications. The Ca:P ratios of the films were between 1.5 and 1.7, i.e. in the range of tricalcium phosphate-hydroxylapatite. Raman spectroscopy and thin-film x-ray diffraction (XRD) evidenced the formation of mostly amorphous calcium-phosphate films. After scraping the coating from the polymer surface and heat-treating the resulting powder at 1000 degrees C for 1 h, HA and beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) typical peaks were found on XRD patterns.

Experiment Research on Hot-Rolling Processing of Nonsmooth Pit Surface.

PubMed

Gu, Yun-Qing; Fan, Tian-Xing; Mou, Jie-Gang; Yu, Wei-Bo; Zhao, Gang; Wang, Evan

2016-01-01

In order to achieve the nonsmooth surface drag reduction structure on the inner polymer coating of oil and gas pipelines and improve the efficiency of pipeline transport, a structural model of the machining robot on the pipe inner coating is established. Based on machining robot, an experimental technique is applied to research embossing and coating problems of rolling-head, and then the molding process rules under different conditions of rolling temperatures speeds and depth are analyzed. Also, an orthogonal experiment analysis method is employed to analyze the different effects of hot-rolling process apparatus on the embossed pits morphology and quality of rolling. The results also reveal that elevating the rolling temperature or decreasing the rolling speed can also improve the pit structure replication rates of the polymer coating surface, and the rolling feed has little effect on replication rates. After the rolling-head separates from the polymer coating, phenomenon of rebounding and refluxing of the polymer coating occurs, which is the reason of inability of the process. A continuous hot-rolling method for processing is used in the robot and the hot-rolling process of the processing apparatus is put in a dynamics analysis.

Experiment Research on Hot-Rolling Processing of Nonsmooth Pit Surface

PubMed Central

Gu, Yun-qing; Fan, Tian-xing; Mou, Jie-gang; Yu, Wei-bo; Zhao, Gang; Wang, Evan

2016-01-01

In order to achieve the nonsmooth surface drag reduction structure on the inner polymer coating of oil and gas pipelines and improve the efficiency of pipeline transport, a structural model of the machining robot on the pipe inner coating is established. Based on machining robot, an experimental technique is applied to research embossing and coating problems of rolling-head, and then the molding process rules under different conditions of rolling temperatures speeds and depth are analyzed. Also, an orthogonal experiment analysis method is employed to analyze the different effects of hot-rolling process apparatus on the embossed pits morphology and quality of rolling. The results also reveal that elevating the rolling temperature or decreasing the rolling speed can also improve the pit structure replication rates of the polymer coating surface, and the rolling feed has little effect on replication rates. After the rolling-head separates from the polymer coating, phenomenon of rebounding and refluxing of the polymer coating occurs, which is the reason of inability of the process. A continuous hot-rolling method for processing is used in the robot and the hot-rolling process of the processing apparatus is put in a dynamics analysis. PMID:27022235

Initial deposition of calcium phosphate ceramic on polystyrene and polytetrafluoroethylene by rf magnetron sputtering deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feddes, B.; Wolke, J. G. C.; Jansen, J. A.; Vredenberg, A. M.

2003-03-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings can be applied to improve the biological performance of polymeric medical implants. A strong interfacial bond between ceramic and polymer is required for clinical applications. Because the chemical structure of an interface plays an important role in the adhesion of a coating, we studied the formation of the interface between CaP and polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The coating was deposited in a radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering deposition system. Prior to the deposition, some samples received an oxygen plasma pretreatment. We found that the two substrates show a strongly different reactivity towards CaP. On PS a phosphorus and oxygen enrichment is present at the interface. This is understood from POx complexes that are able to bind to the PS. The effects of the plasma pretreatment are overruled by the deposition process itself. On PTFE, a calcium enrichment and an absence of phosphorus is found at the interface. The former is the result of CaF2-like material being formed at the interface. The latter may be the result of phosphorus reacting with escaping fluorine to a PF3 molecule, which than escapes from the material as a gas molecule. We found that the final structure of the interface is mostly controlled by the bombardment of energetic particles escaping either from the plasma or from the sputtering target. The work described here can be used to understand and improve the adhesion of CaP coatings deposited on medical substrates.

Generation of functional structures by laser pyrolysis of polysilazane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauss, Hans-Joachim; Otto, Andreas

2002-06-01

The pyrolysis of polysilazanes by laser power represents an innovative technique for the generation of ceramic-like coatings and structures. The dissolved polysilazanes can be easily applied by painting techniques such as dipping or spraying. In the following pyrolysis the polysilazane layer transforms into an amorphous ceramic-like coating. The laser power is absorbed in the precursor layer, which leads to the latter's ceramization without damaging the substrate by thermal load. While plane laser pyrolysis creates a protective coating, selective pyrolysis creates a raised and adherent ceramic-like structure that remains after the unexposed polymer layer has been removed. The flexibility of a writing laser system in conjunction with a suitable handling system makes it possible to inscribe any kind of 2D structure on nearly any complexly shaped part. Some of the chemical, magnetic, and electrical structure properties can be adjusted by the pyrolysis parameters and special types of filler particles. Especially the possibility to control electric conductivity should make it possible to create structure dielectric films or planar resistors, inductors or capacitors, which are basically written on the surface of the part. Because of their ceramic nature of the structures are resistant against high temperatures and corrosive media. Thus, this new additive structuring technique could finally strike a new path in creating corrosion resistant high- temperature sensors and control systems.

Electrically conductive, optically transparent polymer/carbon nanotube composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jr., Joseph G. (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T.sub.g) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Reflective article having a sacrificial cathodic layer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kabagambe, Benjamin; Buchanan, Michael J.; Scott, Matthew S.

The present invention relates to reflective articles, such as solar mirrors, that include a sacrificial cathodic layer. The reflective article, more particularly includes a substrate, such as glass, having a multi-layered coating thereon that includes a lead-free sacrificial cathodic layer. The sacrificial cathodic layer includes at least one transition metal, such as a particulate transition metal, which can be in the form of flakes (e.g., zinc flakes). The sacrificial cathodic layer can include an inorganic matrix formed from one or more organo-titanates. Alternatively, the sacrificial cathodic layer can include an organic polymer matrix (e.g., a crosslinked organic polymer matrix formedmore » from an organic polymer and an aminoplast crosslinking agent). The reflective article also includes an outer organic polymer coating, that can be electrodeposited over the sacrificial cathodic layer.« less

The Wettability of LaRC Colorless Polyimide Resins on Casting Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miner, Gilda A.; Stoakley, Diane M.; St.Clair, Anne K.; Gierow, Paul A.; Bates, Kevin

1997-01-01

Two colorless polyimides developed at NASA Langley Research Center, LaRC -CP1 and LaRC -CP2, are noted for being optically transparent, resistant to radiation, and soluble in the imide form. These materials may be used to make transparent, thin polymer films for building large space reflector/collector inflatable antennas, solar arrays, radiometers, etc. Structures such as these require large area, seamless films produced via spin casting or spray coating the soluble imide on a variety of substrates. The ability of the soluble imide to wet and spread over the mandrel or casting substrate is needed information for processing these structures with minimum waste and reprocessing, thereby, reducing the production costs. The wettability of a liquid is reported as the contact angle of the solid/liquid system. This fairly simple measurement is complicated by the porosity and the amount of contamination of the solid substrate. This work investigates the effect of inherent viscosity, concentration of polyimide solids, and solvent type on the wettability of various curing surfaces.

Radiation Shielding Systems Using Nanotechnology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Bin (Inventor); McKay, Christoper P. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A system for shielding personnel and/or equipment from radiation particles. In one embodiment, a first substrate is connected to a first array or perpendicularly oriented metal-like fingers, and a second, electrically conducting substrate has an array of carbon nanostructure (CNS) fingers, coated with an electro-active polymer extending toward, but spaced apart from, the first substrate fingers. An electric current and electric charge discharge and dissipation system, connected to the second substrate, receives a current and/or voltage pulse initially generated when the first substrate receives incident radiation. In another embodiment, an array of CNSs is immersed in a first layer of hydrogen-rich polymers and in a second layer of metal-like material. In another embodiment, a one- or two-dimensional assembly of fibers containing CNSs embedded in a metal-like matrix serves as a radiation-protective fabric or body covering.

Measurements of Erosion Wear Volume Loss on Bare and Coated Polymer Matrix Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa; Sutter, James K.; Mondry, Richard J.; Bowman, Cheryl; Ma, Kong; Horan, Richard A.; Naik, Subhash K.; Cupp, Randall J.

2003-01-01

An investigation was conducted to examine the erosion behavior of uncoated and coated polymer matrix composite (PMC) specimens subjected to solid particle impingement using air jets. The PMCs were carbon-Kevlar (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) fiber-epoxy resin composites with a temperature capability up to 393 K (248 F). Tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co) was the primary topcoat constituent. Bondcoats were applied to the PMC substrates to improve coating adhesion; then, erosion testing was performed at the University of Cincinnati. All erosion tests were conducted with Arizona road-dust (ARD), impinging at angles of 20 and 90 on both uncoated and two-layer coated PMCs at a velocity of 229 m/s and at a temperature of 366 K (200 F). ARD contains primarily 10-m aluminum oxide powders. Vertically scanning interference microscopy (noncontact, optical profilometry) was used to evaluate surface characteristics, such as erosion wear volume loss and depth, surface topography, and surface roughness. The results indicate that noncontact, optical interferometry can be used to make an accurate determination of the erosion wear volume loss of PMCs with multilayered structures while preserving the specimens. The two-layered (WC-Co topcoat and metal bondcoat) coatings on PMCs remarkably reduced the erosion volume loss by a factor of approximately 10. The tenfold increase in erosion resistance will contribute to longer PMC component lives, lower air friction, reduced related breakdowns, decreased maintenance costs, and increased PMC reliability. The decrease in the surface roughness of the coated vanes will lead to lower air friction and will subsequently reduce energy consumption. Eventually, the coatings could lead to overall economic savings.

Towards lightweight nanocomposite coatings for corrosion inhibition: Graphene, carbon nanotubes, and nanostructured magnesium as case studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dennis, Robert Vincent, III

The field of nanocomposites is a burgeoning area of research due to the interest in the remarkable properties which can be achieved through their use in a variety of applications, including corrosion resistant coatings. Lightweighting is of increasing importance in the world today due to the ever growing push towards energy efficiency and the green movement and in recent years there has been a vast amount of research performed in the area of developing lightweight nanocomposites for corrosion inhibition. Many new composite materials have been developed through the use of newly developed nanomaterials (including carbonaceous and metallic constituents) and their specialized incorporation in the coating matrix materials. We start with a general review on the development of hybrid nanostructured composites for corrosion protection of base metals from a sustainability perspective in Chapter 1. This review demonstrates the ever swelling requirements for a paradigm shift in the way that we protect metals against corrosion due to the costs and environmental concerns that exist with currently used technology. In Chapter 2, we delve into the much required understanding of graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide through near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy measurements to elucidate information about the electronic structure upon incorporation of nitrogen within the structure. For successful integration of the carbonaceous nanomaterials into a composite coating, a full swath of knowledge is necessary. Within this work we have shown that upon chemical defunctionalization of graphene oxide to reduced graphene oxide by means of hydrazine treatment, nitrogen is incorporated into the structure in the form of a pyrazole ring. In Chapter 3, we demonstrate that by way of in situ polymerization, graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes can be incorporated within a polymer (polyetherimide, PEI) matrix. Two systems have been developed including graphene and multiwalled carbon nanotubes that act synergistically at a concentration of 2 wt.% each along with graphene at 20 wt.%. The in situ polymerization technique allows for well dispersed carbon nanomaterials within the polymer matrix, which is always a necessary requirement for success as a multifunctional composite coating. After testing in harsh corrosive brine environments these coatings outperformed the polymer by itself and even Zn galvanized steel, lowering the estimated corrosion rate by several orders of magnitude. Chapter 4 displays the possible uses of functionalized carbon nanomaterials in the design of a nanocomposite for corrosion resistance. In this work we establish a method of crosslinking and curing of the polymer matrix using the carbon nanofiller materials as a curing agent through the knowledge partially developed from work outlined in Chapter 2. Here we have used the native functional groups (hydroxyls and carboxylic acids) on graphene oxide and oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes to initiate the curing reaction with a well-known commercially available and commonly used epoxy resin. This technology allows for the chemical integration of the nanofiller within the polymer matrix, ensuring excellent dispersion, and also removing the need for often toxic curing agents. The nanocomposites created here have also been tested for their corrosion resistant properties. Concluding with Chapter 5, we exploit some of our previous work on the development of nanostructured magnesium for use in corrosion resistant coatings based on Mg-rich primer technology. It was shown that Mg nanoplatelets allow for a much increased surface area for interaction with the polymer matrix, leading to excellent property enhancement at a significantly reduced pigment volume concentration and coating thickness. These enhancements lead to less material being used, lighter/thinner coatings, and improved performance. These nano Mg-rich primer formulations were shown to protect the underlying steel substrates from corrosion upon breakdown, in the form of a scratch to the metal surface, of the coating; preferentially oxidizing before the iron in steel. The coatings also were found to reduce the corrosion rate by up to 4 orders of magnitude.

Transparent conductive carbon nanotubes coated flexible substrate and its application for electronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahy, Abdelaziz

The primary goal of this project was to develop a flexible transparent conductor with 100 O/sq with 90% transmittance in the wavelength range of 400-700nm on a flexible substrate. A second objective was to simplify the coating process to be commercially viable. The best result achieved so far was 110 O/sq at 88% transmittance using purified single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) coated on a polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrate on both sides. The SWNT sample used was purchased from Carbon Nanotechnologies Inc (CNI). Proper sonication of the single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) with a proper solvent selection with no use of surfactant simplified the overall coating procedure from five steps (prior art method) to three steps utilizing a dip coating method. We also found that the use of metallic SWNTs can significantly improve the conductivity and transmittance compared with the use of mixed SWNTs, i.e., unseparated SWNTs We also studied a possible adhesion mechanism between SWNTs and the surface of PEN; we concluded that pi - pi stacking effect and hydrophobic-to-hydrophobic interaction are the major contributing factors to have CNTs adhere on the surface of the PEN substrate. Working devices of polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) and solar cell were successfully fabricated using SWNT coated substrates. A no optimized PLEDs device exhibited low turn-on voltage (˜5V), and the fabricated solar cell functioned. The devices have demonstrated the coated film can be used for potential electronic devices.

Alternative Fluoropolymers to Avoid the Challenges Associated with Perfluorooctanoic Acid

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo,J.; Resnick, P.; Efimenko, K.

2008-01-01

The degradation of stain-resistant coating materials leads to the release of biopersistent perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) to the environment. In order to find the environmentally friendly substitutes, we have designed and synthesized a series of nonbiopersistant fluorinated polymers containing perfluorobutyl groups in the side chains. The surface properties of the new coating materials were characterized by static and dynamic contact angle measurements. The new coating materials demonstrate promising hydrophobic and oleophobic properties with low surfaces tensions. The wetting properties and surface structure of the polymers were tuned by varying the 'spacer' structures between the polymer backbones and the perfluorinated groups ofmore » the side chains. The relationship between orientations of the fluorinated side chains and performances of polymer surfaces were further investigated by near-edge X-ray fine absorption structure (NEXAFS) experiments and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).« less

Transparent superhydrophobic surfaces using a spray coating process

DOE PAGES

Polyzos, Georgios; Jang, Gyoung Gug; Smith, D. Barton; ...

2017-11-03

One significant maintenance problem and cost associated with solar energy conversion systems is the soiling due to the accumulation of dust and other pollutants. Here in this work, we describe a scalable approach for applying antisoiling coatings based on superhydrophobic (SH) silica particles using a spray coating process. A large water contact angle (WCA) is one of the characteristics of excellent SH surfaces and because of the low surface energy and low adhesion forces the soiling rate is reduced. Our findings indicate that the WCA depends strongly on the ratio of the polymer binder and the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle surfacemore » coverage of the spray coated samples was substantially improved after rinsing with solvent. This process tended to remove large aggregates and excess polymer binder and further increased the WCA by allowing exposure of the functionalized nanoparticles. The durability of the SH coatings was enhanced when the substrate was pretreated with polymer binder and an optimal curing time between 30 and 60 min. The abrasion tests of the SH coatings we report in this study showed that the WCA decreased from ~ 166° to ~ 157° after exposure to 2.6 g of sand. Such coatings will help reduce costs of periodic cleaning of solar energy conversion systems (photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar mirrors).« less

Transparent superhydrophobic surfaces using a spray coating process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Polyzos, Georgios; Jang, Gyoung Gug; Smith, D. Barton

One significant maintenance problem and cost associated with solar energy conversion systems is the soiling due to the accumulation of dust and other pollutants. Here in this work, we describe a scalable approach for applying antisoiling coatings based on superhydrophobic (SH) silica particles using a spray coating process. A large water contact angle (WCA) is one of the characteristics of excellent SH surfaces and because of the low surface energy and low adhesion forces the soiling rate is reduced. Our findings indicate that the WCA depends strongly on the ratio of the polymer binder and the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle surfacemore » coverage of the spray coated samples was substantially improved after rinsing with solvent. This process tended to remove large aggregates and excess polymer binder and further increased the WCA by allowing exposure of the functionalized nanoparticles. The durability of the SH coatings was enhanced when the substrate was pretreated with polymer binder and an optimal curing time between 30 and 60 min. The abrasion tests of the SH coatings we report in this study showed that the WCA decreased from ~ 166° to ~ 157° after exposure to 2.6 g of sand. Such coatings will help reduce costs of periodic cleaning of solar energy conversion systems (photovoltaic panels and concentrated solar mirrors).« less

TiO2 nanotubes and mesoporous silica as containers in self-healing epoxy coatings

PubMed Central

Vijayan P., Poornima; Al-Maadeed, Mariam Ali S. A.

2016-01-01

The potential of inorganic nanomaterials as reservoirs for healing agents is presented here. Mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) were synthesized. Both epoxy-encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes and amine-immobilized mesoporous silica were incorporated into epoxy and subsequently coated on a carbon steel substrate. The encapsulated TiO2 nanotubes was quantitatively estimated using a ‘dead pore ratio’ calculation. The morphology of the composite coating was studied in detail using transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. The self-healing ability of the coating was monitored using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS); the coating recovered 57% of its anticorrosive property in 5 days. The self-healing of the scratch on the coating was monitored using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results confirmed that the epoxy pre-polymer was slowly released into the crack. The released epoxy pre-polymer came into contact with the amine immobilized in mesoporous silica and cross-linked to heal the scratch. PMID:27941829

Polymer coating for immobilizing soluble ions in a phosphate ceramic product

DOEpatents

Singh, Dileep; Wagh, Arun S.; Patel, Kartikey D.

2000-01-01

A polymer coating is applied to the surface of a phosphate ceramic composite to effectively immobilize soluble salt anions encapsulated within the phosphate ceramic composite. The polymer coating is made from ceramic materials, including at least one inorganic metal compound, that wet and adhere to the surface structure of the phosphate ceramic composite, thereby isolating the soluble salt anions from the environment and ensuring long-term integrity of the phosphate ceramic composite.

Synthesis and characterization of nanomagnetite particles and their polymer coated forms.

PubMed

Utkan, Guldem Guven; Sayar, Filiz; Batat, Pinar; Ide, Semra; Kriechbaum, Manfred; Pişkin, Erhan

2011-01-15

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation of ferrous (Fe(2+)) and ferric (Fe(3+)) aqueous solution by a base. Nanomagnetite particles were coated with poly(St/PEG-EEM/DMAPM) and poly(St/PEG-MA/DMAPM) layer by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. Chemical structure of nanoparticles was characterized by both FTIR and (1)H NMR. Particle morphologies were determined by Zeta Sizer, DLS, XRD and SAXS. Structural analysis showed that after polymer coating nanomagnetite particles kept their superparamagnetic property. Besides the synthesized magnetites, polymer coated forms of these particles are more biocompatible, well dispersable and uniform. These properties make them a very strong candidate for bioengineering applications, such as bioseparation, gene transfer. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Functional patterned coatings by thin polymer film dewetting.

PubMed

Telford, Andrew M; Thickett, Stuart C; Neto, Chiara

2017-12-01

An approach for the fabrication of functional polymer surface coatings is introduced, where micro-scale structure and surface functionality are obtained by means of self-assembly mechanisms. We illustrate two main applications of micro-patterned polymer surfaces obtained through dewetting of bilayers of thin polymer films. By tuning the physical and chemical properties of the polymer bilayers, micro-patterned surface coatings could be produced that have applications both for the selective attachment and patterning of proteins and cells, with potential applications as biomaterials, and for the collection of water from the atmosphere. In all cases, the aim is to achieve functional coatings using approaches that are simple to realize, use low cost materials and are potentially scalable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel processing to produce polymer/ceramic nanocomposites by atomic layer deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xinhua

Polymeric materials can be greatly influenced by nanoscale inclusions of inorganic materials. The main goal of this thesis is to fabricate novel polymer/ceramic composite materials for two different applications using atomic layer deposition (ALD) or molecular layer deposition (MLD) methods. One is to produce well-dispersed polymer/ceramic nanocomposites with improved barrier properties for packaging applications. The other is to produce porous polymer/ceramic composites with improved bioactivity for tissue engineering applications. ALD has been successfully utilized for the conformal and uniform deposition of ultra-thin alumina and titania films on primary micron-sized polymer particles. The mechanism to initiate alumina and titania ALD on polymer particles without chemical functional groups was confirmed. A nucleation period was needed for both alumina and titania ALD on high density polyethylene (HDPE) particles and no nucleation period was needed for alumina ALD on polymethyl methacrylate particles. Titania ALD films deposited at low temperatures had an amorphous structure and showed much weaker photoactivity than common pigment-grade anatase TiO2 particles. Highly uniform and conformal ultra-thin aluminum alkoxide (alucone) polymer films were deposited on primary silica and titania nanoparticles using MLD in a fluidized bed reactor. The deposition chemistry and properties of alucone MLD films were investigated. The photoactivity of pigment-grade TiO2 particles was quenched after 20 cycles of an alucone MLD film, but the films shrank and decomposed in the presence of water, which decreased the passivation effect of the photoactivity of TiO2 particles. Well-dispersed polymer/ceramic nanocomposites were obtained by extruding alumina ALD coated HDPE particles. The diffusion coefficient of the fabricated nanocomposite membranes can be reduced by half with the inclusion of 7.3 vol.% alumina flakes. However, a corresponding increase in permeability was also observed due to the voids formed at or near the interface of the polymer and alumina flakes during the extrusion process. Efforts to improve the barrier properties of the membranes included 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane treatment and coating alucone MLD films on alumina coated particles prior to extrusion. The porous polymer/ceramic particles were synthesized by depositing ultra-thin alumina or titania films on highly porous poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) particles using a low-temperature ALD process. Analytical characterization revealed that conformal alumina and titania films were grown on internal and external polymer particle surfaces, and the pore filling mechanism was a uniform coating of the pore walls. The ALD layers can improve the bioactivity and protein adsorption of the polymer substrates.

Deposition of Electrically Conductive Coatings on Castable Polyurethane Elastomers by the Flame Spraying Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashrafizadeh, H.; McDonald, A.; Mertiny, P.

2016-02-01

Deposition of metallic coatings on elastomeric polymers is a challenging task due to the heat sensitivity and soft nature of these materials and the high temperatures in thermal spraying processes. In this study, a flame spraying process was employed to deposit conductive coatings of aluminum-12silicon on polyurethane elastomers. The effect of process parameters, i.e., stand-off distance and air added to the flame spray torch, on temperature distribution and corresponding effects on coating characteristics, including electrical resistivity, were investigated. An analytical model based on a Green's function approach was employed to determine the temperature distribution within the substrate. It was found that the coating porosity and electrical resistance decreased by increasing the pressure of the air injected into the flame spray torch during deposition. The latter also allowed for a reduction of the stand-off distance of the flame spray torch. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to investigate the effect of the increase in temperature within the substrate on its dynamic mechanical properties. It was found that the spraying process did not significantly change the storage modulus of the polyurethane substrate material.

Structure and properties of polyaniline nanocomposite coatings containing gold nanoparticles formed by low-energy electron beam deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Surui; Rogachev, A. A.; Yarmolenko, M. A.; Rogachev, A. V.; Xiaohong, Jiang; Gaur, M. S.; Luchnikov, P. A.; Galtseva, O. V.; Chizhik, S. A.

2018-01-01

Highly ordered conductive polyaniline (PANI) coatings containing gold nanoparticles were prepared by low-energy electron beam deposition method, with emeraldine base and chloroauric acid used as target materials. The molecular and chemical structure of the layers was studied by Fourier transform infrared, Raman, UV-vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the coatings was investigated by atomic force and transmission electron microscopy. Conductive properties were obtained by impedance spectroscopy method and scanning spreading resistance microscopy mode at the micro- and nanoscale. It was found that the emeraldine base layers formed from the products of electron-beam dispersion have extended, non-conductive polymer chains with partially reduced structure, with the ratio of imine and amine groups equal to 0.54. In case of electron-beam dispersion of the emeraldine base and chloroauric acid, a protoemeraldine structure is formed with conductivity 0.1 S/cm. The doping of this structure was carried out due to hydrochloric acid vapor and gold nanoparticles formed by decomposition of chloroauric acid, which have a narrow size distribution, with the most probable diameter about 40 nm. These gold nanoparticles improve the conductivity of the thin layers of PANI + Au composite, promoting intra- and intermolecular charge transfer of the PANI macromolecules aligned along the coating surface both at direct and alternating voltage. The proposed deposition method of highly oriented, conductive nanocomposite PANI-based coatings may be used in the direct formation of functional layers on conductive and non-conductive substrates.

Corrosion Control through a Better Understanding of the Metallic Substrate/Organic Coating/Interface

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-31

epoxy polyamide on all remaining steel. Panels were aged for a minimum of 10 days in a desiccator prior to testing. Delamination experiments were...determine the heats of polymer adsorption per mole of polymer. The heats of polymer adsorption per site are important parameters for understanding the...measured, the E and C parameters . the acidic surface sites were determined: for silica, CA - 1.16 ± O.0, and E^ - 43 ± 0.1; for rutile, CA - 1.02 ± 0.03 and

Substrate-Independent Robust and Heparin-Mimetic Hydrogel Thin Film Coating via Combined LbL Self-Assembly and Mussel-Inspired Post-Cross-linking.

PubMed

Ma, Lang; Cheng, Chong; He, Chao; Nie, Chuanxiong; Deng, Jie; Sun, Shudong; Zhao, Changsheng

2015-12-02

In this work, we designed a robust and heparin-mimetic hydrogel thin film coating via combined layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly and mussel-inspired post-cross-linking. Dopamine-grafted heparin-like/-mimetic polymers (DA-g-HepLP) with abundant carboxylic and sulfonic groups were synthesized by the conjugation of adhesive molecule, DA, which exhibited substrate-independent adhesive affinity to various solid surfaces because of the formation of irreversible covalent bonds. The hydrogel thin film coated substrates were prepared by a three-step reaction: First, the substrates were coated with DA-g-HepLP to generate negatively charged surfaces. Then, multilayers were obtained via LbL coating of chitosan and the DA-g-HepLP. Finally, the noncovalent multilayers were oxidatively cross-linked by NaIO4. Surface ATR-FTIR and XPS spectra confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydrogel thin film coatings onto membrane substrates; SEM images revealed that the substrate-independent coatings owned 3D porous morphology. The soaking tests in highly alkaline, acid, and concentrated salt solutions indicated that the cross-linked hydrogel thin film coatings owned high chemical resistance. In comparison, the soaking tests in physiological solution indicated that the cross-linked hydrogel coatings owned excellent long-term stability. The live/dead cell staining and morphology observations of the adhered cells revealed that the heparin-mimetic hydrogel thin film coated substrates had low cell toxicity and high promotion ability for cell proliferation. Furthermore, systematic in vitro investigations of protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, blood clotting, and blood-related complement activation confirmed that the hydrogel film coated substrates showed excellent hemocompatibility. Both the results of inhibition zone and bactericidal activity indicated that the gentamycin sulfate loaded hydrogel thin films had significant inhibition capability toward both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Combined the above advantages, it is believed that the designed heparin-mimetic hydrogel thin films may show high potential for applications in various biological and clinical fields, such as long-term hemocompatible and drug-loading materials for implants.

Can deformation of a polymer film with a rigid coating model geophysical processes?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volynskii, A. L.; Bazhenov, S. L.

2007-12-01

The structural and mechanical behavior of polymer films with a thin rigid coating is analyzed. The behavior of such systems under applied stress is accompanied by the formation of a regular wavy surface relief and by regular fragmentation of the coating. The above phenomena are shown to be universal. Both phenomena (stress-induced development of a regular wavy surface relief and regular fragmentation of the coating) are provided by the specific features of mechanical stress transfer from a compliant soft support to a rigid thin coating. The above phenomena are associated with a specific structure of the system, which is referred to as “a rigid coating on a soft substratum” system (RCSS). Surface microrelief in RCSS systems is similar to the ocean floor relief in the vicinity of mid-oceanic ridges. Thus, the complex system composed of a young oceanic crust and upper Earth's mantle may be considered as typically “a solid coating on a soft substratum” system. Specific features of the ocean floor relief are analyzed in terms of the approach advanced for the description of the structural mechanical behavior of polymer films with a rigid coating. This analysis allowed to estimate the strength of an ocean floor.

Carbon fiber CVD coating by carbon nanostructured for space materials protection against atomic oxygen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pastore, Roberto; Bueno Morles, Ramon; Micheli, Davide

2016-07-01

In recent years, the emphasis in space research has been shifting from space exploration to commercialization of space. In order to utilize space for commercial purposes it is necessary to understand the low earth orbit (LEO) space environment where most of the activities will be carried out. The studies on the LEO environment are mainly focused towards understanding the effect of atomic oxygen (AO) on spacecraft materials. In the first few shuttle flights, materials looked frosty because they were actually being eroded and textured: AO reacts with organic materials on spacecraft exteriors, gradually damaging them. When a spacecraft travel in LEO (where crewed vehicles and the International Space Station fly), the AO formed from the residual atmosphere can react with the spacecraft surfaces, causing damage to the vehicle. Polymers are widely used in space vehicles and systems as structural materials, thermal blankets, thermal control coatings, conformal coatings, adhesives, lubricants, etc. Exposure of polymers and composites to the space environment may result in different detrimental effects via modification of their chemical, electrical, thermal, optical and mechanical properties as well as surface erosion. The major degradation effects in polymers are due to their exposure to atomic oxygen, vacuum ultraviolet and synergistic effects, which result in different damaging effects by modification of the polymer's chemical properties. In hydrocarbon containing polymers the main AO effect is the surface erosion via chemical reactions and the release of volatile reaction products associated with the mass loss. The application of a thin protective coating to the base materials is one of the most commonly used methods of preventing AO degradation. The purpose is to provide a barrier between base material and AO environment or, in some cases, to alter AO reactions to inhibit its diffusion. The effectiveness of a coating depends on its continuity, porosity, degree of adhesion and durability in the environment. Though these coatings are efficient in protecting polymer composites, their application imposes severe constraints. Their thermal expansion coefficients may differ markedly from those of polymer composite substrates: as a result, cracks develop in the coatings on thermal cycling and AO can penetrate through them to the substrate. In addition to the technicalities of forming an effective barrier, such factors as cost, convenience of application and ease of repair are important considerations in the selection of a coating for a particular application. The latter issues drive the aerospace research toward the development of novel light composite materials, like the so called polymer nanocomposites, which are materials with a polymer matrix and a filler with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers. Current interest in nanocomposites has been generated and maintained because nanoparticle-filled polymers exhibit unique combinations of properties not achievable with traditional composites. These combinations of properties can be achieved because of the small size of the fillers, the large surface area the fillers provide, and in many cases the unique properties of the fillers themselves. In particular, the carbon fiber-based polymeric composite materials are the basic point of interest: the aim of the present study is to find new solution to produce carbon fiber-based composites with even more upgraded performances. One intriguing strategy to tackle such an issue has been picked out in the coupling between the carbon fibers and the carbon nanostructures. That for two main reasons: first, carbon nanostructures have shown fancy potentialities for any kind of technological applications since their discovery, second, the chemical affinity between fiber and nanostructure (made of the same element) should be a likely route to approach the typical problems due to thermo-mechanical compatibility. This work is joined in such framework, by the purpose to integrate the carbon nanostructures in the carbon fibers by means of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, in order to develop the basic substrate of advanced carbon-based nanocomposite for atomic oxygen protection. The nanostructures grown onto the carbon fibers can be used to create multiscale hybrid carbon nanotube/carbon fiber composites where individual carbon fibers, which are several microns in diameter, are surrounded by nanotubes. The present objective is the setting-up of the CVD parameters for a reliable growth of carbon nanostructures on carbon fiber surface; after that, the results of a preliminary characterization related to atomic oxygen effects testing by means of a ground LEO simulation facility are reported and discussed.

Programmable imprint lithography template

DOEpatents

Cardinale, Gregory F [Oakland, CA; Talin, Albert A [Livermore, CA

2006-10-31

A template for imprint lithography (IL) that reduces significantly template production costs by allowing the same template to be re-used for several technology generations. The template is composed of an array of spaced-apart moveable and individually addressable rods or plungers. Thus, the template can be configured to provide a desired pattern by programming the array of plungers such that certain of the plungers are in an "up" or actuated configuration. This arrangement of "up" and "down" plungers forms a pattern composed of protruding and recessed features which can then be impressed onto a polymer film coated substrate by applying a pressure to the template impressing the programmed configuration into the polymer film. The pattern impressed into the polymer film will be reproduced on the substrate by subsequent processing.

Method of making gas diffusion layers for electrochemical cells

DOEpatents

Frisk, Joseph William; Boand, Wayne Meredith; Larson, James Michael

2002-01-01

A method is provided for making a gas diffusion layer for an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of: a) combining carbon particles and one or more surfactants in a typically aqueous vehicle to make a preliminary composition, typically by high shear mixing; b) adding one or more highly fluorinated polymers to said preliminary composition by low shear mixing to make a coating composition; and c) applying the coating composition to an electrically conductive porous substrate, typically by a low shear coating method.

Ultra-thin Polyethylene glycol Coatings for Stem Cell Culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Samantha K.

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are a widely accessible and a clinically relevant cell type that are having a transformative impact on regenerative medicine. However, current clinical expansion methods can lead to selective changes in hMSC phenotype resulting from relatively undefined cell culture surfaces. Chemically defined synthetic surfaces can aid in understanding stem cell behavior. In particular we have developed chemically defined ultra-thin coatings that are stable over timeframes relevant to differentiation of hMSCs (several weeks). The approach employs synthesis of a copolymer with distinct chemistry in solution before application to a substrate. This provides wide compositional flexibility and allows for characterization of the orthogonal crosslinking and peptide binding groups. Characterization is done in solution by proton NMR and after crosslinking by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The solubility of the copolymer in ethanol and low temperature crosslinking, expands its applicability to plastic substrates, in addition to silicon, glass, and gold. Cell adhesive peptides, namely Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) fragments, are coupled to coating via different chemistries resulting in the urethane, amide or the thioester polymer-peptide bonds. Development of azlactone-based chemistry allowed for coupling in water at low peptide concentrations and resulted in either an amide or thioester bonds, depending on reactants. Characterization of the peptide functionalized coating by XPS, infrared spectroscopy and cell culture assays, showed that the amide linkages can present peptides for multiple weeks, while shorter-term presentation of a few days is possible using the more labile thioester bond. Regardless, coatings promoted initial adhesion and spreading of hMSCs in a peptide density dependent manner. These coatings address the following challenges in chemically defined cell culture simultaneously: (i) substrate adaptability, (ii) scalability over large areas, (ii) quantification of peptides, (iv) chemically defined passage of hMSCs, (v) stability of peptide-polymer bonds, and (vi) long-term coating stability. These coating platforms can potentially elucidate cell-material interactions in vitro and have far-reaching effects on stem cell culture methods.

Correlation between Hierarchical Structure and Processing Control of Large-area Spray-coated Polymer Solar Cells toward High Performance

PubMed Central

Huang, Yu-Ching; Tsao, Cheng-Si; Cha, Hou-Chin; Chuang, Chih-Min; Su, Chun-Jen; Jeng, U-Ser; Chen, Charn-Ying

2016-01-01

The formation mechanism of a spray-coated film is different from that of a spin-coated film. This study employs grazing incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS, respectively) quantitatively and systematically to investigate the hierarchical structure and phase-separated behavior of a spray-deposited blend film. The formation of PCBM clusters involves mutual interactions with both the P3HT crystal domains and droplet boundary. The processing control and the formed hierarchical structure of the active layer in the spray-coated polymer/fullerene blend film are compared to those in the spin-coated film. How the different post-treatments, such as thermal and solvent vapor annealing, tailor the hierarchical structure of the spray-coated films is quantitatively studied. Finally, the relationship between the processing control and tailored BHJ structures and the performance of polymer solar cell devices is established here, taking into account the evolution of the device area from 1 × 0.3 and 1 × 1 cm2. The formation and control of the special networks formed by the PCBM cluster and P3HT crystallites, respectively, are related to the droplet boundary. These structures are favorable for the transverse transport of electrons and holes. PMID:26817585

A nanometallic nickel-coated, glass-fibre-based structural health monitoring system for polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balaji, R.; Sasikumar, M.

2017-09-01

Glass-fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites are widely used in various industries because of their unique high strength to weight ratio. Unlike metals, strain-induced and damage states of composites are complicated to predict under real-time loading due to their anisotropic nature. With that focus, a piezoresistive nanomaterial-based structural health monitoring system for laminated polymer composites is proposed to measure the strain induced in the composite under real-time loading. Nanometallic nickel-coated glass fibres are embedded into the polymer composites to monitor the strain and damage induced in them. The nanometallic nickel is coated over the glass fibre by a dip coating technique using epoxy as the binding agent. A microcontroller-based electrical resistance measurement system is used to measure the piezoresistive variation in the coated glass fibre under real-time loading. Using the piezoresistance variation of the embedded nanometallic nickel-coated glass fibre, the real-time strain and damage induced in the composite can be correlated. The piezoresistive response of the coated glass fibre is descibed in two phases, the deformation phase and the failure phase, which clearly show the various states of strain and damage induced in the composites.

Competitive concurrence of surface wrinkling and dewetting of liquid crystalline polymer films on non-wettable substrates.

PubMed

Song, Sung E; Choi, Gwan H; Yi, Gi-Ra; Yoo, Pil J

2017-11-01

Polymeric thin films coated on non-wettable substrates undergo film-instabilities, which are usually manifested as surface deformation in the form of dewetting or wrinkling. The former takes place in fluidic films, whereas the latter occurs in solid films. Therefore, there have rarely been reports of systems involving simultaneous deformations of dewetting and wrinkling. In this study, we propose polymeric thin films of liquid crystalline (LC) mesogens prepared on a non-wettable Si substrate and apply a treatment of plasma irradiation to form a thin polymerized layer at the surface. The resulting compressive stress generated in the surface region drives the formation of wrinkles, while at the same time, dipolar attraction between LC molecules induces competitive cohesive dewetting. Intriguing surface structures were obtained whereby dewetting-like hole arrays are nested inside the randomly propagated wrinkles. The structural features are readily controlled by the degree of surface cross-linking, hydrophilicity of the substrates, and the LC film thickness. In particular, dewetting of LC mesogens is observed to be restricted to occur at the trough regions of wrinkles, exhibiting the typical behavior of geometrically confined dewetting. Finally, wrinkling-dewetting mixed structures are separated from the substrate in the form of free standing films to demonstrate the potential applicability as membranes.

Preparation and characterization of PTFE coating in new polymer quartz piezoelectric crystal sensor for testing liquor products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yu; Li, Qiang

2015-07-01

A new method was developed based on the electron beam vacuum dispersion (EBVD) technology to prepare the PTFE polymer coating of the new polymer quartz piezoelectric crystal sensor for testing liquor products. The new method was applied in the new EBVD equipment which we designed. A real-time system monitoring the polymer coating’s thickness was designed for the new EBVD equipment according to the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) principle, playing an important role in preparing stable and uniform PTFE polymer coatings of the same thickness. 30 pieces of PTFE polymer coatings on the surface of the quartz crystal basis were prepared with the PTFE polymer ultrafine powder (purity ≥ 99.99%) as the starting material. We obtained 30 pieces of new PTFE polymer sensors. By using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the structure of the PTFE polymer coating’s column clusters was studied. One sample from the 30 pieces of new PTFE polymer sensors was analysed by SEM in four scales, i.e., 400×, 1000×, 10000×, and 25000×. It was shown that under the condition of high bias voltage and low bias current, uniformly PTFE polymer coating could be achieved, which indicates that the new EBVD equipment is suitable for mass production of stable and uniform polymer coating. Project supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2013AA030901).

Observing cellulose biosynthesis and membrane translocation in crystallo

PubMed Central

Morgan, Jacob L.W.; McNamara, Joshua T.; Fischer, Michael; Rich, Jamie; Chen, Hong-Ming; Withers, Stephen G.; Zimmer, Jochen

2016-01-01

Many biopolymers, including polysaccharides, must be translocated across at least one membrane to reach their site of biological function. Cellulose is a linear glucose polymer synthesized and secreted by a membrane-integrated cellulose synthase. In crystallo enzymology with the catalytically-active bacterial cellulose synthase BcsA-B complex reveals structural snapshots of a complete cellulose biosynthesis cycle, from substrate binding to polymer translocation. Substrate and product-bound structures of BcsA provide the basis for substrate recognition and demonstrate the stepwise elongation of cellulose. Furthermore, the structural snapshots show that BcsA translocates cellulose via a ratcheting mechanism involving a “finger helix” that contacts the polymer's terminal glucose. Cooperating with BcsA's gating loop, the finger helix moves ‘up’ and ‘down’ in response to substrate binding and polymer elongation, respectively, thereby pushing the elongated polymer into BcsA’s transmembrane channel. This mechanism is validated experimentally by tethering BcsA's finger helix, which inhibits polymer translocation but not elongation. PMID:26958837

Polymerization of Fluoroalkyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (F-POSS) Macromers

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

mm Methanol Octane Methylene Iodide Water Superhydrophobic /oleophilic dip-coated fabric Tuteja et al, Science, 2007, 318, 1618 Superamphiphobic...robust superhydrophobic /oleophobic/omniphobic surfaces • Via covalently attached F-POSS to substrate (surface, nanoparticle, polymer matrix) – Effects

Electrically conductive, optically transparent polymer/carbon nanotube composites and process for preparation thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Park, Cheol (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400 800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T.sub.g) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Electrically Conductive, Optically Transparent Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites and Process for Preparation Thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Ounaies, Zoubeida (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T.sub.g) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted by selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Electrically Conductive, Optically Transparent Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites and Process for Preparation Thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Park, Cheol (Inventor); Watson, A. (Inventor); Ounales, Zoubeida (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor); Harrison, Joycelyn S. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T(sub g)) temperatures, and excellent toughness can be attained. The resulting nanocomposites can be used to fabricate or formulate a variety of articles such as coatings on a variety of substrates, films, foams, fibers, threads, adhesives and fiber coated prepreg. The properties of the nanocomposites can be adjusted hy selection of the polymer matrix and CNT to fabricate articles that possess high optical transparency and antistatic behavior.

Mechanical comparison of a polymer nanocomposite to a ceramic thin-film anti-reflective filter.

PubMed

Druffel, Thad; Geng, Kebin; Grulke, Eric

2006-07-28

Thin-film filters on optical components have been in use for decades and, for those industries utilizing a polymer substrate, the mismatch in mechanical behaviour has caused problems. Surface damage including scratches and cracks induces haze on the optical filter, reducing the transmission of the optical article. An in-mold anti-reflective (AR) filter incorporating 1/4-wavelength thin films based on a polymer nanocomposite is outlined here and compared with a traditional vacuum deposition AR coating. Nanoindentation and nanoscratch techniques are used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the thin films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the resulting indentations and scratches are then compared to the force deflection curves to further explain the phenomena. The traditional coatings fractured by brittle mechanisms during testing, increasing the area of failure, whereas the polymer nanocomposite gave ductile failure with less surface damage.

Metal-dielectric-CNT nanowires for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

DOEpatents

Bond, Tiziana C.; Altun, Ali; Park, Hyung Gyu

2017-10-03

A sensor with a substrate includes nanowires extending vertically from the substrate, a hafnia coating on the nanowires that provides hafnia coated nanowires, and a noble metal coating on the hafnia coated nanowires. The top of the hafnia and noble metal coated nanowires bent onto one another to create a canopy forest structure. There are numerous randomly arranged holes that let through scattered light. The many points of contact, hot spots, amplify signals. The methods include the steps of providing a Raman spectroscopy substrate, introducing nano crystals to the Raman spectroscopy substrate, growing a forest of nanowires from the nano crystals on the Raman spectroscopy substrate, coating the nanowires with hafnia providing hafnia coated nanowires, and coating the hafnia coated nanowires with a noble metal or other metal.

Poly(dopamine) coating to biodegradable polymers for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Tsai, Wei-Bor; Chen, Wen-Tung; Chien, Hsiu-Wen; Kuo, Wei-Hsuan; Wang, Meng-Jiy

2014-02-01

In this study, a technique based on poly(dopamine) deposition to promote cell adhesion was investigated for the application in bone tissue engineering. The adhesion and proliferation of rat osteoblasts were evaluated on poly(dopamine)-coated biodegradable polymer films, such as polycaprolactone, poly(l-lactide) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), which are commonly used biodegradable polymers in tissue engineering. Cell adhesion was significantly increased to a plateau by merely 15 s of dopamine incubation, 2.2-4.0-folds of increase compared to the corresponding untreated substrates. Cell proliferation was also greatly enhanced by poly(dopamine) deposition, indicated by shortened cell doubling time. Mineralization was also increased on the poly(dopamine)-deposited surfaces. The potential of poly(dopamine) deposition in bone tissue engineering is demonstrated in this study.

Liquid Galvanic Coatings for Protection of Imbedded Metals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

MacDowell, Louis G. (Inventor); Curran, Joseph J. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

Coating compositions and methods of their use are described herein for the reduction of corrosion in imbedded metal structures. The coatings are applied as liquids to an external surface of a substrate in which the metal structures are imbedded. The coatings are subsequently allowed to dry. The liquid applied coatings provide galvanic protection to the imbedded metal structures. Continued protection can be maintained with periodic reapplication of the coating compositions, as necessary, to maintain electrical continuity. Because the coatings may be applied using methods similar to standard paints, and because the coatings are applied to external surfaces of the substrates in which the metal structures are imbedded, the corresponding corrosion protection may be easily maintained. The coating compositions are particularly useful in the protection of metal-reinforced concrete.

Effect of plasma pretreatment on adhesion and mechanical properties of UV-curable coatings on plastics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gururaj, T.; Subasri, R.; Raju, K. R. C. Soma; Padmanabham, G.

2011-02-01

An attempt was made to study the effect of plasma surface activation on the adhesion of UV-curable sol-gel coatings on polycarbonate (PC) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) substrates. The sol was synthesized by the hydrolysis and condensation of a UV-curable silane in combination with Zr-n-propoxide. Coatings deposited by dip coating were cured using UV-radiation followed by thermal curing between 80 °C and 130 °C. The effect of plasma surface treatment on the wettability of the polymer surface prior to coating deposition was followed up by measuring the water contact angle. The water contact angle on the surface of as-cleaned substrates was 80° ± 2° and that after plasma treatment was 43° ± 1° and 50° ± 2° for PC and PMMA respectively. Adhesion as well as mechanical properties like scratch resistance and taber abrasion resistance were evaluated for coatings deposited over plasma treated and untreated surfaces.

Effect of power and type of substrate on calcium-phosphate coating morphology and microhardness

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kulyashova, Ksenia, E-mail: kseniya@ispms.tsc.ru; Glushko, Yurii, E-mail: glushko@ispms.tsc.ru; Sharkeev, Yurii, E-mail: sharkeev@ispms.tsc.ru

2015-10-27

As known, the influence of the different sputtering process parameters and type of substrate on structure of the deposited coating is important to identify, because these parameters are significantly affected on structure of coating. The studies of the morphology and microhardness of calcium-phosphate (CaP) coatings formed and obtained on the surface of titanium, zirconium, titanium and niobium alloy for different values of the power of radio frequency discharge are presented. The increase in the radio frequency (rf) magnetron discharge leads to the formation of a larger grain structure of the coating. The critical depths of indentation for coatings determining themore » value of their microhardness have been estimated. Mechanical properties of the composite material on the basis of the bioinert substrate metal and CaP coatings are superior to the properties of the separate components that make up this composite material.« less

A Simple and Selective Fluorescent Sensor Chip for Indole-3-Butyric Acid in Mung Bean Sprouts Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Coatings

PubMed Central

Chang, Jiahua; Bahethan, Bota; Muhammad, Turghun; Yakup, Burabiye; Abbas, Mamatimin

2017-01-01

In this paper, we report the preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer coatings on quartz chips for selective solid-phase microextraction and fluorescence sensing of the auxin, indole-3-butyric acid. The multiple copolymerization method was used to prepare polymer coatings on silylated quartz chips. The polymer preparation conditions (e.g., the solvent, monomer, and cross-linker) were investigated systemically to enhance the binding performance of the imprinted coatings. Direct solid-phase fluorescence measurements on the chips facilitated monitoring changes in coating performance. The average binding capacity of an imprinted polymer coated chip was approximately 152.9 µg, which was higher than that of a non-imprinted polymer coated chip (60.8 µg); the imprinted coatings showed the highest binding to IBA among the structural analogues, indicating that the coatings possess high selectivity toward the template molecule. The developed method was used for the determination of the auxin in mung bean extraction, and the recovery was found to be in the range of 91.5% to 97.5%, with an RSD (n = 3) of less than 7.4%. Thus, the present study provides a simple method for fabricating a fluorescent sensor chip for selective analysis. PMID:28837081

Polyacrylic acid polymer brushes as substrates for the incorporation of anthraquinone derivatives. Unprecedented application of decorated polymer brushes on organocatalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Muelle, Ana Belén; Contreras-Cáceres, Rafael; Oña-Burgos, Pascual; Rodríguez-Dieguez, Antonio; López-Romero, Juan Manuel; Fernández, Ignacio

2018-01-01

The synthesis of amino-terminated anthraquinone derivatives and their incorporation onto polymer brushes for the fabrication of silicon-based nanometric functional coatings are described for the first time. The general process involves the covalent grafting of anthraquinone 1 onto two different polymer-brushes by amidation reactions. They are composed by amino- and carboxy-terminated poly(acrylic acid) chains (PAA-NH2- and PAA-COOH, respectively) tethered by one end to an underlying silicon oxide (SiO2) substrate in a polymer brush configuration. A third substrate is fabricated by UV induced hydrosilylation reaction using undecenoic acid as adsorbate on hydrogen-terminated Si(111) surfaces. One- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), FT-IR, MS and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize anthraquinone 1. Ellipsometric and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements demonstrated the presence of the polymer brushes on the silicon wafers, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study its surface morphology. The covalent linkage between anthraquinone and polymer brushes was proven by XPS and confocal fluorescence microscopy. The resulting surfaces were assayed in the heterogenous organocatalytic transformation of (1H)-indole into 3-benzyl indole with moderate yields but with high recyclability.

Water Vapor Permeation of Metal Oxide/Polymer Coated Plastic Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Numata, Yukihiro; Oya, Toshiyuki; Kuwahara, Mitsuru; Ito, Katsuya

Barrier performance to water vapor permeation of ceramic coated layers deposited on flexible polymer films is of great interest to food packaging, medical device packaging and flat panel display industries. In this study, a new type film in which a ceramic layer is deposited on a polymer coated film was proposed for lower water vapor permeation. It is important how to control interfacial properties between each layer and film for good barrier performance. Several kinds of polymer coated materials were prepared for changing surface free energy of the films before and after depositing the ceramic layer. The ceramic layer, which is composed of mixed material of SiO2 and Al2O3, was adopted under the same conditions. The following results were obtained; 1) Water vapor permeation is not related to the surface energy of polymer coated films, 2) After depositing the ceramic layer, however, a strong correlation is observed between the water vapor permeation and surface free energy. 3) The phenomenon is considered that the polarity of the polymer layers plays a key role in changing the structure of ceramic coated layers.

Free-standing membrane polymer laser on the end of an optical fiber

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhai, Tianrui, E-mail: trzhai@bjut.edu.cn, E-mail: zhangxinping@bjut.edu.cn; Li, Songtao; Hu, Yujie

2016-01-25

One- and two-dimensional distributed feedback cavities were constructed on free-standing polymer membranes using spin-coating and lift-off techniques. Low threshold lasing was generated through feedback amplification when the 290-nm membrane device was optically pumped, which was attributed to the strong confinement mechanism provided by the active waveguide layer without a substrate. The free-standing membrane polymer laser is flexible and can be transplanted. Single- and dual-wavelength fiber lasers were achieved by directly attaching the membrane polymer laser on the optical fiber end face. This technique provides potential to fabricate polymer lasers on surfaces with arbitrary shapes.

Fabrication of novel plasmonics-active substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhawan, Anuj; Gerhold, Michael; Du, Yan; Misra, Veena; Vo-Dinh, Tuan

2009-02-01

This paper describes methodologies for fabricating of highly efficient plasmonics-active SERS substrates - having metallic nanowire structures with pointed geometries and sub-5 nm gap between the metallic nanowires enabling concentration of high EM fields in these regions - on a wafer-scale by a reproducible process that is compatible with large-scale development of these substrates. Excitation of surface plasmons in these nanowire structures leads to substantial enhancement in the Raman scattering signal obtained from molecules lying in the vicinity of the nanostructure surface. The methodologies employed included metallic coating of silicon nanowires fabricated by employing deep UV lithography as well as controlled growth of silicon germanium on silicon nanostructures to form diamond-shaped nanowire structures followed by metallic coating. These SERS substrates were employed for detecting chemical and biological molecules of interest. In order to characterize the SERS substrates developed in this work, we obtained SERS signals from molecules such as p-mercaptobenzoic acid (pMBA) and cresyl fast violet (CFV) attached to or adsorbed on the metal-coated SERS substrates. It was observed that both gold-coated triangular shaped nanowire substrates as well as gold-coated diamond shaped nanowire substrates provided very high SERS signals for the nanowires having sub-15 nm gaps and that the SERS signal depends on the closest spacing between the metal-coated silicon and silicon germanium nanowires. SERS substrates developed by the different processes were also employed for detection of biological molecules such as DPA (Dipicolinic Acid), an excellent marker for spores of bacteria such as Anthrax.

Coupling of microphase separation and dewetting in weakly segregated diblock co-polymer ultrathin films.

PubMed

Yan, Derong; Huang, Haiying; He, Tianbai; Zhang, Fajun

2011-10-04

We have studied the coupling behavior of microphase separation and autophobic dewetting in weakly segregated poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PCL-b-PLLA) diblock co-polymer ultrathin films on carbon-coated mica substrates. At temperatures higher than the melting point of the PLLA block, the co-polymer forms a lamellar structure in bulk with a long period of L ∼ 20 nm, as determined using small-angle X-ray scattering. The relaxation procedure of ultrathin films with an initial film thickness of h = 10 nm during annealing has been followed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the experimental temperature range (100-140 °C), the co-polymer dewets to an ultrathin film of itself at about 5 nm because of the strong attraction of both blocks with the substrate. Moreover, the dewetting velocity increases with decreasing annealing temperatures. This novel dewetting kinetics can be explained by a competition effect of the composition fluctuation driven by the microphase separation with the dominated dewetting process during the early stage of the annealing process. While dewetting dominates the relaxation procedure and leads to the rupture of the ultrathin films, the composition fluctuation induced by the microphase separation attempts to stabilize them because of the matching of h to the long period (h ∼ 1/2L). The temperature dependence of these two processes leads to this novel relaxation kinetics of co-polymer thin films. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Comparative study on the deposition of silicon oxide permeation barrier coatings for polymers using hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitschker, F.; Schücke, L.; Hoppe, Ch; Jaritz, M.; Dahlmann, R.; de los Arcos, T.; Hopmann, Ch; Grundmeier, G.; Awakowicz, P.

2018-06-01

The effect of the selection of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) as a precursor in a microwave driven low pressure plasma on the deposition of silicon oxide barrier coatings and silicon based organic interlayers on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) substrates is investigated. Mass spectrometry is used to quantify the absolute gas density and the degree of depletion of neutral precursor molecules under variation of oxygen admixture. On average, HMDSN shows a smaller density, a higher depletion and the production of smaller fragments. Subsequently, this is correlated with barrier performance and chemical structure as a function of barrier layer thickness and oxygen admixture on PET. For this purpose, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is measured and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is performed. HMDSN based coatings exhibit significantly higher barrier performances for high admixtures of oxygen (200 sccm). In comparison to HMDSO based processes, however, a higher supply of oxygen is necessary to achieve a sufficient degree of oxidation, cross-linking and, therefore, barrier performance. FTIR and XPS reveal a distinct carbon content for low oxygen admixtures (10 and 20 sccm) in case of HMDSN based coatings. The variation of interlayer thickness also reveals significantly higher OTR for HMDSO based coatings on PET and PP. Barrier performance of HMDSO based coatings improves with increasing interlayer thickness up to 10 nm for PET and PP. HMDSN based coatings exhibit a minimum of OTR without interlayer on PP and for 2 nm interlayer thickness on PET. Furthermore, HMDSN based coatings show distinctly higher bond strengths to the PP substrate.

The effect of substrate bias voltages on impact resistance of CrAlN coatings deposited by modified ion beam enhanced magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chunyan, Yu; Linhai, Tian; Yinghui, Wei; Shebin, Wang; Tianbao, Li; Bingshe, Xu

2009-01-01

CrAlN coatings were deposited on silicon and AISI H13 steel substrates using a modified ion beam enhanced magnetron sputtering system. The effect of substrate negative bias voltages on the impact property of the CrAlN coatings was studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data show that all CrAlN coatings were crystallized in the cubic NaCl B1 structure, with the (1 1 1), (2 0 0) (2 2 0) and (2 2 2) diffraction peaks observed. Two-dimensional surface morphologies of CrAlN coatings were investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM). The results show that with increasing substrate bias voltage the coatings became more compact and denser, and the microhardness and fracture toughness of the coatings increased correspondingly. In the dynamic impact resistance tests, the CrAlN coatings displayed better impact resistance with the increase of bias voltage, due to the reduced emergence and propagation of the cracks in coatings with a very dense structure and the increase of hardness and fracture toughness in coatings.

Demonstration of Thermally Sprayed Metal and Polymer Coatings for Steel Structures at Fort Bragg, NC

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

for Steel Structures at Fort Bragg, NC Final Report on Project F07-AR10 Co ns tr uc tio n En gi ne er in g R es ea rc h La bo ra to ry Larry D...and Polymer Coatings for Steel Structures at Fort Bragg, NC Final Report on Project F07-AR10 Larry D. Stephenson, Alfred D. Beitelman, Richard G...recently been estimated that at least 25 U.S. Army in- stallations have severe corrosion problems with above-ground steel stor- age tanks. Coatings are

Cationic polymers for DNA origami coating - examining their binding efficiency and tuning the enzymatic reaction rates.

PubMed

Kiviaho, Jenny K; Linko, Veikko; Ora, Ari; Tiainen, Tony; Järvihaavisto, Erika; Mikkilä, Joona; Tenhu, Heikki; Nonappa; Kostiainen, Mauri A

2016-06-02

DNA origamis are fully tailored, programmable, biocompatible and readily functionalizable nanostructures that provide an excellent foundation for the development of sophisticated drug-delivery systems. However, the DNA origami objects suffer from certain drawbacks such as low cell-transfection rates and low stability. A great deal of studies on polymer-based transfection agents, mainly focusing on polyplex formation and toxicity, exists. In this study, the electrostatic binding between a brick-like DNA origami and cationic block-copolymers was explored. The effect of the polymer structure on the binding was investigated and the toxicity of the polymer-origami complexes evaluated. The study shows that all of the analyzed polymers had a suitable binding efficiency irrespective of the block structure. It was also observed that the toxicity of polymer-origami complexes was insignificant at the biologically relevant concentration levels. Besides brick-like DNA origamis, tubular origami carriers equipped with enzymes were also coated with the polymers. By adjusting the amount of cationic polymers that cover the DNA structures, we showed that it is possible to control the enzyme kinetics of the complexes. This work gives a starting point for further development of biocompatible and effective polycation-based block copolymers that can be used in coating different DNA origami nanostructures for various bioapplications.

Chitosan-58S bioactive glass nanocomposite coatings on TiO2 nanotube: Structural and biological properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtari, H.; Ghasemi, Z.; Kharaziha, M.; Karimzadeh, F.; Alihosseini, F.

2018-05-01

Bacterial infection and insignificant osseointegration have been recognized as the main reasons of the failures of titanium based implants. The aim of this study was to apply titanium oxide nanotube (TNT) array on titanium using electrochemical anodization process as a more appropriate substrate for chitosan and chitosan-58S bioactive glass (BG) (58S-BG-Chitosan) nanocomposite coatings covered TNTs (TNT/Chiosan, TNT/58S-BG-Chitosan, respectively) through a conventional dip-coating process. Results showed that a TNT layer with average inner diameter of 82 ± 19 nm and wall's thickness of 23 ± 9 nm was developed on titanium surface using electrochemical anodization process. Roughness and contact angle measurement showed that TNT with Ra = 449 nm had highest roughness and hydrophilicity which then reduced to 86 nm and 143 nm for TNT/Chitosan and TNT/58S-BG-Chitosan, respectively. In vitro bioactivity evaluation in simulated buffer fluid (SBF) solution and antibacterial activity assay predicted that TNT/58S-BG-Chitosan was superior in bone like apatite formation and antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria compared to Ti, TNT and TNT/Chitosan samples, respectively. Results revealed the noticeable MG63 cell attachment and proliferation on TNT/58S-BG-Chitosan coating compared to those of uncoated TNTs. These results confirmed the positive effect of using TNT substrate for natural polymer coating on improved bioactivity of implant.

Cycle oxidation behavior and anti-oxidation mechanism of hot-dipped aluminum coating on TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with network microstructure.

PubMed

Li, X T; Huang, L J; Wei, S L; An, Q; Cui, X P; Geng, L

2018-04-10

Controlled and compacted TiAl 3 coating was successfully fabricated on the network structured TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites by hot-dipping aluminum and subsequent interdiffusion treatment. The network structure of the composites was inherited to the TiAl 3 coating, which effectively reduces the thermal stress and avoids the cracks appeared in the coating. Moreover, TiB reinforcements could pin the TiAl 3 coating which can effectively improve the bonding strength between the coating and composite substrate. The cycle oxidation behavior of the network structured coating on 873 K, 973 K and 1073 K for 100 h were investigated. The results showed the coating can remarkably improve the high temperature oxidation resistance of the TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites. The network structure was also inherited to the Al 2 O 3 oxide scale, which effectively decreases the tendency of cracking even spalling about the oxide scale. Certainly, no crack was observed in the coating after long-term oxidation due to the division effect of network structured coating and pinning effect of TiB reinforcements. Interfacial reaction between the coating and the composite substrate occurred and a bilayer structure of TiAl/TiAl 2 formed next to the substrate after oxidation at 973 K and 1073 K. The anti-oxidation mechanism of the network structured coating was also discussed.

Eco-friendly spray coating of organic solar cells through water-based nanoparticles ink (Presentation Recording)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stryckers, Jeroen; D'Olieslaeger, Lien; Manca, Jean; Ethirajan, Anitha; Deferme, Wim

2015-09-01

Ultrasonic spray coating is currently proven to be a reliable, flexible and cost efficient fabrication method for printed electronics [1-2]. Ultrasonic nozzles are by design especially well-suited to deposit nano-suspension dispersions. Due to the ultrasonic vibration of the nozzle, droplets having a median diameter of 20 μm are created in a homogeneous droplet cloud and directed towards the substrate. When one prepares an ink having the right wetting properties, thin and homogeneous layers, fully covering the surface, can be achieved. Together with conjugated polymer nanoparticles (NPs), emerging as a new class of nanomaterials, [3] it opens possibilities towards eco-friendly roll-to-roll processing of state-of-the-art organic bulk heterojunction solar cells. A ultrasonic spray coater was used to print the conjugated polymer NP layers under different conditions. A first optimization of the spray coater settings (flow rate, spray speed and temperature) and the ink formulation (water and co-solvent mixture and NP content) was performed for polystyrene particles dissolved in a water-ethanol mixture. As a next step, the low bandgap donor polymer poly[9-(1-octylnonyl)-9H-carbazole-2,7-diyl]-2,5-thiophenediyl-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl-2,5-thiophene-diyl] (PCDTBT) [4] and the fullerene acceptor phenyl-C71-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM[70]) were combined in a water-based blend NP dispersion which was prepared using the mini-emulsion technique. [5,6] Optical Microscopy, profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are performed to study the roughness, surface structure, thickness and coverage of the spray coated layers. Finally the printed NP layers are integrated in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells and compared to spin coated reference devices.

Fabrication and Characterization of Conductive Conjugated Polymer-Coated Antheraea mylitta Silk Fibroin Fibers for Biomedical Applications.

PubMed

Gh, Darshan; Kong, Dexu; Gautrot, Julien; Vootla, Shyam Kumar

2017-07-01

Conductive polymers are interesting materials for a number of biological and medical applications requiring electrical stimulation of cells or tissues. Highly conductive polymers (polypyrrole and polyaniline)/Antheraea mylitta silk fibroin coated fibers are fabricated successfully by in situ polymerization without any modification of the native silk fibroin. Coated fibers characterized by scanning electron microscopy confirm the silk fiber surface is covered by conductive polymers. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals preserved thermal stability of silk fiber after coating process. X-ray diffraction of degummed fiber diffraction peaks at around 2θ = 20.4 and 16.5 confirms the preservation of the β-sheet structure typical of degummed silk II fibers. This phenomenon implies that both polypyrrole and polyaniline chains form interactions with peptide linkages in degummed fiber macromolecules, without significantly disrupting protein assembly. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of coated fibers indicates hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions exist between silk fibroin macromolecules and conductive polymers. Resulting fibers display good conductive properties compared to corresponding conjugated polymers. In vitro analysis (live/dead assay) of the behavior of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaTs) on coated fibers demonstrates improved cell-adhesive properties and viability after polymers coating. Hence, polypyrrole- and polyaniline-coated A. mylitta silk fibers are suitable for application in cell culture and for tissue engineering, where electrical conduction properties are required. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structure and properties of polymer nanocomposite coatings applied by the HVOF process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrovicova, Elena

1999-11-01

A high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) combustion spray process was used to produce coatings from nylon 11 powders with average starting particle diameters of 30 and 60 gin. Silica and carbon black were used as nanosized reinforcements, and their nominal content was varied from 0 to 15 vol. %. Optimization of the HVOF processing parameters was based on an assessment of the degree of splatting of polymer particles, and was accomplished by varying the jet temperature (via the hydrogen/oxygen ratio). Gas mixtures with low hydrogen contents minimized polymer particle degradation. Analytical modeling of particle temperature profiles confirmed the effect of the gas velocity and temperature on the particle heating and resulting coating properties. The morphology of the polymer and the microstructure of the coatings depended on the reinforcement surface chemistry and the volume fraction of the reinforcement, as well as the initial nylon 11 particle size. Although all reinforced coatings had higher crystallinities than pure nylon 11 coatings, coatings produced from a smaller starting polymer particle size (30 mum) exhibited improved spatial distribution of the silica in the matrix and lower crystallinity. In addition, coatings produced from the smaller polymer particles had a higher density and lower porosity due to a higher degree of melting and splatting compared to coatings produced from larger particles (60 mum). Nanoreinforced coatings exhibited increased scratch and sliding wear resistance and improved mechanical and barrier properties. Improvements of up to 35% in scratch and 67% in wear resistance were obtained for coatings with nominal 15 vol. % contents of hydrophobic silica or carbon black, relative to nonreinforced coatings. Reinforcement of the polymer matrix resulted in increases of ca. 200% in the storage modulus both below and above the glass transition temperature. The increase in crystallinity seemed to further enhance the reinforcement provided by the nanoparticulates. Results also showed a decrease in the water vapor transmission rate through nanoreinforced coatings by up to 50% compared to pure polymer coatings. The aqueous permeability of coatings produced from 30 mum polymer particles was lower due to the decrease in porosity. Crystallinity seemed to have a strong influence on the mechanical properties, whereas permeability of thermally sprayed coatings was dominated by coating porosity.

Density-controlled, solution-based growth of ZnO nanorod arrays via layer-by-layer polymer thin films for enhanced field emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weintraub, Benjamin; Chang, Sehoon; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Han, Won Hee; Choi, Young Jin; Bae, Joonho; Kirkham, Melanie; Tsukruk, Vladimir V.; Deng, Yulin

2008-10-01

A simple, scalable, and cost-effective technique for controlling the growth density of ZnO nanorod arrays based on a layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte polymer film is demonstrated. The ZnO nanorods were synthesized using a low temperature (T = 90 °C), solution-based method. The density-control technique utilizes a polymer thin film pre-coated on the substrate to control the mass transport of the reactant to the substrate. The density-controlled arrays were investigated as potential field emission candidates. The field emission results revealed that an emitter density of 7 nanorods µm-2 and a tapered nanorod morphology generated a high field enhancement factor of 5884. This novel technique shows promise for applications in flat panel display technology.

Formation of selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide-sulfide films on metal or metal coated substrates

DOEpatents

Eser, Erten; Fields, Shannon

2012-05-01

A process and composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide sulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating.

Chemical and charge transfer studies on interfaces of a conjugated polymer and ITO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

David, Tanya M. S.; Arasho, Wondwosson; Smith, O'Neil; Hong, Kunlun; Bonner, Carl; Sun, Sam-Shajing

2017-08-01

Conjugated oligomers and polymers are very attractive for potential future plastic electronic and opto-electronic device applications such as plastic photo detectors and solar cells, thermoelectric devices, field effect transistors, and light emitting diodes. Understanding and optimizing charge transport between an active polymer layer and conductive substrate is critical to the optimization of polymer based electronic and opto-electronic devices. This study focused on the design, synthesis, self-assembly, and electron transfers and transports of a phosphonic acid end-functionalized polyphenylenevinylene (PPV) that was covalently attached and self-assembled onto an Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrate. This study demonstrated how atomic force microscopy (AFM) can be an effective characterization technique in conjunction with conventional electron transfer methods, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), towards determining electron transfer rates in polymer and polymer/conductor interface systems. This study found that the electron transfer rates of covalently attached and self-assembled films were much faster than the spin coated films. The knowledge from this study can be very useful for designing potential polymer based electronic and opto-electronic thin film devices.

Analysis of effect of nanoporous alumina substrate coated with polypyrrole nanowire on cell morphology based on AFM topography.

PubMed

El-Said, Waleed Ahmed; Yea, Cheol-Heon; Jung, Mi; Kim, Hyuncheol; Choi, Jeong-Woo

2010-05-01

In this study, in situ electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole nanowires with nanoporous alumina template was described. The formation of highly ordered porous alumina substrate was demonstrated with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition, Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed that polypyrrole (PP) nanowires were synthesized by direct electrochemical oxidation of pyrrole. HeLa cancer cells and HMCF normal cells were immobilized on the polypyrrole nanowires/nanoporous alumina substrates to determine the effects of the substrate on the cell morphology, adhesion and proliferation as well as the biocompatibility of the substrate. Cell adhesion and proliferation were characterized using a standard MTT assay. The effects of the polypyrrole nanowires/nanoporous alumina substrate on the cell morphology were studied by AFM. The nanoporous alumina coated with polypyrrole nanowires was found to exhibit better cell adhesion and proliferation than polystyrene petridish, aluminum foil, 1st anodized and uncoated 2nd anodized alumina substrate. This study showed the potential of the polypyrrole nanowires/nanoporous alumina substrate as biocompatibility electroactive polymer substrate for both healthy and cancer cell cultures applications.

Formation and properties of surface-anchored polymer assemblies with tunable physico-chemical characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Tao

We describe two new methodologies leading to the formation of novel surface-anchored polymer assemblies on solid substrates. While the main goal is to understand the fundamentals pertaining to the preparation and properties of the surface-bound polymer assemblies (including neutral and chargeable polymers), several examples also are mentioned throughout the Thesis that point out to practical applications of such structures. The first method is based on generating assemblies comprising anchored polymers with a gradual variation of grafting densities on solid substrates. These structures are prepared by first covering the substrate with a molecular gradient of the polymerization initiator, followed by polymerization from these substrate-bound initiator centers ("grafting from"). We apply this technique to prepare grafting density gradients of poly(acryl amide) (PAAm) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) on silica-covered substrates. We show that using the grafting density gradient geometry, the characteristics of surface-anchored polymers in both the low grafting density ("mushroom") regime as well as the high grafting density ("brush") regime can be accessed conveniently on a single sample. We use a battery of experimental methods, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Near-edge absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS), contact angle, ellipsometry, to study the characteristics of the surface-bound polymer layers. We also probe the scaling laws of neutral polymer as a function of grafting density, and for weak polyelectrolyte, in addition to the grafting density, we study the affect of solution ionic strength and pH values. In the second novel method, which we coined as "mechanically assisted polymer assembly" (MAPA), we form surface anchored polymers by "grafting from" polymerization initiators deposited on elastic surfaces that have been previously extended uniaxially by a certain length increment, Deltax. Upon releasing the strain in the substrate after completion of polymerization, we show the grafting density of the polymers grafted to flexible substrates can be tuned as a function of Deltax.

Universal Surface-initiated Polymerization of Antifouling Zwitterionic Brushes Using A Mussel-Mimetic Peptide Initiator

PubMed Central

Kuang, Jinghao; Messersmith, Phillip B.

2012-01-01

We report a universal method for the surface-initated polymerization (SIP) of a antifouling polymer brush on various classes of surfaces, including noble metals, metal oxides and inert polymers. Inspired by the versatility of mussel adhesive proteins, we synthesized a novel bifunctional tripeptide bromide (BrYKY) which combines an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating alkyl bromide with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and lysine. Simple dip-coating of substrates with variable wetting properties and compositions, including Teflon®, in a BrYKY solution at pH 8.5 led to formation of a thin film of cross-linked BrYKY. Subsequently, we showed that the BrYKY layer initiated the ATRP of a zwitterionic monomer, sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) on all substrates, resulting in high density antifouling pSBMA brushes. Both BrYKY deposition and pSBMA grafting were unambiguously confirmed by ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and goniometry. All substrates that were coated with BrYKY/pSBMA dramatically reduced bacterial adhesion for 24 h and also resisted mammalian cell adhesion for at least 4 months, demonstrating the long-term stability of the BrYKY anchoring and antifouling properties of pSBMA. The use of BrYKY as a primer and polymerization initiator has the potential to be widely employed in surface grafted polymer brush modifications for biomedical and other applications. PMID:22506651

Designing interlayers to improve the mechanical reliability of transparent conductive oxide coatings on flexible substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Eun-Hye; Yang, Chan-Woo; Park, Jin-Woo

2012-05-01

In this study, we investigate the effect of interlayers on the mechanical properties of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) on flexible polymer substrates. Indium tin oxide (ITO), which is the most widely used TCO film, and Ti, which is the most widely used adhesive interlayer, are selected as the coating and the interlayer, respectively. These films are deposited on the polymer substrates using dc-magnetron sputtering to achieve varying thicknesses. The changes in the following critical factors for film cracking and delamination are analyzed: the internal stress (σi) induced in the coatings during deposition using a white light interferometer, the crystallinity using a transmission electron microscope, and the surface roughness of ITO caused by the interlayer using an atomic force microscope. The resistances to the cracking and delamination of ITO are evaluated using a fragmentation test. Our tests and analyses reveal the important role of the interlayers, which significantly reduce the compressive σi that is induced in the ITO and increase the resistance to the buckling delamination of the ITO. However, the relaxation of σi is not beneficial to cracking because there is less compensation for the external tension as σi further decreases. Based on these results, the microstructural control is revealed as a more influential factor than σi for improving crack resistance.

Tea stains-inspired initiator primer for surface grafting of antifouling and antimicrobial polymer brush coatings.

PubMed

Pranantyo, Dicky; Xu, Li Qun; Neoh, Koon-Gee; Kang, En-Tang; Ng, Ying Xian; Teo, Serena Lay-Ming

2015-03-09

Inspired by tea stains, plant polyphenolic tannic acid (TA) was beneficially employed as the primer anchor for functional polymer brushes. The brominated TA (TABr) initiator primer was synthesized by partial modification of TA with alkyl bromide functionalities. TABr with trihydroxyphenyl moieties can readily anchor on a wide range of substrates, including metal, metal oxide, polymer, glass, and silicon. Concomitantly, the alkyl bromide terminals serve as initiation sites for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Cationic [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (META) and zwitterionic 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-(methacryloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine (SBMA) were graft-polymerized from the TABr-anchored stainless steel (SS) surface. The cationic polymer brushes on the modified surfaces are bactericidal, while the zwitterionic coatings exhibit resistance against bacterial adhesion. In addition, microalgal attachment (microfouling) and barnacle cyprid settlement (macrofouling) on the functional polymer-grafted surfaces were significantly reduced, in comparison to the pristine SS surface. Thus, the bifunctional TABr initiator primer provides a unique surface anchor for the preparation of functional polymer brushes for inhibiting both microfouling and macrofouling.

Catalytic thermal barrier coatings

DOEpatents

Kulkarni, Anand A.; Campbell, Christian X.; Subramanian, Ramesh

2009-06-02

A catalyst element (30) for high temperature applications such as a gas turbine engine. The catalyst element includes a metal substrate such as a tube (32) having a layer of ceramic thermal barrier coating material (34) disposed on the substrate for thermally insulating the metal substrate from a high temperature fuel/air mixture. The ceramic thermal barrier coating material is formed of a crystal structure populated with base elements but with selected sites of the crystal structure being populated by substitute ions selected to allow the ceramic thermal barrier coating material to catalytically react the fuel-air mixture at a higher rate than would the base compound without the ionic substitutions. Precious metal crystallites may be disposed within the crystal structure to allow the ceramic thermal barrier coating material to catalytically react the fuel-air mixture at a lower light-off temperature than would the ceramic thermal barrier coating material without the precious metal crystallites.

PEEK (polyether-ether-ketone)-coated nitinol wire: Film stability for biocompatibility applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheiko, Nataliia; Kékicheff, Patrick; Marie, Pascal; Schmutz, Marc; Jacomine, Leandro; Perrin-Schmitt, Fabienne

2016-12-01

High quality biocompatible poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) coatings were produced on NiTi shape memory alloy wires using dipping deposition from colloidal aqueous PEEK dispersions after substrate surface treatment. The surface morphology and microstructure were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy at every step of the process from the as-received Nitinol substrate to the ultimate PEEK-coated NiTi wire. Nanoscratch tests were carried out to access the adhesive behavior of the polymer coated film to the NiTi. The results indicate that the optimum process conditions in cleaning, chemical etching, and electropolishing the NiTi, were the most important and determining parameters to be achieved. Thus, high quality PEEK coatings were obtained on NiTi wires, straight or curved (even with a U-shape) with a homogeneous microstructure along the wire length and a uniform thickness of 12 μm without any development of cracks or the presence of large voids. The biocompatibility of the PEEK coating film was checked in fibrobast cultured cells. The coating remains stable in biological environment with negligible Ni ion release, no cytotoxicity, and no delamination observed with time.

Effect of addition of Ag nano powder on mechanical properties of epoxy/polyaminoamide adduct coatings filled with conducting polymer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Samad, Ubair Abdus; Center of excellence for research in engineering materials; Khan, Rawaiz

In this study the effect of Ag Nano powder on mechanical properties of epoxy coatings filled with optimized ratio of conducting polymers (Polyaniline and Polyppyrole) was evaluated. Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy resin (DGEBA) along with polyaminoamide adduct (ARADUR 3282-1 BD) is used as curing agent under optimized stoichiometry values. Curing is performed at room temperature with different percentages of Nano filler. Glass and steel panels were used as coating substrate. Bird applicator was used to coat the samples in order to obtain thin film with wet film thickness (WFT) of about 70-90 µm. The samples were kept in dust freemore » environment for about 7 days at room temperature for complete curing. The coated steel panels were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of coating such as hardness, scratch and impact tests whereas coated glass panels were used for measuring pendulum hardness of the coatings. To check the dispersion and morphology of Nano filler in epoxy matrix scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in addition Nano indentation was also performed to observe the effect of Nano filler on modulus of elasticity and hardness at Nano scale.« less

Effect of addition of Ag nano powder on mechanical properties of epoxy/polyaminoamide adduct coatings filled with conducting polymer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samad, Ubair Abdus; Khan, Rawaiz; Alam, Mohammad Asif; Al-Othman, Othman Y.; Al-Zahrani, Saeed M.

2015-05-01

In this study the effect of Ag Nano powder on mechanical properties of epoxy coatings filled with optimized ratio of conducting polymers (Polyaniline and Polyppyrole) was evaluated. Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy resin (DGEBA) along with polyaminoamide adduct (ARADUR 3282-1 BD) is used as curing agent under optimized stoichiometry values. Curing is performed at room temperature with different percentages of Nano filler. Glass and steel panels were used as coating substrate. Bird applicator was used to coat the samples in order to obtain thin film with wet film thickness (WFT) of about 70-90 µm. The samples were kept in dust free environment for about 7 days at room temperature for complete curing. The coated steel panels were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of coating such as hardness, scratch and impact tests whereas coated glass panels were used for measuring pendulum hardness of the coatings. To check the dispersion and morphology of Nano filler in epoxy matrix scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used in addition Nano indentation was also performed to observe the effect of Nano filler on modulus of elasticity and hardness at Nano scale.

An Introduction to Atomic Layer Deposition with Thermal Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dwivedi, Vivek H.

2015-01-01

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a cost effective nano-manufacturing technique that allows for the conformal coating of substrates with atomic control in a benign temperature and pressure environment. Through the introduction of paired precursor gases thin films can be deposited on a myriad of substrates ranging from glass, polymers, aerogels, and metals to high aspect ratio geometries. This talk will focus on the utilization of ALD for engineering applications.

Interface Defect States and Charge Transport Properties in Low-Cost Photovoltaic Devices made from Scalable Deposition Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marin, Andrew; Munoz-Rojas, David; Iza, Diana; Gershon, Talia; MacManus-Driscoll, Judith

2011-03-01

In-plane (parallel to the substrate) polymer diffusion at and near interfaces has significant implications for polymeric surfactants used in tertiary oil recovery, exfoliation of clay sheets in polymer nano-composites, and several other high technology applications. Here, we report a study on the in-plane diffusion of whole polymer chains confined between interfaces using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Adapted from quantitative biology, FRAP provides a platform to independently study the effect of temperature, molecular weight, and film thickness on in-plane diffusion of polymers confined between interfaces. Fluorescently labeled polymers were synthesized, spin coated onto quartz substrates and the self-diffusion coefficient was measured by irreversibly photobleaching fluorophores in a pre-defined pattern and monitoring recovery of fluorescence over time. Preliminary results indicate that for thick films the diffusion coefficient is consistent with bulk values. The authors would like to thank the Gates-Cambridge Trust and the International Copper Association.

Coated semiconductor devices for neutron detection

DOEpatents

Klann, Raymond T.; McGregor, Douglas S.

2002-01-01

A device for detecting neutrons includes a semi-insulated bulk semiconductor substrate having opposed polished surfaces. A blocking Schottky contact comprised of a series of metals such as Ti, Pt, Au, Ge, Pd, and Ni is formed on a first polished surface of the semiconductor substrate, while a low resistivity ("ohmic") contact comprised of metals such as Au, Ge, and Ni is formed on a second, opposed polished surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, n-type low resistivity pinout contacts comprised of an Au/Ge based eutectic alloy or multi-layered Pd/Ge/Ti/Au are also formed on the opposed polished surfaces and in contact with the Schottky and ohmic contacts. Disposed on the Schottky contact is a neutron reactive film, or coating, for detecting neutrons. The coating is comprised of a hydrogen rich polymer, such as a polyolefin or paraffin; lithium or lithium fluoride; or a heavy metal fissionable material. By varying the coating thickness and electrical settings, neutrons at specific energies can be detected. The coated neutron detector is capable of performing real-time neutron radiography in high gamma fields, digital fast neutron radiography, fissile material identification, and basic neutron detection particularly in high radiation fields.

Manufacturing of polymer optical waveguides using self-assembly effect on pre-conditioned 3D-thermoformed flexible substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmann, Gerd-Albert; Wolfer, Tim; Zeitler, Jochen; Franke, Jörg; Suttmann, Oliver; Overmeyer, Ludger

2017-02-01

Optical data communication is increasingly interesting for many applications in industrial processes. Therefore mass production is required to meet the requested price and lot sizes. Polymer optical waveguides show great promises to comply with price requirements while providing sufficient optical quality for short range data transmission. A high efficient fabrication technology using polymer materials could be able to create the essential backbone for 3D-optical data transmission in the future. The approach for high efficient fabrication technology of micro optics described in this paper is based on a self-assembly effect of fluids on preconditioned 3D-thermoformed polymer foils. Adjusting the surface energy on certain areas on the flexible substrate by flexographic printing mechanism is presented in this paper. With this technique conditioning lines made of silicone containing UV-varnish are printed on top of the foils and create gaps with the exposed substrate material in between. Subsequent fabrication processes are selected whether the preconditioned foil is coated with acrylate containing waveguide material prior or after the thermoforming process. Due to the different surface energy this material tends to dewet from the conditioning lines. It acts like regional barriers and sets the width of the arising waveguides. With this fabrication technology it is possible to produce multiple waveguides with a single coating process. The relevant printing process parameters that affect the quality of the generated waveguides are discussed and results of the produced waveguides with width ranging from 10 to 300 μm are shown.

A phenomenological model of coating/substrate adhesion and interfacial bimetallic peeling stress in composite mirrors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcelroy, Paul M.; Lawson, Daniel D.

1990-01-01

Adhesion and interfacial stress between metal films and structural composite material substrates is discussed. A theoretical and conceptual basis for selecting coating materials for composite mirror substrates is described. A phenomenological model that interrelates cohesive tensile strength of thin film coatings and interfacial peeling stresses is presented. The model serves as a basis in determining gradiated materials response and compatibility of composite substrate and coating combinations. Parametric evaluation of material properties and geometrical factors such as coating thickness are used to determine the threshold stress levels for maintaining adhesion at the different interfaces.

Solution and interfacial behavior of modified silicone polymers and their interactions with solid substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purohit, Parag

Surface treatment is very important step in many applications such as fabric finishing, coatings, cosmetics and personal care. Silicone polymers are a class of organic/inorganic materials that show unique properties such as weak intermolecular forces and high flexibility enabling even a very high molecular weight chain to achieve optimal orientation on surfaces. Material properties such as softness, repellency, bounciness and friction can therefore be tailored by using appropriately modified silicone polymers. Despite wide applications, the underlying mechanisms of material modification are unknown and tailoring silicones for applications remains mostly empirical. Thus the objective of this research is to understand the solution and interfacial behavior of functionalized silicone polymers, which govern their performance in material modification. Modified silicones are simultaneously hydrophobic and oleophobic in nature and due to this nearly universal non-compatibility, the studies of these polymers present unusual challenges. Due to this incompatible nature, the functionalized silicone polymers were emulsified into O/W emulsions to study their solution and interfacial properties. The colloidal properties such as electrokinetic and droplet distribution of these emulsions are assumed to play an important role in the observed surface and physical properties of solid substrates (in present study, cellulosic substrates) as well the stability of emulsions itself. To understand the effects of modified silicones on cellulosic substrates a variety of techniques such as frictional analysis, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy that can probe from macro to nano level were used. It is hypothesized that the size distribution and charge of silicone emulsions as well as the physiochemical conditions such as pH, control silicone conformation which in turn affect the modification of the substrate properties. With bimodal droplet distribution of silicone emulsions, the nano-sized droplets can penetrate deeper into the substrate to provide bounciness, whereas macro-sized droplets can coat the top layer leading to friction reduction. It was observed that at pH 5.5 the silicone treatment resulted in charge reversal of fibers as opposed to treatment at pH 9.5. On a macroscopic scale 20% reduction in frictional coefficient of the fabric was observed after treatment with quaternized (cationically modified) silicones as compared to untreated fibers. It was also observed using AFM that the fibrils treated with quaternized silicones are uniform, well stacked and smoother than the untreated fibers. Spectroscopic analysis of treated fibers using Raman spectroscopy indicated a decrease in fiber stress as a function of modification of silicone polymer and the interaction pH. It is concluded that the protonated amine functional silicone (below pH 7) as well as the quaternized silicone interacts with the negatively charged cellulose fibers primarily through electrostatic interactions. It is proposed that this initial surface coating is a uniform thin film which allows further deposition of polymer from the emulsion. It was observed that at high pH the zetapotential of silicone emulsions decreases drastically and the nano emulsions turn turbid. It is proposed that the observed electrophoretic and nephelometric behavior at high pH is due to flocculation of nanosized droplets to micron size, which eventually leads to droplets coalescing and emulsion destabilization. It is also postulated that the nano emulsion possess a critical dilution concentration (CDC), above which dilution leads to rapid coalescence. This critical dilution phase was further confirmed through polarity parameter and excimer formation studies which show significantly different polymer and surfactant microstructures near the CDC. Hence it is concluded that the observed surface properties of the substrate obtained above the CDC are significantly different than those below the CDC. The results reveal the vital role of physiochemical parameters such as pH, droplet size, and concentration on the emulsion stability as well as the observed physical/chemical properties of the substrates.

Improvement of the titanium implant biological properties by coating with poly (ε-caprolactone)-based hybrid nanocomposites synthesized via sol-gel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Catauro, Michelina; Bollino, Flavia; Papale, Ferdinando

When bioactive coatings are applied to medical implants by means of sol-gel dip coating technique, the biological proprieties of the implant surface can be modified to match the properties of the surrounding tissues. In this study organo-inorganic nanocomposites materials were synthesized via sol-gel. They consisted of an inorganic zirconium-based and silica-based matrix, in which a biodegradable polymer (the poly-ε-caprolactone, PCL) was incorporated in different weight percentages. The synthesized materials, in sol phase, were used to dip-coat a substrate of commercially pure titanium grade 4 (CP Ti gr. 4) in order to improve its biological properties. A microstructural analysis of themore » obtained films was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Biological proprieties of the coated substrates were investigated by means of in vitro tests.« less

Advanced Coatings from Natural-Based Polymers for Metals

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-07-01

Polyimide Interfaces," J. surfaces using a simple dipping-withdrawing coating Vac. Sci. Technol., 3,1390 (1985).converted into the solid layers by heat...Tang, C.H., "Interface Reaction During Metalliza- more, the Al metal in the substrate favorably interacted tion of Cured Polyimide : An XPS Study," 1...property together with its biocompatability was the reason why CS is widely used in biomedical applications, for example, a bacteriostatic agent, a

Friction-Controlled Traction Force in Cell Adhesion

PubMed Central

Pompe, Tilo; Kaufmann, Martin; Kasimir, Maria; Johne, Stephanie; Glorius, Stefan; Renner, Lars; Bobeth, Manfred; Pompe, Wolfgang; Werner, Carsten

2011-01-01

The force balance between the extracellular microenvironment and the intracellular cytoskeleton controls the cell fate. We report a new (to our knowledge) mechanism of receptor force control in cell adhesion originating from friction between cell adhesion ligands and the supporting substrate. Adherent human endothelial cells have been studied experimentally on polymer substrates noncovalently coated with fluorescent-labeled fibronectin (FN). The cellular traction force correlated with the mobility of FN during cell-driven FN fibrillogenesis. The experimental findings have been explained within a mechanistic two-dimensional model of the load transfer at focal adhesion sites. Myosin motor activity in conjunction with sliding of FN ligands noncovalently coupled to the surface of the polymer substrates is shown to result in a controlled traction force of adherent cells. We conclude that the friction of adhesion ligands on the supporting substrate is important for mechanotransduction and cell development of adherent cells in vitro and in vivo. PMID:22004739

Soft liquid phase adsorption for fabrication of organic semiconductor films on wettability patterned surfaces.

PubMed

Watanabe, Satoshi; Akiyoshi, Yuri; Matsumoto, Mutsuyoshi

2014-01-01

We report a soft liquid-phase adsorption (SLPA) technique for the fabrication of organic semiconductor films on wettability-patterned substrates using toluene/water emulsions. Wettability-patterned substrates were obtained by the UV-ozone treatment of self-assembled monolayers of silane coupling agents on glass plates using a metal mask. Organic semiconductor polymer films were formed selectively on the hydrophobic part of the wettability-patterned substrates. The thickness of the films fabricated by the SLPA technique is significantly larger than that of the films fabricated by dip-coating and spin-coating techniques. The film thickness can be controlled by adjusting the volume ratio of toluene to water, immersion angle, immersion temperature, and immersion time. The SLPA technique allows for the direct production of organic semiconductor films on wettability-patterned substrates with minimized material consumption and reduced number of fabrication steps.

Flexible microstrip antenna based on carbon nanotubes/(ethylene-octene copolymer) thin composite layer deposited on PET substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matyas, J.; Olejnik, R.; Slobodian, P.

2017-12-01

A most of portable devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, uses antennas made of cupper. In this paper we demonstrate possible use of electrically conductive polymer composite material for such antenna application. Here we describe the method of preparation and properties of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/(ethylene-octene copolymer) as flexible microstrip antenna. Carbon nanotubes dispersion in (ethylene-octene copolymer) toluene solution was prepared by ultrasound finally coating PET substrate by method of dip-coating. Main advantages of PET substrate are low weight and also flexibility. The final size of flexible microstrip antenna was 5 x 50 mm with thickness of 0.48 mm (PET substrate 0.25 mm) with the weight of only 0.402 g. Antenna operates at three frequencies 1.66 GHz (-6.51 dB), 2.3 GHz (-13 dB) and 2.98 GHz (-33.59 dB).

Ultrathin Polymer Films, Patterned Arrays, and Microwells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Mingdi

2002-05-01

The ability to control and tailor the surface and interface properties of materials is important in microelectronics, cell growth control, and lab-on-a-chip devices. Modification of material surfaces with ultrathin polymer films is attractive due to the availability of a variety of polymers either commercially or by synthesis. We have developed two approaches to the attachment of ultrathin polymer films on solid substrates. In the first method, a silane-functionalized perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA-silane) was synthesized and used to covalently immobilize polymer thin films on silicon wafers. Silanization of the wafer surface with the PFPA-silane introduced a monolayer of azido groups which in turn covalently attached the polymer film by way of photochemically initiated insertion reactions. The thickness of the film could be adjusted by the type and the molecular weight of the polymer. The method is versatile due to the general C-H and/or N-H insertion reactions of crosslinker; and therefore, no specific reactive functional groups on the polymers are required. Using this method, a new type of microwell array was fabricated from covalently immobilized polymer thin films on flat substrates. The arrays were characterized with AFM, XPS, and TOF-SIMS. The second method describes the attachment of polymer thin films on solid substrates via UV irradiation. The procedure consisted of spin-coating a polymer film and irradiating the film with UV light. Following solvent extraction, a thin film remained. The thickness of the film, from a few to over a hundred nanometers, was controlled by varying solution concentration and the molecular weight of the polymer.

Metallic coatings on silicon substrates, and methods of forming metallic coatings on silicon substrates

DOEpatents

Branagan, Daniel J [Idaho Falls, ID; Hyde, Timothy A [Idaho Falls, ID; Fincke, James R [Los Alamos, NM

2008-03-11

The invention includes methods of forming a metallic coating on a substrate which contains silicon. A metallic glass layer is formed over a silicon surface of the substrate. The invention includes methods of protecting a silicon substrate. The substrate is provided within a deposition chamber along with a deposition target. Material from the deposition target is deposited over at least a portion of the silicon substrate to form a protective layer or structure which contains metallic glass. The metallic glass comprises iron and one or more of B, Si, P and C. The invention includes structures which have a substrate containing silicon and a metallic layer over the substrate. The metallic layer contains less than or equal to about 2 weight % carbon and has a hardness of at least 9.2 GPa. The metallic layer can have an amorphous microstructure or can be devitrified to have a nanocrystalline microstructure.

Design and Application of Nanogel-Based Polymer Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dailing, Eric Alan

Crosslinked polymer networks have wide application in biomaterials, from soft hydrogel scaffolds for cell culture and tissue engineering to glassy, high modulus dental restoratives. Composite materials formed with nanogels as a means for tuning network structure on the nanoscale have been reported, but no investigation into nanogels as the primary network component has been explored to this point. This thesis was dedicated to studying network formation from the direct polymerization of nanogels and investigating applications for these unique materials. Covalently crosslinked polymer networks were synthesized from polymerizable nanogels without the use of reactive small monomers or oligomers. Network properties were controlled by the chemical and physical properties of the nanogel, allowing for materials to be designed from nanostructured macromolecular precursors. Nanogels were synthesized from a thermally initiated solution free radical polymerization of a monomethacrylate, a dimethacrylate, and a thiol-based chain transfer agent. Monomers with a range of hydrophilic and hydrophobic character were copolymerized, and polymerizable groups were introduced through an alcohol-isocyanate click reaction. Nanogels were dispersible in water up to 75 wt%, including nanogels that contained a relatively high fraction of a conventionally water-insoluble component. Nanogels with molecular weights that ranged from 10's to 100's of kDa and hydrodynamic radii between 4 and 10 nm were obtained. Macroscopic crosslinked polymer networks were synthesized from the photopolymerization of methacrylate-functionalized nanogels in inert solvent, which was typically water. The nanogel composition and internal branching density affected both covalent and non-covalent interparticle interactions, which dictated the final mechanical properties of the networks. Nanogels with progressively disparate hydrophilic and hydrophobic character were synthesized to explore the potential for creating densely crosslinked, small monomer free dental materials. Nanogel-based networks showed no decrease in flexural modulus between the dry and water-equilibrated states in contrast to nanogel-monomer composites that exhibited a decrease in modulus upon water infiltration. The nanogel networks also exhibited higher conversion and lower volumetric shrinkage compared to the composite networks. Adhesive nanogels were designed with amphiphilic character and specific hydrogen-bonding groups. These nanogels gelled within 10 s of low intensity UV light exposure and demonstrated the ability to bond strongly to both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates that were dry or under water. Nanogel-based coatings were explored as a means to create multistructured, multifunctional polymer networks. Shape memory polymers were coated with nanogels through a dip-coating and subsequent photocrosslinking method. The presence of the coating did not affect the shape recovery of the polymer, and coatings formed with dexamethasone-loaded nanogels were demonstrated to release a physiologically relevant amount of the anti-inflammatory drug. These materials have potential application as minimally invasive implantable devices. Coatings were also formed from interfacial redox polymerizations. Nanogels with varying crosslinking density were coated onto dexamethasone-loaded networks, which had the effect of changing the diffusion coefficient of dexamethasone as it was released from the core network. A fluorescein-loaded nanogel was coated onto a rhodamine-loaded network, which provided multidrug release from both the coating and the core material through two distinct release profiles.

Cationic polymers for DNA origami coating - examining their binding efficiency and tuning the enzymatic reaction rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiviaho, Jenny K.; Linko, Veikko; Ora, Ari; Tiainen, Tony; Järvihaavisto, Erika; Mikkilä, Joona; Tenhu, Heikki; Nonappa, Affc; Kostiainen, Mauri A.

2016-06-01

DNA origamis are fully tailored, programmable, biocompatible and readily functionalizable nanostructures that provide an excellent foundation for the development of sophisticated drug-delivery systems. However, the DNA origami objects suffer from certain drawbacks such as low cell-transfection rates and low stability. A great deal of studies on polymer-based transfection agents, mainly focusing on polyplex formation and toxicity, exists. In this study, the electrostatic binding between a brick-like DNA origami and cationic block-copolymers was explored. The effect of the polymer structure on the binding was investigated and the toxicity of the polymer-origami complexes evaluated. The study shows that all of the analyzed polymers had a suitable binding efficiency irrespective of the block structure. It was also observed that the toxicity of polymer-origami complexes was insignificant at the biologically relevant concentration levels. Besides brick-like DNA origamis, tubular origami carriers equipped with enzymes were also coated with the polymers. By adjusting the amount of cationic polymers that cover the DNA structures, we showed that it is possible to control the enzyme kinetics of the complexes. This work gives a starting point for further development of biocompatible and effective polycation-based block copolymers that can be used in coating different DNA origami nanostructures for various bioapplications.DNA origamis are fully tailored, programmable, biocompatible and readily functionalizable nanostructures that provide an excellent foundation for the development of sophisticated drug-delivery systems. However, the DNA origami objects suffer from certain drawbacks such as low cell-transfection rates and low stability. A great deal of studies on polymer-based transfection agents, mainly focusing on polyplex formation and toxicity, exists. In this study, the electrostatic binding between a brick-like DNA origami and cationic block-copolymers was explored. The effect of the polymer structure on the binding was investigated and the toxicity of the polymer-origami complexes evaluated. The study shows that all of the analyzed polymers had a suitable binding efficiency irrespective of the block structure. It was also observed that the toxicity of polymer-origami complexes was insignificant at the biologically relevant concentration levels. Besides brick-like DNA origamis, tubular origami carriers equipped with enzymes were also coated with the polymers. By adjusting the amount of cationic polymers that cover the DNA structures, we showed that it is possible to control the enzyme kinetics of the complexes. This work gives a starting point for further development of biocompatible and effective polycation-based block copolymers that can be used in coating different DNA origami nanostructures for various bioapplications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Details of materials, syntheses of the polymers, fabrication and purification of DNA origamis, luminescence decay assays, agarose gel electrophoresis, ethidium bromide displacement assay, MTT assay and TEM characterization. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr08355a

Effects of fluid shear stress on polyelectrolyte multilayers by neutron scattering studies

DOE PAGES

Singh, Saurabh; Junghans, Ann; Watkins, Erik; ...

2015-02-17

The structure of layer-by-layer (LbL) deposited nanofilm coatings consists of alternating polyethylenimine (PEI) and polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) films deposited on a single crystal quartz substrate. LbL-deposited nanofilms were investigated by neutron reflectomery (NR) in contact with water in the static and fluid shear stress conditions. The fluid shear stress was applied through a laminar flow of the liquid parallel to the quartz/polymer interface in a custom-built solid–liquid interface cell. The scattering length density profiles obtained from NR results of these polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM), measured under different shear conditions, showed proportional decrease of volume fraction of water hydrating the polymers. For themore » highest shear rate applied (ca. 6800 s –1) the water volume fraction decreased by approximately 7%. The decrease of the volume fraction of water was homogeneous through the thickness of the film. Since there were not any significant changes in the total polymer thickness, it resulted in negative osmotic pressures in the film. The PEM films were compared with the behavior of thin films of thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) deposited via spin-coating. The PEM and pNIPAM differ in their interactions with water molecules, and they showed opposite behaviors under the fluid shear stress. In both cases the polymer hydration was reversible upon the restoration of static conditions. Furthermore, a theoretical explanation is given to explain this difference in the effect of shear on hydration of polymeric thin films.« less

Enhancing the Efficiency of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells via Templated Self Assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Cheng; Li, Hongfei; Akgun, Bulent; Satijia, Sushil; Gersappe, Dilip; Zhu, Yimei; Rafailovich, Miriam

2013-03-01

Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells are an area of intense interest due to their flexibility and relatively low cost. The mixture of polythiophene derivatives (donor) and fullerenes (acceptor) is spin coated on substrate as the active layer, and are phase-separated into interconnected domains. However, due to the disordered inner structures in the active layer, donor or acceptor domains isolated from electrodes and long path conduction, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of BHJ solar cell is low. Therefore, morphology control in bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell is considered to be critical for the power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, we present a novel approach that introduces non-photoactive polymer that organizes the poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) into columnar phases decorated by [6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) at the interface. This structure represents a realization of an idealized morphology of an organic solar cell, in which, both exiciton dissociation and the carrier transport are optimized leading to increased power conversion efficiency.

The effect of spraying parameters on micro-structural properties of WC-12%Co coating deposited on copper substrate by HVOF process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sathwara, Nishit, E-mail: nishit-25@live.in; Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Department, Indus University, Ahmedabad-382115; Jariwala, C., E-mail: chetanjari@yahoo.com

High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) thermal sprayed coatingmade from Tungsten Carbide (WC) isconsidered as one of the most durable materials as wear resistance for industrial applications at room temperature. WC coating offers high wear resistance due to its high hardness and tough matrix imparts. The coating properties strongly depend on thermal spray processing parameters, surface preparation and surface finish. In this investigation, the effect of variousHVOF process parameters was studied on WC coating properties. The WC-12%Co coating was produced on Copper substrate. Prior to coating, theCopper substrate surface was prepared by grit blasting. WC-12%Co coatings were deposited on Coppersubstrates with varyingmore » process parameters such as Oxygen gas pressure, Air pressure, and spraying distance. Microstructure of coating was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and characterization of phasespresentin the coating was examined by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Microhardness of all coatingswas measured by VickerMicrohardness tester. At low Oxygen Pressure(10.00 bar), high Air pressure (7bar) and short nozzle to substrate distance of 170mm, best coating adhesion and porosity less structure isachieved on Coppersubstrate.« less

The effect of spraying parameters on micro-structural properties of WC-12%Co coating deposited on copper substrate by HVOF process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathwara, Nishit; Jariwala, C.; Chauhan, N.; Raole, P. M.; Basa, D. K.

2015-08-01

High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) thermal sprayed coatingmade from Tungsten Carbide (WC) isconsidered as one of the most durable materials as wear resistance for industrial applications at room temperature. WC coating offers high wear resistance due to its high hardness and tough matrix imparts. The coating properties strongly depend on thermal spray processing parameters, surface preparation and surface finish. In this investigation, the effect of variousHVOF process parameters was studied on WC coating properties. The WC-12%Co coating was produced on Copper substrate. Prior to coating, theCopper substrate surface was prepared by grit blasting. WC-12%Co coatings were deposited on Coppersubstrates with varying process parameters such as Oxygen gas pressure, Air pressure, and spraying distance. Microstructure of coating was examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and characterization of phasespresentin the coating was examined by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Microhardness of all coatingswas measured by VickerMicrohardness tester. At low Oxygen Pressure(10.00 bar), high Air pressure (7bar) and short nozzle to substrate distance of 170mm, best coating adhesion and porosity less structure isachieved on Coppersubstrate.

Synthesis and surface characterization of electroactive conducting polymers and polyurethane coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vang, Chur Kalec

The direct electrodeposition of electroactive conducting polymers (ECPs) on active metals such as iron, steel, and aluminum is complicated by the concomitant metal oxidation that occurs at the positive potentials required for polymer formation. In the case of aluminum and its alloys, the oxide layer that forms is an insulator that blocks electron transfer and impedes polymer formation and deposition. As a result, only patchy, nonuniform polymer films are obtained. Electron transfer mediation is a well-known technique for overcoming kinetic limitations of electron transfer at metal electrodes. In this dissertation, we report the use of electron transfer mediation for the direct electrodeposition of polypyrrole onto aluminum and onto Al 2024-T3 alloy. The first few chapters focus on the electrochemistry and use of Tiron RTM (4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzenedisulfonic acid disodium salt) as the mediator. Electroactive conductive polymers (ECPs) were also being investigated for corrosion protection of Al alloys, with a view toward replacement of chromate-based coating systems. The use of electrochemical methods clearly indicated that the electrodeposited Ppy coatings had altered the corrosion behavior of the Al alloy. Degradation mechanisms for self-priming (unicoat), high-gloss, and fluorinated polyurethane aircraft coatings exposed to QUV/H2O radiation were carried out using linear and step-scan photoacoustic (S2-PA) FTIR spectroscopy (Chapters 7--9). FTIR spectroscopic analysis indicated that, as the depth of sampling increased from film-air to film-substrate, an increase of free carbonyl components was observed. These free carbonyl groups are indicative of polyurethane components. Exposure of the polyurethane coating to prolonged periods of extreme weathering conditions indicated a loss of both polyurethane/polyurea components at the air interface, which has lead to an increase of disordered hydrogen-bonding formations. Contact angle measurement further indicated that as exposure time increases, an increase in contact angle measurements was observed. Therefore, both FTIR spectroscopic and contact angle results concluded that although chemical degradation has taken place, the overall integrity of the coating still remains.

Fabrication of high-resolution nanostructures of complex geometry by the single-spot nanolithography method

PubMed Central

Anisimova, Margarita; Samardak, Aleksei; Ognev, Alexey

2015-01-01

Summary The paper presents a method for the high-resolution production of polymer nanopatterns with controllable geometrical parameters by means of a single-spot electron-beam lithography technique. The essence of the method entails the overexposure of a positive-tone resist, spin-coated onto a substrate where nanoscale spots are exposed to an electron beam with a dose greater than 0.1 pC per dot. A single-spot enables the fabrication of a nanoring, while a chain of spots placed at distance of 5–30 nm from each other allows the production of a polymer pattern of complex geometry of sub-10 nm resolution. We demonstrate that in addition to the naturally oxidized silicon substrates, gold-coated substrates can also successfully be used for the single-spot nanopattering technique. An explanation of the results related to the resist overexposure was demonstrated using Monte Carlo simulations. Our nanofabrication method significantly accelerates (up to 10 times) the fabrication rate as compared to conventional lithography on positive-tone resist. This technique can be potentially employed in the electronics industry for the production of nanoprinted lithography molds, etching masks, nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, NEMS and MEMS devices. PMID:25977869

Impact-Induced Glass Transition in Elastomeric Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roland, C. M.

2013-03-01

When an elastomer layer is applied to the front surface of steel, the resistance to penetration by hard projectiles increases significantly. It is not obvious why a soft polymer should affect this property of metals, and most rubbers do not. However, we have found that a few are very effective; the requirement is that the polymer undergo a viscoelastic phase transition upon impact. This means that the frequency of its segmental dynamics correspond to the impact frequency. The latter is estimated as the ratio of the projectile velocity to the coating thickness, and is on the order of 105 s-1 for the experiments herein. Our data and a non-linear dynamics finite-element analysis offer support for this resonance condition as a primary mechanism underlying the penetration-resistance of elastomer-coated metal substrates. The impact-induced phase transition causes large energy absorption, decreasing the kinetic energy of the impacting projectile. However, this energy absorption only accounts for about half the enhanced stopping power of the elastomer/steel bilayer. An additional mechanism is lateral spreading of the impact force, resulting from the transient hardening of the elastomeric during its transition to the glassy state - the modulus of the rubber increases 1000-fold over a time period of microseconds. The penetration-resistance is a very nonlinear function of the coating thickness. Moreover, tests on various metals show that hardness is the principal substrate parameter controlling the contribution of the coating. This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research.

Self-assembly Columnar Structure in Active Layer of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Cheng; Segui, Jennifer; Yu, Yingjie; Li, Hongfei; Akgun, Bulent; Satijia, Sushil. K.; Gersappe, Dilip; Nam, Chang-Yong; Rafailovich, Miriam

2012-02-01

Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells are an area of intense interest due to their flexibility and relatively low cost. However, due to the disordered inner structure in active layer, the power conversion efficiency of BHJ solar cell is relatively low. Our research provides the method to produce ordered self-assembly columnar structure within active layer of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell by introducing polystyrene (PS) into the active layer. The blend thin film of polystyrene, poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) at different ratio are spin coated on substrate and annealed in vacuum oven for certain time. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show uniform phase segregation on the surface of polymer blend thin film and highly ordered columnar structure is then proven by etching the film with ion sputtering. TEM cross-section technology is also used to investigate the column structure. Neutron reflectometry was taken to establish the confinement of PCBM at the interface of PS and P3HT. The different morphological structures formed via phase segregation will be correlated with the performance of the PEV cells to be fabricated at the BNL-CFN.

The effects of substrate size, surface area, and density on coat thickness of multi-particulate dosage forms.

PubMed

Heinicke, Grant; Matthews, Frank; Schwartz, Joseph B

2005-01-01

Drugs layering experiments were performed in a fluid bed fitted with a rotor granulator insert using diltiazem as a model drug. The drug was applied in various quantities to sugar spheres of different mesh sizes to give a series of drug-layered sugar spheres (cores) of different potency, size, and weight per particle. The drug presence lowered the bulk density of the cores in proportion to the quantity of added drug. Polymer coating of each core lot was performed in a fluid bed fitted with a Wurster insert. A series of polymer-coated cores (pellets) was removed from each coating experiment. The mean diameter of each core and each pellet sample was determined by image analysis. The rate of change of diameter on polymer addition was determined for each starting size of core and compared to calculated values. The core diameter was displaced from the line of best fit through the pellet diameter data. Cores of different potency with the same size distribution were made by layering increasing quantities of drug onto sugar spheres of decreasing mesh size. Equal quantities of polymer were applied to the same-sized core lots and coat thickness was measured. Weight/weight calculations predict equal coat thickness under these conditions, but measurable differences were found. Simple corrections to core charge weight in the Wurster insert were successfully used to manufacture pellets having the same coat thickness. The sensitivity of the image analysis technique in measuring particle size distributions (PSDs) was demonstrated by measuring a displacement in PSD after addition of 0.5% w/w talc to a pellet sample.

Sub-100 nm gold nanohole-enhanced Raman scattering on flexible PDMS sheets.

PubMed

Lee, Seunghyun; Ongko, Andry; Kim, Ho Young; Yim, Sang-Gu; Jeon, Geumhye; Jeong, Hee Jin; Lee, Seungwoo; Kwak, Minseok; Yang, Seung Yun

2016-08-05

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive vibrational spectroscopy technique enabling detection of multiple analytes at the molecular level in a nondestructive and rapid manner. In this work, we introduce a new approach to fabricate deep subwavelength-scaled (sub-100 nm) metallic nanohole arrays (quasi-3D metallic nanoholes) on flexible and highly efficient SERS substrates. Target structures have been fabricated using a two-step process consisting of (i) direct pattern transfer of spin-coated polymer films onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates by plasma etching with transferred anodic aluminum oxide masks, and (ii) producing SERS-active substrates by functionalization of the etched polymeric films followed by Au deposition. Such an all-dry, top-down lithographic approach enables on-demand patterning of SERS-active metallic nanoholes with high structural fidelity even onto flexible and stretchable substrates, thus making possible multiple sensing modes in a versatile fashion. For example, metallic nanoholes on flexible PDMS substrates are highly amenable to their integration with curved glass sticks, which can be used in optical fiber-integrated SERS systems. Au surfaces immobilized by probe DNA molecules show a selective enhancement of Raman scattering with Cy5-labeled complementary DNA (as compared to flat Au surfaces), demonstrating the potential of using the quasi-3D Au nanohole arrays for bio-sensing applications.

Sub-100 nm gold nanohole-enhanced Raman scattering on flexible PDMS sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Seunghyun; Ongko, Andry; Kim, Ho Young; Yim, Sang-Gu; Jeon, Geumhye; Jeong, Hee Jin; Lee, Seungwoo; Kwak, Minseok; Yang, Seung Yun

2016-08-01

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a highly sensitive vibrational spectroscopy technique enabling detection of multiple analytes at the molecular level in a nondestructive and rapid manner. In this work, we introduce a new approach to fabricate deep subwavelength-scaled (sub-100 nm) metallic nanohole arrays (quasi-3D metallic nanoholes) on flexible and highly efficient SERS substrates. Target structures have been fabricated using a two-step process consisting of (i) direct pattern transfer of spin-coated polymer films onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates by plasma etching with transferred anodic aluminum oxide masks, and (ii) producing SERS-active substrates by functionalization of the etched polymeric films followed by Au deposition. Such an all-dry, top-down lithographic approach enables on-demand patterning of SERS-active metallic nanoholes with high structural fidelity even onto flexible and stretchable substrates, thus making possible multiple sensing modes in a versatile fashion. For example, metallic nanoholes on flexible PDMS substrates are highly amenable to their integration with curved glass sticks, which can be used in optical fiber-integrated SERS systems. Au surfaces immobilized by probe DNA molecules show a selective enhancement of Raman scattering with Cy5-labeled complementary DNA (as compared to flat Au surfaces), demonstrating the potential of using the quasi-3D Au nanohole arrays for bio-sensing applications.

Controlling Film Morphology in Conjugated Polymer

PubMed Central

Park, Lee Y.; Munro, Andrea M.; Ginger, David S.

2009-01-01

We study the effects of patterned surface chemistry on the microscale and nanoscale morphology of solution-processed donor/acceptor polymer-blend films. Focusing on combinations of interest in polymer solar cells, we demonstrate that patterned surface chemistry can be used to tailor the film morphology of blends of semiconducting polymers such as poly-[2-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-5-methoxy-p-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV), poly-3-hexylthiophene (P3HT), poly[(9,9-dioctylflorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-benzothiadiazole)] (F8BT), and poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N,N’-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N’-phenyl-1,4-phenylendiamine) (PFB) with the fullerene derivative, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). We present a method for generating patterned, fullerene-terminated monolayers on gold surfaces, and use microcontact printing and Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN) to pattern alkanethiols with both micro- and nanoscale features. After patterning with fullerenes and other functional groups, we backfill the rest of the surface with a variety of thiols to prepare substrates with periodic variations in surface chemistry. Spin coating polymer:PCBM films onto these substrates, followed by thermal annealing under nitrogen, leads to the formation of structured polymer films. We characterize these films with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. The surface patterns are effective in guiding phase separation in all of the polymer:PCBM systems investigated, and lead to a rich variety of film morphologies that are inaccessible with unpatterned substrates. We demonstrate our ability to guide pattern formation in films thick enough of be of interest for actual device applications (up to 200 nm in thickness) using feature sizes as small as 100 nm. Finally, we show that the surface chemistry can lead to variations in film morphology on length scales significantly smaller than those used in generating the original surface patterns. The variety of behaviors observed and the wide range of control over polymer morphology achieved at a variety of different length scales have important implications for the development of bulk heterojunction solar cells. PMID:18983150

Wettability of Thin Silicate-Containing Hydroxyapatite Films Formed by RF-Magnetron Sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorodzha, S. N.; Surmeneva, M. A.; Surmenev, R. A.; Gribennikov, M. V.; Pichugin, V. F.; Sharonova, A. A.; Pustovalova, A. A.; Prymack, O.; Epple, M.; Wittmar, A.; Ulbricht, M.; Gogolinskii, K. V.; Kravchuk, K. S.

2014-02-01

Using the methods of electron and atomic force microscopy, X-ray structural analysis and measurements of the wetting angle, the features of morphology, structure, contact angle and free surface energy of silicon-containing calcium-phosphate coatings formed on the substrates made from titanium VT1-0 and stainless steel 12Cr18Ni10Ti are investigated. It is shown that the coating - substrate system possesses bimodal roughness formed by the substrate microrelief and coating nanostructure, whose principal crystalline phase is represented by silicon-substituted hydroxiapatite with the size of the coherent scattering region (CSR) 18-26 nm. It is found out that the formation of a nanostructured coating on the surface of rough substrates makes them hydrophilic. The limiting angle of water wetting for the coatings formed on titanium and steel acquires the values in the following ranges: 90-92 and 101-104°, respectively, and decreases with time.

Direct-writing of copper-based micropatterns on polymer substrates using femtosecond laser reduction of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizoshiri, Mizue; Ito, Yasuaki; Sakurai, Junpei; Hata, Seiichi

2017-04-01

Copper (Cu)-based micropatterns were fabricated on polymer substrates using femtosecond laser reduction of copper (II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. CuO nanoparticle solution, which consisted of CuO nanoparticles, ethylene glycol as a reductant agent, and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a dispersant, was spin-coated on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrates and was irradiated by focused femtosecond laser pulses to fabricate Cu-based micropatterns. When the laser pulses were raster-scanned onto the solution, CuO nanoparticles were reduced and sintered. Cu-rich and copper (I)-oxide (Cu2O)-rich micropatterns were formed at laser scanning speeds of 15 mm/s and 0.5 mm/s, respectively, and at a pulse energy of 0.54 nJ. Cu-rich electrically conductive micropatterns were obtained without significant damages on the substrates. On the other hand, Cu2O-rich micropatterns exhibited no electrical conductivity, indicating that microcracks were generated on the micropatterns by thermal expansion and shrinking of the substrates. We demonstrated a direct-writing of Cu-rich micro-temperature sensors on PDMS substrates using the foregoing laser irradiation condition. The resistance of the fabricated sensors increased with increasing temperature, which is consistent with that of Cu. This direct-writing technique is useful for fabricating Cu-polymer composite microstructures.

Highly stretchable resistive pressure sensors using a conductive elastomeric composite on a micropyramid array.

PubMed

Choong, Chwee-Lin; Shim, Mun-Bo; Lee, Byoung-Sun; Jeon, Sanghun; Ko, Dong-Su; Kang, Tae-Hyung; Bae, Jihyun; Lee, Sung Hoon; Byun, Kyung-Eun; Im, Jungkyun; Jeong, Yong Jin; Park, Chan Eon; Park, Jong-Jin; Chung, U-In

2014-06-04

A stretchable resistive pressure sensor is achieved by coating a compressible substrate with a highly stretchable electrode. The substrate contains an array of microscale pyramidal features, and the electrode comprises a polymer composite. When the pressure-induced geometrical change experienced by the electrode is maximized at 40% elongation, a sensitivity of 10.3 kPa(-1) is achieved. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Depositing nanometer-sized particles of metals onto carbon allotropes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delozier, Donavon M. (Inventor); Fallbach, Michael J. (Inventor); Smith, Joseph G. (Inventor); Watson, Kent A. (Inventor); Ghose, Sayata (Inventor); Connell, John W. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

A process for depositing nanometer-sized metal particles onto a substrate in the absence of aqueous solvents, organic solvents, and reducing agents, and without any required pre-treatment of the substrate, includes preparing an admixture of a metal compound and a substrate by dry mixing a chosen amount of the metal compound with a chosen amount of the substrate; and supplying energy to the admixture in an amount sufficient to deposit zero valance metal particles onto the substrate. This process gives rise to a number of deposited metallic particle sizes which may be controlled. The compositions prepared by this process are used to produce polymer composites by combining them with readily available commodity and engineering plastics. The polymer composites are used as coatings, or they are used to fabricate articles, such as free-standing films, fibers, fabrics, foams, molded and laminated articles, tubes, adhesives, and fiber reinforced articles. These articles are well-suited for many applications requiring thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, antibacterial activity, catalytic activity, and combinations thereof.

Broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal polymeric paint materials: synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and membrane-active mode of action.

PubMed

Hoque, Jiaul; Akkapeddi, Padma; Yadav, Vikas; Manjunath, Goutham B; Uppu, Divakara S S M; Konai, Mohini M; Yarlagadda, Venkateswarlu; Sanyal, Kaustuv; Haldar, Jayanta

2015-01-28

Microbial attachment and subsequent colonization onto surfaces lead to the spread of deadly community-acquired and hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections. Noncovalent immobilization of water insoluble and organo-soluble cationic polymers onto a surface is a facile approach to prevent microbial contamination. In the present study, we described the synthesis of water insoluble and organo-soluble polymeric materials and demonstrated their structure-activity relationship against various human pathogenic bacteria including drug-resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and beta lactam-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as pathogenic fungi such as Candida spp. and Cryptococcus spp. The polymer coated surfaces completely inactivated both bacteria and fungi upon contact (5 log reduction with respect to control). Linear polymers were more active and found to have a higher killing rate than the branched polymers. The polymer coated surfaces also exhibited significant activity in various complex mammalian fluids such as serum, plasma, and blood and showed negligible hemolysis at an amount much higher than minimum inhibitory amounts (MIAs). These polymers were found to have excellent compatibility with other medically relevant polymers (polylactic acid, PLA) and commercial paint. The cationic hydrophobic polymer coatings disrupted the lipid membrane of both bacteria and fungi and thus showed a membrane-active mode of action. Further, bacteria did not develop resistance against these membrane-active polymers in sharp contrast to conventional antibiotics and lipopeptides, thus the polymers hold great promise to be used as coating materials for developing permanent antimicrobial paint.

Transparent, flexible surface enhanced Raman scattering substrates based on Ag-coated structured PET (polyethylene terephthalate) for in-situ detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuo, Zewen; Zhu, Kai; Gu, Chuan; Wen, Yibing; Cui, Guanglei; Qu, Jun

2016-08-01

Transparent, flexible surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates were fabricated by metalization of structured polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets. The resultant Ag-coated structured PET SERS substrates were revealed to be highly sensitive with good reproducibility and stability, an enhancement factor of 3 × 106 was acquired, which can be attributed mainly to the presence of plentiful multiple-type hot spots within the quasi-three-dimensional surface of the structured PET obtained by oxygen plasma etching. In addition, detections of model molecules on fruit skin were also carried out, demonstrating the great potential of the Ag-coated structured PET in in-situ detection of analyte on irregular objects. Importantly, the technique used for the preparation of such substrate is completely compatible with well-established silicon device technologies, and large-area fabrication with low cost can be readily realized.

Developing upconversion nanoparticle-based smart substrates for remote temperature sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coker, Zachary; Marble, Kassie; Alkahtani, Masfer; Hemmer, Philip; Yakovlev, Vladislav V.

2018-02-01

Recent developments in understanding of nanomaterial behaviors and synthesis have led to their application across a wide range of commercial and scientific applications. Recent investigations span from applications in nanomedicine and the development of novel drug delivery systems to nanoelectronics and biosensors. In this study, we propose the application of a newly engineered temperature sensitive water-based bio-compatible core/shell up-conversion nanoparticle (UCNP) in the development of a smart substrate for remote temperature sensing. We developed this smart substrate by dispersing functionalized nanoparticles into a polymer solution and then spin-coating the solution onto one side of a microscope slide to form a thin film substrate layer of evenly dispersed nanoparticles. By using spin-coating to deposit the particle solution we both create a uniform surface for the substrate while simultaneously avoid undesired particle agglomeration. Through this investigation, we have determined the sensitivity and capabilities of this smart substrate and conclude that further development can lead to a greater range of applications for this type smart substrate and use in remote temperature sensing in conjunction with other microscopy and spectroscopy investigations.

Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Photoactive Nanomaterials

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-01

20nm to 50µm. The photolithography technique uses a light-sensitive polymer (photo- resist ), which is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light to transfer...through a photomask that consists of opaque features on a transparent substrate (e.g., quartz, glass) to make an exposure on a photo- resist that is...coated on a sub- strate (Moreau, 1988; Elliott, 1989; Madou, 2002) . The polymer chains of photo- resist 1 break down in the exposed area, resulting in more

Development of a ubiquitously transferrable silver-nanoparticle-loaded polymer nanosheet as an antimicrobial coating.

PubMed

Ito, Keisuke; Saito, Akihiro; Fujie, Toshinori; Miyazaki, Hiromi; Kinoshita, Manabu; Saitoh, Daizoh; Ohtsubo, Shinya; Takeoka, Shinji

2016-04-01

Ultra-thin polymer films (nanosheets) fabricated by a layer-by-layer (LbL) method possess unique properties such as high flexibility, adhesive strength, and transparency, and can be peeled off from a substrate and attached to various surfaces via a water-soluble supporting film. Therefore, flexible and transferrable LbL nanosheets are convenient tools as coating materials. Here, we fabricated a novel antimicrobial coating material by embedding silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in an LbL nanosheet composed of layers of chitosan and sodium alginate (Ag-LbL nanosheet) by means of a photo-reduction method. Optimizing the amount of irradiated energy applied led to robust antimicrobial efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), sufficient to meet ISO standards (ISO 22196), while maintaining the flexibility and adhesive potency of the LbL nanosheet. Thus, the Ag-LbL nanosheet is a promising coating material that can provide antimicrobial efficacy to various surfaces. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tailoring uniform gold nanoparticle arrays and nanoporous films for next-generation optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farid, Sidra; Kuljic, Rade; Poduri, Shripriya; Dutta, Mitra; Darling, Seth B.

2018-06-01

High-density arrays of gold nanodots and nanoholes on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass surfaces are fabricated using a nanoporous template fabricated by the self-assembly of diblock copolymers of poly (styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) structures. By balancing the interfacial interactions between the polymer blocks and the substrate using random copolymer, cylindrical block copolymer microdomains oriented perpendicular to the plane of the substrate have been obtained. Nanoporous PS films are created by selectively etching PMMA cylinders, a straightforward route to form highly ordered nanoscale porous films. Deposition of gold on the template followed by lift off and sonication leaves a highly dense array of gold nanodots. These materials can serve as templates for the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of semiconductor nanorod arrays for next generation hybrid optoelectronic applications.

Cold spraying of aluminum bronze on profiled submillimeter cermet structures formed by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryashin, N. S.; Malikov, A. G.; Shikalov, V. S.; Gulyaev, I. P.; Kuchumov, B. M.; Klinkov, S. V.; Kosarev, V. F.; Orishich, A. M.

2017-10-01

The paper presents results of the cold spraying of aluminum bronze coatings on substrates profiled with WC/Ni tracks obtained by laser cladding. Reinforcing cermet frames shaped as grids with varied mesh sizes were clad on stainless steel substrates using a CO2 laser machine "Siberia" (ITAM SB RAS, Russia). As a result, surfaces/substrates with heterogeneous shape, composition, and mechanical properties were obtained. Aluminum bronze coatings were deposited from 5lF-NS powder (Oerlikon Metco, Switzerland) on those substrates using cold spraying equipment (ITAM SB RAS). Data of profiling, microstructure diagnostics, EDS analysis, and mechanical tests of obtained composites is reported. Surface relief of the sprayed coatings dependence on substrate structure has been demonstrated.

Influence of Indium Tin Oxide Surface Treatment on Spatially Localized Photocurrent Variations in Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaic Devices

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

efforts have focused on identifying alternative interfacial layers, such as p-type NiO,28,29 the polymer blend TPDSi2:TFB, 30 and V2O5 . 31 Although...METHODS Device Preparation. ITO-coated glass (∼10 Ω/sq) was pur- chased from Delta Technologies and cut to 12 mm 25 mm substrates. The substrates...devices were illuminated through the glass side of the substrate by a Newport Oriel 96000 solar light simulator equipped with an AM 1.5G filter and a

Flame resistant elastomeric polymer development. [for use in space shuttle instrument packaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howarth, J. T.; Sheth, S. G.; Sidman, K. R.

1975-01-01

Elastomeric products were developed for use in the space shuttle program, and investigations were conducted to improve the properties of elastomers developed in previous programs, and to evaluate the possibility of using lower-cost general purpose polymers. Products were fabricated and processed on conventional processing equipment; these products include: foams based on fluorinated rubber flame-retarded compounds with a density of 20-30 pounds/cubic foot for use as padding and in helmets; foams based on urethane for use in instrument packaging in the space shuttle; flexible and semi-rigid films of fluorinated rubber and neoprene compounds that would not burn in a 70% nitrogen, 30% oxygen atmosphere, and in a 30% nitrogen, 70% oxygen atmosphere, respectively for use in packaging or in laminates; coated fabrics which used both nylon and Kelvar fabric substrates, coated with either fluorinated or neoprene polymer compositions to meet specific levels of flame retardancy; and other flame-resistant materials.

Nano-patterned SU-8 surface using nanosphere-lithography for enhanced neuronal cell growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Eunhee; Yoo, Seung-Jun; Kim, Eunjung; Kwon, Tae-Hwan; Zhang, Li; Moon, Cheil; Choi, Hongsoo

2016-04-01

Mimicking the nanoscale surface texture of the extracellular matrix can affect the regulation of cellular behavior, including adhesion, differentiation, and neurite outgrowth. In this study, SU-8-based polymer surfaces with well-ordered nanowell arrays were fabricated using nanosphere lithography with polystyrene nanoparticles. We show that the SU-8 surface with nanowells resulted in similar neuronal development of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells compared with an unpatterned poly-L-lysine (PLL)-coated SU-8 surface. Additionally, even after soaking the substrate in cell culture medium for two weeks, cells on the nanowell SU-8 surface showed long-term neurite outgrowth compared to cells on the PLL-coated SU-8 surface. The topographical surface modification of the nanowell array demonstrates potential as a replacement for cell adhesive material coatings such as PLL, for applications requiring long-term use of polymer-based implantable devices.

Nanosystems in Edible Coatings: A Novel Strategy for Food Preservation

PubMed Central

Zambrano-Zaragoza, María L.; González-Reza, Ricardo; Miranda-Linares, Verónica; Bernal-Couoh, Tania F.; Mendoza-Elvira, Susana; Quintanar-Guerrero, David

2018-01-01

Currently, nanotechnology represents an important tool and an efficient option for extending the shelf life of foods. Reducing particle size to nanometric scale gives materials distinct and improved properties compared to larger systems. For food applications, this technology allows the incorporation of hydrophilic and lipophilic substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can be released during storage periods to increase the shelf life of diverse products, including whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cheese, among others. Edible coatings are usually prepared with natural polymers that are non-toxic, economical, and readily available. Nanosystems, in contrast, may also be prepared with biodegradable synthetic polymers, and liquid and solid lipids at room temperature. In this review, recent developments in the use of such nanosystems as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanocomposites, and nanoemulsions, are discussed critically. The use of polymers as the support matrix for nanodispersions to form edible coatings for food preservation is also analyzed, but the central purpose of the article is to describe available information on nanosystems and their use in different food substrates to help formulators in their work. PMID:29494548

Nanosystems in Edible Coatings: A Novel Strategy for Food Preservation.

PubMed

Zambrano-Zaragoza, María L; González-Reza, Ricardo; Mendoza-Muñoz, Néstor; Miranda-Linares, Verónica; Bernal-Couoh, Tania F; Mendoza-Elvira, Susana; Quintanar-Guerrero, David

2018-03-01

Currently, nanotechnology represents an important tool and an efficient option for extending the shelf life of foods. Reducing particle size to nanometric scale gives materials distinct and improved properties compared to larger systems. For food applications, this technology allows the incorporation of hydrophilic and lipophilic substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can be released during storage periods to increase the shelf life of diverse products, including whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and cheese, among others. Edible coatings are usually prepared with natural polymers that are non-toxic, economical, and readily available. Nanosystems, in contrast, may also be prepared with biodegradable synthetic polymers, and liquid and solid lipids at room temperature. In this review, recent developments in the use of such nanosystems as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanocomposites, and nanoemulsions, are discussed critically. The use of polymers as the support matrix for nanodispersions to form edible coatings for food preservation is also analyzed, but the central purpose of the article is to describe available information on nanosystems and their use in different food substrates to help formulators in their work.

Surface mediated assembly of small, metastable gold nanoclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pettibone, John M.; Osborn, William A.; Rykaczewski, Konrad; Talin, A. Alec; Bonevich, John E.; Hudgens, Jeffrey W.; Allendorf, Mark D.

2013-06-01

The unique properties of metallic nanoclusters are attractive for numerous commercial and industrial applications but are generally less stable than nanocrystals. Thus, developing methodologies for stabilizing nanoclusters and retaining their enhanced functionality is of great interest. We report the assembly of PPh3-protected Au9 clusters from a heterogeneous mixture into films consisting of sub 3 nm nanocluster assemblies. The depositing nanoclusters are metastable in solution, but the resulting nanocluster assemblies are stabilized indefinitely in air or fresh solvent. The films exhibit distinct structure from Au nanoparticles observed by X-ray diffraction, and film dissolution data support the preservation of small nanoclusters. UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy are used to elucidate information regarding the nanocluster formation and assembly mechanism. Preferential deposition of nanocluster assemblies can be achieved on multiple substrates, including polymer, Cr, Si, SiO2, SiNx, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Unlike other vapor phase coating processes, nanocluster assembly on the MIL-68(In) MOF crystal is capable of preferentially coating the external surface and stabilizing the crystal structure in hydrothermal conditions, which should enhance their storage, separation and delivery capabilities.The unique properties of metallic nanoclusters are attractive for numerous commercial and industrial applications but are generally less stable than nanocrystals. Thus, developing methodologies for stabilizing nanoclusters and retaining their enhanced functionality is of great interest. We report the assembly of PPh3-protected Au9 clusters from a heterogeneous mixture into films consisting of sub 3 nm nanocluster assemblies. The depositing nanoclusters are metastable in solution, but the resulting nanocluster assemblies are stabilized indefinitely in air or fresh solvent. The films exhibit distinct structure from Au nanoparticles observed by X-ray diffraction, and film dissolution data support the preservation of small nanoclusters. UV-Vis spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy are used to elucidate information regarding the nanocluster formation and assembly mechanism. Preferential deposition of nanocluster assemblies can be achieved on multiple substrates, including polymer, Cr, Si, SiO2, SiNx, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Unlike other vapor phase coating processes, nanocluster assembly on the MIL-68(In) MOF crystal is capable of preferentially coating the external surface and stabilizing the crystal structure in hydrothermal conditions, which should enhance their storage, separation and delivery capabilities. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Further details on stored plating solution preparation, film characterization, solution processing, MOF crystal FIB reconstruction and stability are available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01708g

Polymer blend lithography for metal films: large-area patterning with over 1 billion holes/inch(2).

PubMed

Huang, Cheng; Förste, Alexander; Walheim, Stefan; Schimmel, Thomas

2015-01-01

Polymer blend lithography (PBL) is a spin-coating-based technique that makes use of the purely lateral phase separation between two immiscible polymers to fabricate large area nanoscale patterns. In our earlier work (Huang et al. 2012), PBL was demonstrated for the fabrication of patterned self-assembled monolayers. Here, we report a new method based on the technique of polymer blend lithography that allows for the fabrication of metal island arrays or perforated metal films on the nanometer scale, the metal PBL. As the polymer blend system in this work, a mixture of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is used. This system forms a purely lateral structure on the substrate at controlled humidity, which means that PS droplets are formed in a PMMA matrix, whereby both phases have direct contact both to the substrate and to the air interface. Therefore, a subsequent selective dissolution of either the PS or PMMA component leaves behind a nanostructured film which can be used as a lithographic mask. We use this lithographic mask for the fabrication of metal patterns by thermal evaporation of the metal, followed by a lift-off process. As a consequence, the resulting metal nanostructure is an exact replica of the pattern of the selectively removed polymer (either a perforated metal film or metal islands). The minimum diameter of these holes or metal islands demonstrated here is about 50 nm. Au, Pd, Cu, Cr and Al templates were fabricated in this work by metal PBL. The wavelength-selective optical transmission spectra due to the localized surface plasmonic effect of the holes in perforated Al films were investigated and compared to the respective hole diameter histograms.

New Textile Sensors for In Situ Structural Health Monitoring of Textile Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Based on the Conductive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) Polymer Complex

PubMed Central

Jerkovic, Ivona; Koncar, Vladan; Grancaric, Ana Marija

2017-01-01

Many metallic structural and non-structural parts used in the transportation industry can be replaced by textile-reinforced composites. Composites made from a polymeric matrix and fibrous reinforcement have been increasingly studied during the last decade. On the other hand, the fast development of smart textile structures seems to be a very promising solution for in situ structural health monitoring of composite parts. In order to optimize composites’ quality and their lifetime all the production steps have to be monitored in real time. Textile sensors embedded in the composite reinforcement and having the same mechanical properties as the yarns used to make the reinforcement exhibit actuating and sensing capabilities. This paper presents a new generation of textile fibrous sensors based on the conductive polymer complex poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) developed by an original roll to roll coating method. Conductive coating for yarn treatment was defined according to the preliminary study of percolation threshold of this polymer complex. The percolation threshold determination was based on conductive dry films’ electrical properties analysis, in order to develop highly sensitive sensors. A novel laboratory equipment was designed and produced for yarn coating to ensure effective and equally distributed coating of electroconductive polymer without distortion of textile properties. The electromechanical properties of the textile fibrous sensors confirmed their suitability for in situ structural damages detection of textile reinforced thermoplastic composites in real time. PMID:28994733

New Textile Sensors for In Situ Structural Health Monitoring of Textile Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites Based on the Conductive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) Polymer Complex.

PubMed

Jerkovic, Ivona; Koncar, Vladan; Grancaric, Ana Marija

2017-10-10

Many metallic structural and non-structural parts used in the transportation industry can be replaced by textile-reinforced composites. Composites made from a polymeric matrix and fibrous reinforcement have been increasingly studied during the last decade. On the other hand, the fast development of smart textile structures seems to be a very promising solution for in situ structural health monitoring of composite parts. In order to optimize composites' quality and their lifetime all the production steps have to be monitored in real time. Textile sensors embedded in the composite reinforcement and having the same mechanical properties as the yarns used to make the reinforcement exhibit actuating and sensing capabilities. This paper presents a new generation of textile fibrous sensors based on the conductive polymer complex poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) developed by an original roll to roll coating method. Conductive coating for yarn treatment was defined according to the preliminary study of percolation threshold of this polymer complex. The percolation threshold determination was based on conductive dry films' electrical properties analysis, in order to develop highly sensitive sensors. A novel laboratory equipment was designed and produced for yarn coating to ensure effective and equally distributed coating of electroconductive polymer without distortion of textile properties. The electromechanical properties of the textile fibrous sensors confirmed their suitability for in situ structural damages detection of textile reinforced thermoplastic composites in real time.

Precursors for the polymer-assisted deposition of films

DOEpatents

McCleskey, Thomas M.; Burrell, Anthony K.; Jia, Quanxi; Lin, Yuan

2013-09-10

A polymer assisted deposition process for deposition of metal oxide films is presented. The process includes solutions of one or more metal precursor and soluble polymers having binding properties for the one or more metal precursor. After a coating operation, the resultant coating is heated at high temperatures to yield metal oxide films. Such films can be epitaxial in structure and can be of optical quality. The process can be organic solvent-free.

Stretching of Single Polymer Chains Using the Atomic Force Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, C.; van der Vegte, E. W.; van Swieten, E.; Robillard, G. T.; Hadziioannou, G.

1998-03-01

A variety of macroscopic phenomenon involve "nanoscale" polymer deformation including rubber elasticity, shear yielding, strain hardening, stress relaxation, fracture, and flow. With the advent of new and improved experimental techniques, such as the atomic force microscope (AFM), the probing of physical properties of polymers has reached finer and finer scales. The development of mixed self-assembling monolayer techniques and the chemical functionalization of AFM probe tips has allowed for mechanical experiments on single polymer chains of molecular dimensions. In our experiments, mixed monolayers are prepared in which end-functionalized, flexible polymer chains of thiol-terminated poly(methacrylic acid) are covalently bonded, isolated, and randomly distributed on gold substrates. The coils are then imaged, tethered to a gold-coated AFM tip, and stretched between the tip and the substrate in a conventional force / distance experiment. An increase in the attractive force due to entropic, elastic resistance to stretching, as well as fracture of the polymer chain is observed. The effect of chain stiffness, topological constraints, strain rate, mechanical hysteresis, and stress relaxation were investigated. Force modulation techniques were also employed in order to image the viscoelastic character of the polymer chains. Parallel work includes similar studies of biological systems such as wheat gluten proteins and polypeptides.

Recyclability of PET/WPI/PE Multilayer Films by Removal of Whey Protein Isolate-Based Coatings with Enzymatic Detergents.

PubMed

Cinelli, Patrizia; Schmid, Markus; Bugnicourt, Elodie; Coltelli, Maria Beatrice; Lazzeri, Andrea

2016-06-14

Multilayer plastic films provide a range of properties, which cannot be obtained from monolayer films but, at present, their recyclability is an open issue and should be improved. Research to date has shown the possibility of using whey protein as a layer material with the property of acting as an excellent barrier against oxygen and moisture, replacing petrochemical non-recyclable materials. The innovative approach of the present research was to achieve the recyclability of the substrate films by separating them, with a simple process compatible with industrial procedures, in order to promote recycling processes leading to obtain high value products that will beneficially impact the packaging and food industries. Hence, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET)/polyethylene (PE) multi-layer film was prepared based on PET coated with a whey protein layer, and then the previous structure was laminated with PE. Whey proteins, constituting the coating, can be degraded by enzymes so that the coating films can be washed off from the plastic substrate layer. Enzyme types, dosage, time, and temperature optima, which are compatible with procedures adopted in industrial waste recycling, were determined for a highly-efficient process. The washing of samples based on PET/whey and PET/whey/PE were efficient when performed with enzymatic detergent containing protease enzymes, as an alternative to conventional detergents used in recycling facilities. Different types of enzymatic detergents tested presented positive results in removing the protein layer from the PET substrate and from the PET/whey/PE multilayer films at room temperature. These results attested to the possibility of organizing the pre-treatment of the whey-based multilayer film by washing with different available commercial enzymatic detergents in order to separate PET and PE, thus allowing a better recycling of the two different polymers. Mechanical properties of the plastic substrate, such as stress at yield, stress and elongation at break, evaluated by tensile testing on films before and after cleaning, were are not significantly affected by washing with enzymatic detergents.

Thin-film X-ray filters on microstructured substrates and their thermophysical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mitrofanov, A. V.

2018-02-01

It is shown that structured substrates having micron- or submicron-sized through holes and coated with an ultrathin organic film can be used for the fabrication of thin-film X-ray filters via direct growth of functional layers on a substrate by sputter deposition, without additional complex processing steps. An optimised process is considered for the fabrication of X-ray filters on support structures in the form of electroplated fine nickel grids and on track-etched polymer membranes with micron- and submicrondiameter through pores. 'Optimisation' is here taken to mean matching the sputter deposition conditions with the properties of substrates so as to avoid overheating. The filters in question are intended for both imaging and single-channel detectors operating in the soft X-ray and vacuum UV spectral regions, at wavelengths from 10 to 60 nm. Thermal calculations are presented for the heating of ultrathin layers of organic films and thin-film support substrates during the sputter deposition of aluminium or other functional materials. The paper discusses approaches for cooling thinfilm composites during the sputter deposition process and the service of the filters in experiments and gives a brief overview of the works that utilised filters produced by the described technique on microstructured substrates, including orbital solar X-ray research in the framework of the CORONAS programme and laboratory laser plasma experiments.

Thermally Oxidized C, N Co-Doped ANATASE-TiO2 Coatings on Stainless Steel for Tribological Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hefeng; Shu, Xuefeng; Li, Xiuyan; Tang, Bin; Lin, Naiming

2013-07-01

Ti(C, N) coatings were prepared on stainless steel (SS) substrates by plasma surface alloying technique. Carbon-nitrogen co-doped titanium dioxide (C-N-TiO2) coatings were fabricated by oxidative of the Ti(C, N) coatings in air. The prepared C-N-TiO2 coatings were characterized by SEM, XPS and XRD. Results reveal that the SS substrates were entirely shielded by the C-N-TiO2 coatings. The C-N-TiO2 coatings are anatase in structure as characterized by X-ray diffraction. The tribological behavior of the coatings was tested with ball-on-disc sliding wear and compared with substrate. Such a C-N-TiO2 coatings showed good adhesion with the substrate and tribological properties of the SS in terms of much reduced friction coefficient and increased wear resistance.

Microstructure and Antiwear Property of Laser Cladding Ni-Co Duplex Coating on Copper.

PubMed

Wang, Yiyong; Liang, Zhipeng; Zhang, Junwei; Ning, Zhe; Jin, Hui

2016-07-28

Ni-Co duplex coatings were cladded onto Cu to improve the antiwear properties of Cu products. Prior to laser cladding, n-Al₂O₃/Ni layers were introduced as interlayers between laser cladding coatings and Cu substrates to improve the laser absorptivity of these substrates and ensure defect-free laser cladding coatings. The structure and morphology of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy, and the phases of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Their hardness was measured using a microhardness tester. Experimental results showed that defect-free composite coatings were obtained and that the coatings were metallurgically bonded to the substrates. The surface of the Ni-Co duplex coatings comprised a Co-based solid solution, Cr₇C₃, (Fe,Ni) 23 C₆, and other strengthening phases. The microhardness and wear resistance of the duplex coatings were significantly improved compared with the Cu substrates. The average microhardness of the cladded coatings was 845.6 HV, which was approximately 8.2 times greater than that of the Cu substrates (102.6 HV). The volume loss of the Cu substrates was approximately 7.5 times greater than that of the Ni-Co duplex coatings after 60 min of sliding wear testing. The high hardness of and lack of defects in the Ni-Co duplex coatings reduced the plastic deformation and adhesive wear of the Cu substrates, resulting in improved wear properties.

Polymer brush coatings for DNA: fundamental polymer physics and nanofabrication applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Vries, Renko

Recombinant DNA technology allows for the production of precisely defined self-assembling protein-based polymers. So far, the major applications for such protein-based polymers have been self-assembling hydrogels and micellar structures with biomedical application. Inspired by minimal models for the self-ssembly of rod-shaped viruses such as the tobacco mosaic virus, I have developed protein-polymers that co-assemble with DNA into rod-shaped virus-like particles, and protein-polymers that provide brush coatings around single DNA molecules. In this presentation I will focus on the latter, showing that on the one hand brush coated DNA is a rich model system for exploring the physics of bottle-brush polymers, while on the other hand brush coatings of DNA can also play an important practical role in nanofabrication. A key problem in the physics of bottle-brush polymers that I will address is the scale-dependence of bottle-brush elasticity. For long-wavelength thermal deformations probed by AFM imaging I will demonstrate that there is significant stiffening due to the brush coating, while for short wavelength thermal deformations probed by force spectroscopy, we find that stiffening due to the brush coating disappears completely. DNA brush coatings can also play an important practical role in nanofabrication by acting as a compatibilizer between chemically different building blocks. I will explore the example of DNA origami in combination with gold nanoparticles: while Mg2+ ions and high concentrations of monovalent salts are crucial for the stability of DNA origami, such solution conditions are typically incompatible with the colloidal stability of gold nanoparticles.I will show how DNA brush coatings can dramatically enhance the yield of formation of isolated DNA-gold nanoparticle composite nanostructures.

Thermal barrier coating

DOEpatents

Bowker, Jeffrey Charles; Sabol, Stephen M.; Goedjen, John G.

2001-01-01

A thermal barrier coating for hot gas path components of a combustion turbine based on a zirconia-scandia system. A layer of zirconium scandate having the hexagonal Zr.sub.3 Sc.sub.4 O.sub.12 structure is formed directly on a superalloy substrate or on a bond coat formed on the substrate.

Hydrophobic thiol-ene surfaces fabricated via plasma activation and photo polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Champathet, P.; Ervithayasuporn, V.; Osotchan, T.; Dangtip, S.

2017-09-01

Alumina, such as glazed alumina for electrical insulator, operated in an open field subjects to a very harsh condition; resulting in lifetime shortening. Coating hydrophobic layer on alumina surface can help prolonging its lifetime. In this study, 25 ×25 mm alumina sheets were used as substrates. The hydrophobic composite polymers were prepared from (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane(MPTMS), 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8tetravinylcyclotetra siloxane(TMTVSi), pentaerythritoltetra(3-mercaptopropionate)(PETMP), 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phe nylaceto phenone(photoinitiator) and heptadecafluorodecylmethacrylate(HEFDMA) via the thiol-ene reaction. The alumina sheets were first activated by dielectric-barrier discharge plasma to improve its adhesion. All the polymers were found to optimize at the ratio of (MPTMS:TMTVSi:PETMP:HDFDMA) to 4:2:1:2 for coating on the alumina substrate. To enhance polymerization, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylaceto phenome was also used as a photoinitiator A proper mixing sequence in the thiol-ene reaction results in film with excellent surface retention after prolong soaking in solvent such as acetone. FTIR shows that S-H and C=C functional groups have significantly changed after photopolymerization and thermally cured. The static contact angle increase from mere 53.0°±1.5° of the uncoated substrate to 120.0°±1.2° after coating. SEM shows the film with clear appearance of a few-micron thick. Under AFM, the coated surface roughness was about 9.3 nm with evenly distributed spikes of a few nanometer in height. The cross-cut test also confirmed the film was very smooth and none of the square of the films detached.

The Use of Feature Parameters to Asses Barrier Properties of ALD coatings for Flexible PV Substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blunt, Liam; Robbins, David; Fleming, Leigh; Elrawemi, Mohamed

2014-03-01

This paper reports on the recent work carried out as part of the EU funded NanoMend project. The project seeks to develop integrated process inspection, cleaning, repair and control systems for nano-scale thin films on large area substrates. In the present study flexible photovoltaic films have been the substrate of interest. Flexible PV films are the subject of significant development at present and the latest films have efficiencies at or beyond the level of Si based rigid PV modules. These flexible devices are fabricated on polymer film by the repeated deposition, and patterning, of thin layer materials using roll-to-roll processes, where the whole film is approximately 3um thick prior to encapsulation. Whilst flexible films offer significant advantages in terms of mass and the possibility of building integration (BIPV) they are at present susceptible to long term environmental degradation as a result of water vapor transmission through the barrier layers to the CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide CuInxGa(1-x)Se2) PV cells thus causing electrical shorts and efficiency drops. Environmental protection of the GIGS cell is provided by a thin (40nm) barrier coating of Al2O3. The highly conformal aluminium oxide barrier layer is produced by atomic layer deposition (ALD) where, the ultra-thin Al2O3 layer is deposited onto polymer thin films before these films encapsulate the PV cell. The surface of the starting polymer film must be of very high quality in order to avoid creating defects in the device layers. Since these defects reduce manufacturing yield, in order to prevent them, a further thin polymer coating (planarization layer) is generally applied to the polymer film prior to deposition. The presence of surface irregularities on the uncoated film can create defects within the nanometre-scale, aluminium oxide, barrier layer and these are measured and characterised. This paper begins by reporting the results of early stage measurements conducted to characterise the uncoated and coated polymer film surface topography using feature parameter analysis. The measurements are carried out using a Taylor Hobson Coherence Correlation Interferometer an optical microscope and SEM. Feature parameter analysis allows the efficient separation of small insignificant defects from large defects. The presence of both large and insignificant defects is then correlated with the water vapour transmission rate as measured on representative sets of films using at standard MOCON test. The paper finishes by drawing conclusions based on analysis of WVTR and defect size, where it is postulated that small numbers of large defects play a significant role in higher levels of WVTR.

Hydrophobic Coatings on Cotton Obtained by in Situ Plasma Polymerization of a Fluorinated Monomer in Ethanol Solutions.

PubMed

Molina, Ricardo; Teixidó, Josep Maria; Kan, Chi-Wai; Jovančić, Petar

2017-02-15

Plasma polymerization using hydrophobic monomers in the gas phase is a well-known technology to generate hydrophobic coatings. However, synthesis of functional hydrophobic coatings using plasma technology in liquids has not yet been accomplished. This work is consequently focused on polymerization of a liquid fluorinated monomer on cotton fabric initiated by atmospheric plasma in a dielectric barrier discharge configuration. Functional hydrophobic coatings on cotton were successfully achieved using in situ atmospheric plasma-initiated polymerization of fluorinated monomer dissolved in ethanol. Gravimetric measurements reveal that the amount of polymer deposited on cotton substrates can be modulated with the concentration of monomer in ethanol solution, and cross-linking reactions occur during plasma polymerization of a fluorinated monomer even without the presence of a cross-linking agent. FTIR and XPS analysis were used to study the chemical composition of hydrophobic coatings and to get insights into the physicochemical processes involved in plasma treatment. SEM analysis reveals that at high monomer concentration, coatings possess a three-dimensional pattern with a characteristic interconnected porous network structure. EDX analysis reveals that plasma polymerization of fluorinated monomers takes place preferentially at the surface of cotton fabric and negligible polymerization takes place inside the cotton fabric. Wetting time measurements confirm the hydrophobicity of cotton coatings obtained although equilibrium moisture content was slightly decreased. Additionally, the abrasion behavior and resistance to washing of plasma-coated cotton has been evaluated.

Stress and structure development in polymeric coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaessen, Diane Melissa

2002-09-01

The main goal of this research is to measure the stress evolution in various polymer coating systems to establish the mechanisms responsible for stress development, stress relaxation, and defect formation. Investigated systems include ultraviolet (UV)-curable coatings, dense and porous coatings from polymer solutions, and latex coatings. Coating stress was measured using a controlled environment stress apparatus based on a cantilever deflection principle. For acrylate coatings, it was found that by cycling a UV-lamp on and off, keeping the total dose constant, coating stress was lowered by 60% by decreasing the cycle period. A stress minimum was also found to exist for a given dose of radiation. The lower stress is attributed to stress relaxation and/or slower reaction during dark periods. A viscoelastic stress model of this process was formulated and predicted stress values close to those observed experimentally. During drying of cellulose acetate (CA) coatings cast in acetone, final stress increased from 10 to 45 MPa as coating thickness decreased from 60 to 10 mum. This thickness dependent coating stress for a solvent-cast polymer coating is a new finding and is attributed to (1) less shrinkage in thicker coatings due to more trapped solvent (from skinning) and (2) greater amounts of polymer stress relaxation in thicker coatings. For porous CA coatings prepared by dry-cast phase separation, final in-plane stresses ranged from 20 MPa for coatings containing small pores (˜1 mum) to 5 MPa for coatings containing small pores and macrovoids (˜200 mum). For these coatings, a small amount of stress relaxation occurs due to capillary pressure relief. A stress plateau for the macrovoid-containing coating is likely caused by stress-induced rupture of the polymer-rich phase. Measured stress in pigment-free latex coatings was much lower (˜0.3 MPa) than UV-curable and solvent-cast polymer coatings and was found to increase with increasing latex glass transition temperature. Observations from infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, camera imaging, and indentation were also studied to correlate coating properties to measured stresses. The results obtained in this thesis will lead to strategies for material selection, process optimization, and defect elimination in polymeric coatings.

Development of Magnesium and Siloxane-Containing Vaterite and Its Composite Materials for Bone Regeneration

PubMed Central

Yamada, Shinya; Obata, Akiko; Maeda, Hirotaka; Ota, Yoshio; Kasuga, Toshihiro

2015-01-01

Development of novel biomaterials with Mg2+, Ca2+, and silicate ions releasability for bone regeneration is now in progress. Several inorganic ions have been reported to stimulate bone-forming cells. We featured Ca2+, silicate, and especially, Mg2+ ions as growth factors for osteoblasts. Various biomaterials, such as ceramic powders and organic–inorganic composites, that release the ions, have been developed and investigated for their cytocompatibilities in our previous work. Through the investigation, providing the three ions was found to be effective to activate osteogenic cells. Magnesium and siloxane-­containing vaterite was prepared by a carbonation process as an inorganic particle that can has the ability to simultaneously release Ca2+, silicate, and Mg2+ ions to biodegradable polymers. Poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA)- and bioactive PLLA-based composites containing vaterite coatings were discussed regarding their degradability and cytocompatibility using a metallic Mg substrate as Mg2+ ion source. PLLA/SiV composite film, which has a releasability of silicate ions besides Ca2+ ion, was coated on a pure Mg substrate to be compared with the PLLA/V coating. The degradability and releasability of inorganic ions were morphologically and quantitatively monitored in a cell culture medium. The bonding strength between the coatings and Mg substrates was one of the key factors to control Mg2+ ion release from the substrates. The cell culture tests were conducted using mouse osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3-E1 cells); cellular morphology, proliferation, and differentiation on the materials were evaluated. The PLLA/V and PLLA/SiV coatings on Mg substrates were found to enhance the proliferation, especially the PLLA/SiV coating possessed a higher ability to induce the osteogenic differentiation of the cells. PMID:26697421

Incorporating poly(3-hexyl thiophene) into orthogonally aligned cylindrical nanopores of titania for optoelectronics

DOE PAGES

Nagpure, Suraj; Browning, James F.; Rankin, Stephen E.

2016-11-03

Here, the incorporation of hole conducting polymer poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) into the 8-9 nm cylindrical nanopores of titania is investigated using films with a unique orthogonally oriented hexagonal close packed mesostructure. The films are synthesized using evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) with Pluronic triblock copolymer F127 as the structure directing agent. The orthogonally oriented cylindrical nanopore structure was chosen over a cubic structure because confinement in uniform cylindrical channels is hypothesized to enhance hole conductivity of P3HT by inducing local polymer chain ordering. Orthogonal orientation of the cylindrical nanopores is achieved by modifying the substrate (FTO-coated glass slides) with crosslinked F127.more » After thermal treatment to remove organic templates from the films, P3HT is infiltrated into the nanopores by spin coating a 1 wt% P3HT solution in chlorobenzene onto the titania films followed by thermal annealing under vacuum at 200 °C. The results show that infiltration is essentially complete after 30 minutes of annealing, with little or no further infiltration thereafter. A final infiltration depth of ~14 nm is measured for P3HT into the nanopores of titania using neutron reflectometry measurements. Photoluminescence measurements demonstrate that charge transfer at the P3HT-TiO 2 interface improves as the P3HT is infiltrated into the pores, suggesting that an active organic-inorganic heterojuction is formed in the materials.« less

Incorporating poly(3-hexyl thiophene) into orthogonally aligned cylindrical nanopores of titania for optoelectronics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagpure, Suraj; Browning, James F.; Rankin, Stephen E.

Here, the incorporation of hole conducting polymer poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) into the 8-9 nm cylindrical nanopores of titania is investigated using films with a unique orthogonally oriented hexagonal close packed mesostructure. The films are synthesized using evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) with Pluronic triblock copolymer F127 as the structure directing agent. The orthogonally oriented cylindrical nanopore structure was chosen over a cubic structure because confinement in uniform cylindrical channels is hypothesized to enhance hole conductivity of P3HT by inducing local polymer chain ordering. Orthogonal orientation of the cylindrical nanopores is achieved by modifying the substrate (FTO-coated glass slides) with crosslinked F127.more » After thermal treatment to remove organic templates from the films, P3HT is infiltrated into the nanopores by spin coating a 1 wt% P3HT solution in chlorobenzene onto the titania films followed by thermal annealing under vacuum at 200 °C. The results show that infiltration is essentially complete after 30 minutes of annealing, with little or no further infiltration thereafter. A final infiltration depth of ~14 nm is measured for P3HT into the nanopores of titania using neutron reflectometry measurements. Photoluminescence measurements demonstrate that charge transfer at the P3HT-TiO 2 interface improves as the P3HT is infiltrated into the pores, suggesting that an active organic-inorganic heterojuction is formed in the materials.« less

Ultrafast Fabrication of Flexible Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Ultrasonic Spray-Coating Technology

PubMed Central

Han, Hyun-Gyu; Weerasinghe, Hashitha C.; Min Kim, Kwang; Soo Kim, Jeong; Cheng, Yi-Bing; Jones, David J.; Holmes, Andrew B.; Kwon, Tae-Hyuk

2015-01-01

This study investigates novel deposition techniques for the preparation of TiO2 electrodes for use in flexible dye-sensitized solar cells. These proposed new methods, namely pre-dye-coating and codeposition ultrasonic spraying, eliminate the conventional need for time-consuming processes such as dye soaking and high-temperature sintering. Power conversion efficiencies of over 4.0% were achieved with electrodes prepared on flexible polymer substrates using this new deposition technology and N719 dye as a sensitizer. PMID:26420466

New Polyimide Has Many Uses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

St. Clair, Terry L.; Progar, Donald J.; Smith, Janice Y.; Smith, Ricky E.

1991-01-01

Low-toxicity and low-mutogenicity monomer key to new high-performance polyimide. LaRC-IA is thermoplastic polyimide made from 3-4'-oxydianiline and 4,4'-oxydiphthalic anhydride. Good processing characteristics, low toxicity, and no mutagenicity. Adhesives, composite matrix resins, heat resin moldings, and coating films made of new polymer found to exhibit properties identical or superior to commercially available polyimides. Potential applications wide ranging. With and without end capping, employed to prepare unfilled moldings, coatings and free films, adhesive tape, adhesively bonded substrates, prepregs, and composites.

Corrosion Control Through a Better Understanding of the Metallic Substrate/Organic Coating/Interface.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-11-01

and the cyclohexane over molecular sieves, -79- pm NO pAalB hION fl i4a and then measuring the ppm of water in the cyclohexane using the Karl Fischer ... potentiometric titration using a method outlined by Bell [J. Polymer Sci. 8, 417-36 (1970)]. The procedure for epoxy groups involves the re- action with...with time, earliest stages of coating delamination, and secondary processes that occur was obtained by time lapse photography. Electrical methods are

Fabrication of complex nanoscale structures on various substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Kang-Soo; Hong, Sung-Hoon; Lee, Heon

2007-09-01

Polymer based complex nanoscale structures were fabricated and transferred to various substrates using reverse nanoimprint lithography. To facilitate the fabrication and transference of the large area of the nanostructured layer to the substrates, a water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol mold was used. After generation and transference of the nanostructured layer, the polyvinyl alcohol mold was removed by dissolving in water. A residue-free, UV-curable, glue layer was formulated and used to bond the nanostructured layer onto the substrates. As a result, nanometer scale patterned polymer layers were bonded to various substrates and three-dimensional nanostructures were also fabricated by stacking of the layers.

Quantitative fabrication of functional polymer surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rengifo, Hernan R.

Polymeric surfaces and films have very broad applications in industry. They have been employed as anticorrosive, abrasive and decorative coatings for many years. More recently, the applications of functional polymer films in microelectronics, optics, nanocomposites, DNA microarrays, and enzyme immobilizations has drawn a lot of attention. There are a number of challenges associated with the implementation of functional polymeric surfaces, and these challenges are especially important in the field of surface modification. In this thesis, three different challenges in the field of polymeric functional surfaces are addressed: first of all, a set of rules for the molecular design are presented in chapters 3 and 4 according to the surface needs. Second, some latent energy source must be incorporated into the material design to quantitative modify a surface. Third, the morphology of the surface, the method use to fabricate the design surface and their new applications are presented in chapters 4 and 5. The new polymeric surface functionalization method described in Chapter 3 is based upon an end-functionalized diblock copolymer design to self-assemble at the surface of both hard and soft surfaces. It is demonstrated that alkyne end-functional diblock copolymers can be used to provide precise control over areal densities of reactive functionality. The areal density of alkyne functional groups is precisely controlled by adjusting the thickness of the block copolymer monolayer, which is accomplished by changing either the spin coating conditions (i.e., rotational speed and solution concentration) or the copolymer molecular weight. The modified surfaces are characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle, ellipsometry, fluorescent imaging and angle-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS) measurements. In Chapter 4, a simple means is demonstrated to covalently bond DNA to polymer-modified substrates; the method provides quantitative control of the DNA areal density. The approach is based upon synthesis of an alkyne-end-functional diblock copolymer alpha-alkyne-o-Br-poly(tBA- b-MMA). The block copolymer self-assembles to form a bilayer on the substrate and directs alkyne groups to the surface. Azido-functionalized DNA is immobilized on alkyne functionalized substrates by a "click" reaction. The density of immobilized DNA can be quantitatively controlled by varying the parameters used for spin-coating the polymer film or by adjusting the hydrophilicity of the polymer surface underlying the reactive alkyne functional groups. In Chapter 5, Layer by layer (LbL) assembly techniques construct multilayer thin films by sequential deposition of monomolecular layers of organic molecules. One of the drawbacks associated with their use is that monomolecular layers are usually held together by relatively weak forces such as Van der Waals, electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions, and can therefore be lacking in mechanical integrity. In this chapter, it is demonstrated that heterobifunctional polymers, functionalized with one azide chain terminus and a protected alkyne group as the other chain terminus, constitute a powerful and versatile means for the covalent layer-by-layer (CLbL) assembly of thin polymer films. Each monomolecular polymer layer is covalently bound to both the preceding and following layers to produce a robust multilayer structure. Because the coupling chemistry used, "click" chemistry, is highly chemoselective, the layering process is virtually independent of the chemical nature of the polymer so that the constitution of each layer can be selected at will. Unlike other layer-by-layer deposition techniques, the layer thickness in CLbL is not equivalent to the diameter of the polymer chain, but is related to the polymer chain length and can be controlled by adjustment of either the polymer molecular weight or the areal density of surface alkyne groups.

Polished polymide substrate

DOEpatents

Farah, John; Sudarshanam, Venkatapuram S.

2003-05-13

Polymer substrates, in particular polyimide substrates, and polymer laminates for optical applications are described. Polyimide substrates are polished on one or both sides depending on their thickness, and single-layer or multi-layer waveguide structures are deposited on the polished polyimide substrates. Optical waveguide devices are machined by laser ablation using a combination of IR and UV lasers. A waveguide-fiber coupler with a laser-machined groove for retaining the fiber is also disclosed.

Using multivalency to tailor the superselective binding of polymers on substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tito, Nicholas; Frenkel, Daan

2014-03-01

Multivalency is a microscopic design concept in which a single nanoscopic entity contains multiple ligands, each of which may bind to multiple receptors on another entity. A useful property of many multivalent systems is ``superselectivity,'' where the fraction of the multivalent species bound to their complementary receptors grows sharply with the total number of receptors available. For example in the past two decades, multivalency has been exploited to develop DNA-coated nanoparticles that self-assemble into aggregates over an extremely narrow temperature window. In this talk, we use analytic and self-consistent field theories to explore the binding of multivalent polymers to receptors on a flat substrate. Discussion will focus on how the sequence, number, and binding strength of ligands along the polymer chain can be used to tune the superselectivity of the system. Comparison with recent experiments on model systems will be presented as time permits. We wish to thank ERC Advanced Grant 227758.

Cluster synthesis of monodisperse rutile-TiO2 nanoparticles and dielectric TiO2-vinylidene fluoride oligomer nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Balasubramanian, B; Kraemer, KL; Valloppilly, SR

2011-09-13

The embedding of oxide nanoparticles in polymer matrices produces a greatly enhanced dielectric response by combining the high dielectric strength and low loss of suitable host polymers with the high electric polarizability of nanoparticles. The fabrication of oxide-polymer nanocomposites with well-controlled distributions of nanoparticles is, however, challenging due to the thermodynamic and kinetic barriers between the polymer matrix and nanoparticle fillers. In the present study, monodisperse TiO2 nanoparticles having an average particle size of 14.4 nm and predominant rutile phase were produced using a cluster-deposition technique without high-temperature thermal annealing and subsequently coated with uniform vinylidene fluoride oligomer (VDFO) moleculesmore » using a thermal evaporation source, prior to deposition as TiO2-VDFO nanocomposite films on suitable substrates. The molecular coatings on TiO2 nanoparticles serve two purposes, namely to prevent the TiO2 nanoparticles from contacting each other and to couple the nanoparticle polarization to the matrix. Parallel-plate capacitors made of TiO2-VDFO nanocomposite film as the dielectric exhibit minimum dielectric dispersion and low dielectric loss. Dielectric measurements also show an enhanced effective dielectric constant in TiO2-VDFO nanocomposites as compared to that of pure VDFO. This study demonstrates for the first time a unique electroactive particle coating in the form of a ferroelectric VDFO that has high-temperature stability as compared to conventionally used polymers for fabricating dielectric oxide-polymer nanocomposites.« less

Polymer coated CaAl-layered double hydroxide nanomaterials for potential calcium supplement.

PubMed

Kim, Tae-Hyun; Lee, Jeong-A; Choi, Soo-Jin; Oh, Jae-Min

2014-12-05

We have successfully prepared layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanomaterials containing calcium and aluminum ions in the framework (CaAl-LDH). The surface of CaAl-LDH was coated with enteric polymer, Eudragit®L 100 in order to protect nanomaterials from fast dissolution under gastric condition of pH 1.2. The X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the pristine LDH was well prepared having hydrocalumite structure, and that the polymer effectively coated the surface of LDH without disturbing structure. From thermal analysis, it was determined that only a small amount (less than 1%) of polymer was coated on the LDH surface. Metal dissolution from LDH nanomaterials was significantly reduced upon Eudragit®L 100 coating at pH 1.2, 6.8 and 7.4, which simulates gastric, enteric and plasma conditions, respectively, and the dissolution effect was the most suppressed at pH 1.2. The LDH nanomaterials did not exhibit any significant cytotoxicity up to 1000 μg/mL and intracellular calcium concentration significantly increased in LDH-treated human intestinal cells. Pharmacokinetic study demonstrated absorption efficiency of Eudragit®L 100 coated LDH following oral administration to rats. Moreover, the LDH nanomaterials did not cause acute toxic effect in vivo. All the results suggest the great potential of CaAl-LDH nanomaterials as a calcium supplement.

Construction of a multifunctional coating consisting of phospholipids and endothelial progenitor cell-specific peptides on titanium substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Huiqing; Li, Xiaojing; Zhao, Yuancong; Li, Jingan; Chen, Jiang; Yang, Ping; Maitz, Manfred F.; Huang, Nan

2015-08-01

A phospholipid/peptide polymer (PMMDP) with phosphorylcholine groups, endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-specific peptides and catechol groups was anchored onto a titanium (Ti) surface to fabricate a biomimetic multifunctional surface. The PMMDP coating was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle measurements and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The amount of PMMDP coating on the Ti surface was quantified by using the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). Interactions between blood components and the coated and bare Ti substrates were evaluated by platelet adhesion and activation assays and fibrinogen denaturation test using platelet rich plasma (PRP). The results revealed that the PMMDP-modified surface inhibited fibrinogen denaturation and reduced platelet adhesion and activation. EPC cell culture on the PMMDP-modified surface showed increased adhesion and proliferation of EPCs when compared to the cells cultured on untreated Ti surface. The inhibition of fibrinogen denaturation and platelet adhesion and support of EPCs attachment and proliferation indicated that this coating might be beneficial for future applications in blood-contacting implants, such as vascular stents.

Jacket-free stir bar sorptive extraction with bio-inspired polydopamine-functionalized immobilization of cross-linked polymer on stainless steel wire.

PubMed

Zhang, Zixin; Zhang, Wenpeng; Bao, Tao; Chen, Zilin

2015-08-14

Stainless steel wire (SSW) is a good substrate for stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). However, it is still a challenge to immobilize commonly used cross-linked polymers onto SSW. In this work, we present a new approach for immobilization of the cross-linked organic polymer onto SSW for jacket-free SBSE. A dopamine derivative was firstly synthesized; by introducing a mussel-inspired polydopamine process, a stable coating layer was finally generated on the surface of SSW. Secondly, the cross-linked polymer was synthesized on the polydopamine-modified SSW by using acetonitrile as the porogen, acrylamide (AA) as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker and 2,2'-azobis (2-methylpropionitrile) as the initiator. A diluted pre-polymerization solution was carefully prepared to generate a thin layer of the polymer. The prepared poly(EGDMA-AA)-modified stir bar showed high stability and good tolerance toward stirring, ultrasonication, organic solvents, and strong acidic and basic conditions. Morphology and structure characterization of coatings were performed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra, respectively. The prepared poly(EGDMA-AA)-modified stir bar showed great extraction efficiency toward protoberberines, with enrichment factors of 19-42. An SBSE-HPLC method was also developed for quantitative analysis of protoberberines. The method showed low limits of detection (0.06-0.15 ng mL(-1)), wide linear range (0.5-400 ng mL(-1)), good linearity (R≥0.9980) and good reproducibility (RSD≤3.60% for intra-day, RSD≤4.73% for inter-day). The developed method has been successfully applied to determine protoberberines in herb and rat plasma samples, with recoveries of 88.53-114.61%. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Antibacterial Performance of Alginic Acid Coating on Polyethylene Film

PubMed Central

Karbassi, Elika; Asadinezhad, Ahmad; Lehocký, Marian; Humpolíček, Petr; Vesel, Alenka; Novák, Igor; Sáha, Petr

2014-01-01

Alginic acid coated polyethylene films were examined in terms of surface properties and bacteriostatic performance against two most representative bacterial strains, that is, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Microwave plasma treatment followed by brush formation in vapor state from three distinguished precursors (allylalcohol, allylamine, hydroxyethyl methacrylate) was carried out to deposit alginic acid on the substrate. Surface analyses via various techniques established that alginic acid was immobilized onto the surface where grafting (brush) chemistry influenced the amount of alginic acid coated. Moreover, alginic acid was found to be capable of bacterial growth inhibition which itself was significantly affected by the brush type. The polyanionic character of alginic acid as a carbohydrate polymer was assumed to play the pivotal role in antibacterial activity. The cell wall composition of two bacterial strains along with the substrates physicochemical properties accounted for different levels of bacteriostatic performance. PMID:25196604

In situ diazonium-modified flexible ITO-coated PEN substrates for the deposition of adherent silver-polypyrrole nanocomposite films.

PubMed

Samanta, Soumen; Bakas, Idriss; Singh, Ajay; Aswal, Dinesh K; Chehimi, Mohamed M

2014-08-12

In this paper, we report a simple and versatile process of electrografting the aryl multilayers onto indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated flexible poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) substrates using a diazonium salt (4-pyrrolylphenyldiazonium) solution, which was generated in situ from a reaction between the 4-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)aniline precursor and sodium nitrite in an acidic medium. The first aryl layer bonds with the ITO surface through In-O-C and Sn-O-C bonds which facilitate the formation of a uniform aryl multilayer that is ∼8 nm thick. The presence of the aryl multilayer has been confirmed by impedance spectroscopy as well as by electron-transfer blocking measurements. These in situ diazonium-modified ITO-coated PEN substrates may find applications in flexible organic electronics and sensor industries. Here we demonstrate the application of diazonium-modified flexible substrates for the growth of adherent silver/polpyrrole nanocomposite films using surface-confined UV photopolymerization. These nanocomposite films have platelet morphology owing to the template effect of the pyrrole-terminated aryl multilayers. In addition, the films are highly doped (32%). This work opens new areas in the design of flexible ITO-conductive polymer hybrids.

Porous organic polymers with different pore structures for sensitive solid-phase microextraction of environmental organic pollutants.

PubMed

Huang, Zhoubing; Liu, Shuqin; Xu, Jianqiao; Yin, Li; Zheng, Juan; Zhou, Ningbo; Ouyang, Gangfeng

2017-10-09

Adsorption capacity is the major sensitivity-limited factor in solid-phase microextraction. Due to its light-weight properties, large specific surface area and high porosity, especially tunable pore structures, the utilization of porous organic polymers as solid-phase microextraction adsorbents has attracting researchers' attentions. However, these works mostly concentrated on the utilization of specific porous organic polymers for preparing high-performance solid-phase microextraction coatings. The relationship between pore structures and adsorption performance of the porous organic polymers still remain unclear. Herein, three porous organic polymers with similar properties but different pore distributions were prepared by condensation polymerization reaction of phloroglucinol and terephthalaldehyde, which were fabricated as solid-phase microextraction coatings subsequently. The adsorption capacity of the porous organic polymers-coated fibers were evaluated by using benzene and its derivatives (i.e.,benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and m-xylene) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as the target analytes. The results showed that the different adsorption performance of these porous organic polymers was mainly caused by their different pore volumes instead of their surface areas or pore sizes. Finally, the proposed method by using the mesoporous organic polymer coating was successfully applied to the determination of benzene and its derivatives in environmental water samples. As for analytical performance, high pre-concentration factors (74-2984), satisfactory relative recoveries (94.5 ± 18.5-116.9 ± 12.5%), intraday precision (2.44-5.34%), inter-day precision (4.62-7.02%), low limit of detections (LODs, 0.10-0.29 ng L -1 ) and limit of quantifications (LOQs, 0.33-0.96 ng L -1 ) were achieved under the optimal conditions. This study provides an important idea in the rational design of porous organic polymers for solid-phase microextraction or other adsorption applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Potential use of photovolatile polymers in solar sails

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allred, Ronald E.; Harrah, Larry A.; Pollack, Steven K.; Willis, Paul B.

2002-01-01

Extremely thin films are required for solar sails: possibly too fragile for handling, storage, and deployment. This work explores the use of photovolatile polymer coatings for the reinforcement of solar sails. The concept is that thick polymer films may be used to support and deploy thin films, but then decompose in sunlight (photo-degrade) and evaporate into space leaving the fully deployed sail at a very low mass. Additionally, these remarkable polymers degrade in the presence of (solar) ultraviolet light to result in gaseous products. As the volatile gas departs from the substrate, a high percentage of mass is lost until an ultra-thin solar sail remains. In addition to mass loss, the photovolatile coating produces a thrust that augments the photon momentum propulsion and results in a ``propellantless'' system with enhanced specific impulse. The coating also provides the strength and durability to protect the fragile sail film during the packing, launching and deployment phases of the mission. This approach will result in films with areal densities of 1 to 5 grams per square meter, high durability, and passive propulsion capability. The developed technology will enable the fabrication of solar sails and also possibly sunshades booms, and other inflatable spacecraft currently included in programs coming out of many organizations. .

Laser etching of polymer masked leadframes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ho, C. K.; Man, H. C.; Yue, T. M.; Yuen, C. W.

1997-02-01

A typical electroplating production line for the deposition of silver pattern on copper leadframes in the semiconductor industry involves twenty to twenty five steps of cleaning, pickling, plating, stripping etc. This complex production process occupies large floor space and has also a number of problems such as difficulty in the production of rubber masks and alignment, generation of toxic fumes, high cost of water consumption and sometimes uncertainty on the cleanliness of the surfaces to be plated. A novel laser patterning process is proposed in this paper which can replace many steps in the existing electroplating line. The proposed process involves the application of high speed laser etching techniques on leadframes which were protected with polymer coating. The desired pattern for silver electroplating is produced by laser ablation of the polymer coating. Excimer laser was found to be most effective for this process as it can expose a pattern of clean copper substrate which can be silver plated successfully. Previous working of Nd:YAG laser ablation showed that 1.06 μm radiation was not suitable for this etching process because a thin organic and transparent film remained on the laser etched region. The effect of excimer pulse frequency and energy density upon the removal rate of the polymer coating was studied.

Study the effect of nitrogen flow rate on tribological properties of tantalum nitride based coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, Dharmesh B.; Chauhan, Kamlesh V.; Sonera, Akshay L.; Makwana, Nishant S.; Dave, Divyeshkumar P.; Rawal, Sushant K.

2018-05-01

Tantalum Nitride (TaN) based coatings are well-known for their high temperature stability and chemical inertness. We have studied the effect of nitrogen flow rate variation on the structural and tribological properties of TaN based coating deposited by RF magnetron sputtering process. The nitrogen flow rate was varied from 5 to 30 sccm. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to determine structure and surface topography of coating. Pin on disc tribometer was used to determine tribological properties of coating. TaN coated brass and mild steel substrates shows higher wear resistance compared to uncoated substrates of brass and mild steel.

Enhanced structural color generation in aluminum metamaterials coated with a thin polymer layer

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Fei; Yang, Xiaodong; Rosenmann, Daniel; ...

2015-09-18

A high-resolution and angle-insensitive structural color generation platform is demonstrated based on triple-layer aluminum-silica-aluminum metamaterials supporting surface plasmon resonances tunable across the entire visible spectrum. The color performances of the fabricated aluminum metamaterials can be strongly enhanced by coating a thin transparent polymer layer on top. The results show that the presence of the polymer layer induces a better impedance matching for the plasmonic resonances to the free space so that strong light absorption can be obtained, leading to the generation of pure colors in cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK) with high color saturation.

Versatile transfer of aligned carbon nanotubes with polydimethylsiloxane as the intermediate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yanwu; Lim, Xiaodai; Chea Sim, Mong; Teck Lim, Chwee; Haur Sow, Chorng

2008-08-01

A simple technique to transfer aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is demonstrated in this work. With polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the transfer medium, as-grown or patterned MWCNT arrays are directly transferred onto a wide variety of Pt-coated substrates such as glossy paper, cloth, polymers, glass slides, and metal foils at low temperatures. The surface of the transferred CNTs is cleaner with better alignment, compared with the as-grown one. Furthermore, the transferred CNTs show strong adhesion and good electric contact with the target substrates. A maximal current density of ~104 A cm-2 has been achieved from the CNT interconnects prepared with this technique. Because of the lower density and open-ended structures, improved field emission performance has been obtained from CNTs transferred on polymers, based on which flexible emitter devices can be fabricated. In addition, the surface of transferred CNTs becomes more hydrophilic, with an averaged contact angle of 93.4 ± 5.8°, in contrast to the super-hydrophobic as-grown CNT surface (contact angle 151.6 ± 5.5°). With versatile properties and flexible applications, the technique provides a simple and cost-effective way towards future nanodevices based on CNTs.

Corrosion, optical and magnetic properties of flexible iron nitride nano thin films deposited on polymer substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, W. Q.; Wang, Qun; Jin, Xin; Yasin, G.

2017-11-01

Iron nitride thin films of different compositions and thicknesses were deposited on flexible polymer substrate in Ar/N2 atmosphere by reactive magnetron sputtering under varying nitrogen flow rates. The nano structured films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectrophotometer, electrochemical impedance (EIS), atomic force (AFM) and transmission electron microscopies. The dependence of their functional properties on coating and growth conditions was studied in detail. It was found that the thin films show a uniform permeability in the frequency range of 200 MHz to 1 Ghz and can be used in this range without appreciable changes. Decrease of nitrogen flow rate resulted in the smoother surfaces which in turn increase transmittance quality and corrosion resistance. Functional properties are dependent of nature, relative concentration of the iron nitride phases and film thickness. Surface integrity is excellent for180 nm thick sample because the films appear to be very dense and free from open pores. By keeping sputtering power stable at 110 W, nitrogen flow rate of 10 sccm was ideal to develop the ferromagnetic γʹFe4N phase at room temperature.

A Polymethyl Methacrylate-Based Acrylic Dental Resin Surface Bound with a Photoreactive Polymer Inhibits Accumulation of Bacterial Plaque.

PubMed

Fukunishi, Miya; Inoue, Yuuki; Morisaki, Hirobumi; Kuwata, Hirotaka; Ishihara, Kazuhiko; Baba, Kazuyoshi

The aim of this study was to examine the ability of a poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butylmethacrylate-co-2-methacryloyloxyethyloxy-p-azidobenzoate) (PMBPAz) coating on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based dental resin to inhibit bacterial plaque formation, as well as the polymer's durability against water soaking and chemical exposure. Successful application of PMBPAz on PMMA surfaces was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and measuring the static air contact angle in water. The anti-adhesive effects to bacterial plaque were evaluated using Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation assay. The mechanical and chemical durabilities of the PMBPAz coating on the PMMA surfaces were examined using soaking and immersion tests, respectively. XPS signals for phosphorus and nitrogen atoms and hydrophilic status on PMMA surfaces treated with PMBPAz were observed, indicating the presence of the polymer on the substrates. The treated PMMA surfaces showed significant inhibition of S mutans biofilm formation compared to untreated surfaces. The PMBPAz coating was preserved after water soaking and chemical exposure. In addition, water soaking did not decrease the ability of treated PMMA to inhibit biofilm formation compared to treated PMMA specimens not subjected to water soaking. This study suggests that PMBPAz coating may represent a useful modification to PMMA surfaces for inhibiting denture plaque accumulation.

Fabrication, ultra-structure characterization and in vitro studies of RF magnetron sputter deposited nano-hydroxyapatite thin films for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Surmeneva, Maria A.; Surmenev, Roman A.; Nikonova, Yulia A.; Selezneva, Irina I.; Ivanova, Anna A.; Putlyaev, Valery I.; Prymak, Oleg; Epple, Matthias

2014-10-01

A series of nanostructured low-crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings averaging 170, 250, and 440 nm in thickness were deposited onto previously etched titanium substrates through radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The HA coatings were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Cross sections of the thin specimens were prepared by FIB to study the microstructure of the coatings by TEM. The deposition process formed nano-scale grains, generating an amorphous layer at the substrate/coating interface and inducing the growth of a columnar grain structure perpendicular to the substrate surface. A microstructural analysis of the film confirmed that the grain size and crystallinity increased when increasing the deposition time. The nanostructured HA coatings were not cytotoxic, as proven by in vitro assays using primary dental pulp stem cells and mouse fibroblast NCTC clone L929 cells. Low-crystallinity HA coatings with different thicknesses stimulated cells to attach, proliferate and form mineralized nodules on the surface better than uncoated titanium substrates.

Effect of Sputtering Current on the Comprehensive Properties of (Ti,Al)N Coating and High-Speed Steel Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Yongyao; Tian, Liangliang; Hu, Rong; Liu, Hongdong; Feng, Tong; Wang, Jinbiao

2018-05-01

To improve the practical property of (Ti,Al)N coating on a high-speed steel (HSS) substrate, a series of sputtering currents were used to obtain several (Ti,Al)N coatings using a magnetron sputtering equipment. The phase structure, morphology, and components of (Ti,Al)N coatings were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The performance of (Ti,Al)N coatings, adhesion, hardness, and wear resistance was tested using a scratch tester, micro/nanohardness tester, and tribometer, respectively. Based on the structure-property relationships of (Ti,Al)N coatings, the results show that both the Al content and deposition temperature of (Ti,Al)N coatings increased with sputtering current. A high Al content helped to improve the performance of (Ti,Al)N coatings. However, the HSS substrate was softened during the high sputtering current treatment. Therefore, the optimum sputtering current was determined as 2.5 A that effectively increased the hardness and wear resistance of (Ti,Al)N coating.

Printing medicines as orodispersible dosage forms: Effect of substrate on the printed micro-structure.

PubMed

Planchette, C; Pichler, H; Wimmer-Teubenbacher, M; Gruber, M; Gruber-Woelfler, H; Mohr, S; Tetyczka, C; Hsiao, W-K; Paudel, A; Roblegg, E; Khinast, J

2016-07-25

We present our recent advancements in developing a viable manufacturing process for printed medicine. Our approach involves using a non-contact printing system that incorporates both piezoelectric- and solenoid valve-based inkjet printing technologies, to deliver both active and inactive pharmaceutical materials onto medical-graded orodispersible films. By using two complimentary inkjet technologies, we were able to dispense an extensive range of fluids, from aqueous drug solutions to viscous polymer coating materials. Essentially, we demonstrate printing of a wide range of formulations for patient-ready, orodispersible drug dosage forms, without the risk of drug degradation by ink heating and of substrate damages (by contact printing). In addition, our printing process has been optimized to ensure that the drug doses can be loaded onto the orally dissolvable films without introducing defects, such as holes or tears, while retaining a smooth surface texture that promotes patient adherence and allows for uniform post-coatings. Results show that our platform technology can address key issues in manufacturing orodispersible drug dosage forms and bring us closer to delivering personalized and precision medicine to targeted patient populations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Redox active polymer devices and methods of using and manufacturing the same

DOEpatents

Johnson, Paul; Bautista-Martinez, Jose Antonio; Friesen, Cody; Switzer, Elise

2018-06-05

The disclosed technology relates generally to apparatus comprising conductive polymers and more particularly to tag and tag devices comprising a redox-active polymer film, and method of using and manufacturing the same. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a substrate and a conductive structure formed on the substrate which includes a layer of redox-active polymer film having mobile ions and electrons. The conductive structure further includes a first terminal and a second terminal configured to receive an electrical signal therebetween, where the layer of redox-active polymer is configured to conduct an electrical current generated by the mobile ions and the electrons in response to the electrical signal. The apparatus additionally includes a detection circuit operatively coupled to the conductive structure and configured to detect the electrical current flowing through the conductive structure.

Microstructure and Antiwear Property of Laser Cladding Ni–Co Duplex Coating on Copper

PubMed Central

Wang, Yiyong; Liang, Zhipeng; Zhang, Junwei; Ning, Zhe; Jin, Hui

2016-01-01

Ni–Co duplex coatings were cladded onto Cu to improve the antiwear properties of Cu products. Prior to laser cladding, n-Al2O3/Ni layers were introduced as interlayers between laser cladding coatings and Cu substrates to improve the laser absorptivity of these substrates and ensure defect-free laser cladding coatings. The structure and morphology of the coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy, and the phases of the coatings were analyzed by X-ray diffraction. Their hardness was measured using a microhardness tester. Experimental results showed that defect-free composite coatings were obtained and that the coatings were metallurgically bonded to the substrates. The surface of the Ni–Co duplex coatings comprised a Co-based solid solution, Cr7C3, (Fe,Ni)23C6, and other strengthening phases. The microhardness and wear resistance of the duplex coatings were significantly improved compared with the Cu substrates. The average microhardness of the cladded coatings was 845.6 HV, which was approximately 8.2 times greater than that of the Cu substrates (102.6 HV). The volume loss of the Cu substrates was approximately 7.5 times greater than that of the Ni–Co duplex coatings after 60 min of sliding wear testing. The high hardness of and lack of defects in the Ni–Co duplex coatings reduced the plastic deformation and adhesive wear of the Cu substrates, resulting in improved wear properties. PMID:28773755

Formation of Nanoparticle Stripe Patterns via Flexible-Blade Flow Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Dong Yun; Kim, Hyun Suk; Parkos, Cassandra; Lee, Cheol Hee; Emrick, Todd; Crosby, Alfred

2011-03-01

We present the controlled formation of nanostripe patterns of nanoparticles on underlying substrates by flexible-blade flow coating. This technique exploits the combination of convective flow of confined nanoparticle solutions and programmed translation of a substrate to fabricate nanoparticle-polymer line assemblies with width below 300 nm, thickness of a single nanoparticle, and lengths exceeding 10 cm. We demonstrate how the incorporation of a flexible blade into this technique allows capillary forces to self-regulate the uniformity of convective flow processes across large lateral lengths. Furthermore, we exploit solvent mixture dynamics to enhance intra-assembly particle packing and dimensional range. This facile technique opens up a new paradigm for integration of nanoscale patterns over large areas for various applications.

High-conductance low-voltage organic thin film transistor with locally rearranged poly(3-hexylthiophene) domain by current annealing on plastic substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pei, Zingway; Tsai, Hsing-Wang; Lai, Hsin-Cheng

2016-02-01

The organic material based thin film transistors (TFTs) are attractive for flexible optoelectronics applications due to the ability of lager area fabrication by solution and low temperature process on plastic substrate. Recently, the research of organic TFT focus on low operation voltage and high output current to achieve a low power organic logic circuit for optoelectronic device,such as e-paper or OLED displayer. To obtain low voltage and high output current, high gate capacitance and high channel mobility are key factors. The well-arranged polymer chain by a high temperature postannealing, leading enhancement conductivity of polymer film was a general method. However, the thermal annealing applying heat for all device on the substrate and may not applicable to plastic substrate. Therefore, in this work, the low operation voltage and high output current of polymer TFTs was demonstrated by locally electrical bias annealing. The poly(styrene-comethyl methacrylate) (PS-r-PMMA) with ultra-thin thickness is used as gate dielectric that the thickness is controlled by thermal treatment after spin coated on organic electrode. In electrical bias-annealing process, the PS-r- PMMA is acted a heating layer. After electrical bias-annealing, the polymer TFTs obtain high channel mobility at low voltage that lead high output current by a locally annealing of P3HT film. In the future, the locally electrical biasannealing method could be applied on plastic substrate for flexible optoelectronic application.

Nanoscale Reinforced, Polymer Derived Ceramic Matrix Coatings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rajendra Bordia

The goal of this project was to explore and develop a novel class of nanoscale reinforced ceramic coatings for high temperature (600-1000 C) corrosion protection of metallic components in a coal-fired environment. It was focused on developing coatings that are easy to process and low cost. The approach was to use high-yield preceramic polymers loaded with nano-size fillers. The complex interplay of the particles in the polymer, their role in controlling shrinkage and phase evolution during thermal treatment, resulting densification and microstructural evolution, mechanical properties and effectiveness as corrosion protection coatings were investigated. Fe-and Ni-based alloys currently used in coal-firedmore » environments do not possess the requisite corrosion and oxidation resistance for next generation of advanced power systems. One example of this is the power plants that use ultra supercritical steam as the working fluid. The increase in thermal efficiency of the plant and decrease in pollutant emissions are only possible by changing the properties of steam from supercritical to ultra supercritical. However, the conditions, 650 C and 34.5 MPa, are too severe and result in higher rate of corrosion due to higher metal temperatures. Coating the metallic components with ceramics that are resistant to corrosion, oxidation and erosion, is an economical and immediate solution to this problem. Good high temperature corrosion protection ceramic coatings for metallic structures must have a set of properties that are difficult to achieve using established processing techniques. The required properties include ease of coating complex shapes, low processing temperatures, thermal expansion match with metallic structures and good mechanical and chemical properties. Nanoscale reinforced composite coatings in which the matrix is derived from preceramic polymers have the potential to meet these requirements. The research was focused on developing suitable material systems and processing techniques for these coatings. In addition, we investigated the effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties and oxidation protection ability of the coatings. Coatings were developed to provide oxidation protection to both ferritic and austentic alloys and Ni-based alloys. The coatings that we developed are based on low viscosity pre-ceramic polymers. Thus they can be easily applied to any shape by using a variety of techniques including dip-coating, spray-coating and painting. The polymers are loaded with a variety of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have two primary roles: control of the final composition and phases (and hence the properties); and control of the shrinkage during thermal decomposition of the polymer. Thus the selection of the nanoparticles was the most critical aspect of this project. Based on the results of the processing studies, the performance of selected coatings in oxidizing conditions (both static and cyclic) was investigated.« less

Tungsten and iridium multilayered structure by DGP as ablation-resistance coatings for graphite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wangping; Chen, Zhaofeng; Cheng, Han; Wang, Liangbing; Zhang, Ying

2011-06-01

Oxidation protection of carbon material under ultra-high temperature is a serious problem. In this paper, a newly designed multilayer coating of W/Ir was produced onto the graphite substrate by double glow plasma. As comparison, the Ir single-layer coating on the graphite was also prepared. The ablation property and thermal stability of the coatings were studied at 2000 °C in an oxyacetylene torch flame. Ablation tests showed that the coated graphite substrates were protected more effectively by W/Ir multilayer coating than Ir single-layer coating. Ir single-layer coating after ablation kept the integrality, although there was a poor adhesion of the Ir coating to the graphite substrate because of the thermal expansion mismatch and the non-wetting of the carbon by Ir coating. The mass loss rate of the W/Ir-coated specimen after ablation was about 1.62%. The interface of W/Ir multilayer coating and the graphite substrate exhibited good adherence no evidence of delamination after ablation. W/Ir multilayer coating could be useful for protecting graphite in high-temperature application for a short time.

Effect of mucoadhesive polymers on the in vitro performance of insulin-loaded silica nanoparticles: Interactions with mucin and biomembrane models.

PubMed

Andreani, Tatiana; Miziara, Leonardo; Lorenzón, Esteban N; de Souza, Ana Luiza R; Kiill, Charlene P; Fangueiro, Joana F; Garcia, Maria L; Gremião, Palmira D; Silva, Amélia M; Souto, Eliana B

2015-06-01

The present paper focuses on the development and characterization of silica nanoparticles (SiNP) coated with hydrophilic polymers as mucoadhesive carriers for oral administration of insulin. SiNP were prepared by sol-gel technology under mild conditions and coated with different hydrophilic polymers, namely, chitosan, sodium alginate or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with low and high molecular weight (PEG 6000 and PEG 20000) to increase the residence time at intestinal mucosa. The mean size and size distribution, association efficiency, insulin structure and insulin thermal denaturation have been determined. The mean nanoparticle diameter ranged from 289 nm to 625 nm with a PI between 0.251 and 0.580. The insulin association efficiency in SiNP was recorded above 70%. After coating, the association efficiency of insulin increased up to 90%, showing the high affinity of the protein to the hydrophilic polymer chains. Circular dichroism (CD) indicated that no conformation changes of insulin structure occurred after loading the peptide into SiNP. Nano-differential scanning calorimetry (nDSC) showed that SiNP shifted the insulin endothermic peak to higher temperatures. The influence of coating on the interaction of nanoparticles with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) biomembrane models was also evaluated by nDSC. The increase of ΔH values suggested a strong association of non-coated SiNP and those PEGylated nanoparticles coated with DPPC polar heads by forming hydrogen bonds and/or by electrostatic interaction. The mucoadhesive properties of nanoparticles were examined by studying the interaction with mucin in aqueous solution. SiNP coated with alginate or chitosan showed high contact with mucin. On the other hand, non-coated SiNP and PEGylated SiNP showed lower interaction with mucin, indicating that these nanoparticles can interdiffuse across mucus network. The results of the present work provide valuable data in assessing the in vitro performance of insulin-loaded SiNP coated with mucoadhesive polymers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gas diffusion layers coated with a microporous layer containing hydrophilic carbon nanotubes for performance enhancement of polymer electrolyte fuel cells under both low and high humidity conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitahara, Tatsumi; Nakajima, Hironori; Okamura, Kosuke

2015-06-01

Gas diffusion layers (GDLs) coated with a hydrophobic microporous layer (MPL) composed of carbon black and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been commonly used to improve the water management characteristics of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). However, the hydrophobic MPL coated GDL designed to prevent dehydration of the membrane under low humidity conditions is generally inferior at reducing flooding under high humidity conditions. It is therefore important to develop a robust MPL coated GDL that can enhance the PEFC performance regardless of the humidity conditions. In the present study, a GDL coated with an MPL containing hydrophilic carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was developed. The less hydrophobic pores incorporating CNTs are effective at conserving the membrane humidity under low humidity conditions. The MPL with CNTs is also effective at expelling excess water from the catalyst layer while maintaining oxygen flow pathways from the GDL substrate, allowing the mean flow pore diameter to be decreased to 2 μm without reducing the ability of the MPL to prevent flooding under high humidity conditions. An MPL coated GDL with a CNT content of 4 mass% exhibits significantly higher performance under both low and high humidity conditions than a hydrophobic MPL coated GDL.

Facile preparation of high density polyethylene superhydrophobic/superoleophilic coatings on glass, copper and polyurethane sponge for self-cleaning, corrosion resistance and efficient oil/water separation.

PubMed

Cheng, Yuanyuan; Wu, Bei; Ma, Xiaofan; Lu, Shixiang; Xu, Wenguo; Szunerits, Sabine; Boukherroub, Rabah

2018-04-18

Inspired by the lotus effect and water-repellent properties of water striders' legs, superhydrophobic surfaces have been intensively investigated from both fundamental and applied perspectives for daily and industrial applications. Various techniques are available for the fabrication of artificial superoleophilic/superhydrophobic (SS). However, most of these techniques are tedious and often require hazardous or expensive equipment, which hampers their implementation for practical applications. In the present work, we used a versatile and straightforward technique based on polymer drop-casting for the preparation SS materials that can be implemented on any substrate. High density polyethylene (HDPE) SS coatings were prepared on different substrates (glass, copper mesh and polyurethane (PU) sponge) by drop casting the parent polymer xylene-ethanol solution at room temperature. All the substrates exhibited a superhydrophobic behavior with a water contact angle (WCA) greater than 150°. Furthermore, the corrosion resistance, stability, self-cleaning property, and water/oil separation of the developed materials were also assessed. While copper mesh and PU sponge exhibited good ability for oil and organic solvents separation from water, the HDPE-functionalized PU sponge displayed good adsorption capacity, 32-90 times the weight of adsorbed substance vs. the weight of adsorbent. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of ultraviolet exposure effects on the surface properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposite films on Mylar substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clausi, Marialaura; Santonicola, M. Gabriella; Schirone, Luigi; Laurenzi, Susanna

2017-05-01

In this paper, we present a study of the effects generated by exposure to UV-C radiation on nanocomposite films made of graphene nanoplatelets dispersed in an epoxy matrix. The nanocomposite films, at different nanoparticle size and concentration, were fabricated on Mylar substrate using the spin coating process. The effects of UV-C irradiation on the surface hydrophobicity and on the electrical properties of the epoxy/graphene films were investigated using contact angle measurements and electrical impedance spectroscopy, respectively. According to our results, the UV-C irradiation selectively degrades the polymer matrix of the nanocomposite films, giving rise to more conductive and hydrophobic layers due to exposure of the graphene component of the composite material. The results presented here have important implications in the design of spacecraft components and structures destined for long-term space missions.

Fabrication and characterization of silver- and copper-coated Nylon 6 forcespun nanofibers by thermal evaporation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mihut, Dorina M., E-mail: dorinamm@yahoo.com; Lozano, Karen; Foltz, Heinrich

2014-11-01

Silver and copper nanoparticles were deposited as thin films onto substrates consisting of Nylon 6 nanofibers manufactured using forcespinning{sup ®} equipment. Different rotational speeds were used to obtain continuous nanofibers of various diameters arranged as nonwoven mats. The Nylon 6 nanofibers were collected as successive layers on frames, and a high-vacuum thermal evaporation method was used to deposit the silver and copper thin films on the nanofibers. The structures were investigated using scanning electron microscopy–scanning transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electrical resistance measurements. The results indicate that evaporated silver and copper nanoparticles were successfully deposited onmore » Nylon 6 nanofibers as thin films that adhered well to the polymer substrate while the native morphology of the nanofibers were preserved, and electrically conductive nanostructures were achieved.« less

Biocorrosion behavior and cell viability of adhesive polymer coated magnesium based alloys for medical implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdal-hay, Abdalla; Dewidar, Montasser; Lim, Jae Kyoo

2012-11-01

The present study was ultimately aimed to design novel adhesive biodegradable polymer, poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), coatings onto Mg based alloys by the dip-coating technique in order to control the degradation rate and enhance the biocompatibility of magnesium alloys. The influence of various solvents on PVAc surface topography and their protection of Mg alloys were dramatically studied in vitro. Electrochemical polarization, degradation, and PVAc film cytocompatibility were also tested. Our results showed that the solvent had a significant effect on coating quality. PVAc/dichloromethane solution showed a porous structure and solution concentration could control the porous size. The coatings prepared using tetrahydrofuran and dimethylformamide solvents are exceptional in their ability to generate porous morphology even at low polymer concentration. In general, the corrosion performance appears to be different on different PVAc-solvent system. Immersion tests illustrated that the porous morphology on PVAc stabilized corrosion rates. A uniform corrosion attack in artificial simulation body fluid was also exhibited. The cytocompatibility of osteoblast cells (MC3T3) revealed high adherence, proliferation, and survival on the porous structure of PVAc coated Mg alloy, which was not observed for the uncoated samples. This novel PVAc coating is a promising candidate for biodegradable implant materials, which might widen the use of Mg based implants.

Polymethyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid coatings with controllable concentration of surface carboxyl groups: A novel approach in fabrication of polymeric platforms for potential bio-diagnostic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseini, Samira; Ibrahim, Fatimah; Djordjevic, Ivan; Koole, Leo H.

2014-05-01

The generally accepted strategy in development of bio-diagnostic devices is to immobilize proteins on polymeric surfaces as a part of detection process for diseases and viruses through antibody/antigen coupling. In that perspective, polymer surface properties such as concentration of functional groups must be closely controlled in order to preserve the protein activity. In order to improve the surface characteristics of transparent polymethacrylate plastics that are used for diagnostic devices, we have developed an effective fabrication procedure of polymethylmetacrylate-co-metacrylic acid (PMMA-co-MAA) coatings with controlled number of surface carboxyl groups. The polymers were processed effectively with the spin-coating technique and the detailed control over surface properties is here by demonstrated through the variation of a single synthesis reaction parameter. The chemical structure of synthesized and processed co-polymers has been investigated with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS). The surface morphology of polymer coatings have been analyzed with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We demonstrate that the surface morphology and the concentration of surface -COOH groups (determined with UV-vis surface titration) on the processed PMMA-co-MAA coatings can be precisely controlled by variation of initial molar ratio of reactants in the free-radical polymerization reaction. The wettability of developed polymer surfaces also varies with macromolecular structure.

Solvent Effects of Model Polymeric Corrosion Control Coatings on Water Transport and Corrosion Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konecki, Christina

Industrial coating formulations are often made for volatile organic content compliance and ease of application, with little regard for the solvent impact on resultant performance characteristics. Our research objective was to understand the effect of both solvent retention and chemical structure on water transport through polymer films and resultant corrosion area growth of coated steel substrates. A clear, unpigmented Phenoxy(TM) thermoplastic polymer (PKHH) was formulated into resin solutions with three separate solvent blends selected by Hansen solubility parameter (HSP), boiling point, and ability to solubilize PKHH. Polymer films cast from MEK/PGME (methyl ethyl ketone/ propylene glycol methyl ether), dried under ambient conditions (AMB, > 6wt.% residual solvent) produced a porous morphology, which resulted in a corrosion area greater than 50%. We attributed this to the water-soluble solvent used in film preparation, which enabled residual PGME to be extracted by water. The resin solution prepared with CYCOH/DXL (Cyclohexanol/ 1,3 dioxolane) was selected because CYCOH is a solid at room temperature which acts as a pigment in the final film. Therefore, increasing the tortuosity of water transport, as well as a high hydrogen bonding character, which caused more interactions with water, slowing diffusion, producing a nodular morphology, and 37% less corrosion area than MEK/PGME AMB. The HSP of PKHH and EEP (ethyl 3-ethoxypropionate) are within 5% of each other, which produced a homogeneous morphology and resulted in comparable corrosion rates regardless of residual solvent content. We utilized electrochemical techniques and attenuated total reflectance- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to elucidate dynamic water absorption and solvent extraction in the exposed model formulations. We found that water absorption resulted in a loss of barrier properties, and increased corrosion due to the voids formed by solvent extraction. The polymer films were rejuvenated (removal of water) as an attempt to decrease the number of water transport pathways during exposure. Results found that samples rejuvenated at temperatures above the glass transition temperature of the samples achieved lower moisture content and consequently, lower corrosion growth rates. In commercial systems, rejuvenation lowered the corrosion rate up to 60% indicating better coating formulations and maintenance cycles would control the corrosion rate.

A simplified method for generating periodic nanostructures by interference lithography without the use of an anti-reflection coating

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kapon, Omree; Muallem, Merav; Palatnik, Alex

Interference lithography has proven to be a useful technique for generating periodic sub-diffraction limited nanostructures. Interference lithography can be implemented by exposing a photoresist polymer to laser light using a two-beam arrangement or more simply a one beam configuration based on a Lloyd's Mirror Interferometer. For typical photoresist layers, an anti-reflection coating must be deposited on the substrate to prevent adverse reflections from cancelling the holographic pattern of the interfering beams. For silicon substrates, such coatings are typically multilayered and complex in composition. By thinning the photoresist layer to a thickness well below the quarter wavelength of the exposing beam,more » we demonstrate that interference gratings can be generated without an anti-reflection coating on the substrate. We used ammonium dichromate doped polyvinyl alcohol as the positive photoresist because it provides excellent pinhole free layers down to thicknesses of 40 nm, and can be cross-linked by a low-cost single mode 457 nm laser, and can be etched in water. Gratings with a period of 320 nm and depth of 4 nm were realized, as well as a variety of morphologies depending on the photoresist thickness. This simplified interference lithography technique promises to be useful for generating periodic nanostructures with high fidelity and minimal substrate treatments.« less

Highly flexible binder-free core-shell nanofibrous electrode for lightweight electrochemical energy storage using recycled water bottles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, HaoTian H.; Naguib, Hani E.

2016-08-01

The creation of a novel flexible nanocomposite fiber with conductive polymer polyaniline (PAni) coating on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate allowed for increased electrochemical performance while retaining ideal mechanical properties such as very high flexibility. Binder-free PAni-wrapped PET (PAni@PET) fiber with a core-shell structure was successfully fabricated through a novel technique. The PET nanofiber substrate was fabricated through an optimized electrospinning method, while the PAni shell was chemically polymerized onto the surface of the nanofibers. The PET substrate can be made directly from recycled PETE1 grade plastic water bottles. The resulting nanofiber with an average diameter of 121 nm ± 39 nm, with a specific surface area of 83.72 m2 g-1, led to better ionic interactions at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The PAni active layer coating was found to be 69 nm in average thickness. The specific capacitance was found to have increased dramatically from pure PAni with carbon binders. The specific capacitance was found to be 347 F g-1 at a relatively high scan rate of 10 mV s-1. The PAni/PET fiber also experienced very little degradation (4.4%) in capacitance after 1500 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles at a specific current of 1.2 A g-1. The mesoporous structure of the PAni@PET fibrous mat also allowed for tunable capacitance by controlling the pore sizes. This novel fabrication method offers insights for the utilization of recycled PETE1 based bottles as a high performance, low cost, highly flexible supercapacitor device.

Polymer-Coated Graphene Aerogel Beads and Supercapacitor Application.

PubMed

Ouyang, An; Cao, Anyuan; Hu, Song; Li, Yanhui; Xu, Ruiqiao; Wei, Jinquan; Zhu, Hongwei; Wu, Dehai

2016-05-04

Graphene aerogels are highly porous materials with many energy and environmental applications; tailoring the structure and composition of pore walls within the aerogel is the key to those applications. Here, by freeze casting the graphene oxide sheets, we directly fabricated freestanding porous graphene beads containing radially oriented through channels from the sphere center to its surface. Furthermore, we introduced pseudopolymer to make reinforced, functional composite beads with a unique pore morphology. We showed that polymer layers can be coated smoothly on both sides of the pore walls, as well as on the junctions between adjacent pores, resulting in uniform polymer-graphene-polymer sandwiched structures (skeletons) throughout the bead. These composite beads significantly improved the electrochemical properties, with specific capacitances up to 669 F/g and good cyclic stability. Our results indicate that controlled fabrication of homogeneous hierarchical structures is a potential route toward high performance composite electrodes for various energy applications.

Conformal coating of highly structured surfaces

DOEpatents

Ginley, David S.; Perkins, John; Berry, Joseph; Gennett, Thomas

2012-12-11

Method of applying a conformal coating to a highly structured substrate and devices made by the disclosed methods are disclosed. An example method includes the deposition of a substantially contiguous layer of a material upon a highly structured surface within a deposition process chamber. The highly structured surface may be associated with a substrate or another layer deposited on a substrate. The method includes depositing a material having an amorphous structure on the highly structured surface at a deposition pressure of equal to or less than about 3 mTorr. The method may also include removing a portion of the amorphous material deposited on selected surfaces and depositing additional amorphous material on the highly structured surface.

Comparative static curing versus dynamic curing on tablet coating structures.

PubMed

Gendre, Claire; Genty, Muriel; Fayard, Barbara; Tfayli, Ali; Boiret, Mathieu; Lecoq, Olivier; Baron, Michel; Chaminade, Pierre; Péan, Jean Manuel

2013-09-10

Curing is generally required to stabilize film coating from aqueous polymer dispersion. This post-coating drying step is traditionally carried out in static conditions, requiring the transfer of solid dosage forms to an oven. But, curing operation performed directly inside the coating equipment stands for an attractive industrial application. Recently, the use of various advanced physico-chemical characterization techniques i.e., X-ray micro-computed tomography, vibrational spectroscopies (near infrared and Raman) and X-ray microdiffraction, allowed new insights into the film-coating structures of dynamically cured tablets. Dynamic curing end-point was efficiently determined after 4h. The aim of the present work was to elucidate the influence of curing conditions on film-coating structures. Results demonstrated that 24h of static curing and 4h of dynamic curing, both performed at 60°C and ambient relative humidity, led to similar coating layers in terms of drug release properties, porosity, water content, structural rearrangement of polymer chains and crystalline distribution. Furthermore, X-ray microdiffraction measurements pointed out different crystalline coating compositions depending on sample storage time. An aging mechanism might have occur during storage, resulting in the crystallization and the upward migration of cetyl alcohol, coupled to the downward migration of crystalline sodium lauryl sulfate within the coating layer. Interestingly, this new study clearly provided further knowledge into film-coating structures after a curing step and confirmed that curing operation could be performed in dynamic conditions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermally Stable, Piezoelectric and Pyroelectric Polymeric Substrates and Method Relating Thereto

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, Joycelyn O. (Inventor); St.Clair, Terry L. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

Production of an electric voltage in response to mechanical excitation (piezoelectricity) or thermal excitation (pyroelectricity) requires a material to have a preferred dipole orientation in its structure. This preferred orientation or polarization occurs naturally in some crystals such as quartz and can be induced into some ceramic and polymeric materials by application of strong electric or mechanical fields. For some materials, a combination of mechanical and electrical orientation is necessary to completely polarize the material. The only commercially available piezoelectric polymer is poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVF2). However, this polymer has material and process limitations which prohibit its use in numerous device applications where thermal stability is a requirement. By the present invention, thermally stable, piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrates were prepared from polymers having a softening temperature greater than 1000C. A metal electrode material is deposited onto the polymer substrate and several electrical leads are attached to it. The polymer substrate is heated in a low dielectric medium to enhance molecular mobility of the polymer chains. A voltage is then applied to the polymer substrate inducing polarization. The voltage is then maintained while the polymer substrate is cooled 'freezing in' the molecular orientation. The novelty of the invention resides in the process of preparing the piezoelectric and pyroelectric polymeric substrate. The nonobviousness of the invention is found in heating the polymeric substrate in a low dielectric medium while applying a voltage.

Creating "hotels" for cells by electrospinning honeycomb-like polymeric structures.

PubMed

Liang, T; Mahalingam, S; Edirisinghe, M

2013-10-01

It is well established that three-dimensional honeycomb-like nanofibrous structures enhance cell activity. In this work, we report that electrospun polymer nanofibres self-assemble into three-dimensional honeycomb-like structures. The underlying mechanism is studied by varying the polymer solution concentration, collecting substrates and working distance. The polymer solution concentration has a significant effect on the size of the electrospun nanofibres. The collection substrate and working distance affect the electric field strength, the evaporation of solvent and the discharging of nanofibres and consequently these two had a significant influence on the self-assembly of nanofibres. © 2013.

Stainless and Galvanized Steel, Hydrophobic Admixture and Flexible Polymer-Cement Coating Compared in Increasing Durability of Reinforced Concrete Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tittarelli, Francesca; Giosuè, Chiara; Mobili, Alessandra

2017-08-01

The use of stainless or galvanized steel reinforcements, a hydrophobic admixture or a flexible polymer-cement coating were compared as methods to improve the corrosion resistance of sound or cracked reinforced concrete specimens exposed to chloride rich solutions. The results show that in full immersion condition, negligible corrosion rates were detected in all cracked specimens, except those treated with the flexible polymer-cement mortar as preventive method against corrosion and the hydrophobic concrete specimens. High corrosion rates were measured in all cracked specimens exposed to wet-dry cycles, except for those reinforced with stainless steel, those treated with the flexible polymer-cement coating as restorative method against reinforcement corrosion and for hydrophobic concrete specimens reinforced with galvanized steel reinforcements.

Electrically switchable polymer liquid crystal and polymer birefringent flake in fluid host systems and optical devices utilizing same

DOEpatents

Marshall, Kenneth L.; Kosc, Tanya Z.; Jacobs, Stephen D.; Faris, Sadeg M.; Li, Le

2003-12-16

Flakes or platelets of polymer liquid crystals (PLC) or other birefringent polymers (BP) suspended in a fluid host medium constitute a system that can function as the active element in an electrically switchable optical device when the suspension is either contained between a pair of rigid substrates bearing transparent conductive coatings or dispersed as microcapsules within the body of a flexible host polymer. Optical properties of these flake materials include large effective optical path length, different polarization states and high angular sensitivity in their selective reflection or birefringence. The flakes or platelets of these devices need only a 3-20.degree. rotation about the normal to the cell surface to achieve switching characteristics obtainable with prior devices using particle rotation or translation.

Toward Plastic Smart Windows: Optimization of Indium Tin Oxide Electrodes for the Synthesis of Electrochromic Devices on Polycarbonate Substrates.

PubMed

Laurenti, Marco; Bianco, Stefano; Castellino, Micaela; Garino, Nadia; Virga, Alessandro; Pirri, Candido F; Mandracci, Pietro

2016-03-01

Plastic smart windows are becoming one of the key elements in view of the fabrication of inexpensive, lightweight electrochromic (EC) devices to be integrated in the new generation of high-energy-efficiency buildings and automotive applications. However, fabricating electrochromic devices on polymer substrates requires a reduction of process temperature, so in this work we focus on the development of a completely room-temperature deposition process aimed at the preparation of ITO-coated polycarbonate (PC) structures acting as transparent and conductive plastic supports. Without providing any substrate heating or surface activation pretreatments of the polymer, different deposition conditions are used for growing indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films by the radiofrequency magnetron sputtering technique. According to the characterization results, the set of optimal deposition parameters is selected to deposit ITO electrodes having high optical transmittance in the visible range (∼90%) together with low sheet resistance (∼8 ohm/sq). The as-prepared ITO/PC structures are then successfully tested as conductive supports for the fabrication of plastic smart windows. To this purpose, tungsten trioxide thin films are deposited by the reactive sputtering technique on the ITO/PC structures, and the resulting single electrode EC devices are characterized by chronoamperometric experiments and cyclic voltammetry. The fast switching response between colored and bleached states, together with the stability and reversibility of their electrochromic behavior after several cycling tests, are considered to be representative of the high quality of the EC film but especially of the ITO electrode. Indeed, even if no adhesion promoters, additional surface activation pretreatments, or substrate heating were used to promote the mechanical adhesion among the electrode and the PC surface, the observed EC response confirmed that the developed materials can be successfully employed for the fabrication of lightweight and inexpensive plastic EC devices.

High Precision Metal Thin Film Liftoff Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Ari D. (Inventor); Patel, Amil A. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A metal film liftoff process includes applying a polymer layer onto a silicon substrate, applying a germanium layer over the polymer layer to create a bilayer lift off mask, applying a patterned photoresist layer over the germanium layer, removing an exposed portion of the germanium layer, removing the photoresist layer and a portion of the polymer layer to expose a portion of the substrate and create an overhanging structure of the germanium layer, depositing a metal film over the exposed portion of the substrate and the germanium layer, and removing the polymer and germanium layers along with the overlaying metal film.