Initial Study on Thin Film Preparation of Carbon Nanodots Composites as Luminescence Material

Science.gov (United States)

Iskandar, F.; Aimon, A. H.; Akmaluddin, A. R.; Nuryadin, B. W.; Abdullah, M.

2016-08-01

Nowadays, the developments of phosphors materials require elements without noble metals and simple production process. Carbon nanodots (C-dots) are one of phosphor materials with wide range of emission band, and high biocompatibility. In this research thin film carbon nanodots composite have been prepared by spin coating method. Prior deposition, powder carbon nanodots were synthesized from a mixture of commercial urea as the nitrogen sources and citric acid as a carbon source by using hydrothermal and microwave-assisted heating method. The prepared powder was dispersed in transparent epoxy resin and then coated on glass substrate. The photoluminescence result for sample with 0.035 g citric acid exhibited an intense, single, homogeneous and broad spectrum with yellowish emission upon excitation at 365 nm. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) result showed the existences of C=C, C-H, C=O, N-H and O-H functional groups which confirmed the quality of the sample. Further, based on UV-Vis measurement, the prepared thin film was highly transparent (transmittance 90%) with estimated film thickness around 764 nm. This result may open an opportunity for optoelectronic devices.

Initial Study on Thin Film Preparation of Carbon Nanodots Composites as Luminescence Material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iskandar, F; Aimon, A H; Akmaluddin, A R; Abdullah, M; Nuryadin, B W

2016-01-01

Nowadays, the developments of phosphors materials require elements without noble metals and simple production process. Carbon nanodots (C-dots) are one of phosphor materials with wide range of emission band, and high biocompatibility. In this research thin film carbon nanodots composite have been prepared by spin coating method. Prior deposition, powder carbon nanodots were synthesized from a mixture of commercial urea as the nitrogen sources and citric acid as a carbon source by using hydrothermal and microwave-assisted heating method. The prepared powder was dispersed in transparent epoxy resin and then coated on glass substrate. The photoluminescence result for sample with 0.035 g citric acid exhibited an intense, single, homogeneous and broad spectrum with yellowish emission upon excitation at 365 nm. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) result showed the existences of C=C, C-H, C=O, N-H and O-H functional groups which confirmed the quality of the sample. Further, based on UV-Vis measurement, the prepared thin film was highly transparent (transmittance 90%) with estimated film thickness around 764 nm. This result may open an opportunity for optoelectronic devices. (paper)

Thin composite films consisting of polypyrrole and polyparaphenylene

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Golovtsov, I.; Bereznev, S.; Traksmaa, R.; Opik, A.

2007-01-01

This study demonstrates that the combined method for the formation of thin composite films, consisting of polypyrrole (PPy) as a film forming agent and polyparaphenylene (PPP) with controlled electrical properties and high stability, enables one to avoid the low processability of PPP and to extend the possibilities for the development of electronic devices. The high temperature (250-600 deg. C) doping method was used for PPP preparation. The crystallinity and grindability of PPP was found to be increasing with the thermochemical modification. Thin composite films were prepared onto the light transparent substrates using the simple electropolymerization technique. The properties of films were characterized by the optical transmittance and temperature-dependent conductivity measurements. The morphology and thickness of the prepared films were determined using the scanning electron microscopy. The composite films showed a better adhesion to an inorganic substrate. It was found to be connected mostly with the improved properties of the high temperature doped PPP. The current-voltage characteristics of indium tin oxide/film/Au hybrid organic-inorganic structures showed the influence of the doping conditions of PPP inclusions in the obtained films

Synthesis and characterization of hard ternary AlMgB composite films prepared by sputter deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yan Ce [Department of Physics and Materials Science and Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong); Zhou, Z.F. [Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management and Advanced Coatings Applied Research Laboratory, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong); Chong, Y.M.; Liu, C.P.; Liu, Z.T. [Department of Physics and Materials Science and Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong); Li, K.Y., E-mail: mekyli@cityu.edu.h [Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Engineering Management and Advanced Coatings Applied Research Laboratory, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong); Bello, I., E-mail: apibello@cityu.edu.h [Department of Physics and Materials Science and Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong); Kutsay, O.; Zapien, J.A.; Zhang, W.J. [Department of Physics and Materials Science and Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

2010-07-30

Hard and superlight thin films laminated with boron carbide have been proposed as candidates for strategic use such as armor materials in military and space applications. Aluminum magnesium boride (AlMgB) films are excellent candidates for these purposes. We prepared AlMgB films by sputter deposition using multiple unbalanced planar magnetrons equipped with two boron and one AlMg targets. The film morphology changed and the film's root mean square (rms) roughness varied from 1.0 to 18 nm as the power density of the AlMg target increased from 0.2 to 1.0 W/cm{sup 2} while the power density of each boron target was maintained at 2 W/cm{sup 2}. Chemical analyses show dominating Al, Mg, B and trace elements of oxygen, carbon and argon. The film composition also varies with altering the power density supplied to the AlMg target. The film with an atomic ratio of Al:Mg:B = 1.38:0.64:1 exhibits the highest hardness ({approx} 30 GPa). This value surpasses the hardness of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon films (24-28 GPa) prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

Synthesis and characterization of hard ternary AlMgB composite films prepared by sputter deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan Ce; Zhou, Z.F.; Chong, Y.M.; Liu, C.P.; Liu, Z.T.; Li, K.Y.; Bello, I.; Kutsay, O.; Zapien, J.A.; Zhang, W.J.

2010-01-01

Hard and superlight thin films laminated with boron carbide have been proposed as candidates for strategic use such as armor materials in military and space applications. Aluminum magnesium boride (AlMgB) films are excellent candidates for these purposes. We prepared AlMgB films by sputter deposition using multiple unbalanced planar magnetrons equipped with two boron and one AlMg targets. The film morphology changed and the film's root mean square (rms) roughness varied from 1.0 to 18 nm as the power density of the AlMg target increased from 0.2 to 1.0 W/cm 2 while the power density of each boron target was maintained at 2 W/cm 2 . Chemical analyses show dominating Al, Mg, B and trace elements of oxygen, carbon and argon. The film composition also varies with altering the power density supplied to the AlMg target. The film with an atomic ratio of Al:Mg:B = 1.38:0.64:1 exhibits the highest hardness (∼ 30 GPa). This value surpasses the hardness of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon films (24-28 GPa) prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition.

Simple preparation of fluorescent composite films based on cerium and europium doped LaF3 nanoparticles

Science.gov (United States)

Secco, Henrique de L.; Ferreira, Fabio F.; Péres, Laura O.

2018-03-01

The combination of materials to form hybrids with unique properties, different from those of the isolated components, is a strategy used to prepare functional materials with improved properties aiming to allow their application in specific fields. The doping of lanthanum fluoride with other rare earth elements is used to obtain luminescent particles, which may be useful to the manufacturing of electronic devices' displays and biological markers, for instance. The application of the powder of nanoparticles has limitations in some fields; to overcome this, the powder may be incorporated in a suitable polymeric matrix. In this work, lanthanum fluoride nanoparticles, undoped and doped with cerium and europium, were synthesized through the co-precipitation method in aqueous solution. Aiming the formation of solid state films, composites of nanoparticles in an elastomeric matrix, the nitrile rubber (NBR), were prepared. The flexibility and the transparency of the matrix in the regions of interest are advantages for the application of the luminescent composites. The composites were applied as films using the casting and the spin coating techniques and luminescent materials were obtained in the samples doped with europium and cerium. Scanning electron microscopy images showed an adequate dispersion of the particles in the matrix in both film formation techniques. Aggregates of the particles were detected in the samples which may affect the uniformity of the emission of the composites.

Influences of arc current on composition and properties of MgO thin films prepared by cathodic vacuum arc deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Daoyun; Zheng Changxi; Wang Mingdong; Liu Yi; Chen Dihu; He Zhenhui; Wen Lishi; Cheung, W.Y.

2010-01-01

MgO thin films with high optical transmittances (more than 90%) were prepared by cathodic vacuum arc deposition technique. With the increase of arc current from 40 to 80 A, the deposition pressure decreases and the film thickness increases; the atomic ratio of Mg/O in MgO thin films (obtained by RBS) increases from 0.97 to 1.17, giving that deposited at 50 A most close to the stoichiometric composition of the bulk MgO; the grains of MgO thin films grow gradually as shown in SEM images. XRD patterns show that MgO (1 1 0) orientation is predominant for films prepared at the arc currents ranged from 50 to 70 A. The MgO (1 0 0) orientation is much enhanced and comparable to that of MgO (1 1 0) for films prepared at the arc current of 80 A. The secondary electron emission coefficient of MgO thin film increases with arc current ranged from 50 to 70 A.

Studies of the composition, mechanical and electrical properties of N-doped carbon films prepared by DC-MFCAD

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wen, F.; Huang, N.; Leng, Y.X.; Wang, J.; Sun, H.; Li, Y.J.; Wang, Z.W.

2006-01-01

N-doped carbon films were prepared on Si(1 0 0) and Ti-6Al-4V substrates using direct current magnetically filtered cathodic arc deposition (DC-MFCAD) at room temperature for various different N 2 pressures. The structure and composition of the films were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Ball-on-disk and microhardness tests were used to characterize the mechanical properties of the films, and Hall effect tests were employed to study the electrical properties

A dense and strong bonding collagen film for carbon/carbon composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cao, Sheng; Li, Hejun, E-mail: lihejun@nwpu.edu.cn; Li, Kezhi; Lu, Jinhua; Zhang, Leilei

2015-08-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Significantly enhancement of biocompatibility on C/C composites by preparing a collagen film. • The dense and continuous collagen film had a strong bonding strength with C/C composites after dehydrathermal treatment (DHT) crosslink. • Numerous oxygen-containing functional groups formed on the surface of C/C composites without matrix damage. - Abstract: A strong bonding collagen film was successfully prepared on carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. The surface conditions of the modified C/C composites were detected by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectra. The roughness, optical morphology, bonding strength and biocompatibility of collagen films at different pH values were detected by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), universal test machine and cytology tests in vitro. After a 4-h modification in 30% H{sub 2}O{sub 2} solution at 100 °C, the contact angle on the surface of C/C composites was decreased from 92.3° to 65.3°. Large quantities of hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl functional groups were formed on the surface of the modified C/C composites. Then a dense and continuous collagen film was prepared on the modified C/C substrate. Bonding strength between collagen film and C/C substrate was reached to 8 MPa level when the pH value of this collagen film was 2.5 after the preparing process. With 2-day dehydrathermal treatment (DHT) crosslinking at 105 °C, the bonding strength was increased to 12 MPa level. At last, the results of in vitro cytological test showed that this collagen film made a great improvement on the biocompatibility on C/C composites.

A dense and strong bonding collagen film for carbon/carbon composites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cao, Sheng; Li, Hejun; Li, Kezhi; Lu, Jinhua; Zhang, Leilei

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Significantly enhancement of biocompatibility on C/C composites by preparing a collagen film. • The dense and continuous collagen film had a strong bonding strength with C/C composites after dehydrathermal treatment (DHT) crosslink. • Numerous oxygen-containing functional groups formed on the surface of C/C composites without matrix damage. - Abstract: A strong bonding collagen film was successfully prepared on carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. The surface conditions of the modified C/C composites were detected by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectra. The roughness, optical morphology, bonding strength and biocompatibility of collagen films at different pH values were detected by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), universal test machine and cytology tests in vitro. After a 4-h modification in 30% H 2 O 2 solution at 100 °C, the contact angle on the surface of C/C composites was decreased from 92.3° to 65.3°. Large quantities of hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl functional groups were formed on the surface of the modified C/C composites. Then a dense and continuous collagen film was prepared on the modified C/C substrate. Bonding strength between collagen film and C/C substrate was reached to 8 MPa level when the pH value of this collagen film was 2.5 after the preparing process. With 2-day dehydrathermal treatment (DHT) crosslinking at 105 °C, the bonding strength was increased to 12 MPa level. At last, the results of in vitro cytological test showed that this collagen film made a great improvement on the biocompatibility on C/C composites

Effects of hydrogenation on thermal conductivity of ultrananocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon composite films prepared via coaxial arc plasma deposition

Science.gov (United States)

Takeichi, Satoshi; Nishiyama, Takashi; Tabara, Mitsuru; Kawawaki, Shuichi; Kohno, Masamichi; Takahashi, Koji; Yoshitake, Tsuyoshi

2018-06-01

Ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)/hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) composite (UNCD/a-C:H) and UNCD/non-hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C) composite (UNCD/a-C) films were prepared via coaxial arc plasma deposition, and their thermal conductivity and interfacial conductance in grain boundaries were measured using a time-domain thermoreflectance method. The interfacial conductance was estimated to be 1,010 and 4,892 MW/(m2·K) for UNCD/a-C:H and UNCD/a-C films, respectively. The reasons for the hydrogenated film having lower interfacial conductance than the non-hydrogenated film are 1) the reduced number of carriers that contribute to heat transport and 2) the hydrogen atoms, which are preferentially located at the grain boundaries and enhance phonon scattering.

Electrochemical preparation of poly(methylene blue)/graphene nanocomposite thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erçarıkcı, Elif; Dağcı, Kader; Topçu, Ezgi; Alanyalıoğlu, Murat

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Poly(MB)/graphene thin films are prepared by a simple electrochemical approach. • Graphene layers in the film show a broad band in visible region of absorbance spectra. • Morphology of composite films indicates both disordered and ordered regions. • XRD reveals that nanocomposite films include rGO layers after electropolymerization process. • Chemically prepared graphene is better than electrochemically prepared graphene for electrooxidation of nitrite. - Abstract: Poly(methylene blue)/graphene nanocomposite thin films were prepared by electropolymerization of methylene blue in the presence of graphene which have been synthesized by two different methods of a chemical oxidation process and an electrochemical approach. Synthesized nanocomposite thin films were characterized by using cyclic voltammetry, UV–vis. absorption spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning tunneling microscopy techniques. Electrocatalytical properties of prepared poly(methylene blue)/graphene nanocomposite films were compared toward electrochemical oxidation of nitrite. Under optimized conditions, electrocatalytical effect of nanocomposite films of chemically prepared graphene through electrochemical oxidation of nitrite was better than that of electrochemically prepared graphene

The Preparation and Property of Graphene /Tin Oxide Transparent Conductive Film

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SUN Tao

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Graphene doped tin oxide composites were prepared with SnCIZ·2HZ 0 and graphene oxide as raw materials with sol-gel method and then spincoated on the quartz glass to manufacture a new transparent conductive film. The composite film was characterized with X-ray diffraction(XRDand scanning electron microscopy(SEM analysis. XRD results show that the graphene oxide was successfully prepared with Hummers method. The graphene layers and particulate SnOZ can be clearly observed in SEM photos. The transmittance and conductivity of the thin films were tested with ultraviolet visible spectrophotometer and Hall effect measurement. The results show that the transmittivity of composite film in visible region is more than 90% and surface square resistance is 41 S2/口.The graphene/ SnOZ film exhibits a higher performance in transparence and conductivity than commercial FTO glass.

Preparation of biaxially oriented TlCu-1234 thin films

CERN Document Server

Khan, N A; Tateai, F; Kojima, T; Ishida, K; Terada, N; Ihara, H

1999-01-01

The single phase of TlCu-1234 superconductor thin films is prepared for the first time by the amorphous phase epitaxy (APE) method, which is thallium treatment of sputtered amorphous phase at 900 degrees C for 1 h. The amorphous $9 phase is prepared by sputtering from the stoichiometric target composition CuBa/sub 2/Ca/sub 3/Cu/sub 4/O/sub 12-y/. The films on the SrTiO/sub 3/ substrate are aligned biaxially after the thallium treatment. Highly reproducible $9 TlCu-1234 films are prepared by this method. The XRD reflected a predominant single phase with the c-axis lattice constant of 18.74 AA. This lattice constant value is in between that of Cu-1234 (17.99 AA) and Tl-1234 (19.11 AA) . The $9 pole figure measurements of (103) reflection of the films showed a-axis-oriented crystals with Delta phi =0.8 degrees . The composition of the films after energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) measurements is Tl/sub 0.8/Cu/sub 0.2/Ba/sub $9 2/Ca/sub 3/Cu/sub 4/O /sub 12-y/. From the resistivity measurements, the T/sub c/ is 113 K...

Building up Graphene-Based Conductive Polymer Composite Thin Films Using Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared by γ-Ray Irradiation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Siyuan Xie

2013-01-01

Full Text Available In this paper, reduced graphene oxide (RGO was prepared by means of γ-ray irradiation of graphene oxide (GO in a water/ethanol mix solution, and we investigated the influence of reaction parameters, including ethanol concentration, absorbed dose, and dose rate during the irradiation. Due to the good dispersibility of the RGO in the mix solution, we built up flexible and conductive composite films based on the RGO and polymeric matrix through facile vacuum filtration and polymer coating. The electrical and optical properties of the obtained composite films were tested, showing good electrical conductivity with visible transmittance but strong ultraviolet absorbance.

Turning Wood Autohydrolysate Directly into Food Packing Composite Films with Good Toughness

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

YaJie Hu

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Bio-based composite films were produced by incorporating wood autohydrolysate (WH, chitosan (CS, and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC. In this work, WH was directly utilized without further purification, and CNC was introduced as the reinforced material to prepare WH-CS-CNC composite films with excellent properties. The effects of CNC on the properties of WH-CS-CNC composite films were investigated by characterizing their structures, mechanical properties, oxygen barrier, and thermal stability properties. The results suggested that CNC could improve tensile strength of the composite films, and the tensile strain at break could be up to 4.7%. Besides, the oxygen permeability of the prepared composite films could be as low as 3.57 cm3/day·m2·kPa, making them suitable for the food packaging materials. These above results showed that the addition of CNC is an effective method to enhance the toughness of composite films. In addition, WH-CS-CNC composite films have great potential in the field of sustainable food packing materials.

Thin films prepared from tungstate glass matrix

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Montanari, B.; Ribeiro, S.J.L.; Messaddeq, Y. [Departamento de Quimica Geral e Inorganica, Instituto de Quimica, Sao Paulo State University-UNESP, CP 355, CEP 14800-900, Araraquara, SP (Brazil); Li, M.S. [Instituto de Fisica, USP, CP 369, CEP 13560-970, Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil); Poirier, G. [Departamento de Ciencias Exatas, UNIFAL-MG, CEP 37130-000, Alfenas-MG (Brazil)], E-mail: gael@unifal-mg.edu.br

2008-01-30

Vitreous samples containing high concentrations of WO{sub 3} (above 40% M) have been used as a target to prepare thin films. Such films were deposited using the electron beam evaporation method onto soda-lime glass substrates. These films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), perfilometry, X-ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), M-Lines and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. In this work, experimental parameters were established to obtain stable thin films showing a chemical composition close to the glass precursor composition and with a high concentration of WO{sub 3}. These amorphous thin films of about 4 {mu}m in thickness exhibit a deep blue coloration but they can be bleached by thermal treatment near the glass transition temperature. Such bleached films show several guided modes in the visible region and have a high refractive index. Controlled crystallization was realized and thus it was possible to obtain WO{sub 3} microcrystals in the amorphous phase.

Preparation of reduced graphene oxide/gelatin composite films with reinforced mechanical strength

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Wenchao; Wang, Zhipeng; Liu, Yu; Li, Nan; Wang, Wei; Gao, Jianping

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► We used and compared different proportion of gelatin and chitosan as reducing agents. ► The mechanical properties of the films are investigated, especially the wet films. ► The cell toxicity of the composite films as biomaterial is carried out. ► The water absorption capabilities of the composite films also studied. -- Abstract: Graphene oxide (GO) was reduced by chitosan/gelatin solution and added to gelatin (Gel) to fabricate reduced graphene oxide/gelatin (RGO/Gel) films by a solvent-casting method using genipin as cross-linking agent. The structure and properties of the films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The addition of RGO increased the tensile strength of the RGO/Gel films in both dry and wet states, but decreased their elongation at break. The incorperation of RGO also decreased the swelling ability of the films in water. Cell cultures were carried out in order to test the cytotoxicity of the films. The cells grew and reproduced well on the RGO/Gel films, indicating that the addition of RGO has no negative effect on the compatibility of the gelatin. Therefore, the reduced graphene oxide/gelatin composite is a promising biomaterial with excellent mechanical properties and good cell compatibility.

Supercapacitors based on flexible graphene/polyaniline nanofiber composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Qiong; Xu, Yuxi; Yao, Zhiyi; Liu, Anran; Shi, Gaoquan

2010-04-27

Composite films of chemically converted graphene (CCG) and polyaniline nanofibers (PANI-NFs) were prepared by vacuum filtration the mixed dispersions of both components. The composite film has a layered structure, and PANI-NFs are sandwiched between CCG layers. Furthermore, it is mechanically stable and has a high flexibility; thus, it can be bent into large angles or be shaped into various desired structures. The conductivity of the composite film containing 44% CCG (5.5 x 10(2) S m(-1)) is about 10 times that of a PANI-NF film. Supercapacitor devices based on this conductive flexible composite film showed large electrochemical capacitance (210 F g(-1)) at a discharge rate of 0.3 A g(-1). They also exhibited greatly improved electrochemical stability and rate performances.

Preparation and Characterization of K-Carrageenan/Nanosilica Biocomposite Film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lokesh R. Rane

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study is to improve the performance properties of K-carrageenan (K-CRG by utilizing nanosilica (NSI as the reinforcing agent. The composite films were prepared by solution casting method. NSI was added up to 1.5% in the K-CRG matrix. The prepared films were characterized for mechanical (tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break, thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, barrier (water vapour transmission rate, morphological (scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and crystallinity properties. Tensile strength, tensile modulus, and crystallinity were found to have increased by 13.8, 15, and 48% whereas water vapour transmission rate was found to have decreased by 48% for 0.5% NSI loaded K-CRG composite films. NSI was found to have formed aggregates for concentrations above 0.5% as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Melting temperature, enthalpy of melting, and degradation temperature of K-CRG increased with increase in concentration of NSI in K-CRG. Contact angle also increased with increase in concentration of NSI in K-CRG, indicating the decrease in hydrophilicity of the films improving its water resistance properties. This knowledge of the composite film could make beneficial contributions to the food and pharmaceutical packaging applications.

One-step electrochemical composite polymerization of polypyrrole integrated with functionalized graphene/carbon nanotubes nanostructured composite film for electrochemical capacitors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ding Bing; Lu Xiangjun; Yuan Changzhou; Yang Sudong; Han Yongqin; Zhang Xiaogang; Che Qian

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: A novel one-step electrochemical co-deposition strategy was first proposed to prepare unique polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (PPy/F-RGO/CNTs) ternary composites, where F-RGO, CNTs, and PPy were electrodeposited simultaneously to construct a three-dimensional (3-D) highly porous film electrode. Highlights: ► Isolated, water-soluble graphene was obtained through benzenesulfonic functionalization. ► PPy/F-RGO/CNTs ternary composite film was prepared via one-step electrochemical co-deposition route. ► PPy/F-RGO/CNTs film shows 3-D highly porous nanostructure and high electrical conductivity. ► PPy/F-RGO/CNTs film exhibits high capacitance, good high-rate performance with a remarkable cycling stability. - Abstract: A novel one-step electrochemical composite polymerization strategy was first proposed to prepare unique polypyrrole/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes (PPy/F-RGO/CNTs) ternary composites, where F-RGO, CNTs, and PPy were electrodeposited simultaneously to construct a three-dimensional (3-D) highly porous film electrode. Such ternary composite film electrode exhibits a high specific capacitance of 300 F g −1 at 1 A g −1 as well as a remarkable cycling stability at high rates, which is related to its unique nanostructure and high electrical conductivity. F-RGO and CNTs act as an electron-transporting backbone of a 3-D porous nanostructure, leaving adequate working space for facile electrolyte penetration and better faradaic utilization of the electro-active PPy. Furthermore, the straightforward approach proposed here can be readily extended to prepare other composite film electrodes with good electrochemical performance for energy storage.

Preparation of graphene-enhanced nickel-phosphorus composite films by ultrasonic-assisted electroless plating

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Qian; Zhou, Tianfeng; Jiang, Yonggang; Yan, Xing; An, Zhonglie; Wang, Xibin; Zhang, Deyuan; Ono, Takahito

2018-03-01

To improve the mechanical properties of nickel-phosphorus (Ni-P) mold material for glass molding, an ultrasonic-assisted electroless plating method is proposed for the synthesis of graphene-enhanced nickel-phosphorus (G-Ni-P) composite films on heat-resistant stainless steel (06Cr25Ni20). Graphene flakes are prepared by an electrochemical exfoliation method. The surface roughness of the as-plated G-Ni-P composite plating is Ra 2.84 μm, which is higher than that of the Ni-P plating deposited using the same method. After annealing at 400 ºC for 2 h, the main phase of the G-Ni-P composite is transformed to crystalline Ni3P with an average grain size of 32.8 nm. The Vickers hardness and Young's modulus of the G-Ni-P composite are increased by 8.0% and 8.2% compared with the values of Ni-P, respectively. The detailed plating process is of great significance for the fabrication of G-Ni-P mold materials with enhanced mechanical properties.

Composition controlled preparation of Cu–Zn–Sn precursor films for Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} solar cells using pulsed electrodeposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dang, Wenping; Ren, Xiaodong; Zi, Wei; Jia, Lujian [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, National Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Liu, Shengzhong, E-mail: szliu@dicp.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, National Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062 (China); Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023 (China)

2015-11-25

A pulsed electrodeposition technique is developed to prepare Cu–Zn–Sn (CZT) precursor films for the Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} (CZTS) solar cells. The CZT precursor films are co-deposited on Mo-coated substrate using a cyanide-free electrolyte containing Zn (II) and Sn (II) salts. During the deposition, CuSO{sub 4} solution is supplied at controlled rate using a peristaltic pump to effectively regulate Cu{sup 2+} concentration. In addition, C{sub 6}H{sub 5}Na{sub 3}O{sub 7} is used as a coordination ligand to further balance activities of the Cu{sup 2+}, Sn{sup 2+} and Zn{sup 2+}. The CZTS films are then prepared using a sulfurization process to convert the electrodeposited CZT precursors at 580 °C in a sulphur atmosphere. The annealed thin films are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), EDAX and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques for their structural, morphological, compositional and chemical properties. It is found that the addition rate of Cu (II) has significant effects on the properties of the CZTS thin films. The CZTS film prepared using the optimized copper addition rate (0.15 ml/min) shows pure kesterite phase, Cu-poor and Zn-rich composition, compact morphology and good band gap ∼1.45 eV. Solar cells using the structure glass/Mo/CZTS/CdS/i-ZnO/ZnO:Al achieves a respectable external quantum efficiency and solar cell efficiency. - Highlights: • Developed a composition controlled pulsed electrodeposition for CZTS solar cells. • Electrochemistry and CZT composition regulated by measured Cu supply rate. • Complex chemistry used to regulate ion activities and electrodeposition. • Achieved a respectable CZTS solar cell quantum efficiency.

Electrophoretic deposition of composite halloysite nanotube–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Deen, I. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L7 (Canada); Zhitomirsky, I., E-mail: zhitom@mcmaster.ca [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4L7 (Canada)

2014-02-15

Highlights: ► Composite halloysite nanotubes–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films were prepared. ► Electrophoretic deposition method was used for deposition. ► Natural hyaluronic acid was used as a dispersing, charging and film forming agent. ► Film composition and deposition yield can be varied. ► The films can be used for biomedical implants with controlled release of drugs. -- Abstract: Electrophoretic deposition method has been developed for the deposition of biocomposite films containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), hydroxyapatite (HA) and hyaluronic acid. The method is based on the use of natural hyaluronate biopolymer as a dispersing and charging agent for HNT and HA and film forming agent for the fabrication of the composite films. The deposition kinetics was studied by the quartz crystal microbalance method. The composite films were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and electron microscopy. The composite films are promising materials for the fabrication of biomedical implants with advanced functional properties.

Electrophoretic deposition of composite halloysite nanotube–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Deen, I.; Zhitomirsky, I.

2014-01-01

Highlights: ► Composite halloysite nanotubes–hydroxyapatite–hyaluronic acid films were prepared. ► Electrophoretic deposition method was used for deposition. ► Natural hyaluronic acid was used as a dispersing, charging and film forming agent. ► Film composition and deposition yield can be varied. ► The films can be used for biomedical implants with controlled release of drugs. -- Abstract: Electrophoretic deposition method has been developed for the deposition of biocomposite films containing halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), hydroxyapatite (HA) and hyaluronic acid. The method is based on the use of natural hyaluronate biopolymer as a dispersing and charging agent for HNT and HA and film forming agent for the fabrication of the composite films. The deposition kinetics was studied by the quartz crystal microbalance method. The composite films were studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis and electron microscopy. The composite films are promising materials for the fabrication of biomedical implants with advanced functional properties

Composition and properties of nanocrystalline Zn S thin films prepared by a new chemical bath deposition route

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sahraei, R.; Goudarzi, A.; Ahmadpoor, H.; Motedayen Aval, Gh.

2006-01-01

Zinc sulfide nanocrystalline thin films were prepared by a new chemical bath deposition route on soda lime glass and quartz substrates using a weak acidic bath, in which disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) acts as a complexing agent and thioacetamide acts as a source of sulfide ions. The thickness of the films varied from a few nm to 500 nm. The chemical composition of films was studied by energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The films are very close to Zinc sulfide stoichiometry and we did not observed any organic compounds in the impurity form in them. X-ray diffraction indicates that the film and powder formed in the same reaction bath have cubic zinc blende structure. The films have high transmittance of about 75% in the visible region. The optical band-gap energy (E g ) was determined to be 3.75 eV from the absorption spectrophotometry measurements.

Preparation and property investigation of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT/epoxy composite films as high-performance electric heating (resistive heating element

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. X. Wang

2018-04-01

Full Text Available A series of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT/epoxy composite films with a thickness of ~700 µm is prepared by a sequential process of premixing, post dispersing, film casting, and thermal curing. The effects of the physical shear dispersion on the properties of conductive polymer composites as the electric heating element are investigated. The scanning electron microscope (SEM images show that highly efficient conductive networks form with shear dispersions of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix. The electrical resistivity decreases sharply from ~1015 Ω·cm for the neat epoxy resin to ~102 Ω·cm for the composite film with 2.0 wt% MWCNTs in accordance with the percolation behaviour, and a low percolation threshold of ~0.018 wt% is fitted. The electric heating behaviour of the composite film is observed at a low MWCNT content of 0.05 wt% due to the high electrical conductivity. For the composite film with 2.0 wt% MWCNTs, an equilibrium temperature of 115 °C is reached at an applied voltage of 40 V within 30 s. The excellent electric heating behaviour, including the rapid temperature response, electric heating efficiency, and operational stability, is primarily related to the conductive two-dimensional networks consisting of MWCNTs and the thermodynamically stable polymer matrix.

Properties of plasticized composite films prepared from nanofibrillated cellulose and birch wood xylan

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hansen, Natanya Majbritt Louie; Blomfeldt, Thomas O. J.; Hedenqvist, Mikael S.

2012-01-01

was combined with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and films were cast with and without glycerol, sorbitol or methoxypolyethylene glycol (MPEG) as plasticizers. Microscopy revealed some NFC agglomeration in the composite films as well as a layered nanocellulose structure. Equilibrium moisture content...... in plasticized films increased with glycerol content but was independent of xylan:NFC ratio in unplasticized films. Sorbitol- and MPEG-plasticized films showed equilibrium moisture contents of approximately 10 wt% independent of plasticizer content. Tensile testing revealed increases in tensile strength...... with increased NFC content in the xylan:NFC composition range from 50:50 to 80:20 and plasticizer addition generally provided less brittle films. The oxygen permeability of unplasticized xylan-NFC films fell into a range which was similar to that for previously measured pure NFC films and was statistically...

Composite Ag/C:H:N films prepared by planar magnetron deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hlidek, P. [Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Praha (Czech Republic)], E-mail: hlidek@karlov.mff.cuni.cz; Hanus, J.; Biederman, H.; Slavinska, D.; Pesicka, J. [Charles University, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Praha (Czech Republic)

2008-05-30

Composite Ag/C:H:N films were deposited by means of an unbalanced magnetron operated in a gas mixture of nitrogen and n-hexane. Composition of the films was controlled by electric power delivered to the magnetron and by ratio of nitrogen and n-hexane in the working gas mixture. The films were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, by the absorption spectra in visible and near infrared regions and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Immediately after film deposition and without breaking vacuum (in situ) corresponding vibration infrared spectra were scanned and their evolution during ageing of the films was monitored. Wettability as determined from water contact angle was improved with raising nitrogen contents, i.e. with increasing the electric power and the ratio of nitrogen/n-hexane in the working gas mixture. The increased wettability is likely caused by presence of NH{sub x} groups in Ag/C:H:N films. The incorporation of nitrogen effectively prevents the formation of carboxylate groups on the silver inclusions surfaces during the aging in the open air. In addition, the oxidation mechanism of the polymer matrix is modified.

The influence of the precursor compositional ratio on Cu2ZnSnS4 films prepared by using sulfurization of the metallic precursor

Science.gov (United States)

Amal, Muhamad I.; Kim, Kyoo Ho

2013-12-01

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) films were prepared by using the sulfurization of sputtered metallic precursors. The compositional ratio of the CZTS films was slightly different compared to their initial metallic precursors due to elemental loss during annealing. The Cu/(Zn+Sn) ratio for the CZTS-1, CZTS-2 and CZTS-3 films were 0.91, 1.06 and 1.21, respectively. In addition, all films had a compositional ratio of Zn/Sn >1. The grain sizes of the CZTS films increased with increasing Cu ratio. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy showed that the CZTS films with an excess of copper and zinc had secondary phases of Cu2SnS3 and ZnS. The optical band gap and absorption coefficient for all CZTS films in the range of the experimental compositions were calculated to be 1.5 eV and >104 cm-1, respectively. The presence of secondary phases related to compositional ratio in the CZTS films influenced the electrical properties. The CZTS-1 film with a Cu-poor and Zn-rich composition whose a carrier concentration, an electrical mobility, and a resistivity values were 2.29 × 1018 cm-3, 10.29 cm2 V-1 s-1, 3.16 Ω cm, is the most suitable for solar-cell applications.

Electron field emission from screen-printed graphene/DWCNT composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu, Jinzhuo; Pan, Rong; Chen, Yiwei; Piao, Xianqin; Qian, Min; Feng, Tao; Sun, Zhuo

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► The field emission performance improved significantly when adding graphene into DWCNTs as the emission material. ► We set up a model of pure DWCNT films and graphene/DWCNT composite films. ► We discussed the contact barrier between emission films and electric substrates by considering the Fermi energies of silver, DWCNT and graphene. - Abstract: The electron field emission properties of graphene/double-walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) composite films prepared by screen printing have been systematically studied. Comparing with the pure DWCNT films and pure graphene films, a significant enhancement of electron emission performance of the composite films are observed, such as lower turn-on field, higher emission current density, higher field enhancement factor, and long-term stability. The optimized composite films with 20% weight ratio of graphene show the best electron emission performance with a low turn-on field of 0.62 V μm −1 (at 1 μA cm −2 ) and a high field enhancement factor β of 13,000. A model of the graphene/DWCNT composite films is proposed, which indicate that a certain amount of graphene will contribute the electron transmission in the silver substrate/composite films interface and in the interior of composite films, and finally improve the electron emission performance of the graphene/DWCNT composite films.

Surface preparation for the heteroepitactic growth of ceramic thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Norton, M.G.; Summerfelt, S.R.; Carter, C.B.

1990-01-01

The morphology, composition, and crystallographic orientation of the substrate influence the nucleation and growth of deposited thin films. A method for the preparation of controlled, characteristic surfaces is reported. The surfaces are suitable for the heteroepitactic growth of thin films. When used in the formation of electron-transparent thin foils, the substrates can be used to investigate the very early stages of film growth using transmission electron microscopy. The substrate preparation involves the cleaning and subsequent annealing to generate a surface consisting of a series of steps. The step terraces are formed on the energetically stable surface, and controlled nucleation and growth of films at step edges is found. The substrate materials prepared using this technique include (001) MgO, (001) SrTiO 3 , and (001) LaAlO 3

Composite films prepared by plasma ion-assisted deposition (IAD) for design and fabrication of antireflection coatings in visible and near-infrared spectral regions

Science.gov (United States)

Tsai, Rung-Ywan; Ho, Fang C.

1994-11-01

Ion-assisted deposition (IAD) processes configured with a well-controlled plasma source at the center base of a vacuum chamber, which accommodates two independent e-gun sources, is used to deposition TiO2MgF2 and TiO2-SiO2 composite films of selected component ratios. Films prepared by this technology are found durable, uniform, and nonabsorbing in visible and near-IR regions. Single- and multilayer antireflection coatings with refractive index from 1.38 to 2.36 at (lambda) equals 550 nm are presented. Methods of enhancement in optical performance of these coatings are studied. The advantages of AR coatings formed by TiO2-MgF2 composite films over those similar systems consisting of TiO2-SiO2 composite films in both visible and near-IR regions are also presented.

Fabrication and characterization of silk fibroin/bioactive glass composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhu Hailin; Liu Na; Feng Xinxing; Chen Jianyong

2012-01-01

Composite films of silk fibroin (SF) with nano bioactive glass (NBG) were prepared by the solvent casting method, and the structures and properties of the composite films were characterized. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis shows that the random coil and β-sheet structure co-exist in the SF films. Results of field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) indicate that the NBG particles are uniformly dispersed in the SF films. The measurements of the water contact angles suggest that the incorporation of NBG into SF can improve the hydrophilicity of the composites. The bioactivity of the composite films was evaluated by soaking in 1.5 times simulated body fluid (1.5 × SBF), and formation of a hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer was determined by XRD and FESEM. The results show that the SF/NBG composite film is bioactive as it induces the formation of HCA on the surface of the composite film after soaking in 1.5 × SBF for 7 days. In vitro osteoblasts attachment and proliferation tests show that the composite film is a good matrix for the growth of osteoblasts. Consequently, the incorporation of NBG into the SF film can enhance both the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the film, which suggests that the SF/NBG composite film may be a potential biomaterial for bone tissue engineering. - Highlights: ► The incorporation of NBG into SF can improve the hydrophilicity of the SF/NBG composite films. ► The SF/NBG composite films show the better bioactivity than the pure SF film. ► The SF/NBG composite films facilitate cell growth and promote cell proliferation and differentiation.

Analysis of NdFeB thin films prepared by facing target sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shivalingappa, L.; Mohan, S.; Ghantasala, M.K.; Sood, D.K.

1999-01-01

In this paper, we present the details of our work on the deposition and characterization of NdFeB thin films. These films were prepared using facing target sputtering technique. The silicon(100) substrates were maintained at a substrate temperature of 400 to 600 deg C during deposition. Film structure, composition and magnetic properties are analyzed using Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Films deposited below 400 deg C were x-ray amorphous, while the onset of crystallinity was observed with the films deposited at 500 deg C. Typical film composition was Nd:Fe:B = 2.2:12.5:2. Film composition appear to be a function of deposition conditions. Oxygen has been found to be the main impurity in the films. Oxygen content in the film reduced as the substrate temperature is increased

Chalcopyrite CuInSe2 films prepared by reactive sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lommasson, T.C.; Burnett, A.F.; Chou, L.H.; Thornton, J.A.; Kim, M.

1987-01-01

Polycrystalline films of CuInSe 2 have been prepared on glass substrates by reactive cosputtering from Cu and In planar magnetron targets using Ar-H 2 Se as a working gas. The film compositions were close to the Cu 2 Se-In 2 Se 3 tie-line of the ternary phase diagram with Cu/In ratios ranging from 0.75 to about 2. This paper reports on measurements of the structural, electronic and optical properties of the films. The coatings on the Cu-rich side of the stoichiometric composition were characterized by a columnar structure with an uneven surface topography

Preparation and Hydrogen Absorption/Desorption of Nanoporous Palladium Thin Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wen-Chung Li

2009-12-01

Full Text Available Nanoporous Pd (np-Pd was prepared by co-sputtering Pd-Ni alloy films onto Si substrates, followed by chemical dealloying with sulfuric acid. X-ray diffractometry and chemical analysis were used to track the extent of dealloying. The np-Pd structure was changed from particle-like to sponge-like by diluting the sulfuric acid etchant. Using suitable precursor alloy composition and dealloying conditions, np-Pd films were prepared with uniform and open sponge-like structures, with interconnected ligaments and no cracks, yielding a large amount of surface area for reactions with hydrogen. Np-Pd films exhibited shorter response time for hydrogen absorption/desorption than dense Pd films, showing promise for hydrogen sensing.

Preparation of ZnO nanoribbon–MWCNT composite film and its ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

2017-07-28

Jul 28, 2017 ... has potential application as an antimicrobial bandage material. The composite film ... packaging of integrated circuits. Buckypapers have been ... +2 ions, which are known to inhibit active transport through the membrane,.

Preparation and characterization of WO{sub 3} nanoparticles, WO{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} core/shell nanocomposites and PEDOT:PSS/WO{sub 3} composite thin films for photocatalytic and electrochromic applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Boyadjiev, Stefan I., E-mail: boiajiev@gmail.com [MTA-BME Technical Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Szent Gellért tér 4, Budapest, H-1111 (Hungary); Santos, Gustavo dos Lopes; Szűcs, Júlia [Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Szent Gellért tér 4, Budapest, H-1111 (Hungary); Szilágyi, Imre M., E-mail: imre.szilagyi@mail.bme.hu [MTA-BME Technical Analytical Chemistry Research Group, Szent Gellért tér 4, Budapest, H-1111 (Hungary); Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, Szent Gellért tér 4, Budapest, H-1111 (Hungary)

2016-03-25

In this study, monoclinic WO{sub 3} nanoparticles were obtained by thermal decomposition of (NH{sub 4}){sub x}WO{sub 3} in air at 600 °C. On them by atomic layer deposition (ALD) TiO{sub 2} films were deposited, and thus core/shell WO{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposites were prepared. We prepared composites of WO{sub 3} nanoparticles with conductive polymer as PEDOT:PSS, and deposited thin films of them on glass and ITO substrates by spin coating. The formation, morphology, composition and structure of the as-prepared pure and composite nanoparticles, as well thin films, were studied by TEM, SEM-EDX and XRD. The photocatalytic activity of both the WO{sub 3} and core/shell WO{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles was studied by decomposing methyl orange in aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed on the composite PEDOT:PSS/WO{sub 3} thin films, and the coloring and bleaching states were studied.

Effects of glycine and current density on the mechanism of electrodeposition, composition and properties of Ni-Mn films prepared in ionic liquid

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Jiacheng; Guo, Xingwu; Wang, Shaohua; Zhang, Zhicheng; Dong, Jie; Peng, Liming; Ding, Wenjiang

2016-03-01

The effects of glycine on the mechanism of electrodeposition of Ni-Mn alloy film prepared in ChCl-urea ionic liquid were studied in order to control the composition, microstructure and properties of the film. The cyclic voltammograms revealed that the presence of glycine in the ionic liquid can inhibit the reduction of Ni2+ ions but promote the reduction of Mn2+ ions in the cathodic scan. However, it promoted the dissolution of both Ni and Mn deposits in the ChCl-urea ionic liquids during the reverse scan. Glycine changed the mode of Ni-Mn film growth from Volmer-Weber mode into Stranski-Krastanov mode. The Mn content in the Ni-Mn film increased with the increase of concentration of glycine and current density. The Ni-Mn alloy film with 3.1 at.% Mn exhibited the lowest corrosion current density of 3 × 10-7 A/cm2 compared with other films prepared and exhibited better corrosion resistance than pure Ni film in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution.

Preparation and properties of biodegradable films from Sterculia urens short fiber/cellulose green composites.

Science.gov (United States)

Jayaramudu, J; Reddy, G Siva Mohan; Varaprasad, K; Sadiku, E R; Sinha Ray, S; Varada Rajulu, A

2013-04-02

The development of commercially viable "green products", based on natural resources for the matrices and reinforcements, in a wide range of applications, is on the rise. The present paper focuses on Sterculia urens short fiber reinforced pure cellulose matrix composite films. The morphologies of the untreated and 5% NaOH (alkali) treated S. urens fibers were observed by SEM. The effect of 5% NaOH treated S. urens fiber (5, 10, 15 and 20% loading) on the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the composites films is discussed. This paper presents the developments made in the area of biodegradable S. urens short fiber/cellulose (SUSF/cellulose) composite films, buried in the soil and later investigated by the (POM), before and after biodegradation has taken place. SUSF/cellulose composite films have great potential in food packaging and for medical applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and Biodegradation of Nanocellulose Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol Blend Films in Bioenvironmental Media

OpenAIRE

Nusaiba Islam; Sharmin Jahan Proma; Ashiqur Rahman; Ashok Kumar Chakraborty

2017-01-01

Solution casting method was used to prepare nanocellulose reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) from Oil palm empty fruit bunches. Different environmental test were used to investigate the biodegradability of the composite in soil and compost as well as in water and acidic solution. The morphology of the composite was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The composite film with nanocellulose and without nanocellulose were compared, nanocellulose modified PVOH film showed more highly de...

Composite Films Formed by Cellulose nanocrystals and Latex Nanoparticles: Optical, Structural, and Mechanical Properties

Science.gov (United States)

Vollick, Brandon McRae

This thesis describes the preparation of iridescent, birefringent, composite films composed of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), latex nanoparticles (NPs) and a NP crosslinker; hexanediamine (HDA). First, aqueous suspensions were prepared with varying quantities of CNCs, NPs and HDA before equilibrating for one week. The cholesteric (Ch) phase was then cast and dried into a film. The optical, structural and mechanical properties of the film was analyzed. Second, films with identical compositions of CNCs, NPs, and HDA were fabricated in three different ways to yield films of different morphology, (i) fast drying of an isotropic suspension, yielding an isotropic film, (ii) slow drying of an isotropic suspension, yielding a partially Ch films, (iii) slow drying of an equilibrated suspension, yielding a highly Ch film. The optical and mechanical properties of the films was analyzed.

One-step preparation of long-term stable and flexible CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer composite films for white LEDs.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yang; Lv, Ying; Guo, Ziquan; Dong, Liubing; Zheng, Jianghui; Chai, Chufen; Chen, Nan; Lu, Yijun; Chen, Chao

2018-04-19

CsPbBr3 perovskite quantum dots (PQDs)/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composite films were prepared via a one-step method, based on that both supersaturated recrystallization of CsPbBr3 PQDs and dissolution of EVA were realized in toluene. The prepared films display outstanding green emitting performance with high color purity of 92% and photoluminescence quantum yield of 40.5% at appropriate CsPbBr3 PQD loading. They possess long-term stable luminescent properties in the air and in water, benefiting from the effective protection of CsPbBr3 PQDs by EVA matrix. Besides, the prepared CsPbBr3 PQDs/EVA films are flexible enough to be repeatedly bent for 1000 cycles while keeping unchanged photoluminescence intensity. Optical properties of the CsPbBr3 PQDs/EVA films in white LEDs were also studied by experiments and theoretical simulation. Overall, facile preparation process, good long-term stability and high flexibility allow our green-emitting CsPbBr3 PQDs/EVA films to be applied in lighting applications and flexible displays.

Comparative study on polyvinyl chloride film as flexible substrate for preparing free-standing polyaniline-based composite electrodes for supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Hongxing; Liu, Dong; Du, Pengcheng; Wei, Wenli; Wang, Qi; Liu, Peng

2017-11-15

The free-standing polyaniline (PANI)-based composite film electrodes were prepared with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the aniline modified PVC (PVC-An) films as flexible substrates for supercapacitors, via facile in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline, with conventional chemical oxidative polymerization or rapid-mixing chemical oxidative polymerization technique. Owing to the grafting of PANI from the PVC-An film as substrate and the suppression of the secondary growth of the primary PANI particles in the rapid-mixing chemical oxidative polymerization, the PVC-g-PANI-2 composite film with loose surface possessed better comprehensive performance, accompanying the high specific capacitance (645.3F/g at a current density of 1A/g), good rate capacitance (retaining 63.2% of original value at a current density of 10A/g and 52.0% at a scan rate of 100mV/s), good cycle stability (retaining 83.1% after 1000 cycles) and the improved internal resistance. Besides its excellent flexibility, it could retain 61.2% of its original specific capacitance under the stress of 8.66MPa for 1h, demonstrating a good tensile-resistance. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New Poly(lactic acid) Active Packaging Composite Films Incorporated with Fungal Melanin

OpenAIRE

Łukasz Łopusiewicz; Filip Jędra; Małgorzata Mizielińska

2018-01-01

In this work, fungal melanin was used for the first time to prepare poly(lactic acid)-based composites. The films of various melanin concentrations (0.025%, 0.05% and 0.2% w/w) were prepared using an extrusion method. The mechanical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, water vapor and UV-Vis barrier properties, as well as available polyphenolics on the surface, were studied. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out to analyze the chemical composition of the resulting films. The hydrophob...

One-step synthesis of PbSe-ZnSe composite thin film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abe Seishi

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract This study investigates the preparation of PbSe-ZnSe composite thin films by simultaneous hot-wall deposition (HWD from multiple resources. The XRD result reveals that the solubility limit of Pb in ZnSe is quite narrow, less than 1 mol%, with obvious phase-separation in the composite thin films. A nanoscale elemental mapping of the film containing 5 mol% PbSe indicates that isolated PbSe nanocrystals are dispersed in the ZnSe matrix. The optical absorption edge of the composite thin films shifts toward the low-photon-energy region as the PbSe content increases. The use of a phase-separating PbSe-ZnSe system and HWD techniques enables simple production of the composite package.

Optical Properties and Surface Morphology of Nano-composite PMMA: TiO2 Thin Films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lyly Nyl Ismail; Ahmad Fairoz Aziz; Habibah Zulkefle

2011-01-01

There are two nano-composite PMMA: TiO 2 solutions were prepared in this research. First solution is nano-composite PMMA commercially available TiO 2 nanopowder and the second solution is nano-composite PMMA with self-prepared TiO 2 powder. The self-prepared TiO 2 powder is obtained by preparing the TiO 2 sol-gel. Solvo thermal method were used to dry the TiO 2 sol-gel and obtained TiO 2 crystal. Ball millers were used to grind the TiO 2 crystal in order to obtained nano sized powder. Triton-X was used as surfactant to stabilizer the composite between PMMA: TiO 2 . Besides comparing the nano-composite solution, we also studied the effect of the thin films thickness on the optical properties and surface morphology of the thin films. The thin films were deposited by sol-gel spin coating method on glass substrates. The optical properties and surface characterization were measured with UV-VIS spectrometer equipment and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The result showed that nano-composite PMMA with self prepared TiO 2 give high optical transparency than nano-composite PMMA with commercially available TiO 2 nano powder. The results also indicate as the thickness is increased the optical transparency are decreased. Both AFM images showed that the agglomerations of TiO 2 particles are occurred on the thin films and the surface roughness is increased when the thickness is increased. High agglomeration particles exist in the AFM images for nano-composite PMMA: TiO 2 with TiO 2 nano powder compare to the other nano-composite solution. (author)

Texture control and growth mechanism of WSe{sub 2} film prepared by rapid selenization of W film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li, Hongchao [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Chongyi Zhangyuan Tungsten Industry Corporation Limited, Ganzhou 341300 (China); Gao, Di; Li, Kun; Pang, Mengde; Xie, Senlin [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Liu, Rutie, E-mail: llrrtt@csu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Zou, Jianpeng [State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China)

2017-02-01

Highlights: • We present a highly efficient method for preparing WSe{sub 2} film by rapid selenization. • The W film phase composition has little effect on WSe{sub 2} film orientation. • W film density is a critical factor that influences the WSe{sub 2} orientation. • A growth model was proposed for two kinds of WSe{sub 2} film textures. - Abstract: The tungsten diselenide (WSe{sub 2}) films with different orientation present unique properties suitable for specific applications, such as WSe{sub 2} with a C-axis⊥substrate for optoelectronics and WSe{sub 2} with a C-axis // substrate for electrocatalysts. Orientation control of WSe{sub 2} is essential for realizing the practical applications. In this letter, a WSe{sub 2} film has been prepared via rapid selenization of a magnetron-sputtered tungsten (W) film. The influence of the magnetron-sputtered W film on WSe{sub 2} film growth was studied systematically. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the morphology, microstructure and phase composition of the W and WSe{sub 2} films. The substrate temperature has a significant effect on the W film phase composition, but little effect on the WSe{sub 2} film orientation. The WSe{sub 2} orientation can be controlled by changing the W film microstructure. A dense W film that is deposited at low pressure is conducive to the formation of WSe{sub 2} with a C-axis⊥substrate, whereas a porous W film deposited at high pressure favors the formation of WSe{sub 2} with a C-axis // substrate. A growth model for the WSe{sub 2} film with different texture has been proposed based on the experimental results. The direction of selenium (Se) vapor diffusion differs at the top and side surfaces. This is a key factor for the preparation of anisotropic WSe{sub 2} films. Highly oriented WSe{sub 2} films with a C-axis⊥substrate grow from the dense W film deposited at low pressure because Se vapor

Electroplated Fe-Co-Ni films prepared from deep-eutectic-solvent-based plating baths

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Takeshi Yanai

2016-05-01

Full Text Available We fabricated soft magnetic films from DES-based plating baths, and investigated magnetic properties of the plated films. The plating baths were obtained by stirring the mixture of choline chloride, ethylene glycol, FeCl2 ⋅ 4H2O, NiCl2 ⋅ 6H2O and CoCl2 ⋅ 6H2O. The composition of the electroplated film depended on the amount of the reagent in the plating bath, and we consequently obtained the films with various composition. The current efficiency of the plating process shows high values (> 88 % in the wide composition range. The soft magnetic films with low coercivity were obtained at the Fe compositions of ≈ 30 at.% and > 80 at.%, and we found that low coercivity could be realized by the control of the film composition. We also found that the Fe-rich films prepared from DES-based plating bath have some advantages as a soft magnetic phase for a nanocomposite magnet due to their high saturation magnetization and very fine crystal structure.

Preparation and Characterization of Silica/Polyamide-imide Nanocomposite Thin Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hwang Jong-Sun

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Abstract The functional silica/polyamide-imide composite films were prepared via simple ultrasonic blending, after the silica nanoparticles were modified by cationic surfactant—cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB. The composite films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA and thermomechanical analysis (TMA. CTAB-modified silica nanoparticles were well dispersed in the polyamide-imide matrix, and the amount of silica nanoparticles to PAI was investigated to be from 2 to 10 wt%. Especially, the coefficients of thermal expansion (CET continuously decreased with the amount of silica particles increasing. The high thermal stability and low coefficient of thermal expansion showed that the nanocomposite films can be widely used in the enamel wire industry.

Preparation and analysis of multilayer composites based on polyelectrolyte complexes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Petrova, V. A. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Macromolecular Compounds (Russian Federation); Orekhov, A. S. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” (Russian Federation); Chernyakov, D. D. [St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy (Russian Federation); Baklagina, Yu. G. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Macromolecular Compounds (Russian Federation); Romanov, D. P. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Grebenshchikov Institute of Silicate Chemistry (Russian Federation); Kononova, S. V. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Macromolecular Compounds (Russian Federation); Volod’ko, A. V.; Ermak, I. M. [Russian Academy of Sciences, Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far-Eastern Branch (Russian Federation); Klechkovskaya, V. V., E-mail: klechvv@ns.crys.ras.ru [Russian Academy of Sciences, Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics” (Russian Federation); Skorik, Yu. A., E-mail: yury-skorik@mail.ru [Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Macromolecular Compounds (Russian Federation)

2016-11-15

A method for preparing multilayer film composites based on chitosan has been developed by the example of polymer pairs: chitosan–hyaluronic acid, chitosan–alginic acid, and chitosan–carrageenan. The structure of the composite films is characterized by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that the deposition of a solution of hyaluronic acid, alginic acid, or carrageenan on a chitosan gel film leads to the formation of a polyelectrolyte complex layer at the interface, which is accompanied by the ordering of chitosan chains in the surface region; the microstructure of this layer depends on the nature of contacting polymer pairs.

Study on Photoelectric Properties of Composite Films of Graphene/Ti02 Nanorods

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

JIN　Guo-li

2017-02-01

Full Text Available TiOZ nanorods have large specific surface area and the ability of directional transmission electron， based on which can reduce recombination probability of light-generated electrons and holes，and improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of DSSC. As graphene has low resistivity，good stability and excellent transparency，it can be introduced into anode film to improve the electronic transmission. The TiOZ nanorods were prepared by hydrothermal method，mixed with different quality of graphene. Its length range was 200-300 nm，with a diameter of about 20 nm. The porous graphene/TiOZ nanorods composite film were prepared by using electro- hydrodynamic technique(EHDand compositing TiOZ nanorods with different quality of grapheme. The photoelectric conversion efficiency of the DSSC device prepared with the photo-anode film with graphene mass content of 3 % was 4. 23 %，the photoelectric conversion efficiency increased by 36%，relative to that of no graphene doped TiOZ nanorods photo-anode film.

Thermoelectric properties of conducting polyaniline/BaTiO3 nanoparticle composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Anno, H.; Yamaguchi, K.; Nakabayashi, T.; Kurokawa, H.; Akagi, F.; Hojo, M.; Toshima, N.

2011-05-01

Conducting polyaniline (PANI)/BaTiO3 nanoparticle composite films with different molar ratio values R=1, 5, 10, and 100 have been prepared on a quartz substrate by casting the m-cresol solution of PANI, (±)-10-camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) and BaTiO3 nanoparticle with an average diameter of about 20 nm. The CSA-doped PANI/BaTiO3 composite films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis transmission spectroscopy. The Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity of the films with different R values, together with CSA-doped PANI films, were measured in the temperature range from room temperature to ~400 K. The relation between the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity in the composite films are discussed from a comparison of them with those of CSA-doped PANI films and other PANI composite films.

Hydroxyapatite coatings on titanium dioxide thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suda, Yoshiaki; Kawasaki, Hiroharu; Ohshima, Tamiko; Nakashima, Shouta; Kawazoe, Syuichi; Toma, Tetsuya

2006-01-01

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) coated on titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) thin films has been developed to supplement the defects of both TiO 2 and HAp. Thin films have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method using HAp and HAp(10%) + TiO 2 targets. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that there are many small peaks of Ca 1 0(PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 crystal, and no impurity other than HAp is detected in HAp films prepared using pure HAp target. The composition ratio of the film was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). HAp coatings on TiO 2 thin films have been prepared using HAp(10%) + TiO 2 targets. XRD and XPS measurements suggest that crystalline HAp + TiO 2 thin films are obtained by the PLD method using HAp(10%) + TiO 2 target

Structural and thermal properties of silk fibroin - Silver nanoparticles composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Shivananda, C. S.; Rao B, B. Lakshmeesha; Shetty, G. Rajesh; Sangappa, Y.

2018-05-01

In this work, silk fibroin-silver nanoparticles (SF-AgNPs) composite films have been prepared by simple solution casting method. The composite films were examined for structural and thermal properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimatric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The XRD results showed that with the introduction of AgNPs in the silk fibroin matrix the amorphous nature of the silk fibroin decreases with increasing nanoparticles concentration. The silk fibroin films possess good thermal stability with the presence of AgNPs.

Preparation of smooth, flexible and stable silver nanowires- polyurethane composite transparent conductive films by transfer method

Science.gov (United States)

Bai, Shengchi; Wang, Haifeng; Yang, Hui; Zhang, He; Guo, Xingzhong

2018-02-01

Silver nanowires (AgNWs)-polyurethane (PU) composite transparent conductive films were fabricated via transfer method using AgNWs conductive inks and polyurethane as starting materials, and the effects of post-treatments including heat treatment, NaCl solution bath and HCl solution bath for AgNWs film on the sheet resistance and transmittance of the composite films were respectively investigated in detail. AgNWs networks are uniformly embedded in the PU layer to improve the adhesion and reduce the surface roughness of AgNWs-PU composite films. Heat treatment can melt and weld the nanowires, and NaCl and HCl solution baths promote the dissolution and re-deposition of silver and the dissolving of the polymer, both which form conduction pathways and improve contact of AgNWs for reducing the sheet resistance. Smooth and flexible AgNWs-PU composite film with a transmittance of 85% and a sheet resistance of 15 Ω · sq‑1 is obtained after treated in 0.5 wt% HCl solution bath for 60 s, and the optoelectronic properties of the resultant composite film can maintain after 1000 cycles of bending and 100 days.

Composite films from pectin and fish skin gelatin or soybean flour protein.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, LinShu; Liu, Cheng-Kung; Fishman, Marshall L; Hicks, Kevin B

2007-03-21

Composite films were prepared from pectin and fish skin gelatin (FSG) or pectin and soybean flour protein (SFP). The inclusion of protein promoted molecular interactions, resulting in a well-organized homogeneous structure, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy and fracture-acoustic emission analysis. The resultant composite films showed an increase in stiffness and strength and a decrease in water solubility and water vapor transmission rate, in comparison with films cast from pectin alone. The composite films inherited the elastic nature of proteins, thus being more flexible than the pure pectin films. Treating the composite films with glutaraldehyde/methanol induced chemical cross-linking with the proteins and reduced the interstitial spaces among the macromolecules and, consequently, improved their mechanical properties and water resistance. Treating the protein-free pectin films with glutaraldehyde/methanol also improved the Young's modulus and tensile strength, but showed little effect on the water resistance, because the treatment caused only dehydration of the pectin films and the dehydration is reversible. The composite films were biodegradable and possessed moderate mechanical properties and a low water vapor transmission rate. Therefore, the films are considered to have potential applications as packaging or coating materials for food or drug industries.

Preparation of Chitin-PLA laminated composite for implantable application

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Romana Nasrin

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The present study explores the possibilities of using locally available inexpensive waste prawn shell derived chitin reinforced and bioabsorbable polylactic acid (PLA laminated composites to develop new materials with excellent mechanical and thermal properties for implantable application such as in bone or dental implant. Chitin at different concentration (1–20% of PLA reinforced PLA films (CTP were fabricated by solvent casting process and laminated chitin-PLA composites (LCTP were prepared by laminating PLA film (obtained by hot press method with CTP also by hot press method at 160 °C. The effect of variation of chitin concentration on the resulting laminated composite's behavior was investigated. The detailed physico-mechanical, surface morphology and thermal were assessed with different characterization technique such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TGA. The FTIR spectra showed the characteristic peaks for chitin and PLA in the composites. SEM images showed an excellent dispersion of chitin in the films and composites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA showed that the complete degradation of chitin, PLA film, 5% chitin reinforced PLA film (CTP2 and LCTP are 98%, 95%, 87% and 98% respectively at temperature of 500 °C. The tensile strength of the LCTP was found 25.09 MPa which is significantly higher than pure PLA film (18.55 MPa and CTP2 film (8.83 MPa. After lamination of pure PLA and CTP2 film, the composite (LCTP yielded 0.265–1.061% water absorption from 30 min to 24 h immerse in water that is much lower than PLA and CTP. The increased mechanical properties of the laminated films with the increase of chitin content indicated good dispersion of chitin into PLA and strong interfacial actions between the polymer and chitin. The improvement of mechanical properties and the results of antimicrobial and cytotoxicity of the composites also evaluated and revealed the composite would be a suitable candidate for implant application in biomedical

Preparation of Chitin-PLA laminated composite for implantable application.

Science.gov (United States)

Nasrin, Romana; Biswas, Shanta; Rashid, Taslim Ur; Afrin, Sanjida; Jahan, Rumana Akhter; Haque, Papia; Rahman, Mohammed Mizanur

2017-12-01

The present study explores the possibilities of using locally available inexpensive waste prawn shell derived chitin reinforced and bioabsorbable polylactic acid (PLA) laminated composites to develop new materials with excellent mechanical and thermal properties for implantable application such as in bone or dental implant. Chitin at different concentration (1-20% of PLA) reinforced PLA films (CTP) were fabricated by solvent casting process and laminated chitin-PLA composites (LCTP) were prepared by laminating PLA film (obtained by hot press method) with CTP also by hot press method at 160 °C. The effect of variation of chitin concentration on the resulting laminated composite's behavior was investigated. The detailed physico-mechanical, surface morphology and thermal were assessed with different characterization technique such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TGA. The FTIR spectra showed the characteristic peaks for chitin and PLA in the composites. SEM images showed an excellent dispersion of chitin in the films and composites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the complete degradation of chitin, PLA film, 5% chitin reinforced PLA film (CTP2) and LCTP are 98%, 95%, 87% and 98% respectively at temperature of 500 °C. The tensile strength of the LCTP was found 25.09 MPa which is significantly higher than pure PLA film (18.55 MPa) and CTP2 film (8.83 MPa). After lamination of pure PLA and CTP2 film, the composite (LCTP) yielded 0.265-1.061% water absorption from 30 min to 24 h immerse in water that is much lower than PLA and CTP. The increased mechanical properties of the laminated films with the increase of chitin content indicated good dispersion of chitin into PLA and strong interfacial actions between the polymer and chitin. The improvement of mechanical properties and the results of antimicrobial and cytotoxicity of the composites also evaluated and revealed the composite would be a suitable candidate for implant application in biomedical sector.

Preparation and characterization of nanocrystalline composites Mo-C-N hard films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Q. [Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, POB 1129, 230031 Hefei (China); Liu, T. [Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, POB 1129, 230031 Hefei (China); Fang, Q.F. [Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, POB 1129, 230031 Hefei (China)]. E-mail: qffang@issp.ac.cn; Liang, F.J. [Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, POB 1129, 230031 Hefei (China); Wang, J.X. [Key Laboratory of Materials Physics, Institute of Solid State Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, POB 1129, 230031 Hefei (China)

2006-05-01

Molybdenum carbonitride (MoCN) films were deposited on Si (001) and stainless steel substrates by reactive direct-current magnetron sputtering with a molybdenum and graphite composite target. By changing the substrate temperature and the N{sub 2} / Ar ratio in the sputtering gas, it is found that good quality MoCN films can be deposited at substrate temperature of 300-400 deg. C under N{sub 2} partial pressure of 0.25-0.5 Pa with a total working pressure of 1 Pa. The structures of the films deposited at such conditions were determined by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis as nanocrystalline molybdenum carbonitride with a grain size of several ten nanometers was embedded in the amorphous matrix of C and CN {sub x}. The hardness of the MoCN films can reach 28 GPa, much higher than the value of MoC and MoN films alone.

[Spectroscopic study on film formation mechanism and structure of composite silanes-V-Zr passive film].

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Lei; Liu, Chang-sheng; Shi, Lei; An, Cheng-qiang

2015-02-01

A composite silanes-V-Zr passive film was overlayed on hot-dip galvanized steel. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (rf-GD-OES) were used to characterize the molecular structure of the silanes-V-Zr passive film. The mechanism of film formation was discussed: The results show that the silane molecules are crosslinked as the main film former and inorganic inhibitor is even distributed in the film. The fitting peak of 100.7 eV in XPS single Si2p energy range spectra of the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film and the widening and strengthening of the Si--O infrared absorption peak at 1100 cm(-1) indicate that the silanes were adsorbed on the surface of zinc with chemical bond of Si--O--Zn, and the silane molecules were connected with each other by bond of Si--O--Si. Two characteristic absorption peaks of amide at 1650 and 1560 cm(-1) appear in the infrared spectroscopy of the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film, and a characteristic absorption peak of epoxy groups at 910 cm(-1) disappears in the infrared spectroscopy of the passive film. The results indicate that gamma-APT can be prepared through nucleophilic ring-opening of ethylene oxide in gamma-GPT molecule to form C--N covalent bonds. The rf-GD-OES results indicate that there is a oxygen enriched layer in 0.3 microm depth of the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film. Moreover, ZrF4, ZrO2 and some inorganic matter obtained by the reaction during the forming processof the composite silanes-V-Zr passive film are distributed evenly throughout the film. According to the film composition, the physical processes and chemical reactions during the film forming process were studied by using ATR-FTIR. Based on this, the film forming mechanism was proposed.

Rheological and structural characterization of HA/PVA-SbQ composites film-forming solutions and resulting films as affected by UV irradiation time.

Science.gov (United States)

Bai, Huiyu; Sun, Yunlong; Xu, Jing; Dong, Weifu; Liu, Xiaoya

2015-01-22

Hyaluronan (HA)/poly (vinyl alcohol) bearing styrylpyridinium groups (PVA-SbQ) composites film-forming solutions were prepared by a negatively charged HA and an oppositely charged PVA-SbQ. The rheological properties and structural characterization of HA/PVA-SbQ composites in aqueous solution were investigated. Zeta potential measurements and TEM were utilized to explore the formation of HA/PVA-SbQ complex micelles in aqueous solution. UV spectra and DLS experiments confirmed that the micelles are photo-crosslinkable. HA/PVA-SbQ composites films were prepared by a casting method. The microstructure and properties of the film were analyzed by SEM, optical transmittance, DSC, XRD and tensile testing. The crosslinked HA/PVA-SbQ composites films exhibited higher UV light shielding and visible light transparency and better mechanical and water vapor barrier properties as well as thermal stability than the uncrosslinked HA/PVA-SbQ composites films, indicating the formation of three-dimensional network structure. This work provided a good way for increasing the mechanical, thermal, water vapor barrier, and optical properties of HA materials for the packaging material. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic Composite Thin Films of FexOy Nanoparticles and Photocrosslinked Dextran Hydrogels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brunsen, Annette; Utech, Stefanie; Maskos, Michael; Knoll, Wolfgang; Jonas, Ulrich

2012-01-01

Magnetic hydrogel composites are promising candidates for a broad field of applications from medicine to mechanical engineering. Here, surface-attached composite films of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and a polymeric hydrogel (HG) were prepared from magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and a carboxymethylated dextran with photoreactive benzophenone substituents. A blend of the MNP and the dextran polymer was prepared by mixing in solution, and after spin-coating and drying the blend film was converted into a stable MNP–HG composite by photocrosslinking through irradiation with UV light. The bulk composite material shows strong mobility in a magnetic field, imparted by the MNPs. By utilizing a surface layer of a photoreactive adhesion promoter on the substrates, the MNP–HG films were covalently immobilized during photocrosslinking. The high stability of the composite was documented by rinsing experiments with UV–Vis spectroscopy, while surface plasmon resonance and optical waveguide mode spectroscopy was employed to investigate the swelling behavior in dependence of the nanoparticle concentration, the particle type, and salt concentration. - Highlights: ► blending of iron oxide nanoparticles with photocrosslinkable carboxymethyldextran. ► UV irradiation of blend yields surface-attached, magnetic hydrogel films. ► film characterization by surface plasmon resonance/optical waveguide spectroscopy. ► swelling decreases with increasing nanoparticle content. ► swelling decreases with increasing NaCl salt concentration in the aqueous medium.

Hierarchical porous graphene/polyaniline composite film with superior rate performance for flexible supercapacitors.

Science.gov (United States)

Meng, Yuena; Wang, Kai; Zhang, Yajie; Wei, Zhixiang

2013-12-23

A highly flexible graphene free-standing film with hierarchical structure is prepared by a facile template method. With a porous structure, the film can be easily bent and cut, and forms a composite with another material as a scaffold. The 3D graphene film exhibits excellent rate capability and its capacitance is further improved by forming a composite with polyaniline nanowire arrays. The flexible hierarchical composite proves to be an excellent electrode material for flexible supercapacitors. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preparation and dielectric properties of compositionally graded lead barium zirconate thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hao, Xihong, E-mail: xhhao@imust.edu.c [Functional Materials Research Laboratory, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China); School of Materials and Metallurgy, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010 (China); Zhang, Zhiqing [School of Materials and Metallurgy, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010 (China); Zhou, Jing [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070 (China); An, Shengli [School of Materials and Metallurgy, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010 (China); Zhai, Jiwei [Functional Materials Research Laboratory, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092 (China)

2010-07-09

Both up and down compositionally graded (Pb{sub 1-x}Ba{sub x})ZrO{sub 3} (PBZ) thin films with increasing x from 0.4 to 0.6 were deposited on Pt(1 1 1)-buffer layered silicon substrates through a sol-gel method. The microstructure and dielectric properties of graded PBZ thin films were investigated systemically. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that both PBZ films had crystallized into a pure perovskite phase after annealed 700 {sup o}C. Electrical measurement results showed that although up graded films had a slightly larger tunability, dielectric loss of down graded films was much lower than that of up graded films. Therefore, the figure of merit of down graded PBZ films was greatly enhanced, as compared with up graded films. Moreover, down graded PBZ thin films also displayed excellent temperature stability with a smaller temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) of -0.59 x 10{sup -3} {sup o}C{sup -1} from 20 {sup o}C to 80 {sup o}C.

Preparation of sensitive and recyclable porous Ag/TiO{sub 2} composite films for SERS detection

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Zhengyi; Yu, Jiajie; Yang, Jingying; Lv, Xiang; Wang, Tianhe, E-mail: thwang56@126.com

2015-12-30

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A new but simple method of fabricating robust TiO{sub 2} films on glass. • AgNPs were deposited on the surface of TiO{sub 2} films with the assistance of UV irradiation. • Substrates with high SERS sensitivity and excellent recyclability. - Abstract: Porous Ag/TiO{sub 2} composite films were prepared by spin coating of titania on normal glass slides and subsequent photochemical deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The films were characterized by XRD and FESEM to reveal micro structural and morphological differences between films obtained under varied conditions. The SERS properties of these films were investigated using aqueous crystal violet (CV) as probe molecules. The results indicate that the content of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and photo-reduction time had significant influences on both the microstructure and SERS performance of Ag/TiO{sub 2} films. The highest SERS sensitivity that allowed as low as 10{sup −10} M aqueous CV to be detected, was achieved with the PEG/(C{sub 4}H{sub 9}O){sub 4}Ti molar ratio being 0.08% and with 30 min of UV irradiation. With this film a linear relationship was established through experiment between SERS intensity and CV concentration from 10{sup −10} to 10{sup −5} M, which could be used as a calibration curve for CV concentration measurement. In addition, the film could be reused as a SERS substrate for up to four times without significantly losing SERS sensitivity if a simple regeneration was followed. It is visualized that the Ag/TiO{sub 2} film on glass has potentials for being developed into a practical SERS substrate with high sensitivity and good reusability.

Enhancement of polar crystalline phase formation in transparent PVDF-CaF{sub 2} composite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sang Goo; Ha, Jong-Wook, E-mail: jongwook@krict.re.kr; Sohn, Eun-Ho; Park, In Jun; Lee, Soo-Bok

2016-12-30

Highlights: • The crystalline phase in transparent PVDF-CaF{sub 2} composite films was investigated. • CaF{sub 2} promoted the formation of polar crystalline phases in PVDF matrix. • Ordered γ-phase was obtained by thermal treatment of as-cast films at the vicinity of its melting temperature. - Abstract: We consider the influence of calcium fluoride (CaF{sub 2}) nanoparticles on the crystalline phase formation of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) for the first time. The transparent PVDF-CaF{sub 2} composite films were prepared by casting on PET substrates using N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as a solvent. It was found that CaF{sub 2} promoted the formation of polar crystalline phase of PVDF in composites, whereas nonpolar α-phase was dominant in the neat PVDF film prepared at the same condition. The portion of polar crystalline phase increased in proportional to the weight fraction of CaF{sub 2} in the composite films up to 10 wt%. Further addition of CaF{sub 2} suppressed completely the α-phase formation. Polar crystalline phase observed in as-cast composite films was a mixture of β- and γ-polymorph structures. It was also shown that much ordered γ-phase could be obtained through thermal treatment of as-cast PVDF-CaF{sub 2} composite film at the temperatures above the melting temperature of the composite films, but below that of γ-phase.

Green synthesis of high conductivity silver nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide composite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dinh, D.A. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, San 30 Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 609-735 (Korea, Republic of); Hui, K.S., E-mail: kshui@hanyang.ac.kr [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 133-791 (Korea, Republic of); Hui, K.N., E-mail: bizhui@pusan.ac.kr [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, San 30 Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 609-735 (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Y.R. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, San 30 Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 609-735 (Korea, Republic of); Zhou, Wei [Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005 (China); Hong, Xiaoting [School of Chemistry and Environment, South China Normal University, Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510006 (China); Chun, Ho-Hwan [Global Core Research Center for Ships and Offshore Plants (GCRC-SOP), Pusan National University, San 30 Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu, Busan 609-735 (Korea, Republic of)

2014-04-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A green facile chemical approach to control the dimensions of Ag nanoparticles–graphene oxide (AgNPs/GO) composites was performed at room temperature. • With decreasing ultrasonication time, the size of the Ag nanoparticles decreased and became uniformly distributed over the surface of the GO nanosheets. • The as-prepared AgNPs/rGO composite films were then formed using a spin coating method and reduced at 500 °C under N{sub 2}/H{sub 2} gas flow for 1 h. • The lowest sheet resistance of 270 Ω/sq was obtained in the film corresponding to 1 min of ultrasonication, which showed a 40 times lower resistivity than the rGO film (10.93 kΩ/sq). - Abstract: A green facile chemical approach to control the dimensions of Ag nanoparticles–graphene oxide (AgNPs/GO) composites was performed by the in situ ultrasonication of a mixture of AgNO{sub 3} and graphene oxide solutions with the assistance of vitamin C acting as an environmentally friendly reducing agent at room temperature. With decreasing ultrasonication time, the size of the Ag nanoparticles decreased and became uniformly distributed over the surface of the GO nanosheets. The as-prepared AgNPs/rGO composite films were then formed using a spin coating method and reduced at 500 °C under N{sub 2}/H{sub 2} gas flow for 1 h. Four-point probe measurements showed that the sheet resistance of the AgNPs/rGO films decreased with decreasing AgNPs size. The lowest sheet resistance of 270 Ω/sq was obtained in the film corresponding to 1 min of ultrasonication, which showed a 40 times lower resistivity than the rGO film (10.93 kΩ/sq). The formation mechanisms of the as-prepared AgNPs/rGO films are proposed. This study provides a guide to controlling the dimensions of AgNPs/rGO films, which might hold promise as advanced materials for a range of analytical applications, such as catalysis, sensors and microchips.

Green synthesis of high conductivity silver nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dinh, D.A.; Hui, K.S.; Hui, K.N.; Cho, Y.R.; Zhou, Wei; Hong, Xiaoting; Chun, Ho-Hwan

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A green facile chemical approach to control the dimensions of Ag nanoparticles–graphene oxide (AgNPs/GO) composites was performed at room temperature. • With decreasing ultrasonication time, the size of the Ag nanoparticles decreased and became uniformly distributed over the surface of the GO nanosheets. • The as-prepared AgNPs/rGO composite films were then formed using a spin coating method and reduced at 500 °C under N 2 /H 2 gas flow for 1 h. • The lowest sheet resistance of 270 Ω/sq was obtained in the film corresponding to 1 min of ultrasonication, which showed a 40 times lower resistivity than the rGO film (10.93 kΩ/sq). - Abstract: A green facile chemical approach to control the dimensions of Ag nanoparticles–graphene oxide (AgNPs/GO) composites was performed by the in situ ultrasonication of a mixture of AgNO 3 and graphene oxide solutions with the assistance of vitamin C acting as an environmentally friendly reducing agent at room temperature. With decreasing ultrasonication time, the size of the Ag nanoparticles decreased and became uniformly distributed over the surface of the GO nanosheets. The as-prepared AgNPs/rGO composite films were then formed using a spin coating method and reduced at 500 °C under N 2 /H 2 gas flow for 1 h. Four-point probe measurements showed that the sheet resistance of the AgNPs/rGO films decreased with decreasing AgNPs size. The lowest sheet resistance of 270 Ω/sq was obtained in the film corresponding to 1 min of ultrasonication, which showed a 40 times lower resistivity than the rGO film (10.93 kΩ/sq). The formation mechanisms of the as-prepared AgNPs/rGO films are proposed. This study provides a guide to controlling the dimensions of AgNPs/rGO films, which might hold promise as advanced materials for a range of analytical applications, such as catalysis, sensors and microchips

Development and characterisation of composite films made of kefiran and starch.

Science.gov (United States)

Motedayen, Ali Akbar; Khodaiyan, Faramarz; Salehi, Esmail Atai

2013-02-15

In this study, new edible composite films were prepared by blending kefiran with corn starch. Film-forming solutions of different ratios of kefiran to corn starch (100/0, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70) were cast at room temperature. The effects of starch addition on the resulting films' physical, mechanical and water-vapor permeability (WVP) properties were investigated. Increasing starch content from 0% to 50% (v/v) decreased the WVP of films; however, with further starch addition the WVP increased. Also, this increase in starch content increased the tensile strength and extensibility of the composite films. However, these mechanical properties decreased at higher starch contents. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) curves showed that addition of starch at all levels increased the glass transition temperature of films. The electron scanning micrograph for the composite film was homogeneous, without signs of phase separation between the components. Thus, it was observed that these two film-forming components were compatible, and that an interaction existed between them. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Features of film growth during plasma anodizing of Al 2024/SiC metal matrix composite

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xue Wenbin [Key Laboratory for Radiation Beam Technology and Materials Modification, Institute of Low Energy Nuclear Physics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875 (China)]. E-mail: xuewb@bnu.edu.cn

2006-07-15

Plasma anodizing is a novel promising process to fabricate corrosion-resistant protective films on metal matrix composites. The corrosion-resistant films were prepared by plasma anodizing on SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composite. The morphology and microstructure of films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Specifically, the morphology of residual SiC reinforcement particles in the film was observed. It is found that the most SiC reinforcement particles have been molten to become silicon oxide, but a few tiny SiC particles still remain in the film close to the composite/film interface. This interface is irregular due to the hindering effect of SiC particles on the film growth. Morphology and distribution of residual SiC particles in film provide direct evidence to identify the local melt occurs in the interior of plasma anodizing film even near the composite/film interface. A model of film growth by plasma anodizing on metal matrix composites was proposed.

Features of film growth during plasma anodizing of Al 2024/SiC metal matrix composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xue Wenbin

2006-01-01

Plasma anodizing is a novel promising process to fabricate corrosion-resistant protective films on metal matrix composites. The corrosion-resistant films were prepared by plasma anodizing on SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composite. The morphology and microstructure of films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Specifically, the morphology of residual SiC reinforcement particles in the film was observed. It is found that the most SiC reinforcement particles have been molten to become silicon oxide, but a few tiny SiC particles still remain in the film close to the composite/film interface. This interface is irregular due to the hindering effect of SiC particles on the film growth. Morphology and distribution of residual SiC particles in film provide direct evidence to identify the local melt occurs in the interior of plasma anodizing film even near the composite/film interface. A model of film growth by plasma anodizing on metal matrix composites was proposed

Preparation and characterization of nanodiamond cores coated with a thin Ni-Zn-P alloy film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Rui; Ye Weichun; Ma Chuanli; Wang Chunming

2008-01-01

Nanodiamond cores coated with a thin Ni-Zn-P alloy film were prepared by an electroless deposition method under the conditions of tin chloride sensitization and palladium chloride activation. The prepared materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The nanostructure of the materials was then characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The alloy film composition was characterized by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The results indicated the approximate composition 49.84%Ni-37.29%Zn-12.88%P was obtained

PLD prepared nanostructured Pt-CeO{sub 2} thin films containing ionic platinum

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Vorokhta, M., E-mail: vorohtam@gmail.com [Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Surface and Plasma Science, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8 (Czech Republic); Khalakhan, I.; Matolínová, I.; Nováková, J.; Haviar, S. [Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Surface and Plasma Science, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8 (Czech Republic); Lančok, J.; Novotný, M. [Institute of Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Na Slovance 2, 182 21 Prague, Czhech Republic (Czech Republic); Yoshikawa, H. [National Institute for Materials Science, Sengen 1-2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047 (Japan); Matolín, V. [Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Surface and Plasma Science, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8 (Czech Republic)

2017-02-28

Highlights: • Nanostructured Pt-CeO{sub 2} thin catalyst films were grown on plasma etched and non-etched carbon substrates by pulsed laser deposition. • The surface composition of the nanostructured Pt-CeO{sub 2} films was investigated by surface analysis techniques. • The effect of film roughening was separated from the effect of platinum-ceria atomic interactions. - Abstract: The composition of nanostructured Pt-CeO{sub 2} films on graphite substrates prepared by pulsed laser deposition has been investigated by means of hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The influence of morphology of the graphite substrates was investigated with respect to the relative concentrations of ionic and metallic Pt species in the films. It was found that the degree of Pt{sup 2+} enrichment is directly related to the surface morphology of graphite substrates. In particular, the deposition of Pt-CeO{sub 2} films on rough graphite substrate etched in oxygen plasma yielded nanostructured Pt-CeO{sub 2} catalyst films with high surface area and high Pt{sup 2+}/Pt{sup 0} ratio. The presented results demonstrate that PLD is a suitable method for the preparation of thin Pt-CeO{sub 2} catalyst films for fuel cell applications.

Studies of thin films of Ti- Zr -V as non-evaporable getter films prepared by RF sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gupta, Nidhi; Jagannath,; Sharma, R. K.; Gadkari, S. C.; Muthe, K. P.; Mukundhan, R.; Gupta, S. K.

2013-01-01

Non-Evaporable Getter (NEG) films of the Ti-Zr-V prepared on stainless steel substrates by Radio Frequency sputtering. To observe its getter behavior at the lowest activation temperature, the sample is heated continuously at different temperatures (100°C, 150°C, 200°C and 250°C) for 2 hours. The changes of the surface chemical composition at different temperaturesare analyzed by using XPS and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) techniques. The volume elemental composition of the film has been measured by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The in-situ XPS measurements of the activated getter films show the disappearance of the superficial oxide layer through the variation in the oxygen stoichiometry during thermal activation. Results of these studies show that the deposited films of Ti-Zr-V could be used as NEG to produce extreme high vacuum.

Photoanode of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on a ZnO/TiO2 Composite Film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lu-Ting Yan

2012-01-01

Full Text Available A photoanode of dye-sensitized solar cells based on a ZnO/TiO2 composite film was fabricated on a transparent conductive glass substrate using different techniques including electrophoretic deposition, screen printing, and colloidal spray coating. The ZnOs used in the composite film were ZnO tetrapods prepared via thermal evaporation and ZnO nanorods obtained via hydrothermal growth. The structural and morphological characterizations of the thin composite films were carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM. The best power conversion was 1.87%, which corresponds to the laminated TiO2/ZnO/TiO2 structure prepared via screen printing.

Ceramic Composite Thin Films

Science.gov (United States)

Ruoff, Rodney S. (Inventor); Stankovich, Sasha (Inventor); Dikin, Dmitriy A. (Inventor); Nguyen, SonBinh T. (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A ceramic composite thin film or layer includes individual graphene oxide and/or electrically conductive graphene sheets dispersed in a ceramic (e.g. silica) matrix. The thin film or layer can be electrically conductive film or layer depending the amount of graphene sheets present. The composite films or layers are transparent, chemically inert and compatible with both glass and hydrophilic SiOx/silicon substrates. The composite film or layer can be produced by making a suspension of graphene oxide sheet fragments, introducing a silica-precursor or silica to the suspension to form a sol, depositing the sol on a substrate as thin film or layer, at least partially reducing the graphene oxide sheets to conductive graphene sheets, and thermally consolidating the thin film or layer to form a silica matrix in which the graphene oxide and/or graphene sheets are dispersed.

Oromucosal film preparations: classification and characterization methods.

Science.gov (United States)

Preis, Maren; Woertz, Christina; Kleinebudde, Peter; Breitkreutz, Jörg

2013-09-01

Recently, the regulatory authorities have enlarged the variety of 'oromucosal preparations' by buccal films and orodispersible films. Various film preparations have entered the market and pharmacopoeias. Due to the novelty of the official monographs, no standardized characterization methods and quality specifications are included. This review reports the methods of choice to characterize oromucosal film preparations with respect to biorelevant characterization and quality control. Commonly used dissolution tests for other dosage forms are not transferable for films in all cases. Alternatives and guidance on decision, which methods are favorable for film preparations are discussed. Furthermore, issues about requirements for film dosage forms are reflected. Oromucosal film preparations offer a wide spectrum of opportunities. There are a lot of suggestions in the literature on how to control the quality of these innovative products, but no standardized tests are available. Regulatory authorities need to define the standards and quality requirements more precisely.

Properties of Zn O/Cr thin films prepared by Sol-Gel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tirado G, S.; Olvera A, R.

2014-08-01

Zn O films and those superficially modified with chromium were deposited on substrates of soda-lime glass, using the Sol-Gel process and the repeated immersion method. Starting from dehydrated zinc acetate was prepared a solution to 0.6 M to ambient temperature in 2-methoxyethanol and monoethanolamine (Mea) stirring magnetically. The Sol was prepared with an aging to seven days and was used to grow a films group with thickness to eight immersions. These same films were superficially modified with several depositions of a chromium nitrate Sol dissolved in ethanol to low concentration. The Zn O films were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, its chemical composition by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and its morphology by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, as well as their optical properties by UV-vis. Of the obtained results are proposed possible applications. (author)

Antimony sulfide thin films prepared by laser assisted chemical bath deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shaji, S.; Garcia, L.V.; Loredo, S.L.; Krishnan, B.

2017-01-01

Highlights: • Antimony sulfide thin films were prepared by normal CBD and laser assisted CBD. • Characterized these films using XRD, XPS, AFM, optical and electrical measurements. • Accelerated growth was observed in the laser assisted CBD process. • These films were photoconductive. - Abstract: Antimony sulfide (Sb_2S_3) thin films were prepared by laser assisted chemical bath deposition (LACBD) technique. These thin films were deposited on glass substrates from a chemical bath containing antimony chloride, acetone and sodium thiosulfate under various conditions of normal chemical bath deposition (CBD) as well as in-situ irradiation of the chemical bath using a continuous laser of 532 nm wavelength. Structure, composition, morphology, optical and electrical properties of the Sb_2S_3 thin films produced by normal CBD and LACBD were analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis spectroscopy and Photoconductivity. The results showed that LACBD is an effective synthesis technique to obtain Sb_2S_3 thin films for optoelectronic applications.

Antimony sulfide thin films prepared by laser assisted chemical bath deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shaji, S., E-mail: sshajis@yahoo.com [Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, 66455 (Mexico); CIIDIT—Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Nuevo León (Mexico); Garcia, L.V. [Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, 66455 (Mexico); Loredo, S.L. [Centro de Investigación en Materiales Avanzados (CIMAV), Unidad Monterrey, PIIT, Apodaca, Nuevo León (Mexico); Krishnan, B. [Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, 66455 (Mexico); CIIDIT—Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Apodaca, Nuevo León (Mexico); and others

2017-01-30

Highlights: • Antimony sulfide thin films were prepared by normal CBD and laser assisted CBD. • Characterized these films using XRD, XPS, AFM, optical and electrical measurements. • Accelerated growth was observed in the laser assisted CBD process. • These films were photoconductive. - Abstract: Antimony sulfide (Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3}) thin films were prepared by laser assisted chemical bath deposition (LACBD) technique. These thin films were deposited on glass substrates from a chemical bath containing antimony chloride, acetone and sodium thiosulfate under various conditions of normal chemical bath deposition (CBD) as well as in-situ irradiation of the chemical bath using a continuous laser of 532 nm wavelength. Structure, composition, morphology, optical and electrical properties of the Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films produced by normal CBD and LACBD were analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis spectroscopy and Photoconductivity. The results showed that LACBD is an effective synthesis technique to obtain Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films for optoelectronic applications.

Preparation and supercapacitance performance of manganese oxide nanosheets/graphene/carbon nanotubes ternary composite film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tang, Qianqiu; Sun, Minqiang; Yu, Shuangmin; Wang, Gengchao

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The MnO 2 nanosheets/graphene/MWCNT composite film with a porous sandwich structure was fabricated through a filtration-directed self-assembly. • The introduction of graphene and MWCNT restricts dense stacking of MnO 2 nanosheets. • Ternary composite film exhibits impressive electrochemical performance compared to pure MnO 2 nanosheets. - Abstract: A novel MnO 2 nanosheets/graphene nanosheets/carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MONS/GNS/cMWCNT) ternary composite film was fabricated through a filtration-directed self-assembly method. The Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed the porous sandwiched structure of MONS/GNS/cMWCNT with GNS providing a conductive substrate and cMWCNT functioning as a vertical electron pathway. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectra further confirmed that the introduction of GNS and cMWCNT restricted the serious aggregation of MONS, resulting in a higher specific area (691 m 2 g −1 ). As a result, the MONS/GNS/cMWCNT composite film exhibited higher specific capacitance (248 Fg −1 at 1 Ag −1 in 1 M Na 2 SO 4 ), better rate performance (66.9% capacitance retention from 0.2 to 10 Ag −1 ) and cycling stability (86.5% retention after 3000 cycles) compared with those of pure dried MnO 2 nanosheets

Nickel coated flyash (Ni-FAC) cenosphere doped polyaniline composite film for electromagnetic shielding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bora, Pritom J; Ramamurthy, Praveen C; Madras, Giridhar; Vinoy, K J; Kishore

2015-01-01

A solid waste material fly ash cenosphere (FAC) was nickel coated and polyaniline in situ polymerized at −30 ± 2 °C in nitrogen atmosphere. A thin film of this composite material was prepared by solution processing and surface morphology/topography was studied. High electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) was obtained for this film; 59 ± 4 μm and 133 ± 4 μm films show an average of 38 and 60 dB SE, respectively, in the frequency range 8.2–12.4 GHz (X-band). Unlike PANI film, the SE of these composite films is high at high frequency. The presence of magneto dielectric microsphere (Ni-FAC) increases the heterogeneity of the composite film in an efficient way for EMI shielding by changing film topography and increasing ac conductivity and permeability. (paper)

Thermal dewetting behavior of polystyrene composite thin films with organic-modified inorganic nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Kubo, Masaki; Takahashi, Yosuke; Fujii, Takeshi; Liu, Yang; Sugioka, Ken-ichi; Tsukada, Takao; Minami, Kimitaka; Adschiri, Tadafumi

2014-07-29

The thermal dewetting of polystyrene composite thin films with oleic acid-modified CeO2 nanoparticles prepared by the supercritical hydrothermal synthesis method was investigated, varying the nanoparticle concentration (0-30 wt %), film thickness (approximately 50 and 100 nm), and surface energy of silanized silicon substrates on which the composite films were coated. The dewetting behavior of the composite thin films during thermal annealing was observed by an optical microscope. The presence of nanoparticles in the films affected the morphology of dewetting holes, and moreover suppressed the dewetting itself when the concentration was relatively high. It was revealed that there was a critical value of the surface energy of the substrate at which the dewetting occurred. In addition, the spatial distributions of nanoparticles in the composite thin films before thermal annealing were investigated using AFM and TEM. As a result, we found that most of nanoparticles segregated to the surface of the film, and that such distributions of nanoparticles contribute to the stabilization of the films, by calculating the interfacial potential of the films with nanoparticles.

Preparation of titanium dioxide films on etched aluminum foil by vacuum infiltration and anodizing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xiang, Lian, E-mail: xianglian93@163.com; Park, Sang-Shik, E-mail: parkss@knu.ac.kr

2016-12-01

Highlights: • Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–TiO{sub 2} composite films were prepared onto high voltage Al etching foil. • The coated and anodized samples showed multi-layer structures. • The capacitances of TiO{sub 2} coated samples showed an increase of 42%. • The increase in capacitance was mainly due to the Al–Ti composite layer. - Abstract: Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–TiO{sub 2} (Al–Ti) composite oxide films are a promising dielectric material for future use in capacitors. In this study, TiO{sub 2} films were prepared on etched Al foils by vacuum infiltration. TiO{sub 2} films prepared using a sol–gel process were annealed at various temperatures (450, 500, and 550 °C) for different time durations (10, 30, and 60 min) for 4 cycles, and then anodized at 100 V. The specimens were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and field emission transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the tunnels of the specimens feature a multi-layer structure consisting of an Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} outer layer, an Al–Ti composite oxide middle layer, and an aluminum hydrate inner layer. The electrical properties of the specimens, such as the withstanding voltage and specific capacitance, were also measured. Compared to specimens without TiO{sub 2} coating, the specific capacitances of the TiO{sub 2}-coated specimens are increased. The specific capacitance of the anode Al foil with TiO{sub 2} coating increased by 42% compared to that of a specimen without TiO{sub 2} coating when annealed at 550 °C for 10 min. These composite oxide films could enhance the specific capacitance of anode Al foils used in dielectric materials.

Facile preparation of optically transparent and hydrophobic cellulose nanofibril composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Yan Qing; Zhiyong Cai; Yiqiang Wu; Chunhua Yao; Qinglin Wu; Xianjun Li

2015-01-01

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) and epoxy nanocomposites with high visible light transmittance and low watersensitivity were manufactured by laminating thin layers of epoxy resin onto CNF films prepared through,pressurized filtration in combination with oven drying. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studiessuggest that the resin component bonded to the CNF substrate well....

Preparation of electromechanically active silicone composites and some evaluations of their suitability for biomedical applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Iacob, Mihail; Bele, Adrian; Patras, Xenia; Pasca, Sorin; Butnaru, Maria; Alexandru, Mihaela; Ovezea, Dragos; Cazacu, Maria

2014-01-01

Some films based on electromechanically active polymer composites have been prepared. Polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diols (PDMSs) having different molecular masses (Mv = 60 700 and Mv = 44 200) were used as matrix in which two different active fillers were incorporated: titanium dioxide in situ generated from its titanium isopropoxide precursor and silica particles functionalized with polar aminopropyl groups on surface. A reference sample based on simple crosslinked PDMS was also prepared. The composites processed as films were investigated to evaluate their ability to act as efficient electromechanical actuators for potential biomedical application. Thus, the surface morphology of interest for electrodes compliance was analysed by atomic force microscopy. Mechanical and dielectric characteristics were evaluated by tensile tests and dielectric spectroscopy, respectively. Electromechanical actuation responses were measured by interferometry. The biocompatibility of the obtained materials has been verified through tests in vitro and, for valuable films, in vivo. The experimental, clinical and anatomopathological evaluation of the in vivo tested samples did not reveal significant pathological modifications. - Highlights: • Silicone composites differing by the filler and matrix characteristics were prepared. • Stress–strain curves were registered in normal and cyclic modes for composite films. • The dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss, and conductivity were determined. • Electromechanical response of the films was measured at an applied voltage. • Some biocompatibility tests, both in vitro and in vivo, were performed

Preparation of electromechanically active silicone composites and some evaluations of their suitability for biomedical applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Iacob, Mihail; Bele, Adrian [“Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, Iasi 700487 (Romania); Patras, Xenia [“Apollonia” University, 2 Muzicii Street, 700511 Iasi (Romania); Pasca, Sorin [“Ion Ionescu de la Brad” University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iaşi, Aleea Mihail Sadoveanu nr. 3, Iasi 700490 (Romania); Butnaru, Maria [“Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi (Romania); Alexandru, Mihaela [“Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, Iasi 700487 (Romania); Ovezea, Dragos [National Institute for Research and Development in Electrical Engineering ICPE-CA, 313 Splaiul Unirii, Bucharest 030138 (Romania); Cazacu, Maria, E-mail: mcazacu@icmpp.ro [“Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Gr. Ghica Voda 41A, Iasi 700487 (Romania)

2014-10-01

Some films based on electromechanically active polymer composites have been prepared. Polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diols (PDMSs) having different molecular masses (Mv = 60 700 and Mv = 44 200) were used as matrix in which two different active fillers were incorporated: titanium dioxide in situ generated from its titanium isopropoxide precursor and silica particles functionalized with polar aminopropyl groups on surface. A reference sample based on simple crosslinked PDMS was also prepared. The composites processed as films were investigated to evaluate their ability to act as efficient electromechanical actuators for potential biomedical application. Thus, the surface morphology of interest for electrodes compliance was analysed by atomic force microscopy. Mechanical and dielectric characteristics were evaluated by tensile tests and dielectric spectroscopy, respectively. Electromechanical actuation responses were measured by interferometry. The biocompatibility of the obtained materials has been verified through tests in vitro and, for valuable films, in vivo. The experimental, clinical and anatomopathological evaluation of the in vivo tested samples did not reveal significant pathological modifications. - Highlights: • Silicone composites differing by the filler and matrix characteristics were prepared. • Stress–strain curves were registered in normal and cyclic modes for composite films. • The dielectric permittivity, dielectric loss, and conductivity were determined. • Electromechanical response of the films was measured at an applied voltage. • Some biocompatibility tests, both in vitro and in vivo, were performed.

Preparation and characterization of ZnTe thin films by SILAR method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kale, S.S.; Mane, R.S.; Pathan, H.M.; Shaikh, A.V.; Joo, Oh-Shim; Han, Sung-Hwan

2007-01-01

Nanocrystalline zinc telluride (ZnTe) thin films were prepared by using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method from aqueous solutions of zinc sulfate and sodium telluride. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and optical absorption measurement techniques. The synthesized ZnTe thin films were nanocrystalline with densely aggregated particles in nanometer scale and were free from the voids or cracks. The optical band gap energy of the film was found to be thickness dependent. The elemental chemical compositional stoichiometric analysis revealed good Zn:Te elemental ratio of 53:47

CuIn{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}Se{sub 2} thin films prepared by electron beam evaporation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Venkatachalam, M.; Kannan, M.D.; Jayakumar, S.; Balasundaraprabhu, R.; Nandakumar, A.K. [Thin Film Center, Department of Physics, PSG College of Technology (India); Muthukumarasamy, N. [Department of Physics, Coimbatore Institute of Technology (India)

2008-05-15

CuIn{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}Se{sub 2} bulk compound of three different compositions x=0.75, 0.80 and 0.85 have been prepared using individual elements of copper, indium, gallium and selenium. Thin films of CuIn{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}Se{sub 2} have been deposited using the prepared bulk by electron beam evaporation method. The structural studies carried on the deposited films revealed that films annealed at 400 C are crystalline in nature exhibiting chalcopyrite phase. The position of the (1 1 2) peak in the X-ray diffractogram corresponding to the chalcopyrite phase has been found to be dependent on the percentage of gallium in the films. The composition of the prepared bulk and thin films has been identified using energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The photoluminescence spectra of the CuIn{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}Se{sub 2} films exhibited sharp luminescence peaks corresponding to the band gap of the material. (author)

Preparation and characterization of novel nanocomposite films formed from silk fibroin and nano-TiO2.

Science.gov (United States)

Feng, Xin-Xing; Zhang, Li-Li; Chen, Jian-Yong; Guo, Yu-Hai; Zhang, Hua-Peng; Jia, Chang-Ian

2007-01-30

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of new regenerated silk fibroin (SF)/nano-TiO(2) composite films. The preparation method, based on the sol-gel technique using butyl titanate as oxide precursor, could avoid reagglomeration of the prepared nanoparticles. Samples were characterized mainly by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultra-violet (UV) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The UV and AFM results indicated that TiO(2) nanoparticles could be well dispersed inside the SF film, and the size of TiO(2) was about 80nm. The XRD and FT-IR analysis implied that the formation of nano-TiO(2) particles may induce the conformational transition of silk fibroin to a typical Silk II structure partly with the increasing of crystallinity in the composite films. Compared to the pure SF films, the mechanical and thermal properties of composite films were improved, and the solubility in water was decreased due to the conformational transition of silk fibroin to Silk II structure.

Investigation of polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol–titanium dioxide composite films for photo-catalytic applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cao, Shaoqiang; Zhang, Hongyang; Song, Yuanqing; Zhang, Jianling; Yang, Haigang; Jiang, Long, E-mail: jianglong@scu.edu.cn; Dan, Yi, E-mail: danyichenweiwei@163.com

2015-07-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The study provides an easy and convenient method to fabricate films, which will give guidance for the preparation of three-dimensional materials. • The PPy/PVA–TiO{sub 2} films can keep better photo-catalytic activities both under UV and visible light irradiation when compared with TiO{sub 2} film. • There exist electron transfers between PPy/PVA and TiO{sub 2}. - Abstract: Polypyrrole/polyvinyl alcohol–titanium dioxide (PPy/PVA–TiO{sub 2}) composite films used as photo-catalysts were fabricated by combining TiO{sub 2} sol with PPy/PVA solution in which PPy was synthesized by in situ polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix and loaded on glass. The prepared photo-catalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and photoluminescence (PL). The results indicate that the composites have same crystal structure as the TiO{sub 2} and extend the optic absorption from UV region to visible light region. By detecting the variation ratio, detected by ultraviolet–vis spectroscopy, of model pollutant rhodamine B (RhB) solution in the presence of the composite films under both UV and visible light irradiation, the photo-catalytic performance of the composite films was investigated. The results show that the PPy/PVA–TiO{sub 2} composite films show better photo-catalytic properties than TiO{sub 2} film both under UV and visible light irradiation, and the photo-catalytic degradation of RhB follows the first-order kinetics. The effects of the composition of composite films and the concentration of RhB on the photo-catalytic performance, as well as the possible photo-catalytic mechanism, were also discussed. By photo-catalytic recycle experiments, the structure stability of the PPy/PVA–TiO{sub 2} composite film was investigated and the results show that

Preparation and characterization of layer-by-layer self-assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer films doped with surface-capped SiO2 nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Guangbin; Ma, Hongxia; Yu, Laigui; Zhang, Pingyu

2009-05-15

SiO(2) nanoparticles capped with gamma-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane were doped into polyelectrolyte (poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAH, and poly(acrylic acid), PAA) multilayer films via spin-assisted layer-by-layer self-assembly. The resulting as-prepared multilayer films were heated at a proper temperature to generate cross-linked composite films with increased adhesion to substrates. The tribological behavior of the multilayer films was evaluated on a microtribometer. It was found that SiO(2)-doped composite films had better wear resistance than pure polyelectrolyte multilayers, possibly because doped SiO(2) nanoparticles were capable of enhancing load-carrying capacity and had "miniature ball bearings" effect. Moreover, heat-treatment had significant effect on the morphology of the composite films. Namely, heat-treated (SiO(2)/PAA)(9) film had a larger roughness than the as-prepared one, due to heat-treatment-induced agglomeration of SiO(2) nanoparticles and initiation of defects. However, heat-treated (PAH/PAA)(3)/(SiO(2)/PAA)(3)(PAH/PAA)(3) film had greatly reduced roughness than the as-prepared one, and it showed considerably improved wear resistance as well. This could be closely related to the "sandwich-like" structure of the composite multilayer film. Namely, the outermost strata of composite multilayer film were able to eliminate defects associated with the middle strata, allowing nanoparticles therein to maintain strength and robustness while keeping soft and fluid-like exposed surface. And the inner strata were well anchored to substrate and acted as an initial "bed" for SiO(2) nanoparticles to be inhabited, resulting in good antiwear ability.

Characteristics of (Ti,Ta)N thin films prepared by using pulsed high energy density plasma

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng Wenran [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China); Chen Guangliang [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China); Li Li [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China); Lv Guohua [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China); Zhang Xianhui [College of Science, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, Jilin Province (China); Niu Erwu [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China); Liu Chizi [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China); Yang Size [Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080 (China)

2007-07-21

(Ti,Ta)N films were prepared by pulsed high energy density plasma (PHEDP) from a coaxial gun in N{sub 2} gas. The coaxial gun is composed of a tantalum inner electrode and a titanium outer one. Material characteristics of the (Ti,Ta)N film were investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. The microstructure of the film was observed by a scanning electron microscope. The elemental composition and the interface of the film/substrate were analysed using Auger electron spectrometry. Our results suggest that the binary metal nitride film (Ti,Ta)N, can be prepared by PHEDP. It also shows that dense nanocrystalline (Ti,Ta)N film can be achieved.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) composite films with high percent elongation prepared from amylose-fatty ammonium salt inclusion complexes

Science.gov (United States)

Amylose inclusion complexes prepared from cationic fatty ammonium salts and jet-cooked high amylose starch were combined with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) to form glycerol-plasticized films. Their tensile properties were compared with similar films prepared previously with analogous anionic fatty acid...

Effect of composition on SILAR deposited CdxZn1-xS thin films

Science.gov (United States)

Ashith V., K.; Gowrish Rao, K.

2018-04-01

In the group of II-VI compound semiconductor, cadmium zinc sulphide (CdxZn1-xS) thin films have broad application in photovoltaic, optoelectronic devices etc. For heterojunction aspects, CdxZn1-xS thin film can be used as heterojunction partner for CdTe as the absorber layer. In this work, CdZnS thin films prepared on glass substrates by Successive Ion Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method by varying the composition. The XRD patterns of deposited films showed polycrystalline with the hexagonal phase. The crystallite size of the films was estimated from W-H plot. The bond length of the film varied w.r.to the composition of the CdxZn1-xS films. The urbach energy of the films was calcualted from absorbance data.

CdS thin films prepared by laser assisted chemical bath deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garcia, L.V.; Mendivil, M.I.; Garcia Guillen, G.; Aguilar Martinez, J.A.; Krishnan, B.; Avellaneda, D.; Castillo, G.A.; Das Roy, T.K.; Shaji, S.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • CdS thin films by conventional CBD and laser assisted CBD. • Characterized these films using XRD, XPS, AFM, optical and electrical measurements. • Accelerated growth was observed in the laser assisted CBD process. • Improved dark conductivity and good photocurrent response for the LACBD CdS. - Abstract: In this work, we report the preparation and characterization of CdS thin films by laser assisted chemical bath deposition (LACBD). CdS thin films were prepared from a chemical bath containing cadmium chloride, triethanolamine, ammonium hydroxide and thiourea under various deposition conditions. The thin films were deposited by in situ irradiation of the bath using a continuous laser of wavelength 532 nm, varying the power density. The thin films obtained during deposition of 10, 20 and 30 min were analyzed. The changes in morphology, structure, composition, optical and electrical properties of the CdS thin films due to in situ irradiation of the bath were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The thin films obtained by LACBD were nanocrystalline, photoconductive and presented interesting morphologies. The results showed that LACBD is an effective synthesis technique to obtain nanocrystalline CdS thin films having good optoelectronic properties

CdS thin films prepared by laser assisted chemical bath deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Garcia, L.V.; Mendivil, M.I.; Garcia Guillen, G.; Aguilar Martinez, J.A. [Facultad de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); Krishnan, B. [Facultad de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); CIIDIT – Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Apodaca, Nuevo Leon (Mexico); Avellaneda, D.; Castillo, G.A.; Das Roy, T.K. [Facultad de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); Shaji, S., E-mail: sshajis@yahoo.com [Facultad de Ingenieria Mecanica y Electrica, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Av. Pedro de Alba s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolas de los Garza, Nuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); CIIDIT – Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Apodaca, Nuevo Leon (Mexico)

2015-05-01

Highlights: • CdS thin films by conventional CBD and laser assisted CBD. • Characterized these films using XRD, XPS, AFM, optical and electrical measurements. • Accelerated growth was observed in the laser assisted CBD process. • Improved dark conductivity and good photocurrent response for the LACBD CdS. - Abstract: In this work, we report the preparation and characterization of CdS thin films by laser assisted chemical bath deposition (LACBD). CdS thin films were prepared from a chemical bath containing cadmium chloride, triethanolamine, ammonium hydroxide and thiourea under various deposition conditions. The thin films were deposited by in situ irradiation of the bath using a continuous laser of wavelength 532 nm, varying the power density. The thin films obtained during deposition of 10, 20 and 30 min were analyzed. The changes in morphology, structure, composition, optical and electrical properties of the CdS thin films due to in situ irradiation of the bath were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The thin films obtained by LACBD were nanocrystalline, photoconductive and presented interesting morphologies. The results showed that LACBD is an effective synthesis technique to obtain nanocrystalline CdS thin films having good optoelectronic properties.

Thin film preparation of semiconducting iron pyrite

Science.gov (United States)

Smestad, Greg P.; Ennaoui, Ahmed; Fiechter, Sebastian; Hofmann, Wolfgang; Tributsch, Helmut; Kautek, Wolfgang

1990-08-01

Pyrite (Fe52) has been investigated as a promising new absorber material for thin film solar cell applications because of its high optical absorption coefficient of 1OL cm1, and its bandgap of 0.9 to 1.0 eV. Thin layers have been prepared by Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition, MOCVD, Chemical Spray Pyrolysis, CSP, Chemical Vapor Transport, CVT, and Sulfurization of Iron Oxide films, 510. It is postulated that for the material FeS2, if x is not zero, a high point defect concentration results from replacing 2 dipoles by single S atoms. This causes the observed photovoltages and solar conversion efficiencies to be lower than expected. Using the Fe-O-S ternary phase diagram and the related activity plots, a thermodynamic understanding is formulated for the resulting composition of each of these types of films. It is found that by operating in the oxide portion of the phase diagram, the resulting oxidation state favors pyrite formation over FeS. By proper orientation of the grains relative to the film surface, and by control of pinholes and stoichiometry, an efficient thin film photovolatic solar cell material could be achieved.

Architecture effects of glucose oxidase/Au nanoparticle composite Langmuir-Blodgett films on glucose sensing performance

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Ke-Hsuan; Wu, Jau-Yann; Chen, Liang-Huei; Lee, Yuh-Lang

2016-03-01

The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition technique is employed to prepare nano-composite films consisting of glucose oxidase (GOx) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for glucose sensing applications. The GOx and AuNPs are co-adsorbed from an aqueous solution onto an air/liquid interface in the presence of an octadecylamine (ODA) template monolayer, forming a mixed (GOx-AuNP) monolayer. Alternatively, a composite film with a cascade architecture (AuNP/GOx) is also prepared by sequentially depositing monolayers of AuNPs and GOx. The architecture effects of the composite LB films on the glucose sensing are studied. The results show that the presence of AuNPs in the co-adsorption system does not affect the adsorption amount and preferred conformation (α-helix) of GOx. Furthermore, the incorporation of AuNPs in both composite films can significantly improve the sensing performance. However, the enhancement effects of the AuNPs in the two architectures are distinct. The major effect of the AuNPs is on the facilitation of charge-transfer in the (GOx-AuNP) film, but on the increase of catalytic activity in the (AuNP/GOx) one. Therefore, the sensing performance can be greatly improved by utilizing a film combining both architectures (AuNP/GOx-AuNP).

Preparation and adsorption properties of nano magnetite chitosan films for heavy metal ions from aqueous solution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lasheen, M.R., E-mail: ragaei24@link.net [Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, 33-El Buhoth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12311 (Egypt); El-Sherif, Iman Y., E-mail: iman57us@yahoo.com [Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, 33-El Buhoth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12311 (Egypt); Tawfik, Magda E., E-mail: magdaemileta@yahoo.com [Polymers and Pigments Department, National Research Centre, 33-El Buhoth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12311 (Egypt); El-Wakeel, S.T., E-mail: shaimaa_tw@yahoo.com [Water Pollution Research Department, Environmental Research Division, National Research Centre, 33-El Buhoth St., Dokki, Cairo, 12311 (Egypt); El-Shahat, M.F., E-mail: elshahatmf@hotmail.com [Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Khalifa El-Maamon St., Abbasiya Sq., 11566, Cairo (Egypt)

2016-08-15

Highlights: • Nano magnetite–chitosan films were prepared by casting method. • The efficiency of the prepared films for removing heavy metals was investigated. • The adsorption mechanism was studied using different isotherm and kinetic models. • Films reuse and metals recovery were studied. - Abstract: Nano magnetite chitosan (NMag–CS) film was prepared and characterized with different analytical methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of a pure magnetite structure and NMag–CS nanocomposite. TEM image of the film, revealed the uniform dispersion of magnetite nanoparticles inside chitosan matrix. The adsorption properties of the prepared film for copper, lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel metal ions were evaluated. Different factors affecting the uptake behavior by the composite films such as time, initial pH and film dose were investigated. The adsorption equilibrium attained using 2 g/L of the film after 120 min of reaction. The equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich models. The adsorption kinetics followed the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order equation for all metals. The metals regenerated from films with an efficiency greater than 95% using 0.1 M ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) and films were successfully reused for adsorption.

Chitosan-based films composites for wound healing purposes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alves, Natali de O.; Silva, Gabriela T. da; Schulz, Gracelie A.S.; Fajardo, Andre R.

2015-01-01

Chitosan has been extensively applied in the developing of biomaterials due to its desirable good physico-chemical and biological properties. According to this, here films composite of chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol) and bovine bone powder were prepared by casting willing to be applied in wound healing purposes. Moreover, the first step was the developing of a suitable method to obtain bovine bone powder, which was utilized here as filler. All the materials and films were fully characterized by FTIR, DRX and thermal analysis. Water uptake capacity was measured by swelling assays. (author)

Preparation of Novel Thin-Film Composite Nanofiltration Membranes for Separation of Amoxicillin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Akbari

2014-04-01

Full Text Available Several novel composite membranes were prepared to separate and recycle amoxicillin from pharmaceutical wastewater via nanofiltration process. The synthesis of these membranes included three stages: 1- preparation of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes as a support via phase separation process, 2- modification of its surface by interfacial polymerization as a selective layer (polyamide, and 3- self-assembly of TiO2 nanoparticles on the selective layer as an anti-fouling agent. The rejection of all nanofiltration membranes was more than 99% and only its flux was changed proportional to different conditions. In the presence and absence of TiO2 nanoparticles, the pure water flux of polyamide thin-film membrane also obtained 44.4 and 38.4 L/h.m2 at 4 bar pressure, respectively. These were equal to 34 L/h.m2 for amoxicillin solutions. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticles increased hydrophilicity of polyamide selective layer and therefore, nanoparticles decreased the fouling level. SEM images illustrated the excellent establishment of polyamide layer and distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles on the selective layer. The properties of membrane surface were taken into consideration by using AFM, indicating the increment of surface roughness with interfacial polymerization and TiO2 nanoparticles self-assembly. The pore size of membranes was in the nanoscale (2.653 and 2.604 nm without and with TiO2 nanoparticles self-assembly, respectively

Preparation, Characterization and Thermo-Chromic Properties of EVA/VO2 Laminate Films for Smart Window Applications and Energy Efficiency in Building

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Onruthai Srirodpai

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Thermochromic films based on vanadium dioxide (VO2/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA composite were developed. The monoclinic VO2 particles was firstly prepared via hydrothermal and calcination processes. The effects of hydrothermal time and tungsten doping agent on crystal structure and morphology of the calcined metal oxides were reported. After that, 1 wt % of the prepared VO2 powder was mixed with EVA compound, using two different mixing processes. It was found that mechanical properties of the EVA/VO2 films prepared by the melt process were superior to those of which prepared by the solution process. On the other hand, percentage visible light transmittance of the solution casted EVA/VO2 film was greater than that of the melt processed composite film. This was related to the different gel content of EVA rubber and state of dispersion and distribution of VO2 within the polymer matrix phase. Thermochromic behaviors and heat reflectance of the EVA/VO2 film were also verified. In overall, this study demonstrated that it was possible to develop a thermochromic film using the polymer composite approach. In this regard, the mixing condition was found to be one of the most important factors affecting morphology and thermo-mechanical properties of the films.

Calcinated tea and cellulose composite films and its dielectric and lead adsorption properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Jayaramudu, Tippabattini; Varaprasad, Kokkarachedu; Kim, Hyun Chan; Kafy, Abdullahil; Kim, Jung Woong; Kim, Jaehwan

2017-09-01

In this paper, calcinated tea and cellulose composite (CTCC) films were fabricated via solution casting method. Chemical structure, morphology, crystallinity and thermal stability of the fabricated films were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of calcinated tea loading on the properties of the prepared CTCC films was studied. The results suggest that the prepared CTCC films show higher mechanical properties, thermal stability and dielectric constant than the neat cellulose film. In addition, the CTCC films adsorb Pb 2+ ions and its adsorption performance depends on the calcinated tea content and pH level. The CTCC films are useful for sensors, flexible capacitor as well as lead adsorption applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Drawing Ｒatio on Mechanical Property of Nano-Hybrid Polyimide Composite Films

OpenAIRE

CHEN Hao; YANG Ｒui-xiao; WU Chuan-gang; FAN Yong

2017-01-01

In order to investigate the impact of drawing ratio of inorganic nano-hybrid polyamide three-layer composite films，the stretched composite films with different draw ratio were prepared by drawing partial imido polyamide film and then through the ring closing reaction in the high temperature，and the draw ratio was 0% ，2% ， 4% ，6% ，8% ，10% ，12% ，14% etc. Under the same conditions，we made different draw ratio of three-layer composite film tensile test with the electronic universal material testi...

Solid-phase photocatalytic degradation of polyethylene-goethite composite film under UV-light irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, G.L.; Zhu, D.W.; Liao, S.J.; Ren, L.Y.; Cui, J.Z.; Zhou, W.B.

2009-01-01

A novel photodegradable polyethylene-goethite (PE-goethite) composite film was prepared by embedding the goethite into the commercial polyethylene. The degradation of PE-goethite composite films was investigated under ultraviolet light irradiation. The photodegradation activity of the PE plastic was determined by monitoring its weight loss, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. The weight of PE-goethite (1 wt%) sample steadily decreased and led to the total 16% reduction in 300 h under UV-light intensity for 1 mW/cm 2 . Through SEM observation there were some cavities around the goethite powder in the composite films, but there were few changes except some surface chalking phenomenon in pure PE film. The degradation rate could be controlled by changing the concentration of goethite particles in PE plastic. The degradation of composite plastic initiated on PE-goethite interface and then extended into polymer matrix induced by the diffusion of the reactive oxygen species generated on goethite particle surface. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism of the composite films was briefly discussed.

Multifunctional Poly(2,5-benzimidazole)/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films

Science.gov (United States)

2010-01-01

Multifunctional Poly(2,5- benzimidazole )/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films JI-YE KANG,1 SOO-MI EO,1 IN-YUP JEON,1 YEONG SUK CHOI,2 LOON-SENG TAN,3 JONG...molecular-weight poly(2,5- benzimidazole ) (ABPBI). ABPBI/carbon nanotube (CNT) compo- sites were prepared via in situ polymerization of the AB-monomer in the...polymerization; multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT); nano- composites; poly(2,5- benzimidazole ); (ABPBI); polycondensa- tion; poly(phosphoric acid); single-walled

Spray pyrolysis process for preparing superconductive films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hsu, H.M.; Yee, I.Y.

1991-01-01

This paper describes a spray pyrolysis method for preparing thin superconductive film. It comprises: preparing a spray pyrolysis solution comprising Bi,Sr,Ca and Cu metals in a solvent; heating a substrate to a first temperature; spraying the solution onto the heated substrate to form a film thereon; heating the film and substrate to a second temperature of about 700 degrees-825 degrees C, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature; heating the film and substrate to a third temperature of about 870 degrees-890 degrees C to melt the film; once the film and substrate reach the third temperature, further heat treating the film and substrate; cooling the film and substrate to ambient temperature. This patent also describes a spray pyrolysis method for preparing thin superconductive films. It comprises: preparing a spray pyrolysis solution comprising Bi, Ca and Cu metals and fluxing agent in a solvent; heating a substrate to a first temperature; spraying the solution onto the heated substrate to form a film thereon; heating the film and substrate to a second temperature about 700 degrees-825 degrees C, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature; heating the film and substrate at a third temperature about 840 degrees-860 degrees C; and cooling the film and substrate to ambient temperature

Preparation of thin vyns films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blanc, R.; Chedin, P.; Gizon, A.

1965-01-01

The fabrication of thin films of VYNS resin (copolymer of chloride and vinyl acetate) of superficial density from 3 to 50 μg/cm 2 with solutions in cyclohexanone is presented. Study and discussion of some properties compared with formvar film (polyvinyl formals). It appears that both can be used as source supports but formvar films are prepared more easily and more quickly, in addition they withstand higher temperatures. The main quality of VYNS is that they can be easily separated even several days after their preparation [fr

Self-assembled metal nano-multilayered film prepared by co-sputtering method

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Tianle; Fu, Licai; Qin, Wen; Zhu, Jiajun; Yang, Wulin; Li, Deyi; Zhou, Lingping

2018-03-01

Nano-multilayered film is usually prepared by the arrangement deposition of different materials. In this paper, a self-assembled nano-multilayered film was deposited by simultaneous sputtering of Cu and W. The Cu/W nano-multilayered film was accumulated by W-rich layer and Cu-rich layer. Smooth interfaces with consecutive composition variation and semi-coherent even coherent relationship were identified, indicating that a spinodal-like structure with a modulation wavelength of about 20 nm formed during co-deposition process. The participation of diffusion barrier element, such as W, is believed the essential to obtain the nano-multilayered structure besides the technological parameters.

Magnetic and electromagnetic properties of Pr doped strontium ferrite/polyaniline composite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Huang, Ying; Li, Yuqing; Wang, Yan, E-mail: wangyan287580632@126.com

2014-11-15

This paper reported three acid (including hydrochloric acid HCl, p-toluenesulfonic acid PTS and D-camphor-10-acid CSA) doped SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19}/PANI composite film and the HCl–PANI film prepared by a sol–gel method and in-situ oxidative polymerization. The characteristics of the film phase structure, surface morphology, conductivity and magnetic and electromagnetic properties were studied by using XRD, XPS, FESEM, four-probe tester, VSM and Vector Network Analyzer. The resistivity of organic acid doped composite films is higher than that of the HCl doped one. The saturation and remanent magnetization of PTS and HCl doped composite films are greater than the CSA-doped one; however, the coercivity of the three acid doped composite films is basically 5546 Oe. The saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization and coercivity of SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19} film are greater than those of the SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19}–PANI composite film. In the frequency range of 8–12 GHz, the dielectric loss of HCl–PANI film is the maximum, and the dielectric loss of SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19} film is the minimum; the magnetic loss of the four films is in descending order as SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19} film, PrSrM/(HCl–PANI) composite film, PrSrM/(CSA–PANI) and HCl–PANI film. - Highlights: • Synthesizing three acid doped SrPr{sub 0.2}Fe{sub 11.8}O{sub 19}/PANI composite films. • By sol–gel method and in-situ oxidative polymerization. • With excellent magnetic and electromagnetic properties. • The particular coating structure of PANI and Sr-ferrite. • Great interest for magnetic material and microwave absorbers.

Facile preparation of molecularly imprinted polypyrrole-graphene-multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite film modified electrode for rutin sensing.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Lite; Yang, Juan; Xu, Bingjie; Zhao, Faqiong; Zeng, Baizhao

2016-12-01

In this paper, a novel molecularly imprinted composite film modified electrode was presented for rutin (RT) detection. The modified electrode was fabricated by electropolymerization of pyrrole on a graphene-multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite (G-MWCNTs) coated glassy carbon electrode in the presence of RT. The netlike G-MWCNTs composite, prepared by in situ hydrothermal process, had high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. At the resulting MIP/G-MWCNTs/GCE electrode RT could produce a sensitive anodic peak in pH 1.87 Britton-Robinson buffer solution. The factors affecting the electrochemical behavior and response of RT on the modified electrode were carefully investigated and optimized. Under the selected conditions, the linear response range of RT was 0.01-1.0μmolL -1 and the detection limit (S/N=3) was 5.0nmolL -1 . The electrode was successfully applied to the determination of RT in buckwheat tea and orange juice samples, and the recoveries for standards added were 93.4-105%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparative study on electrochemical co-deposition and capacitance of composite films of conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Peng Chuang; Jin Jun; Chen, George Z.

2007-01-01

Composite films of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPY) or poly[3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene] (PEDOT) were prepared via electrochemical co-deposition from solutions containing acid treated CNTs and the corresponding monomer. In the cases of PPY and PEDOT, CNTs served as the charge carriers during electro-deposition, and also acted as both the backbone of a three-dimensional micro- and nano-porous structure and the effective charge-balancing dopant within the polymer. All the composites showed improved mechanical integrity, higher electronic and ionic conductivity (even when the polymer was reduced), and exhibited larger electrode specific capacitance than the polymer alone. Under similar conditions, the capacitance was enhanced significantly in as-prepared PPY-CNT and PEDOT-CNT films. However, the fresh PANI-CNT film was electrochemically similar to PANI, but PPY-CNT and PEDOT-CNT differed noticeably from the respective polymers alone. In continuous potential cycling tests, unlike the pure polymer and other composite films, PANI-CNT performed much better in retaining the capacitance of the as-prepared film, and the possible cause is analysed

Preparation and mechanical properties of edible rapeseed protein films.

Science.gov (United States)

Jang, Sung-Ae; Lim, Geum-Ok; Song, Kyung Bin

2011-03-01

Edible films were manufactured from rapeseed oil extraction residues. To prepare rapeseed protein (RP) films, various concentrations of plasticizers and emulsifiers were incorporated into the preparation of a film-forming solution. The optimal conditions for the preparation of the RP film were 2% sorbitol/0.5% sucrose as plasticizer and 1.5% polysorbate 20 as an emulsifier. In addition, RP blend films were prepared. Gelidium corneum or gelatin was added to improve the physical properties of the RP film, and the highest tensile strength value of the films was 53.45 MPa for the 3% RP/4% gelatin film. Our results suggest that the RP-gelatin blend film is suitable for applications in food packaging. Edible RP films prepared in the present investigation can be applied in food packaging.

Green synthesis of high conductivity silver nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Dinh, D. A.; Hui, K. S.; Hui, K. N.; Cho, Y. R.; Zhou, Wei; Hong, Xiaoting; Chun, Ho-Hwan

2014-04-01

A green facile chemical approach to control the dimensions of Ag nanoparticles-graphene oxide (AgNPs/GO) composites was performed by the in situ ultrasonication of a mixture of AgNO3 and graphene oxide solutions with the assistance of vitamin C acting as an environmentally friendly reducing agent at room temperature. With decreasing ultrasonication time, the size of the Ag nanoparticles decreased and became uniformly distributed over the surface of the GO nanosheets. The as-prepared AgNPs/rGO composite films were then formed using a spin coating method and reduced at 500 °C under N2/H2 gas flow for 1 h. Four-point probe measurements showed that the sheet resistance of the AgNPs/rGO films decreased with decreasing AgNPs size. The lowest sheet resistance of 270 Ω/sq was obtained in the film corresponding to 1 min of ultrasonication, which showed a 40 times lower resistivity than the rGO film (10.93 kΩ/sq). The formation mechanisms of the as-prepared AgNPs/rGO films are proposed. This study provides a guide to controlling the dimensions of AgNPs/rGO films, which might hold promise as advanced materials for a range of analytical applications, such as catalysis, sensors and microchips.

Room temperature pulsed laser deposition of Si{sub x} C thin films in different compositions

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hanyecz, I.; Budai, J. [University of Szeged, Department of Optics and Quantum Electronics, P.O. Box 406, Szeged (Hungary); Oszko, A. [University of Szeged, Department of Solid State and Radiochemistry, P.O. Box 168, Szeged (Hungary); Szilagyi, E. [KFKI Research Institute for Particle and Nuclear Physics, P.O. Box 49, Budapest (Hungary); Toth, Z. [Research Group on Laser Physics of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, P.O. Box 406, Szeged (Hungary)

2010-09-15

Amorphous silicon-carbon alloy films in different compositions were prepared by pulsed laser deposition from two-component targets containing pure silicon and carbon parts. The silicon-carbon ratio in the films was varied by adjusting the number of laser shots on the constituent silicon and carbon targets. The composition, optical properties, thickness, and bonding structure of the films were determined by backscattering spectrometry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Backscattering spectrometry data were used to determine the deposition rate of silicon and carbon. This enabled the calculation of the number of the shots onto each target to reach a predefined composition. As the film composition changed from carbon to silicon, it was shown that the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the films also changed from a diamond-like carbon phase to an amorphous silicon phase via graphite- and silicon-carbide-like composite. (orig.)

Preparation and Characterization of Cu(In,GaSe2 Thin Films by Selenization of Cu0.8Ga0.2 and In2Se3 Precursor Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jiang Liu

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Se-containing precursor films with two different compositions were prepared by magnetron sputtering from and targets, and then were selenized using Se vapor. The effects of precursor composition and selenization temperature on the film properties were investigated. The results show that Se phase plays a critical role in film growth and electrical properties of CIGS films. The Cu-rich films exhibit different surface morphology and better crystallinity, as compared to the Cu-poor films. All the CIGS films exhibit p-type conductivity. The resistivity of the Cu-rich films is about three orders of magnitude lower than that of the Cu-poor films, which is attributed to the presence of p-type highly conductive Se phase.

Current-induced metal-insulator transition in VO x thin film prepared by rapid-thermal-annealing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cho, Choong-Rae; Cho, SungIl; Vadim, Sidorkin; Jung, Ranju; Yoo, Inkyeong

2006-01-01

The phenomenon of metal-insulator transition (MIT) in polycrystalline VO x thin films and their preparations have been studied. The films were prepared by sputtering of vanadium thin films succeeded by Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) in oxygen ambient at 500 deg. C. Crystalline, compositional, and morphological characterizations reveal a continuous change of phase from vanadium metal to the highest oxide phase, V 2 O 5 , with the time of annealing. Electrical MIT switching has been observed in these films. Sweeping mode, electrode area, and temperature dependent MIT has been studied in Pt/VO x /Pt vertical structure. The important parameters for MIT in VO x have been found to be the current density and the electric field, which depend on carrier density in the films

The preparation and mechanical properties of Al-containing a-C : H thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Guangan; Yan Pengxun; Wang Peng; Chen Youming; Zhang Junyan

2007-01-01

Al-containing hydrogenated amorphous carbon (Al-C : H) films were deposited on silicon substrates using a mid frequency magnetron sputtering Al target in an argon and methane gas mixture. The composition, surface morphology, hardness and friction coefficient of the films were characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation and tribological tester. The Al-C : H films deposited at low CH 4 content show high surface roughness, low hardness and high friction coefficient, similar to metallic Al films; in contrast, the Al-C : H films prepared under high CH 4 content indicate low surface roughness, high hardness and low friction coefficient, close to that of hard a-C : H films as wear-resistance films

NdFeB thick films prepared by tape casting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pawlowski, B.; Schwarzer, S.; Rahmig, A.; Toepfer, J.

2003-01-01

NdFeB films of thickness between 100 and 800 μm were prepared by tape casting of a slurry containing 84-95 wt% of commercial NdFeB powder (MQP-B, -Q and -S). After curing the flexible green tapes at 120 deg. C non-porous magnetic films are obtained. The remanence of the films is in the range of 350-450 mT and the coercivity is between 300 and 800 kA/m depending on the type of MQP powder used. The magnetic properties of the films are discussed in relation to film composition and type of magnetic material. For MEMS applications the thick films are magnetized with a multi-pole stripe pattern with 1 mm pole pitch. The induction at the surface of the films was measured with a Hall probe and compared to theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the films are completely magnetized regardless of the film thickness. Tape-casted NdFeB thick films are promising candidates for applications in micro-systems or actuators. Miniaturization of the magnet components is one of the key issues in the development of electromagnetic micro-systems, thus creating a need for replacement of small sintered magnets by magnetic thick film components. Other applications include encoders

Influence of boat material on the structure, stoichiometry and optical properties of gallium sulphide films prepared by thermal evaporation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rao, Pritty; Kumar, Sanjiv; Sahoo, N.K.

2015-01-01

The paper describes the deposition of thin films of gallium sulphide on soda-lime glass substrates by thermal evaporation of chemically synthesized powders consisting of gallium sulphide and gallium oxyhydroxide from a Mo or Ta boat and the evolution of their compositional, structural and optical properties on vacuum annealing. The films deposited from Mo or Ta boats possessed distinctly different properties. The Mo-boat evaporated pristine films were amorphous, transparent (α ∼ 10 3  cm −1 ) in visible region and had a direct band gap of about 3.2 eV. Vacuum annealing at 723 K brought about their crystallization predominantly into cubic γ-Ga 2 S 3 and a blue shift by about 0.2 eV. The Ta-boat evaporated pristine films were also amorphous but were absorbing (α ∼ 10 4  cm −1 ) and had a direct band gap of about 2.1 eV. These crystallized into hexagonal GaS and experienced a blue shift by more than 1.0 eV on vacuum annealing at 723 K. The dissimilar properties of the two kinds of films arose mainly from their different atomic compositions. The Mo-boat evaporated pristine films contained Ga and S in ∼1:1 atomic proportions while those prepared using Ta-boat were Ga rich which impaired their transmission characteristics. The former composition favoured the stabilization of S rich gallium sulphide (Ga 2 S 3 ) phase while the latter stabilised S deficient species, GaS. Besides inducing crystallization, vacuum annealing at 723 K also caused the diffusion of Ga in excess of atomic composition of the phase formed, into soda-lime glass which improved the optical transmission of the films. Gallium oxyhydroxide, an inevitable co-product of the chemical synthetic process, in the evaporant introduced oxygen and hydrogen impurities in the films which do not seem to significantly influence their optical properties. - Highlights: • Gallium sulphide films are prepared by thermal evaporation from a Mo or Ta boat. • Mo-boat prepared pristine film has Ga

Preparing polymer brushes on polytetrafluoroethylene films by free radical polymerization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun Wei; Chen Yiwang; Deng Qilan; Chen Lie; Zhou Lang

2006-01-01

Films of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were exposed to sodium naphthalenide (Na/naphtha) etchant so as to defluorinate the surface for obtaining hydroxyl functionality. Surface-initiators were immobilized on the PTFE films by esterification of 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) (ACP) and the hydroxyl groups covalently linked to the surface. Grafting of polymer brushes on the PTFE films was carried out by the surface-initiated free radical polymerization. Homopolymers brushes of methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared by free radical polymerization from the azo-functionalized PTFE surface. The chemical composition and topography of the graft-functionalized PTFE surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FT-IR spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Water contact angles on PTFE films were reduced by surface grafting of MMA

Influence of Applied Bias Voltage on the Composition, Structure, and Properties of Ti:Si-Codoped a-C:H Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering

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Jinlong Jiang

2014-01-01

Full Text Available The titanium- and silicon-codoped a-C:H films were prepared at different applied bias voltage by magnetron sputtering TiSi target in argon and methane mixture atmosphere. The influence of the applied bias voltage on the composition, surface morphology, structure, and mechanical properties of the films was investigated by XPS, AFM, Raman, FTIR spectroscopy, and nanoindenter. The tribological properties of the films were characterized on an UMT-2MT tribometer. The results demonstrated that the film became smoother and denser with increasing the applied bias voltage up to −200 V, whereas surface roughness increased due to the enhancement of ion bombardment as the applied bias voltage further increased. The sp3 carbon fraction in the films monotonously decreased with increasing the applied bias voltage. The film exhibited moderate hardness and the superior tribological properties at the applied bias voltage of −100 V. The tribological behaviors are correlated to the H/E or H3/E2 ratio of the films.

Synthesis of cauliflower-like ZnO-TiO2 composite porous film and photoelectrical properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiang Yinhua; Yan Yun; Zhang Wenli; Ni Liang; Sun Yueming; Yin Hengbo

2011-01-01

A series of cauliflower-like TiO 2 -ZnO composite porous films with various molar ratios of Zn/Ti were prepared by the screen printing technique on the fluorine-doped SnO 2 (FTO) conducting glasses. The composite films were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and UV-vis transmittance spectrum. The results showed composite film electrode had a novel cauliflower-like morphology, which could effectively increase the dye absorption. The corresponding dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were made by the composite film, and effects of ZnO incorporation on the photovoltaic performances of the DSCs were studied. With the Zn/Ti molar ratio not more than 3% in ZnO-TiO 2 composite film of about 5 μm-thickness, the photocurrent density (J sc ) and the solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency (η) were greatly improved compared with those of the DSC based on bare TiO 2 film of same thickness. This increases in efficiency and J sc were attributed to high electron conductivity of ZnO, the improved dye adsorption and large light transmittance of composite film.

New Poly(lactic acid Active Packaging Composite Films Incorporated with Fungal Melanin

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Łukasz Łopusiewicz

2018-04-01

Full Text Available In this work, fungal melanin was used for the first time to prepare poly(lactic acid-based composites. The films of various melanin concentrations (0.025%, 0.05% and 0.2% w/w were prepared using an extrusion method. The mechanical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, water vapor and UV-Vis barrier properties, as well as available polyphenolics on the surface, were studied. FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out to analyze the chemical composition of the resulting films. The hydrophobicity, color response, thermal, optical properties, and opacity values were also determined. The results of this study show that the addition of fungal melanin to poly(lactic acid (PLA as a modifier influenced mechanical and water vapor barrier properties depending on melanin concentration. In low concentration, melanin enhanced the mechanical and barrier properties of the modified films, but in larger amounts, the properties were decreased. The UV-Vis barrier properties of PLA/melanin composites were marginally improved. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC analysis indicated that crystallinity of PLA increased by the addition of melanin, but this did not affect the thermal stability of the films. Modified PLA/melanin films showed good antioxidant activity and were active against Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas putida. The addition of melanin caused changes in color values, decreasing lightness and increasing the redness and yellowness of films. Based on the results of this study, fungal melanin has good potential to be exploited as a value-added modifier that can improve the overall properties of PLA.

Preparation and characterization of graphene-based vanadium oxide composite semiconducting films with horizontally aligned nanowire arrays

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jung, Hye-Mi; Um, Sukkee

2016-01-01

Highly oriented crystalline hybrid thin films primarily consisting of Magnéli-phase VO 2 and conductive graphene nanoplatelets are fabricated by a sol–gel process via dipping pyrolysis. A combination of chemical, microstructural, and electrical analyses reveals that graphene oxide (GO)-templated vanadium oxide (VO x ) nanocomposite films exhibit a vertically stacked multi-lamellar nanostructure consisting of horizontally aligned vanadium oxide nanowire (VNW) arrays along the (hk0) set of planes on a GO template, with an average crystallite size of 41.4 Å and a crystallographic tensile strain of 0.83%. In addition, GO-derived VO x composite semiconducting films, which have an sp 3 /sp 2 bonding ratio of 0.862, display thermally induced electrical switching properties in the temperature range of − 20 °C to 140 °C, with a transition temperature of approximately 65 °C. We ascribe these results to the use of GO sheets, which serve as a morphological growth template as well as an electrochemically tunable platform for enhancing the charge-carrier mobility. Moreover, the experimental studies demonstrate that graphene-based Magnéli-phase VO x composite semiconducting films can be used in advanced thermo-sensitive smart sensing/switching applications because of their outstanding thermo-electrodynamic properties and high surface charge density induced by the planar-type VNWs. - Highlights: • VO x -graphene oxide composite (G/VO x ) films were fabricated by sol–gel process. • The G/VO x films mainly consisted of Magnéli-phase VO 2 and reduced graphene sheets. • The G/VO x films exhibited multi-lamellar textures with planar VO x nanowire arrays. • The G/VO x films showed the thermo-sensitive electrical switching properties. • Effects of GOs on the electrical characteristics of the G/VO x films were discussed.

Preparation and optimization of CdWO_4-polymer nano-composite film as an alpha particle counter

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ziluei, Hossein; Azimirad, Rouhollah; Mojtahedzadeh Larijani, Majid; Ziaie, Farhoud

2017-01-01

In this research work, CdWO_4/polymer composite films with different thicknesses were prepared using Poly-methyl acrylate polymer and synthesized CdWO_4 powder. The CdWO_4 powder was synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method in the laboratory. X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy proved that the CdWO_4 powder was successfully prepared. Moreover, photoluminescence analysis showed that adding polymer does not change the emission peak of CdWO_4. Also, the responses of all samples were measured using an "2"4"1Am alpha source with 1860 Bq activity. Results showed that the sample having thickness of 177 mg/cm"2 has the best counting efficiency (over 2π geometry) among the others. The efficiency measurement was further evaluated using a "2"3"0Th source whose activity is 190.7 Bq. It revealed that the counting efficiency of this sample for both "2"4"1Am and "2"3"0Th was nearly equal.

Effect of thermal annealing on structural properties of SrGa2S4:Ce thin films prepared by flash evaporation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gambarov, E.F.; Bayramov, A.I.

2009-01-01

In the present report the preparation technology and structural characterization of Ce 3 +activated SrGa 2 S 4 thin films are given. SrGa 2 S 4 : e thin films are prepared by so called flash evaporation which is simple and inexpensive method for thin film deposition. X-ray diffraction shows that the as deposited films exhibit amorphous behavior, but after annealing in H S stream, the polycrystalline one. EPMA results indicate nearly stoichiometric composition of the thin films

Silver loaded WO3−x/TiO2 composite multifunctional thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dunnill, Charles W.; Noimark, Sacha; Parkin, Ivan P.

2012-01-01

Multifunctional WO 3−x –TiO 2 composite thin films have been prepared by sol–gel synthesis and shown to be good visible light photocatalysts whilst retaining a desirable underlying blue colouration. The WO 3−x –TiO 2 composite thin films were further enhanced using silver nanoparticles synthesised in-situ on the surface from the photo-degradation of silver nitrate solution. Thin films were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Raman, Scanning electron microscopy and UV–visible spectroscopy and shown to photo degrade stearic acid, using white light λ = 420–800 nm. - Highlights: ► WO 3−X TiO 2 composite thin films were synthesised by sol–gel methods. ► Blue tinted glass is desirable for the value added glass industry. ► Silver nanoparticle island formation enhances the activity of the films. ► Blue tinted “value added” coated glass is now possible.

Preparation and physical properties of tara gum film reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals.

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Qianyun; Hu, Dongying; Wang, Lijuan

2016-05-01

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) prepared from microcrystalline cellulose were blended in tara gum solution to prepare nanocomposite films. The morphology, crystallinity, and thermal properties of the CNC and films were evaluated by using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The resultant CNC was rod-shaped with diameters of around 8.6 nm. The effect of CNC content on physical and thermal properties of films was studied. The composite film tensile strength increased from 27.86 to 65.73 MPa, elastic modulus increased from 160.98 MPa to 882.49 MPa and the contact angle increased from 55.8° to 98.7° with increasing CNC content from 0 to 6 wt%. However, CNC addition increased the thermal stability slightly and CNC content above 6 wt% decreased the tensile strength by CNC aggregation in the matrix. The nanocomposite film containing 6 wt% CNC possessed the highest light transmittance, mechanical properties, and lowest oxygen permeability. CNC addition is a suitable method to modify tara gum matrix polymer properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of novel functional Mg/O/PCL/ZnO composite biomaterials and their corrosion resistance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xi, Zhongxian; Tan, Cui; Xu, Lan; Yang, Na; Li, Qing

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Novel functional Mg/O/PCL/ZnO composite biomaterials were prepared. • The biomaterials were prepared by anodization treatment and dip-coating technique. • The composite biomaterials were smooth and with low porosity. • The prepared biomaterials have good corrosion resistance in SBF. • The composite biomaterials can release zinc ion to promote bone formation. - Abstract: In this study, novel and functional Mg/O/PCL/ZnO (magnesium/anodic film/poly(ε-caprolactone)/zinc oxide) composite biomaterials for enhancing the bioactivity and biocompatibility of the implant was prepared by using anodization treatment and dip-coating technique. The surface morphology, microstructure, adhesion strength and corrosion resistance of the composite biomaterials were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), adhesion measurements, electrochemical tests and immersion tests respectively. In addition, the biocompatible properties of Mg (magnesium), Mg/PCL (magnesium/poly(ε-caprolactone)) and Mg/O/PCL (magnesium/anodic film/poly(ε-caprolactone)) samples were also investigated. The results show that the Mg/O/PCL/ZnO composite biomaterials were with low porosity and with the ZnO powders dispersed in PCL uniformly. The adhesion tests suggested that Mg/O/PCL/ZnO composite biomaterials had better adhesion strength than that of Mg/PCL composite biomaterials obviously. Besides, an in vitro test for corrosion demonstrated that the Mg/O/PCL/ZnO composite biomaterials had good corrosion resistance and zinc ion was released obviously in SBF

Preparation and Anodizing of SiCp/Al Composites with Relatively High Fraction of SiCp.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Bin; Qu, Shengguan; Li, Xiaoqiang

2018-01-01

By properly proportioned SiC particles with different sizes and using squeeze infiltration process, SiCp/Al composites with high volume fraction of SiC content (Vp = 60.0%, 61.2%, 63.5%, 67.4%, and 68.0%) were achieved for optical application. The flexural strength of the prepared SiC p /Al composites was higher than 483 MPa and the elastic modulus was increased from 174.2 to 206.2 GPa. With an increase in SiC volume fraction, the flexural strength and Poisson's ratio decreased with the increase in elastic modulus. After the anodic oxidation treatment, an oxidation film with porous structure was prepared on the surface of the composite and the oxidation film was uniformly distributed. The anodic oxide growth rate of composite decreased with SiC content increased and linearly increased with anodizing time.

Preparation and Anodizing of SiCp/Al Composites with Relatively High Fraction of SiCp

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bin Wang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available By properly proportioned SiC particles with different sizes and using squeeze infiltration process, SiCp/Al composites with high volume fraction of SiC content (Vp = 60.0%, 61.2%, 63.5%, 67.4%, and 68.0% were achieved for optical application. The flexural strength of the prepared SiCp/Al composites was higher than 483 MPa and the elastic modulus was increased from 174.2 to 206.2 GPa. With an increase in SiC volume fraction, the flexural strength and Poisson’s ratio decreased with the increase in elastic modulus. After the anodic oxidation treatment, an oxidation film with porous structure was prepared on the surface of the composite and the oxidation film was uniformly distributed. The anodic oxide growth rate of composite decreased with SiC content increased and linearly increased with anodizing time.

Preparation and Anodizing of SiCp/Al Composites with Relatively High Fraction of SiCp

Science.gov (United States)

2018-01-01

By properly proportioned SiC particles with different sizes and using squeeze infiltration process, SiCp/Al composites with high volume fraction of SiC content (Vp = 60.0%, 61.2%, 63.5%, 67.4%, and 68.0%) were achieved for optical application. The flexural strength of the prepared SiCp/Al composites was higher than 483 MPa and the elastic modulus was increased from 174.2 to 206.2 GPa. With an increase in SiC volume fraction, the flexural strength and Poisson's ratio decreased with the increase in elastic modulus. After the anodic oxidation treatment, an oxidation film with porous structure was prepared on the surface of the composite and the oxidation film was uniformly distributed. The anodic oxide growth rate of composite decreased with SiC content increased and linearly increased with anodizing time. PMID:29682145

Preparation of Nanocellulose Reinforced Chitosan Films, Cross-Linked by Adipic Acid.

Science.gov (United States)

Falamarzpour, Pouria; Behzad, Tayebeh; Zamani, Akram

2017-02-13

Adipic acid, an abundant and nontoxic compound, was used to dissolve and cross-link chitosan. After the preparation of chitosan films through casting technique, the in situ amidation reaction was performed at 80-100 °C as verified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The reaction was accompanied by the release of water which was employed to investigate the reaction kinetics. Accordingly, the reaction rate followed the first-order model and Arrhenius equation, and the activation energy was calculated to be 18 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the chitosan films were comprehensively studied. First, optimal curing conditions (84 °C, 93 min) were introduced through a central composite design. In order to evaluate the effects of adipic acid, the mechanical properties of physically cross-linked (uncured), chemically cross-linked (cured), and uncross-linked (prepared by acetic acid) films were compared. The use of adipic acid improved the tensile strength of uncured and chemically cross-linked films more than 60% and 113%, respectively. Finally, the effect of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) on the mechanical performance of cured films, in the presence of glycerol as a plasticizer, was investigated. The plasticized chitosan films reinforced by 5 wt % CNFs showed superior properties as a promising material for the development of chitosan-based biomaterials.

Preparation of titanium dioxide films on etched aluminum foil by vacuum infiltration and anodizing

Science.gov (United States)

Xiang, Lian; Park, Sang-Shik

2016-12-01

Al2O3-TiO2 (Al-Ti) composite oxide films are a promising dielectric material for future use in capacitors. In this study, TiO2 films were prepared on etched Al foils by vacuum infiltration. TiO2 films prepared using a sol-gel process were annealed at various temperatures (450, 500, and 550 °C) for different time durations (10, 30, and 60 min) for 4 cycles, and then anodized at 100 V. The specimens were characterized using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and field emission transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the tunnels of the specimens feature a multi-layer structure consisting of an Al2O3 outer layer, an Al-Ti composite oxide middle layer, and an aluminum hydrate inner layer. The electrical properties of the specimens, such as the withstanding voltage and specific capacitance, were also measured. Compared to specimens without TiO2 coating, the specific capacitances of the TiO2-coated specimens are increased. The specific capacitance of the anode Al foil with TiO2 coating increased by 42% compared to that of a specimen without TiO2 coating when annealed at 550 °C for 10 min. These composite oxide films could enhance the specific capacitance of anode Al foils used in dielectric materials.

Magnetic Composite Thin Films of Fe{sub x}O{sub y} Nanoparticles and Photocrosslinked Dextran Hydrogels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Brunsen, Annette, E-mail: brunsen@mpip-mainz.mpg.de [Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz (Germany); Department of Chemistry, Technical University Darmstadt, Petersenstr. 22, 64287 Darmstadt (Germany); Utech, Stefanie, E-mail: utech@uni-mainz.de [Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Jakob-Welder-Weg 11, 55099 Mainz (Germany); Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH (IMM), Carl-Zeiss-Str. 18-20, 55129 Mainz, German (Germany); Maskos, Michael, E-mail: maskos@uni-mainz.de [Institut fuer Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH (IMM), Carl-Zeiss-Str. 18-20, 55129 Mainz, German (Germany); Knoll, Wolfgang, E-mail: Wolfgang.Knoll@ait.ac.at [Austrian Institute of Technology, Tech Gate Vienna, Donau-City-Str. 1, 1220 Wien (Austria); Jonas, Ulrich, E-mail: jonas@mpip-mainz.mpg.de [Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz (Germany) and Macromolecular Chemistry, Department Chemistry - Biology, University of Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57076 Siegen (Germany) and Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas - FORTH, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Bio-Organic Materials Chemistry Laboratory - BOMCLab, Nikolaou Plastira 100, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Heraklion, Crete (Greece)

2012-04-15

Magnetic hydrogel composites are promising candidates for a broad field of applications from medicine to mechanical engineering. Here, surface-attached composite films of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and a polymeric hydrogel (HG) were prepared from magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and a carboxymethylated dextran with photoreactive benzophenone substituents. A blend of the MNP and the dextran polymer was prepared by mixing in solution, and after spin-coating and drying the blend film was converted into a stable MNP-HG composite by photocrosslinking through irradiation with UV light. The bulk composite material shows strong mobility in a magnetic field, imparted by the MNPs. By utilizing a surface layer of a photoreactive adhesion promoter on the substrates, the MNP-HG films were covalently immobilized during photocrosslinking. The high stability of the composite was documented by rinsing experiments with UV-Vis spectroscopy, while surface plasmon resonance and optical waveguide mode spectroscopy was employed to investigate the swelling behavior in dependence of the nanoparticle concentration, the particle type, and salt concentration. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer blending of iron oxide nanoparticles with photocrosslinkable carboxymethyldextran. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer UV irradiation of blend yields surface-attached, magnetic hydrogel films. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer film characterization by surface plasmon resonance/optical waveguide spectroscopy. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer swelling decreases with increasing nanoparticle content. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer swelling decreases with increasing NaCl salt concentration in the aqueous medium.

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of hemoglobin protein entrapped in graphene and chitosan composite film.

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Huifeng; Dai, Hong; Chen, Guonan

2010-04-15

A novel, biocompatible sensing strategy based on graphene and chitosan composite film for immobilizing the hemoglobin protein was firstly adopted. The direct electron transfer and bioelectrocatalytic activity of hemoglobin after incorporation into the composite film were investigated. A pair of reversible redox waves of hemoglobin was appeared, and hemoglobin could exhibit its bioelectrocatalytic activity toward H(2)O(2) in a long term. Such results indicated that graphene and chitosan composite could be a friendly biocompatible interface for immobilizing biomolecules and keeping their native structure. Furthermore, the appearance of graphene in the composite film could facilitate the electron transfer between matrix and the electroactive center of hemoglobin. Hence, this graphene and chitosan based protocol would be a promising platform for protein immobilization and biosensor preparation. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of sodium admixtures on properties of Cd1-xZnxS films prepared by pulverization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bajramov, A.I.; Dzhafarov, T.D.; Nadzhafov, Kh.I.; Novruzov, V.D.; Rzakuliev, N.A.

1992-01-01

A study was made on the effect of sodium additions, introduced during deposition, on structure, electric, optical and luminescence properties of Cd 1-x Zn x S films of fixed composition (x = 0.15), as well as on photoelectric properties of Cu 2 S/Cd 1-x Zn x S heterophotoelements, prepared on the basis of such films. It is shown that sodium introduction into composition of Cd 1-x Zn x S films leads to decrease of their specific resistance, growth of transparency in the region of optical transmission, increase of primary grain orientation along [101] axis

Study on boron-film thermal neutron converter prepared by pulsed laser deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Song Zifeng; Ye Shuzhen; Chen Ziyu; Song Liao; Shen Ji

2011-01-01

The boron film converter used in the position-sensitive thermal neutron detector is discussed and the method of preparing this converter layer via Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) is introduced. The morphology and the composition were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Both boron and boride existed on the layer surface. It was shown that the energy intensity of laser beam and the substrate temperature both had an important influence on the surface morphology of the film.

Study on boron-film thermal neutron converter prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Song Zifeng; Ye Shuzhen; Chen Ziyu; Song Liao [Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Hefei 230026 (China); Shen Ji, E-mail: shenji@ustc.edu.c [Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui Hefei 230026 (China)

2011-02-15

The boron film converter used in the position-sensitive thermal neutron detector is discussed and the method of preparing this converter layer via Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) is introduced. The morphology and the composition were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Both boron and boride existed on the layer surface. It was shown that the energy intensity of laser beam and the substrate temperature both had an important influence on the surface morphology of the film.

Synthesis of cauliflower-like ZnO-TiO{sub 2} composite porous film and photoelectrical properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jiang Yinhua, E-mail: jyinhua@126.com [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China) and School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); Yan Yun; Zhang Wenli; Ni Liang [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China); Sun Yueming [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189 (China); Yin Hengbo [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013 (China)

2011-05-15

A series of cauliflower-like TiO{sub 2}-ZnO composite porous films with various molar ratios of Zn/Ti were prepared by the screen printing technique on the fluorine-doped SnO{sub 2} (FTO) conducting glasses. The composite films were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and UV-vis transmittance spectrum. The results showed composite film electrode had a novel cauliflower-like morphology, which could effectively increase the dye absorption. The corresponding dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) were made by the composite film, and effects of ZnO incorporation on the photovoltaic performances of the DSCs were studied. With the Zn/Ti molar ratio not more than 3% in ZnO-TiO{sub 2} composite film of about 5 {mu}m-thickness, the photocurrent density (J{sub sc}) and the solar-to-electricity conversion efficiency ({eta}) were greatly improved compared with those of the DSC based on bare TiO{sub 2} film of same thickness. This increases in efficiency and J{sub sc} were attributed to high electron conductivity of ZnO, the improved dye adsorption and large light transmittance of composite film.

Photocatalytic properties of P25-doped TiO2 composite film synthesized via sol-gel method on cement substrate.

Science.gov (United States)

Guo, Xiang; Rao, Lei; Wang, Peifang; Wang, Chao; Ao, Yanhui; Jiang, Tao; Wang, Wanzhong

2018-04-01

TiO 2 films have received increasing attention for the removal of organic pollutants via photocatalysis. To develop a simple and effective method for improving the photodegradation efficiency of pollutants in surface water, we herein examined the preparation of a P25-TiO 2 composite film on a cement substrate via a sol-gel method. In this case, Rhodamine B (RhB) was employed as the target organic pollutant. The self-generated TiO 2 film and the P25-TiO 2 composite film were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 adsorption/desorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photodegradation efficiencies of the two films were studied by RhB removal in water under UV (ultraviolet) irradiation. Over 4day exposure, the P25-TiO 2 composite film exhibited higher photocatalytic performance than the self-generated TiO 2 film. The photodegradation rate indicated that the efficiency of the P25-TiO 2 composite film was enhanced by the addition of the rutile phase Degussa P25 powder. As such, cooperation between the anatase TiO 2 and rutile P25 nanoparticles was beneficial for separation of the photo-induced electrons and holes. In addition, the influence of P25 doping on the P25-TiO 2 composite films was evaluated. We found that up to a certain saturation point, increased doping enhanced the photodegradation ability of the composite film. Thus, we herein demonstrated that the doping of P25 powders is a simple but effective strategy to prepare a P25-TiO 2 composite film on a cement substrate, and the resulting film exhibits excellent removal efficiency in the degradation of organic pollutants. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of lignin on water vapor barrier, mechanical, and structural properties of agar/lignin composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Shankar, Shiv; Reddy, Jeevan Prasad; Rhim, Jong-Whan

2015-11-01

Biodegradable composite films were prepared using two renewable resources based biopolymers, agar and lignin alkali. The lignin was used as a reinforcing material and agar as a biopolymer matrix. The effect of lignin concentration (1, 3, 5, and 10wt%) on the performance of the composite films was studied. In addition, the mechanical, water vapor barrier, UV light barrier properties, FE-SEM, and TGA of the films were analyzed. The agar/lignin films exhibited higher mechanical and UV barrier properties along with lower water vapor permeability compared to the neat agar film. The FTIR and SEM results showed the compatibility of lignin with agar polymer. The swelling ratio and moisture content of agar/lignin composite films were decreased with increase in lignin content. The thermostability and char content of agar/lignin composite films increased with increased lignin content. The results suggested that agar/lignin films have a potential to be used as a UV barrier food packaging material for maintaining food safety and extending the shelf-life of the packaged food. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of cross linking of PVA/starch and reinforcement of modified barley husk on the properties of composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Mittal, Aanchal; Garg, Sangeeta; Kohli, Deepak; Maiti, Mithu; Jana, Asim Kumar; Bajpai, Shailendra

2016-10-20

Barley husk (BH) was graft copolymerized by palmitic acid. The crystalline behavior of BH decreased after grafting. Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch (St) blend film, urea formaldehyde cross linked PVA/St films and composite films containing natural BH, grafted BH were prepared separately. The effect of urea/starch ratio, content of BH and grafted BH on the mechanical properties, water uptake (%), and biodegradability of the composite films was observed. With increase in urea: starch ratio from 0 to 0.5 in the blend, tensile strength of cross linked film increased by 40.23% compared to the PVA/St film. However, in grafted BH composite film, the tensile strength increased by 72.4% than PVA/St film. The degradation rate of natural BH composite film was faster than PVA/St film. Various films were characterized by SEM, FT-IR and thermal analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetooptical garnet films: preparation, characterisation, application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Goernert, P.; Lorenz, A.; Lindner, M.; Richert, H.

2007-01-01

Full text: In contemporary magnetooptics both Kerr effect and Faraday effect are applied. The Kerr effect of metals and alloys - such as Fe, Ni, Co, FePt, CoPt, MnBi, PtMnSb - with thicknesses 300 μm are established as commercial isolators in optical systems and for developments of waveguide applications. Bi-REIG is prepared mostly by conventional liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) in PbO-B 2 O 3 -Bi 2 O 3 based solvents and sometimes by laser ablation and as nanocrystalline powders. In each case high Faraday rotation and low optical absorption is necessary. Additionally, magnetooptical sensors should possess high sensitivity and a large dynamic range. All these demands can be fulfilled with (REBi) 3 (FeGaAl) 5 O 12 LPE layers. Here we discuss some new results concerning preparation, characterisation, and application of Bi-TmIG and Bi-DyIG LPE layers on high-quality gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG) or lattice matched Ca-, Mg-, Zr-substituted GGG substrates. Optimization of flux melt composition and under cooling result in sensor films with a Faraday rotation of e.g. -1.2 0 /μm at a wavelength of l=590 nm and saturation induction of Bs=70 mT. Such films are already applied for forensic investigations. However, the responsivity of the garnet films is restricted by their coercivity Hc. Surface defects are found to give rise to pinned magnetic domains correlated with typical hysteresis. Obviously, Hc and the formation of pits are due to misfit stress and substrate surface quality. Besides, it is shown that an increase of working temperature leads to smaller coercivities. (authors)

SnO{sub 2}/reduced graphene oxide composite films for electrochemical applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bondarenko, E.A. [Belarusian State University, Nezalezhnastsi Av. 4, Minsk 220030 (Belarus); Mazanik, A.V., E-mail: mazanikalexander@gmail.com [Belarusian State University, Nezalezhnastsi Av. 4, Minsk 220030 (Belarus); Streltsov, E.A. [Belarusian State University, Nezalezhnastsi Av. 4, Minsk 220030 (Belarus); Kulak, A.I., E-mail: kulak@igic.bas-net.by [Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Surganova str., 9/1, Minsk 220072 (Belarus); Korolik, O.V. [Belarusian State University, Nezalezhnastsi Av. 4, Minsk 220030 (Belarus)

2015-12-15

Highlights: • SnO{sub 2}/GO composites with mass fraction of carbon phase 0.01% ≤ w{sub C} ≤ 80% have been formed. • 400 °C annealing was applied for GO reduction in the composites. • SnO{sub 2}/rGO composites demonstrate a high electrocatalytic activity in anodic processes. • Exchange current density grows linearly with carbon phase concentration at w{sub C} ≤ 10%. - Abstract: SnO{sub 2}/GO (GO is graphene oxide) composite films with GO mass fraction w{sub C} ranging from 0.01 to 80% have been prepared using colloidal solutions. Heat treatment of SnO{sub 2}/GO films in Ar atmosphere at 400 °C leads to GO reduction accompanied by partial exfoliation and decreasing of the particle thickness. SnO{sub 2}/rGO (rGO is reduced GO) film electrodes demonstrate a high electrocatalytic activity in the anodic oxidation of inorganic (iodide-, chloride-, sulfite-anions) and organic (ascorbic acid) substances. The increase of the anodic current in these reactions is characterized by overpotential inherent to the individual rGO films and exchange current density grows linearly with rGO concentration at w{sub C} ≤ 10% indicating that the rGO particles in composites act as sites of electrochemical process. The SnO{sub 2}/rGO composite films, in which the chemically stable oxide matrix encapsulates the rGO inclusions, can be considered as a promising material for applied electrochemistry.

Fabrication of superhydrophobic sol-gel composite films using hydrophobically modified colloidal zinc hydroxide.

Science.gov (United States)

Lakshmi, R V; Basu, Bharathibai J

2009-11-15

A superhydrophobic sol-gel composite film was fabricated by incorporating hydrophobically modified colloidal zinc hydroxide (CZH) in sol-gel matrix. CZH was prepared by controlled precipitation and modified by treatment with stearic acid. The concentration of stearic acid and stirring time were optimized to obtain modified CZH with very high water contact angle (WCA) of 165 degrees and sliding angle (SA)superhydrophobic surfaces. FTIR spectrum also confirmed the presence of zinc stearate in the composite film. The method is simple and cost-effective and does not involve any expensive chemicals or equipments.

Poly(ethylene glycol)/carbon quantum dot composite solid films exhibiting intense and tunable blue–red emission

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hao, Yanling; Gan, Zhixing; Xu, Jiaqing; Wu, Xinglong; Chu, Paul K.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Poly(ethylene glycol)/carbon quantum dots (PEG/CQDs) composite solid films exhibiting strong and tunable blue–red emission were prepared. Successful preparation of tunable emitting CQDs solid films can extend the application of carbon quantum dots in photoelectric devices. • The mechanism of the tunable emission from the PEG/CQDs composite solid films was discussed. • On the basis of the characteristics of the PL from solid films in this work, the complex PL origins of CQDs were further defined. The PL mechanism provides insights into the fluorescence mechanism of CQDs and may promotes their applications. • Poly(ethylene glycol); carbon quantum dots; Strong and tunable blue-red emission; The fluorescent quantum yield of 12.6%. - Abstract: Although carbon quantum dots (CQDs) possess excellent luminescence properties, it is a challenge to apply water-soluble CQDs to tunable luminescent devices. Herein, quaternary CQDs are incorporated into poly(ethylene glycol) to produce poly(ethylene glycol)/CQD composite solid films which exhibit strong and tunable blue–red emission. The fluorescent quantum yield reaches 12.6% which is comparable to that of many liquid CQDs and the photoluminescence characteristics are determined to elucidate the fluorescence mechanism. The CQD solid films with tunable optical properties bode well for photoelectric devices especially displays

Titanium-silicon films prepared by spin and dip-coating

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nassar, Eduardo J.; Ciuffi, Katia J.; Goncalves, Rogeria R.; Messaddeq, Younes; Ribeiro, Sidney J.L.

2003-01-01

The conditions for the preparation of luminescent materials, consisting of Eu 3+ ions entrapped in a titanium matrix, in the form of a thin film, using the sol-gel process, are described. The films were obtained from sols prepared with TEOS and TEOT, in the presence of acetylacetone as the hydrolysis-retarding agent, using the dip-coating and spin-coating techniques. The influence of these techniques on the films based on titanium and silicon are presented. The Eu 3+ was used as a luminescent probe. The films have been characterized by luminescence, reflection and transmittance. The thickness of the films could be related to the preparation procedure. Transparent thin films have been prepared by dip-coating technique. (author)

Silver loaded WO{sub 3-x}/TiO{sub 2} composite multifunctional thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dunnill, Charles W.; Noimark, Sacha; Parkin, Ivan P., E-mail: I.P.Parkin@ucl.ac.uk

2012-06-30

Multifunctional WO{sub 3-x}-TiO{sub 2} composite thin films have been prepared by sol-gel synthesis and shown to be good visible light photocatalysts whilst retaining a desirable underlying blue colouration. The WO{sub 3-x}-TiO{sub 2} composite thin films were further enhanced using silver nanoparticles synthesised in-situ on the surface from the photo-degradation of silver nitrate solution. Thin films were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Raman, Scanning electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy and shown to photo degrade stearic acid, using white light {lambda} = 420-800 nm. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer WO{sub 3-X} TiO{sub 2} composite thin films were synthesised by sol-gel methods. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Blue tinted glass is desirable for the value added glass industry. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Silver nanoparticle island formation enhances the activity of the films. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Blue tinted 'value added' coated glass is now possible.

One-Step Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles on Polydopamine-Coated Sericin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Films for Potential Antimicrobial Applications

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Rui Cai

2017-04-01

Full Text Available Silk sericin has great potential as a biomaterial for biomedical applications due to its good hydrophilicity, reactivity, and biodegradability. To develop multifunctional sericin materials for potential antibacterial application, a one-step synthesis method for preparing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs modified on polydopamine-coated sericin/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA composite films was developed. Polydopamine (PDA acted as both metal ion chelating and reducing agent to synthesize AgNPs in situ on the sericin/PVA composite film. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed that polydopamine could effectively facilitate the high-density growth of AgNPs as a 3-D matrix. X-ray diffractometry studies suggested the synthesized AgNPs formed good face-centered cubic crystalline structures. Contact angle measurement and mechanical test indicated AgNPs modified PDA-sericin/PVA composite film had good hydrophilicity and mechanical property. The bacterial growth curve and inhibition zone assays showed the AgNPs modified PDA-sericin/PVA composite film had long-term antibacterial activities. This work develops a new method for the preparation of AgNPs modified PDA-sericin/PVA film with good hydrophilicity, mechanical performance and antibacterial activities for the potential antimicrobial application in biomedicine.

The electrochemical synthesis of polyaniline/polysulfone composite films and electrocatalytic activity for ascorbic acid oxidation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu Zhongai; Shang Xiuli; Yang Yuying; Kong Chao; Wu Hongying

2006-01-01

Polyaniline (PANI)/polysulfone (PSF) composite films with asymmetric porous structure were successfully prepared by electropolymerization. The back face (in contact with the electrode) of the freestanding composite film is green while the outer face is white. The chemical component and the morphology of the surfaces were characterized by FTIR spectra and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. It was shown that replicate films gave reproducible voltammetry in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 . The influence of the electrolyte and the acidic concentration on the redox peak currents of polyaniline were investigated in detail. The composite film electrode showed good electrocatalytic activity for ascorbic acid, which the anodic overpotential was evidently reduced compared with that obtained at bare Pt electrode. The diffusion coefficient of ascorbic acid was 1.38 x 10 -6 cm 2 s -1

Preparation and optimization of CdWO{sub 4}-polymer nano-composite film as an alpha particle counter

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ziluei, Hossein [Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Azimirad, Rouhollah [Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Mojtahedzadeh Larijani, Majid, E-mail: mmojtahedfr@yahoo.com [Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ziaie, Farhoud [Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, AEOI, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2017-04-21

In this research work, CdWO{sub 4}/polymer composite films with different thicknesses were prepared using Poly-methyl acrylate polymer and synthesized CdWO{sub 4} powder. The CdWO{sub 4} powder was synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method in the laboratory. X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy proved that the CdWO{sub 4} powder was successfully prepared. Moreover, photoluminescence analysis showed that adding polymer does not change the emission peak of CdWO{sub 4}. Also, the responses of all samples were measured using an {sup 241}Am alpha source with 1860 Bq activity. Results showed that the sample having thickness of 177 mg/cm{sup 2} has the best counting efficiency (over 2π geometry) among the others. The efficiency measurement was further evaluated using a {sup 230}Th source whose activity is 190.7 Bq. It revealed that the counting efficiency of this sample for both {sup 241}Am and {sup 230}Th was nearly equal.

Synthesis and characterization of foldable and magnetic field-sensitive, freestanding poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(vinyl chloride)/polyfuran composite and nanocomposite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sarıtaş, Sevilay; Eşsiz, Serpil; Sarı, Bekir, E-mail: bsari@gazi.edu.tr

2017-07-01

Highlights: • In this study, ternary composite/nanocomposite films were synthesized. • Magnetic field-sensitive folding films were prepared without any elastomer. • Morphological studies show that all composite films have a smooth surface. • The ternary composites/nanocomposite show improved thermal stability compared to the pure PF. - Abstract: In this study, polyfuran and poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(vinyl chloride)/polyfuran ternary composites were synthesized via the chemical polymerization method. The temperature and magnetic field–sensitive novel composites and the nanocomposite were obtained in the form of powders and films. It was observed that the prepared novel conductive films have superior properties at a certain temperature range (25–50 °C) such as bending and folding. The structural properties, thermal behavior, surface morphology, internal structure, and surface roughness of the prepared samples were investigated by various characterization techniques. The conductivities of the samples were measured at room temperature and different temperatures by the four-point technique. X-ray Diffraction analysis results demonstrated that the PF and composites have an amorphous structure, whereas the nanocomposite is in crystalline form. The saturation magnetization (Ms) values of the magnetite and nanocomposite were found to be 58.9 and 5.3 emu g{sup −1}, respectively. It was found that magnetite-doped nanocomposite has superparamagnetic properties at room temperature.

Preparation of Nanocellulose Reinforced Chitosan Films, Cross-Linked by Adipic Acid

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Pouria Falamarzpour

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Adipic acid, an abundant and nontoxic compound, was used to dissolve and cross-link chitosan. After the preparation of chitosan films through casting technique, the in situ amidation reaction was performed at 80–100 °C as verified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR. The reaction was accompanied by the release of water which was employed to investigate the reaction kinetics. Accordingly, the reaction rate followed the first-order model and Arrhenius equation, and the activation energy was calculated to be 18 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the chitosan films were comprehensively studied. First, optimal curing conditions (84 °C, 93 min were introduced through a central composite design. In order to evaluate the effects of adipic acid, the mechanical properties of physically cross-linked (uncured, chemically cross-linked (cured, and uncross-linked (prepared by acetic acid films were compared. The use of adipic acid improved the tensile strength of uncured and chemically cross-linked films more than 60% and 113%, respectively. Finally, the effect of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs on the mechanical performance of cured films, in the presence of glycerol as a plasticizer, was investigated. The plasticized chitosan films reinforced by 5 wt % CNFs showed superior properties as a promising material for the development of chitosan-based biomaterials.

Synthesis and electrochemical analysis of polyaniline/TiO2 composites prepared with various molar ratios between aniline monomer and para-toluenesulfonic acid

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Oh, Misoon; Kim, Seok

2012-01-01

Graphical abstract: Polyaniline (PANI)/TiO 2 composites were prepared by in situ polymerization using para-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA). The composites showed different morphology and specific capacitances as a function of aniline concentration, which are related to the morphology (shape or size) of particles. Scheme of the formation of composites consisting of PANI film and the micelle structures is shown. Highlights: ► PANI/TiO 2 composite were prepared with a different concentration of monomer and dopant. ► Aniline/acid ratio influenced the morphological and electrochemical properties. ► The composites showed different capacitances as a function of aniline concentrations. ► Aniline/acid ratio could influence on the dispersion and surface roughness of particles. - Abstract: Polyaniline (PANI)/titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) composites were prepared with a chemical oxidation polymerization of aniline monomer (ANI) with various molar ratios between ANI and para toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA). To find an effect of the [ANI]:[p-TSA] molar ratio on the electrochemical properties of the prepared PANI/TiO 2 composites, the composites were synthesized under same conditions except the p-TSA concentrations. The prepared composite films had more homogeneous TiO 2 dispersion with changing [ANI]:[p-TSA] molar ratios from 6:1 to 1:1. p-TSA surfactant-like doping acid helped the dispersion of TiO 2 particles in the PANI matrix. PANI covering the TiO 2 surfaces was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Prepared PANI films on the TiO 2 particles had the smoothest surface when the ANI and p-TSA had 1:1 molar ratio in the reaction solution. The composite prepared with molar ratio [ANI]:[p-TSA] of 3:1 had the highest capacitance (800 F g −1 ) among the prepared composites.

Superior environment resistance of quartz crystal microbalance with anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qiang, Wei; Wei, Li; Shaodan, Wang; Yu, Bai

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: ZnO nanorod array being prepared by an in situ method on the QCM coated with Au film via hydrothermal process and surface modification with coated TiO 2 by sol–gel methods to form a superhydrophobic TiO 2 /ZnO composite film the anatase TiO 2 /ZnO nanorod composite film with a sharp, pencil-like structure exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 155°), non-sticking water properties, and an autonomous cleaning property under UV irradiation. The anatase TiO 2 /ZnO nanorod composite film facilitates the precise measurement and extended lifetime of the QCM for the detection of organic gas molecules. - Highlights: • This work combines, for the first time, the advantage of the TiO 2 /ZnO composite film on photocatalysis and reversible super-hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic transition, and puts forward a solution to satisfy weatherability of quartz crystal microbalance in long-term application. • The anatase TiO 2 /ZnO nanorod composite film with pencil structure exhibit excellent super-hydrophobicity (water contact angle can reach 155°), no-sticking water properties and self-cleaning property under UV irradiation. • The photocatalysis and reversible super-hydrophobic and super-hydrophilic transition of the TiO 2 /ZnO nanorod composite film is stable in long-term application. - Abstract: The precise measurement of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in the detection and weighing of organic gas molecules is achieved due to excellent superhydrophobicity of a deposited film composite. Photocatalysis is utilized as a method for the self-cleaning of organic molecules on the QCM for extended long-term stability in the precision of the instrument. In this paper, ZnO nanorod array is prepared via in situ methods on the QCM coated with Au film via hydrothermal process. Subsequently, a TiO 2 /ZnO composite film is synthesized by surface modification with TiO 2 via sol–gel methods. Results show the anatase TiO 2 /ZnO nanorod

Ultrathin nanofibrous films prepared from cadmium hydroxide nanostrands and anionic surfactants.

Science.gov (United States)

Peng, Xinsheng; Karan, Santanu; Ichinose, Izumi

2009-08-04

We developed a simple fabrication method of ultrathin nanofibrous films from the dispersion of cadmium hydroxide nanostrands and anionic surfactants. The nanostrands were prepared in a dilute aqueous solution of cadmium chloride by using 2-aminoethanol. They were highly positively charged and gave bundlelike fibers upon mixing an aqueous solution of anionic surfactant. The nanostrand/surfactant composite fibers were filtered on an inorganic membrane filter. The resultant nanofibrous film was very uniform in the area of a few centimeters square when the thickness was not less than 60 nm. The films obtained with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) had a composition close to the electroneutral complex, [Cd37(OH)68(H2O)n] x 6(STS), as confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. They were water-repellent with a contact angle of 117 degrees, and the value slightly decreased with the alkyl chain length of anionic surfactants. Ultrathin nanofibrous films were stable enough to be used for ultrafiltration at pressure difference of 90 kPa. We could effectively separate Au nanoparticles of 40 nm at an extremely high filtration rate of 14000 L/(h m2 bar).

The Effect of Drawing Ｒatio on Mechanical Property of Nano-Hybrid Polyimide Composite Films

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CHEN Hao

2017-06-01

Full Text Available In order to investigate the impact of drawing ratio of inorganic nano-hybrid polyamide three-layer composite films，the stretched composite films with different draw ratio were prepared by drawing partial imido polyamide film and then through the ring closing reaction in the high temperature，and the draw ratio was 0% ，2% ， 4% ，6% ，8% ，10% ，12% ，14% etc. Under the same conditions，we made different draw ratio of three-layer composite film tensile test with the electronic universal material testing machine. The results show: doped inorganic nanometer oxide made PI film elastic modulus increase slightly，the tensile strength and elongation at break decrease obviously，but the nano hybrid three-layer composite PI films still had good mechanical properties; The yield of polyimide film should be caused by forced high-elastic deformation of polyimide molecular chain，and it had nothing to do with whether doped inorganic nano-oxide or whether through stretched processing; With the increase of draw ratio，the elastic modulus of the nano hybrid three-layer composite PI films existed the trend of first increased and then slow down gradually，and the tensile strength and elongation at break first decreased and then increased.

The preparation of Nb3Ge thin film superconductors in a UHV evaporation and sputter device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krevet, B.; Schauer, W.; Wuechner, F.

1978-10-01

Thin film techniques like evaporation or sputtering are remarkbly suitable to vary the metallurgical and physical properties of superconductors in a wide range. In the case of the A15-compound Nb 3 Ge only these preparation techniques allow us to produce a metastable pure phase in stoichiometric composition and to study its superconducting properties. The presen report describes two UHV-plants to produce superconducting films by multisource coevaporation and cosputtering. Of special importance are the constancy, monitoring and control of the evaporation rate, and the thermalization of the sputter components on the other hand. The experimental methods used are explained in detail and discussed together with the results of Nb 3 Ge films. With the preparation parameters suitably chosen both techniques allow to prepare reproducibly Nb 3 Ge films with 21 K transition temperature (onset); under optimized conditions Tc values up to 22.3 K have been reached. (orig.) [de

Electro–optical properties of poly(vinyl acetate)/polyindole composite film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bhagat, D. J.; Dhokane, G. R.; Bajaj, N. S.

2016-01-01

In present work, electrical and optical properties of poly(vinyl acetate)/polyindole (PVAc/PIN) composite film are reported. The prepared composite was characterized via X–ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy and DC conductivity measurements. The polymer chain separation was determined using XRD analysis. An attempt has been made to study the temperature dependence of DC conductivity of PVAc/PIN composite in temperature range 308–373 K. The DC conductivity initially increases and reaches to 2.45×10–7 S/cm. The optical band gap value of composite is determined as 4.77 eV. The semiconducting nature of composite observed from electronic as well as optical band gap and Arrhenius behavior of DC plot.

Electro–optical properties of poly(vinyl acetate)/polyindole composite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bhagat, D. J., E-mail: bhagatd@rediffmail.com; Dhokane, G. R. [Arts, Science and Commerce College, Chikhaldara, 444807, Maharashtra (India); Bajaj, N. S. [Toshniwal Arts, Science and Commerce College, Sengaon, Maharashtra (India)

2016-05-06

In present work, electrical and optical properties of poly(vinyl acetate)/polyindole (PVAc/PIN) composite film are reported. The prepared composite was characterized via X–ray diffraction (XRD), UV–Vis spectroscopy and DC conductivity measurements. The polymer chain separation was determined using XRD analysis. An attempt has been made to study the temperature dependence of DC conductivity of PVAc/PIN composite in temperature range 308–373 K. The DC conductivity initially increases and reaches to 2.45×10–7 S/cm. The optical band gap value of composite is determined as 4.77 eV. The semiconducting nature of composite observed from electronic as well as optical band gap and Arrhenius behavior of DC plot.

Reversed preparation of low-density poly(divinylbenzene/styrene) foam columns coated with gold films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dai, Yinhai; Wang, Ni; Li, Yaling; Yao, Mengqi; Gan, Haibo; Hu, Wencheng, E-mail: huwc@uestc.edu.cn

2016-06-15

Highlights: • A reversed fabrication of low density foam columns coated with gold films was proposed. • The uniformity in thickness and purity of gold film are easy to be controlled. • A compact layer is prepared through an electrophoretic deposition method. • A low density (12 mg/cc) foam column coated with gold film is obtained. - Abstract: This work aims to fabricate low-density, porous, non-conductive, structural poly(divinylbenzene/styrene) foam columns by high-internal-phase emulsion templating. We prepare these non-conductive foam columns coated with a thin gold layer by electrochemical deposition and the reversed preparation technique. As expected, the density of the foam obtained through this novel method was about 12 mg cm{sup −3}, and the thickness of the gold coating was about 3 μm. We performed field emission scanning electron microscopy to morphologically and microstructurally characterize the products and X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the composition of the gold coating.

Structure and giant magnetoresistance of carbon-based amorphous films prepared by magnetron sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ma, L.; He, M.F.; Liu, Z.W.; Zeng, D.C.; Gu, Z.F.; Cheng, G.

2014-01-01

Pure amorphous carbon (a-C) and Co-doped Co x C 1−x films were prepared on n-Si(100) substrates by dc magnetron sputtering. In Co–C films, the nano-sized amorphous Co particles were homogeneously dispersed in the amorphous cross-linked carbon matrix. The structures of a-C and Co x C 1−x films were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the a-C films were diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. After doping cobalt into DLC film, the sp 3 -hybridized carbon content in DLC composite films almost had no change. The as-deposited Co x C 1−x granular films had larger value of magnetoresistance (MR) than the amorphous carbon film. A very high positive MR, up to 15.5% at magnetic field B = 0.8 T and x = 2.5 at.% was observed in a Co x C 1−x granular film with thickness of 80 nm at room temperature when the external magnetic field was perpendicular to the electric current and the film surface. With increase of the film thickness and Co-doped content, the MR decreased gradually. It remains a challenge to well explain the observed MR effect in the Co x C 1−x granular films. - Highlights: • The amorphous carbon films were diamond-like carbon films. • No carbide appearing, the Co–C composite films form a good metal/insulator system. • A high positive magnetoresistance, up to 15.5% at B = 0.8 T was observed in Co–C films

Preparation and electrochemical properties of gold nanoparticles containing carbon nanotubes-polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Aimin; Zhang Xing; Zhang Haili; Han, Deyan; Knight, Allan R.

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Gold nanoparticles containing carbon nanotubes-polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films were prepared via layer-by-layer self-assembly technique. → The electron transfer behaviour of the hybrid thin films were investigated using an electrochemical probe. → The resulting thin films exhibited an electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of nitric oxide. - Abstract: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/polyelectrolyte (PE) hybrid thin films were fabricated by alternatively depositing negatively charged MWCNT and positively charged (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly technique. The stepwise growth of the multilayer films of MWCNT and PDDA was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicated that the MWCNT were uniformly embedded in the film to form a network and the coverage density of MWCNT increased with layer number. Au nanoparticles (NPs) could be further adsorbed onto the film to form PE/MWCNT/Au NPs composite films. The electron transfer behaviour of multilayer films with different compositions were studied by cyclic voltammetry using [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3-/4- as an electrochemical probe. The results indicated that the incorporation of MWCNT and Au NPs not only greatly improved the electronic conductivity of pure polyelectrolyte films, but also provided excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the oxidation of nitric oxide (NO).

Preparation of Polyimide/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposite Films via an Ion-Exchange Technique and Their Photoluminescence Properties

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Shuxiang Mu

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Polyimide (PI composite films with ZnO nanoparticles embedded in the surface layer were prepared by alkali hydrolyzation following ion exchange in Zn(NO32 solution and thermal treatment of the zinc ion-doped PI films in air atmosphere. The effect of alkali treatment, ion exchange, and thermal treatment conditions was investigated in relation to the amount of zinc atomic loading, morphology, photoluminescence (PL, and thermal properties of the PI/ZnO composite films using ICP, XPS, FE-SEM, TEM, Raman microscope, TGA, and DSC. ZnO nanoparticles were formed slowly and dispersed uniformly in the surface-modified layers of PI films with an average diameter of 20 nm. The PL spectra of all the PI/ZnO nanocomposite films obtained at 350°C/7 h possessed a weak ultraviolet emission peak and a broad and strong visible emission band. The PI/ZnO nanocomposite films maintained the excellent thermal property of the host PI films.

Preparation and Study the Electrical, Structural and Gas Sensing Properties of ZnO Thick Film Resistor

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. K. DEORE

2010-08-01

Full Text Available Thick films of AR grade ZnO were prepared on glass substrate by screen-printing technique. These films were dried and fired at different temperatures between 550 oC, 600 oC and 650 oC for one hour in air atmosphere. The gas sensing performance of thick films was tested for various gases. ZnO films showed larger response (sensitivity to H2S gas (100 ppm at 250 oC for firing temperature 650 oC. The Morphological, Compositional and Structural properties of the ZnO thick films were performed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM, Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX and XRD technique respectively. Chemical composition of ZnO film samples changes with firing temperature showing non-stoichiometric behaviours. XRD study indicated the formation of polycrystalline ZnO films with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The gas response (sensitivity, selectivity, response and recovery time of the sensor were measured and presented.

TiO 2 Thin Films Prepared via Adsorptive Self-Assembly for Self-Cleaning Applications

KAUST Repository

Xi, Baojuan

2012-02-22

Low-cost controllable solution-based processes for preparation of titanium oxide (TiO 2) thin films are highly desirable, because of many important applications of this oxide in catalytic decomposition of volatile organic compounds, advanced oxidation processes for wastewater and bactericidal treatments, self-cleaning window glass for green intelligent buildings, dye-sensitized solar cells, solid-state semiconductor metal-oxide solar cells, self-cleaning glass for photovoltaic devices, and general heterogeneous photocatalysis for fine chemicals etc. In this work, we develop a solution-based adsorptive self-assembly approach to fabricate anatase TiO 2 thin films on different glass substrates such as simple plane glass and patterned glass at variable compositions (normal soda lime glass or solar-grade borofloat glass). By tuning the number of process cycles (i.e., adsorption-then-heating) of TiO 2 colloidal suspension, we could facilely prepare large-area TiO 2 films at a desired thickness and with uniform crystallite morphology. Moreover, our as-prepared nanostructured TiO 2 thin films on glass substrates do not cause deterioration in optical transmission of glass; instead, they improve optical performance of commercial solar cells over a wide range of incident angles of light. Our as-prepared anatase TiO 2 thin films also display superhydrophilicity and excellent photocatalytic activity for self-cleaning application. For example, our investigation of photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange indicates that these thin films are indeed highly effective, in comparison to other commercial TiO 2 thin films under identical testing conditions. © 2012 American Chemical Society.

Phase Composition of Samarium Niobate and Tantalate Thin Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Method

Science.gov (United States)

Bruncková, H.; Medvecký, Ľ.; Múdra, E.; Kovalčiková, A.; Ďurišin, J.; Šebek, M.; Girman, V.

2017-12-01

Samarium niobate SmNbO4 (SNO) and tantalate SmTaO4 (STO) thin films ( 100 nm) were prepared by sol-gel/spin-coating process on alumina substrates with PZT interlayer and annealing at 1000°C. The precursors of films were synthesized using Nb or Ta tartrate complexes. The improvement of the crystallinity of monoclinic M'-SmTaO4 phase via heating was observed through the coexistence of small amounts of tetragonal T-SmTa7O19 phase in STO precursor at 1000°C. The XRD results of SNO and STO films confirmed monoclinic M-SmNbO4 and M'-SmTaO4 phases, respectively, with traces of orthorhombic O-SmNbO4 (in SNO). In STO film, the single monoclinic M'-SmTaO4 phase was revealed. The surface morphology and topography of thin films were investigated by SEM and AFM analysis. STO film was smoother with roughness 3.2 nm in comparison with SNO (6.3 nm). In the microstructure of SNO film, small spherical ( 50 nm) and larger cuboidal particles ( 100 nm) of the SmNbO4 phase were observed. In STO, compact clusters composed of fine spherical SmTaO4 particles ( 20-50 nm) were found. Effect of samarium can contribute to the formation different polymorphs of these films for the application to environmental electrolytic thin film devices.

Pharmaceutical films made from the waste material from the preparation of propolis extracts: development and characterization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lucas de Alcântara Sica de Toledo

2015-12-01

Full Text Available abstract This study investigated the development and characterized the physicochemical properties of films obtained from by-products (BP from the preparation of propolis extracts. Films were produced in the presence and absence of a polymeric adjuvant (gelatin or ethylcellulose and propylene glycol by a solvent casting method. Density, surface topography by scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties (folding endurance, tensile strength and percentage elongation, water vapour permeability (WVP, moisture uptake capacity, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR were determined. The films were a transparent, light greenish-yellow colour, with a uniform surface, and were flexible and easy to handle. The thickness and density of the preparations indicated that the compounds were homogeneously dispersed throughout the film. Mechanical properties were influenced by the film composition; films containing gelatin were more resistant to stress, while those containing ethylcellulose were more flexible. Increasing the adjuvant concentration decreased the elasticity and the rupture resistance, but increased the moisture uptake capacity and WVP of the formulations. BP was thermally stable as were the films. FTIR tests suggested interactions between BP and the adjuvants. This work could contribute to the utilization of BP to prepare films for food and pharmaceutical uses

A Facile Pathway to Modify Cellulose Composite Film by Reducing Wettability and Improving Barrier towards Moisture

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaorong Hu

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The hydrophilic property of cellulose is a key limiting factor for its wide application. Here, a novel solution impregnation pathway was developed to increase the hydrophobic properties of cellulose. When compared with the regenerated cellulose (RC, the composite films showed a decrease in water uptake ability towards water vapor, and an increase of the water contact angle from 29° to 65° with increasing resin content in the composites, with only a slight change in the transmittance. Furthermore, the Young’s modulus value increased from 3.2 GPa (RC film to 5.1 GPa (RCBEA50 film. The results indicated that the composites had combined the advantages of cellulose and biphenyl A epoxy acrylate prepolymer (BEA resin. The presented method has great potential for the preparation of biocomposites with improved properties. The overall results suggest that composite films can be used as high-performance packaging materials.

Chemical cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose nanocrystal composite films with high structural stability by spraying Fenton reagent as initiator.

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Meili; Yu, Houyong; Gu, Jiping; Ye, Shounuan; Zhou, Yuwei

2018-07-01

Cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films with high structural stability were prepared by free radical copolymerization between cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and maleic anhydride (MAH) modified PVA through spraying Fenton free radical as initiator. The influence of chemical cross-linked and physical network structure on mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of the composite films were investigated. Compared to PVA and PVA/CNC composite film, significant improvements in the mechanical, thermal and water uptake properties of the cross-linked composite film were found. The tensile strength of the cross-linked composite film was enhanced from 23.1MPa (neat PVA film) and 32.6MPa (PVA/CNC-10%) to 42.5MPa, and the maximum thermal degradation temperature was increased from 266.8°C and 281.2°C to 366.7°C (cross-linked composite film). Besides, the water absorption was reduced from 385.9% and 220.6% to 175.7% for cross-linked composite film. It indicates that compared with physical network structure in PVA/CNC composite film, the multiple cross-linked networks showed excellent thermal stability, resistance of water swelling and structural stability at the same CNC loading level. Thus, the PVA/CNC composite film with the multiple cross-linked network shows greater property reinforcements. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of multilayered nanocrystalline thin films with composition-modulated interfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biro, D.; Barna, P.B.; Szekely, L.; Geszti, O.; Hattori, T.; Devenyi, A.

2008-01-01

The properties of multilayer thin film structures depend on the morphology and structure of interfaces. A broad interface, in which the composition is varying, can enhance, e.g., the hardness of multilayer thin films. In the present experiments multilayers of TiAlN and CrN as well as TiAlN, CrN and MoS 2 were studied by using unbalanced magnetron sputter sources. The sputter sources were arranged side by side on an arc. This arrangement permits development of a transition zone between the layers, where the composition changes continuously. The multilayer system was deposited by one-fold oscillating movement of substrates in front of sputter sources. Thicknesses of layers could be changed both by oscillation frequency and by the power applied to sputter sources. Ti/Al: 50/50 at%, pure chromium and MoS 2 targets were used in the sputter sources. The depositions were performed in an Ar-N 2 mixture at 0.22 Pa working pressure. The sputtering power of the TiAl source was feed-back adjusted in fuzzy-logic mode in order to avoid fluctuation of the TiAl target sputter rate due to poisoning of the target surface. Structure characterization of films deposited on Si wafers covered by thermally grown SiO 2 was performed by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. At first a 100 nm thick Cr base layer was deposited on the substrate to improve adhesion, which was followed by a CrN transition layer. The CrN transition layer was followed by a 100 nm thick TiAlN/CrN multilayer system. The TiAlN/CrN/MoS 2 multilayer system was deposited on the surface of this underlayer system. The underlayer systems Cr, CrN and TiAlN/CrN were crystalline with columnar structure according to the morphology of zone T of the structure zone models. The column boundaries contained segregated phases showing up in the under-focused TEM images. The surface of the underlayer system was wavy due to dome-shaped columns. The nanometer-scaled TiAlN/CrN/MoS 2 multilayer system followed this waviness

Preparation and Characterization of InP/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposite Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Kwon, Younghoon; Kim, Jongsung

2017-04-01

Quantum dots (QDs) are nanocrystalline semiconductors with many unusual optical properties. They exhibit very high fluorescence intensities and possess exceptional stability against photo-bleaching. In this study, we report the preparation of InP QDs-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) hybrids by fabricating QDs via a thermal decomposition reaction, followed by radical polymerization. The InP QDs were synthesized using indium(III) chloride and tris(dimethylamino)phosphine. Flexible composite films were obtained by radical polymerization using methyl methacrylate (MMA) as the monomer and 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) as a radical initiator. The PL intensity of the QDs was lowered upon composite formation with PMMA. However, the composites exhibited higher thermal stability than pure PMMA.

Substrate bias effects on composition and coercivity of CoCrTa/Cr thin films on canasite and glass

Science.gov (United States)

Deng, Y.; Lambeth, D. N.; Sui, X.; Lee, L.-L.; Laughlin, D. E.

1993-05-01

CoCrTa/Cr thin films were prepared by rf diode sputtering onto canasite and glass substrates at various bias voltages from two targets of different compositions (Co82.8Cr14.6Ta2.6 and Co86Cr12Ta2). While Auger depth profile analysis indicates that there is some broadening at the CoCrTa-Cr interface, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy reveals that changes in alloy composition due to the resputtering processes are even more prominent. For both targets, as the substrate bias increases the Co content in the films declines, and the magnetization decreases. The maximum film coercivity appears to correlate to the final film composition. By investigating the results from both targets, it is concluded that the coercivity reaches a maximum when the film composition is in the neighborhood of Co84Cr13Ta3. Thus, to optimize the coercivity different bias voltages are required for each target. Excessive substrate bias, however, leads to films with low magnetization and coercivity.

Preparation of Sandy Soil Stabilizer for Roads Based on Radiation Modified Polymer Composite

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Elnahas, H.H.

2016-01-01

Radiation modified polymer composite (RMPC) was studied to build an extremely durable sandy road, construct a trail or bath, or control dust and erosion. A dilute solution of composite binds sandy soil fines through a coagulation bonding process. The result is a dense soil structure that has superior resistance to cracks and water penetration and can also solve erosion control problems. In erosion control applications, diluted composite is merely sprayed into sandy soil without compaction, effectively sealing the surface to prevent air-born dust or deterioration from erosion. The prepared composite has an elastic and melt-able film formation that imparts thermal compacting to the stabilized sandy soil after full dryness for sandy road leveling, repairing and restoration processes. The prepared composite is environmentally economical when compared with traditional sandy soil stabilizing (SSS) or sealing methods.

Constitution of novel polyamic acid/polypyrrole composite films by in-situ electropolymerization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hess, Euodia H.; Waryo, Tesfaye; Sadik, Omowunmi A.; Iwuoha, Emmanuel I.; Baker, Priscilla G.L.

2014-01-01

The preparation and characterization of polyamic acid-polypyrrole (PAA/PPy) composite films are reported in this paper. The thin films were synthesized by electrochemical method from a solution containing controlled molar ratio of chemically synthesized polyamic acid (PAA) and pyrrole monomer. Homogenous films were obtained by incorporating PAA into electropolymerized polypyrrole (PPy) thin film. The concentration of PAA (1.37 × 10 −6 M) was kept fixed throughout the composite ratio analysis, whilst the concentration of PPy was varied from 1.90 × 10 −3 M to 9.90 × 10 −3 M. The PAA/PPy thin films were electrodeposited at a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and voltammetry. The composition that best represented the homogenous incorporation of PAA into PPy matrix was observed at a PAA/PPy ratio of 1: 4.13 × 10 −3 . This composite was observed to have two sets of coupled peaks with formal potential 99 mV and 567 mV respectively. The D e determined from cyclic voltammetry using the anodic peak currents were found to be twice as high (5.82 × 10 −4 cm 2 /s) compared to the D e calculated using the cathodic peak currents (2.60 × 10 −4 cm 2 /s), indicating that the composite favours anodic electron mobility. Surface morphology and spectroscopy data support the formation of a homogenous polymer blend at the synthesis ratio of 1: 4.13 × 10 −3

Fabrication of graphene/polyaniline composite multilayer films by electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cong, Jiaojiao; Chen, Yuze; Luo, Jing; Liu, Xiaoya

2014-01-01

A novel graphene/polyaniline composite multilayer film was fabricated by electrostatic interactions induced layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, using water dispersible and negatively charged chemically converted graphene (CCG) and positively charged polyaniline (PANI) as building blocks. CCG was achieved through partly reduced graphene oxide, which remained carboxyl group on its surface. The remaining carboxyl groups not only retain the dispersibility of CCG, but also allow the growth of the multilayer films via electrostatic interactions between graphene and PANI. The structure and morphology of the obtained CCG/PANI multilayer film are characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical properties of the resulting film are studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), which showed that the resulting CCG/PANI multilayer film kept electroactivity in neutral solution and showed outstanding cyclic stability up to 100 cycles. Furthermore, the composite film exhibited good electrocatalytic ability toward ascorbic acid (AA) with a linear response from 1×10 −4 to 1.2×10 −3 M with the detect limit of 5×10 −6 M. This study provides a facile and effective strategy to fabricate graphene/PANI nanocomposite film with good electrochemical property, which may find potential applications in electronic devices such as electrochemical sensor. - Graphical abstract: A novel graphene/polyaniline (CCG/PANI) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly. - Highlights: • A novel graphene/polyaniline (CCG/PANI) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly. • The water dispersible and negatively charged graphene (CCG) was used as building block. • CCG was achieved through partly reduced graphene oxide with carboxyl group on its surface. • CCG/PANI film kept electroactivity in

Preparation and application of agar/alginate/collagen ternary blend functional food packaging films.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Long-Feng; Rhim, Jong-Whan

2015-09-01

Ternary blend agar/alginate/collagen (A/A/C) hydrogel films with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and grapefruit seed extract (GSE) were prepared. Their performance properties, transparency, tensile strength (TS), water vapor permeability (WVP), water contact angle (CA), water swelling ratio (SR), water solubility (WS), and antimicrobial activity were determined. The A/A/C film was highly transparent, and both AgNPs and GSE incorporated blend films (A/A/C(AgNPs) and A/A/C(GSE)) exhibited UV-screening effect, especially, the A/A/C(GSE) film had high UV-screening effect without sacrificing the transmittance. In addition, the A/A/C blend films formed efficient hydrogel film with the water holding capacity of 23.6 times of their weight. Both A/A/C(AgNPs) and A/A/C(GSE) composite films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) food-borne pathogenic bacteria. The test results of fresh potatoes packaging revealed that all the A/A/C ternary blend films prevented forming of condensed water on the packaged film surface, both A/A/C(AgNPs) and A/A/C(GSE) composite films prevented greening of potatoes during storage. The results indicate that the ternary blend hydrogel films incorporated with AgNPs or GSE can be used not only as antifogging packaging films for highly respiring fresh agriculture produce, but also as an active food packaging system utilizing their strong antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and Characterization of FC Films Coated on PET Substrates by RF Magnetron Sputtering

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Huang Mei-lin

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Fluorocarbon (FC films were prepared on polyethylene terephthalate (PET plates and PET fabrics respectively by a radiofrequency (RF magnetron sputtering technique using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE as a target. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to investigate the morphology, structure and composition of the obtained FC films. The hydrophobicity and uvioresistant properties of the FC film coated fabric were studied. The results show that the FC films were successfully deposited on the PET substrates by a RF magnetron sputtering. The deposited films are made up of four components -CF3, -CF2-, CF- and -C-. The proportions of the four components and surface morphologies of the deposited films vary with the sputtering conditions. Compared with the original fabric samples, the hydrophobicity of the FC film coated fabrics is quite good and improved significantly.

Chitosan-based films composites for wound healing purposes; Filmes compositos de quitosana para aplicacao no revestimento de ferimentos

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Alves, Natali de O.; Silva, Gabriela T. da; Schulz, Gracelie A.S.; Fajardo, Andre R., E-mail: natalioliveiraalves@gmail.com [Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LaCoPol/UFPel), Pelotas, RS (Brazil). Centro de Ciencias Quimicas, Farmaceuticas e de Alimentos. Lab. de Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento de Compositos e Materiais Polimericos

2015-07-01

Chitosan has been extensively applied in the developing of biomaterials due to its desirable good physico-chemical and biological properties. According to this, here films composite of chitosan, poly(vinyl alcohol) and bovine bone powder were prepared by casting willing to be applied in wound healing purposes. Moreover, the first step was the developing of a suitable method to obtain bovine bone powder, which was utilized here as filler. All the materials and films were fully characterized by FTIR, DRX and thermal analysis. Water uptake capacity was measured by swelling assays. (author)

POLYMER COMPOSITE FILMS WITH SIZE-SELECTED METAL NANOPARTICLES FABRICATED BY CLUSTER BEAM TECHNIQUE

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ceynowa, F. A.; Chirumamilla, Manohar; Popok, Vladimir

2017-01-01

Formation of polymer films with size-selected silver and copper nanoparticles (NPs) is studied. Polymers are prepared by spin coating while NPs are fabricated and deposited utilizing a magnetron sputtering cluster apparatus. The particle embedding into the films is provided by thermal annealing...... after the deposition. The degree of immersion can be controlled by the annealing temperature and time. Together with control of cluster coverage the described approach represents an efficient method for the synthesis of thin polymer composite layers with either partially or fully embedded metal NPs....... Combining electron beam lithography, cluster beam deposition and thermal annealing allows to form ordered arrays of metal NPs on polymer films. Plasticity and flexibility of polymer host and specific properties added by coinage metal NPs open a way for different applications of such composite materials...

Preparation and properties of biodegradable films from Sterculia urens short fiber/celluose green composites

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Jayaramudu, J

2013-04-01

Full Text Available cellulose matrix composite films. The morphologies of the untreated and 5% NaOH (alkali) treated S. urens fibers were observed by SEM. The effect of 5% NaOH treated S. urens fiber (5, 10, 15 and 20% loading) on the mechanical properties and thermal stability...

Preparation and characterization of micro-grid modified In_2O_3:W films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dong, Dongmei; Wang, Wenwen; Zhang, Fan; Fu, Qiang; Pan, Jiaojiao

2016-01-01

Tungsten doped indium oxide (In_2O_3:W, IWO) thin films with IWO micro-grid covered surface were prepared at room temperature using techniques of radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and polystyrene (PS) microsphere template. The composition, crystallization structures, surface morphologies, and optical and electrical properties of the films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometer from visible to near infrared (NIR) range and Hall effect measurement, respectively. Periodic micro-grid modified surface was obtained to improve light trapping properties. The effects of the PS micro-spheres diameters and the sputtering time on the surface morphology, transmittance in NIR range, diffuse reflection and conductive properties of the IWO films are investigated. Experiments show that surface modification of the IWO film with micro-grid under the optimized condition can improve the conductivity of the films by 15%, and the diffuse reflectance by 150%, with less than 8% decrease of the transmittance in the visible region. The study would be beneficial to the light trapping effect of solar cells using IWO films as transparent electrodes. - Highlights: • In_2O_3:W (IWO) films were obtained by reactive frequency magnetron sputtering. • IWO micro-grids were prepared on the surface of IWO films. • Influences of micro-grid size and sputtering time on IWO films were analyzed. • Both high conductivity and transparency are acquired in near-infrared region.

Luminescence study of ZnSe/PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) composite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lahariya, Vikas [Amity School of Applied Science, Amity University Haryana Panchgaon, Manesar, Haryana 122413 (India)

2016-05-06

The ZnSe nanocrystals have been prepared into poly vinyl alcohol(PVA) polymer matrix on glass using ZnCl2 and Na2SeSO3 as zinc and selenium source respectively. Poly vinyl Alcohol (PVA) used as polymer matrix cum capping agent due to their high viscosity and water solubility. It is transparent for visible region and prevents Se- ions to photo oxidation. The ZnSe/PVA composite film was deposited on glass substrate. The film was characterized by X Ray Diffraction (XRD) and UV-Visible absorption Spectroscopy and Photoluminescence. The X Ray Diffraction (XRD) study confirms the nanometer size (10 nm) particle formation within PVA matrix with cubic zinc blend crystal structure. The UV-Visible Absorption spectrum of ZnSe/PVA composite film shown blue shift in absorption edge indicating increased band gap due to quantum confinement. The calculated energy band gap from the absorption edge using Tauc relation is 3.4 eV. From the Photoluminescence study a broad peak at 435 nm has been observed in violet blue region due to recombination of surface states.

Characterization of nanocellulose reinforced semi-interpenetrating polymer network of poly(vinyl alcohol) & polyacrylamide composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Mandal, Arup; Chakrabarty, Debabrata

2015-12-10

Semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyacrylamide was reinforced with various doses of nanocellulose. The different composite films thus prepared were characterized with respect to their mechanical, thermal, morphological and barrier properties. The composite film containing 5 wt.% of nanocellulose showed the highest tensile strength. The semi-interpenetrating polymer network of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyacrylamide; and its various composites with nanocellulose were almost identical in their thermal stability. Each of the composites however exhibited much superior stability with respect to the linear poly(vinyl alcohol) and crosslinked polyacrylamide. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies exhibited phase separated morphology where agglomerates of nanocellulose were found to be dispersed in the matrix of the semi-IPN. The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) was the lowest for the film containing 5 wt.% of nanocellulose. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Two Different Cellulose Nanofiber Types on Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol Composite Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kitti Yuwawech

2015-01-01

Full Text Available This work concerns a study on the effects of fiber types and content of cellulose nanofiber on mechanical, thermal, and optical properties polyvinyl alcohol (PVA composites. Two different types of cellulose nanofibers, which are nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC and bacterial cellulose (BC, were prepared under various mechanical treatment times and then incorporated into the PVA prior to the fabrication of composite films. It was found that tensile modulus of the PVA film increased with nanofibers content at the expense of its percentage elongation value. DSC thermograms indicate that percentage crystallinity of PVA increased after adding 2–4 wt% of the fibers. This contributed to the better mechanical properties of the composites. Tensile toughness values of the PVA/BC nanocomposite films were also superior to those of the PVA/NFC system containing the same fiber loading. SEM images of the composite films reveal that tensile fractured surface of PVA/BC experienced more ductile deformation than the PVA/NFC analogue. The above discrepancies were discussed in the light of differences between the two types of fibers in terms of diameter and their intrinsic properties. Lastly, percentage total visible light transmittance values of the PVA composite films were greater than 90%, regardless of the fiber type and content.

Preparation and characterization of sputtered Fe1-xN x films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Easton, E. Bradley; Buhrmester, Th.; Dahn, J.R.

2005-01-01

Iron nitride films have been prepared by reactive DC magnetron sputtering. The composition of Fe 1-x N x was varied over a range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5 by controlling the nitrogen flow rate during sputtering. These films were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and electron microprobe analysis. We found that the nitrogen content in the films increased with nitrogen gas partial pressure. XRD experiments revealed an evolution through the α-Fe, γ'-Fe 4 N, ε-Fe 2+z N, ζ-Fe 2 N, γ'''-FeN and γ'-FeN phases, when the nitrogen gas mole percentage was increased from 0% up to 70%. Above 70%, only the γ'-FeN phase was formed despite a measurable increase in the nitrogen content of the film with nitrogen gas partial pressure. Rietveld analysis of powder X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that this behavior is due to an increase in the nitrogen site occupation factor within the lattice

Preparation and analysis of superconducting Nb-Ge films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Testardi, L.R.; Meek, R.L.; Poate, J.M.; Royer, W.A.; Storm, A.R.; Wernick, J.H.

1975-01-01

The dependences of T/subc/, resistivity, resistance ratio, and structure on chemical composition and sputtering conditions for Nb-Ge films have been studied. The chemical composition, impurity content, and x-ray structure were obtained using Rutherford backscattering, nuclear techniques, and x-ray diffraction. Although T/subc/ varies with composition, it is not found to be critically dependent upon exact stoichiometry; the Nb/Ge ratios vary by approx. 13% (2.6 to 3) for films with approx. 23-K onsets and by approx. 40% (2.2 to 3.3) for films with approx. 20-K onsets. For compositions similar to the bulk, the films have comparitively much higher T/subc/'s and smaller lattice parameters. X-ray results show the films to contain predominately A-15 phase (except for Nb/Ge less-than or equal to 2.5) with lattice parameters varying from 5.15 A for Nb-rich low-T/subc/ films to 5.12 A for Ge-rich films. Several percent of oxygen and carbon occur in low-T/subc/ amorphous films deposited at 650 degreeC but this is considerably reduced in high-T/subc/ films made simultaneously at approx. 750 degreeC. No argon was found and the nitrogen content was generally less than 1%. No correlation of high T/subc/'s and impurities was found. The optimum deposition temperature and resistivity are lowest, and the resistance ratio highest for Nb/Ge ratios somewhat below 3/1. A simple correlation of T/subc/ and resistance ratio is reported which is largely independent of all sputtering conditions and composition and which suggests that slightly higher T/subc/'s may be possible. Negative bias was found to be detrimental to T/subc/ while positive bias had relatively little effect. Magnetic-field-assisted sputtering led to significant increases in the sputtering rate and the optimum deposition temperature

Fluoropolymer/SiO2 composite films with switchable superoleophilicity and high oleophobicity for “on–off” oil permeation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang, Hao; Hu, Xiaojing; Chen, Rong; Liu, Shantang; Pi, Pihui; Yang, Zhuo-ru

2013-01-01

In this work, fluoropolymer/SiO 2 composite films with switchable superoleophilicity and high oleophobicity have been successfully prepared on stainless steel mesh. Tunable wettability could be easily realized by merely reversing the feeding order of the perfluorinated monomer in the polymerization. The effects of surface roughness and chemical composition on the wettability of the films were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results indicate that the distribution of low surface energy groups plays a crucial role in determining the surface oleophobicity or oleophilicity. The porous stainless steel mesh with fluoropolymer/SiO 2 composite could construct dual-scale roughness, leading to less wetting of the solid. The stainless steel mesh coated with the proposed as-prepared polymer films may lead to an oil–water separation membrane. This work provides an interesting insight into the design of novel functional devices that are relevant to oil/water separation.

Ag induced suppression of irradiation response in YBCO/Ag composite thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Behera, D.; Mohanty, T.; Mohanta, D.; Patnaik, K.; Mishra, N.C.; Senapati, L.; Kanjilal, D.; Mehta, G.K.; Pinto, R.

1999-01-01

Practical application of cuprate superconductors in radiation environment demands that these systems remain insensitive to the irradiation induced defects. The cuprate superconductors however are many orders of magnitude more sensitive than the conventional low T c superconductors. To suppress the irradiation sensitivity of cuprates we consider a crystal engineering approach where metal ions as Ag is made to occupy inter and intra-granular sites of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 thin films. We show that superconducting and normal state properties of YBCO/Ag composite thin films prepared by laser ablation remain unchanged under 140 MeV Si ion irradiation up to fluence of 8 x 10 14 ions/cm 2 . The inter- and intra-granular occupancy of Ag is shown to induce microstructural modifications and rigidity to the CuO chains respectively which in turn lead to the radiation insensitivity of the composite films. (author)

Cross-linked gelatin/nanoparticles composite coating on micro-arc oxidation film for corrosion and drug release

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu Xinhua, E-mail: xhxu_tju@eyou.com [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China); Lu Ping; Guo Meiqing; Fang Mingzhong [Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072 (China)

2010-02-01

A composite coating which could control drug release and biocorrosion of magnesium alloy stent materials WE42 was prepared. This composite coating was fabricated on the surface of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of the magnesium alloy, WE42, by mixing different degrees of cross-linked gelatin with well-dispersed poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles. The PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction technique. Nano ZS laser diffraction particle size analyzer detected that the size of the nanoparticles to be 150-300 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the morphology of the nanoparticles and the composite coating. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the composite coating. Drug release was determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The corrosion resistance of the composite coating was improved by preventing the corrosive ions from diffusing to the MAO films. The drug release rate of paclitaxel (PTX) exhibited a nearly linear sustained-release profile with no significant burst releases.

Cross-linked gelatin/nanoparticles composite coating on micro-arc oxidation film for corrosion and drug release

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xu Xinhua; Lu Ping; Guo Meiqing; Fang Mingzhong

2010-01-01

A composite coating which could control drug release and biocorrosion of magnesium alloy stent materials WE42 was prepared. This composite coating was fabricated on the surface of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of the magnesium alloy, WE42, by mixing different degrees of cross-linked gelatin with well-dispersed poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles. The PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction technique. Nano ZS laser diffraction particle size analyzer detected that the size of the nanoparticles to be 150-300 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the morphology of the nanoparticles and the composite coating. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the composite coating. Drug release was determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The corrosion resistance of the composite coating was improved by preventing the corrosive ions from diffusing to the MAO films. The drug release rate of paclitaxel (PTX) exhibited a nearly linear sustained-release profile with no significant burst releases.

Cross-linked gelatin/nanoparticles composite coating on micro-arc oxidation film for corrosion and drug release

Science.gov (United States)

Xu, Xinhua; Lu, Ping; Guo, Meiqing; Fang, Mingzhong

2010-02-01

A composite coating which could control drug release and biocorrosion of magnesium alloy stent materials WE42 was prepared. This composite coating was fabricated on the surface of the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of the magnesium alloy, WE42, by mixing different degrees of cross-linked gelatin with well-dispersed poly( DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles. The PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction technique. Nano ZS laser diffraction particle size analyzer detected that the size of the nanoparticles to be 150-300 nm. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to analyze the morphology of the nanoparticles and the composite coating. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the composite coating. Drug release was determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The corrosion resistance of the composite coating was improved by preventing the corrosive ions from diffusing to the MAO films. The drug release rate of paclitaxel (PTX) exhibited a nearly linear sustained-release profile with no significant burst releases.

Thin polymer films prepared by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rangel, Elidiane C.; Silva, Paulo A.F.; Mota, Rogerio P.; Schreiner, Wido H.; Cruz, Nilson C.

2005-01-01

This work describes an investigation of the properties of polymer films prepared by plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition. Films were synthesized from low pressure benzene glow discharges, biasing the samples with 25 kV negative pulses. The total energy deposited in the growing layer was varied tailoring simultaneously pulse frequency and duty cycle. The effect of the pulse characteristics on the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the films was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nanoindentation, respectively. Analysis of the deconvoluted C 1s XPS peaks demonstrated that oxygen was incorporated in all the samples. The chemical modifications induced structural reorganization, characterized by chain cross-linking and unsaturation, affecting material properties. Hardness and plastic resistance parameter increased under certain bombardment conditions. An interpretation is proposed in terms of the total energy delivered to the growing layer

Thin-film method-XRF determination of the composition of rare earth oxides

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiao Deming

1992-01-01

The author describes the thin-film sample preparation by precipitation-pumping filtering method and the composition of rare earth oxide materials by XRF determination. The determination limits are 0.01% to 0.17%. The coefficients of variation are in the range of 0.85% to 14.9%. The analytical results of several kinds of rare earth oxide materials show that this method can be applied to the determination of the composition of rare earth oxide mixtures

Electrochemical and Thermal Studies of Prepared Conducting Chitosan Biopolymer Film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hlaing Hlaing Oo; Kyaw Naing; Kyaw Myo Naing; Tin Tin Aye; Nyunt Wynn

2005-09-01

In this paper, chitosan based conducting bipolymer films were prepared by casting and solvent evaporating technique. All prepared chitosan films were of pale yellow colour, transparent, and smooth. Sulphuric acid was chosen as the cross-linking agent. It enhanced conduction pathway in cross-linked chitosan films. Mechanical properties, solid-state, and thermal behavior of prepared chitosan fimls were studied by means of a material testing machine, powder X-ray diffractometry (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). By the XRD diffraction pattern, high molecular weight of chitosan product indicates the semi-crystalline nature, but the prepared chitosan film and doped chitosan film indicate significantly lower in crystallinity prove which of the amorphous characteristics. In addition, DSC thermogram of pure chitosan film exhibited exothermic peak around at 300 C, indicating polymer decomposition of chitosan molecules in chitosan films. Furthermore, these DSC thermograms clearly showed that while pure chitosan film display exothermal decomposition, the doped chitosan films mainly endothermic characteristics. The ionic conductivity of doped chitosan films were in the order of 10 to 10 S cm , which is in the range of semi-conductor. These results showed that cross-linked chitoson films may be used as polymer electrolyte film to fabricate solid state electrochemical cells

Preparation and thermo-optical characteristics of a smart polymer-stabilized liquid crystal thin film based on smectic A–chiral nematic phase transition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sun, Jian; Wang, Huihui; Cao, Hui; Ding, Hangjun; Yang, Zhou; Yang, Huai; Wang, Ling; Xie, Hui; Luo, Xueyao; Xiao, Jiumei

2014-01-01

A smart polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) thin film with temperature-controllable light transmittance was prepared based on a smectic-A (SmA)–chiral nematic (N*) phase transition, and then the effect of the composition and the preparation condition of the PSLC film on its thermo-optical (T-O) characteristics has been investigated in detail. Within the temperature range of the SmA phase, the PSLC shows a strong opaque state due to the focal conic alignment of liquid crystal (LC) molecules, while the film exhibits a transparent state result from the parallel alignment of N* phase LC molecules at a higher temperature. Importantly, the PSLC films with different temperature of phase transition and contrast ratio can be prepared by changing the composition of photo-polymerizable monomer/LC/chiral dopant. According to the competition between the polymerization of the curable monomers and the diffusion of LC molecules, the ultraviolet (UV) curing surrounding temperature and the intensity of UV irradiation play a critical role in tuning the size of the polymer network meshes, which in turn influence the contrast ratio and the switching speed of the film. Our observations are expected to pave the way for preparing smart PSLC thin films for applications in areas of smart windows, thermo-detectors and other information recording devices. (paper)

Preparation and characterization of chitosan-based antimicrobial active food packaging film incorporated with apple peel polyphenols.

Science.gov (United States)

Riaz, Asad; Lei, Shicheng; Akhtar, Hafiz Muhammad Saleem; Wan, Peng; Chen, Dan; Jabbar, Saqib; Abid, Muhammad; Hashim, Malik Muhammad; Zeng, Xiaoxiong

2018-07-15

In the present study, apple peel polyphenols (APP) were incorporated into chitosan (CS) to develop a novel functional film. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses were performed to study the structure, potential interaction and thermal stability of the prepared films. Physical properties including moisture content, density, color, opacity, water solubility, swelling ration and water vapor permeability were measured. The results revealed that addition of APP into CS significantly improved the physical properties of the film by increasing its thickness, density, solubility, opacity and swelling ratio whereas moisture content and water vapor permeability were decreased. Tensile strength and elongation at break of the CS-APP film with 1% APP was 16.48MPa and 13.33%, respectively, significantly lower than those for CS control film. Thermal stability of the prepared films was decreased while antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the CS-based APP film were significantly increased. CS-APP film with 0.50% APP concentration exhibited good mechanical and antimicrobial properties, indicating that it could be developed as bio-composite food packaging material for the food industry. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation of electromechanically active silicone composites and some evaluations of their suitability for biomedical applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Iacob, Mihail; Bele, Adrian; Patras, Xenia; Pasca, Sorin; Butnaru, Maria; Alexandru, Mihaela; Ovezea, Dragos; Cazacu, Maria

2014-10-01

Some films based on electromechanically active polymer composites have been prepared. Polydimethylsiloxane-α,ω-diols (PDMSs) having different molecular masses (Mv=60 700 and Mv=44 200) were used as matrix in which two different active fillers were incorporated: titanium dioxide in situ generated from its titanium isopropoxide precursor and silica particles functionalized with polar aminopropyl groups on surface. A reference sample based on simple crosslinked PDMS was also prepared. The composites processed as films were investigated to evaluate their ability to act as efficient electromechanical actuators for potential biomedical application. Thus, the surface morphology of interest for electrodes compliance was analysed by atomic force microscopy. Mechanical and dielectric characteristics were evaluated by tensile tests and dielectric spectroscopy, respectively. Electromechanical actuation responses were measured by interferometry. The biocompatibility of the obtained materials has been verified through tests in vitro and, for valuable films, in vivo. The experimental, clinical and anatomopathological evaluation of the in vivo tested samples did not reveal significant pathological modifications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Material composition – Pinning strength correlation in Nb thin films with focused ion beam-milled washboard nanostructures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dobrovolskiy, Oleksandr V.; Begun, Evgeniya; Huth, Michael; Shklovskij, Valerij A.

2013-01-01

Highlights: •We fabricated an array of grooves in Nb films by using focused ion beam milling. •We determined the material composition in different areas of the processed films. •We deduced the pinning activation energies from the magneto-resistivity data. •We obtained the material composition – pinning strength correlation in the processed films. -- Abstract: An analysis of the interrelated changes in the material composition and the pinning strength in nanostructured Nb (1 1 0) thin films is presented. The nanopatterns were prepared by focused ion beam milling of an array of uniaxial grooves. They induce a washboard-like pinning potential landscape for vortices in the mixed state. By applying different magnetic fields, the most likely pinning sites along which the flux lines move through the samples have been selected. By this, either the background isotropic pinning of the pristine film or the enhanced isotropic pinning originating from the nanoprocessing has been probed. The enhanced pinning strength in the processed films has been found to correlate with the content of Ga implanted into the films during the nanopatterning

Material composition – Pinning strength correlation in Nb thin films with focused ion beam-milled washboard nanostructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dobrovolskiy, Oleksandr V., E-mail: Dobrovolskiy@Physik.uni-frankfurt.de [Physikalisches Institut, Goethe-Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany); Physical Department, Kharkiv National University, 61077 Kharkiv (Ukraine); Begun, Evgeniya; Huth, Michael [Physikalisches Institut, Goethe-Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany); Shklovskij, Valerij A. [Physical Department, Kharkiv National University, 61077 Kharkiv (Ukraine); Institute for Theoretical Physics, NSC-KIPT, 61108 Kharkiv (Ukraine)

2013-11-15

Highlights: •We fabricated an array of grooves in Nb films by using focused ion beam milling. •We determined the material composition in different areas of the processed films. •We deduced the pinning activation energies from the magneto-resistivity data. •We obtained the material composition – pinning strength correlation in the processed films. -- Abstract: An analysis of the interrelated changes in the material composition and the pinning strength in nanostructured Nb (1 1 0) thin films is presented. The nanopatterns were prepared by focused ion beam milling of an array of uniaxial grooves. They induce a washboard-like pinning potential landscape for vortices in the mixed state. By applying different magnetic fields, the most likely pinning sites along which the flux lines move through the samples have been selected. By this, either the background isotropic pinning of the pristine film or the enhanced isotropic pinning originating from the nanoprocessing has been probed. The enhanced pinning strength in the processed films has been found to correlate with the content of Ga implanted into the films during the nanopatterning.

Production of porous PTFE-Ag composite thin films by pulsed laser deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kecskeméti, Gabriella; Hopp, Béla; Smausz, Tomi; Tóth, Zsolt; Szabó, Gábor

2012-01-01

The suitability of pulsed laser deposition technique for preparation of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and silver (Ag) composite thin films was demonstrated. Disk-shaped targets combined from silver and Teflon with various percentages were ablated with pulses of an ArF excimer laser. The chemical composition of the deposited layers was estimated based on deposition rates determined for the pure PTFE and Ag films. EDX and SEM analyses using secondary electron and backscattered electron images proved that the morphology of the layers is determined by the PTFE which is the main constituent and it is transferred mostly in form of grains and clusters forming a sponge-like structure with high specific surface. The Ag content is distributed over the surface of the PTFE structure. Contact angle measurements showed that with increasing the amount of Ag in the deposited layers the surface significantly enhanced the wetting properties. Conductivity experiments demonstrated that when the average silver content of the layers was increased from 0.16 to 3.28 wt% the resistance of our PTFE-Ag composite films decreased with about three orders of magnitudes (from ∼10 MΩ to ∼10 kΩ). The properties of these films suggest as being a good candidate for future electrochemical sensor applications.

Structural and electrical characterization of bamboo-shaped C–N nanotubes–poly ethylene oxide (PEO) composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yadav, Ram Manohar; Dobal, Pramod S.

2012-01-01

We have prepared bamboo-shaped C–N nanotubes–polyethylene oxide (PEO) composite films by solution cast technique and investigated their structural/microstructural and electrical properties and developed a correlation between them. The formation of clean compartmentalized bamboo-shaped C–N nanotubes was confirmed by TEM. SEM investigations revealed a homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in PEO matrix. Enhanced electrical conductivity was observed for the C–N nanotubes–PEO composites than bare PEO. The conductivity measurements on the C–N nanotubes–PEO composite films with ∼20 wt % concentration of C–N nanotubes showed an increase of eight orders (∼7.5 × 10 −8 to 6.2 S cm −1 ) of magnitude in conductivity from bare PEO film. Raman spectra showed the stress-free nature of the composites and established the bonding of nanotubes with PEO, which resulted in the variation of Raman parameters. The Raman data of composites corroborate the findings of variation in electrical conductivity.

Au/CeO2-chitosan composite film for hydrogen peroxide sensing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Wei; Xie Guoming; Li Shenfeng; Lu Lingsong; Liu Bei

2012-01-01

Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were in situ synthesized at the cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs)-chitosan (CS) composite film by one-step direct chemical reduction, and the resulting Au/CeO 2 -CS composite were further modified for enzyme immobilization and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) biosensing. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), UV-vis spectra and electrochemical techniques have been utilized for characterization of the prepared composite. The stepwise assembly process and electrochemical performances of the biosensor were characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and typical amperometric response (i-t). The Au/CeO 2 -CS composite exhibited good conductibility and biocompatibility, and the developed biosensor exhibited excellent response to hydrogen peroxide in the linear range of 0.05-2.5 mM (r = 0.998) with the detection limit of 7 μM (S/N = 3). Moreover, the biosensor presented high affinity (K m app =1.93mM), good reproducibility and storage stability. All these results demonstrate that the Au/CeO 2 -CS composite film can provide a promising biointerface for the biosensor designs and other biological applications.

Compositional, structural and mechanical characteristics of nc-TiC/a-C:H nanocomposite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Yaohui; Zhang Xu; Wu Xianying; Zhang Huixing; Zhang Xiaoji

2008-01-01

Nanocomposite nc-TiC/a-C:H films, with an unusual combination of superhardness, high elastic modulus and high elastic recovery, are prepared by filtered cathodic vacuum arc technique using the C 2 H 2 gas as the precursor. The effects of filter coil current on compositional, structural and mechanical properties of the nc-TiC/a-C:H films have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), microindentation and tribotester measurements. XPS and Raman analyses show that composition and nanostructure of the nc-TiC/a-C:H films can be changed by varying the filter coil current. By selecting the proper value of filter coil current, 2.5 A, one can remarkably enhance the mechanical properties of films such as superhardness (43.6 GPa). The superhardness can be ascribed to the phase variation and the nanostructure.

Preparation and characterization of porous carbon–titania nanocomposite films as solar selective absorbers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, B.; Wang, K.K.; Wang, K.P.; Li, M.; Jiang, W.; Cong, B.J.; Song, C.L.; Jia, S.H.; Han, G.R.; Liu, Y.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • The nanocomposites porous C/TiO 2 film were fabricated via PIPS method. • The HRTEM reveals the size of carbon nanoparticles is about 1.1 nm. • The PVP advantages residual carbon content but suppresses its crystallization. • The film exhibits high α (0.928–0.959) with low ε (0.074–0.105) for single layer. - Abstract: Newly proposed selective solar absorbers of porous carbon–titania nanocomposite films with a well-defined interconnected macropores structure were prepared via a polymer-assisted photopolymerization-induced phase-separation method. The microstructure and optical properties of as-deposited nanocomposite films were characterized and discussed in detail. The results show that non-ionic water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone works as a sol modifier advantaging the mean size of the interconnected macropores, residual carbon content, and films thickness, but suppresses the order degree of the carbon remained in the films. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that a small amount of graphite particles with size of around 1.1 nm embedded in the cavity of the porous while the wall of the porous consists of amorphous carbon and titania composites. The single layer of as-prepared porous C/TiO 2 nanocomposite films exhibits high solar absorptance (α = 0.928–0.959) with low thermal emittance (ε = 0.074–0.105), yielding an optimized photothermal conversion efficiency η = α − ε of 0.864 corresponding to a film thickness of around 338 nm, indication of such film is fair enough to serve as an excellent solar absorber

Preparation and Characterization of Extruded Composites Based on Polypropylene and Chitosan Compatibilized with Polypropylene-Graft-Maleic Anhydride

Science.gov (United States)

Carrasco-Guigón, Fernando Javier; Rodríguez-Félix, Dora Evelia; Castillo-Ortega, María Mónica; Santacruz-Ortega, Hisila C.; Burruel-Ibarra, Silvia E.; Encinas-Encinas, Jose Carmelo; Plascencia-Jatomea, Maribel; Herrera-Franco, Pedro Jesus; Madera-Santana, Tomas Jesus

2017-01-01

The preparation of composites of synthetic and natural polymers represent an interesting option to combine properties; in this manner, polypropylene and chitosan extruded films using a different proportion of components and polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PPgMA) as compatibilizer were prepared. The effect of the content of the biopolymer in the polypropylene (PP) matrix, the addition of compatibilizer, and the particle size on the properties of the composites was analyzed using characterization by fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile strength, and contact angle, finding that in general, the addition of the compatibilizer and reducing the particle size of the chitosan, favored the physicochemical and morphological properties of the films. PMID:28772464

Synthesis of Ag-TiO2 composite nano thin film for antimicrobial application

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Binyu; Leung, Kar Man; Guo, Qiuquan; Lau, Woon Ming; Yang, Jun

2011-03-01

TiO2 photocatalysts have been found to kill cancer cells, bacteria and viruses under mild UV illumination, which offers numerous potential applications. On the other hand, Ag has long been proved as a good antibacterial material as well. The advantage of Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite is to expand the nanomaterial's antibacterial function to a broader range of working conditions. In this study neat TiO2 and Ag-TiO2 composite nanofilms were successfully prepared on silicon wafer via the sol-gel method by the spin-coating technique. The as-prepared composite Ag-TiO2 and TiO2 films with different silver content were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the topologies, microstructures and chemical compositions, respectively. It was found that the silver nanoparticles were uniformly distributed and strongly attached to the mesoporous TiO2 matrix. The morphology of the composite film could be controlled by simply tuning the molar ratio of the silver nitrate aqueous solution. XPS results confirmed that the Ag was in the Ag0 state. The antimicrobial effect of the synthesized nanofilms was carried out against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 29425) by using an 8 W UV lamp with a constant relative intensity of 0.6 mW cm - 2 and in the dark respectively. The synthesized Ag-TiO2 thin films showed enhanced bactericidal activities compared to the neat TiO2 nanofilm both in the dark and under UV illumination.

Synthesis of Ag-TiO2 composite nano thin film for antimicrobial application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Binyu; Guo Qiuquan; Yang Jun; Leung, Kar Man; Lau, Woon Ming

2011-01-01

TiO 2 photocatalysts have been found to kill cancer cells, bacteria and viruses under mild UV illumination, which offers numerous potential applications. On the other hand, Ag has long been proved as a good antibacterial material as well. The advantage of Ag-TiO 2 nanocomposite is to expand the nanomaterial's antibacterial function to a broader range of working conditions. In this study neat TiO 2 and Ag-TiO 2 composite nanofilms were successfully prepared on silicon wafer via the sol-gel method by the spin-coating technique. The as-prepared composite Ag-TiO 2 and TiO 2 films with different silver content were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the topologies, microstructures and chemical compositions, respectively. It was found that the silver nanoparticles were uniformly distributed and strongly attached to the mesoporous TiO 2 matrix. The morphology of the composite film could be controlled by simply tuning the molar ratio of the silver nitrate aqueous solution. XPS results confirmed that the Ag was in the Ag 0 state. The antimicrobial effect of the synthesized nanofilms was carried out against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 29425) by using an 8 W UV lamp with a constant relative intensity of 0.6 mW cm -2 and in the dark respectively. The synthesized Ag-TiO 2 thin films showed enhanced bactericidal activities compared to the neat TiO 2 nanofilm both in the dark and under UV illumination.

Study optoelectronic properties for polymer composite thick film

Science.gov (United States)

Jobayr, Mahmood Radhi; Al Razak, Ali Hussein Abd; Mahdi, Shatha H.; Fadhil, Rihab Nassr

2018-05-01

Coupling the epoxy with cadmium oxide particles are important for optical properties that may be affected by various mixing proportions. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of different mixing proportions on these properties of reinforced epoxy with cadmium oxide particles. The ultrasonic techniques were used to mix and prepared samples of composites. The surfaces topographic of the 50 µm thick reinforced epoxy films were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and microscopy technique (FTIR) Spectroscopy. AFM imaging and quantitative characterization of the films showed that for all samples the root mean square of the surface roughness increases monotonically with increasing the CdO concentrations (from 0% to 15%). The observed effects of CdO concentrations on surface roughness can be explained by two things: the first reason is that the atoms of additives are combined with the original material to form a new compound that is smoother, more homogeneity and smaller in particle size. The second reason is due to high mixing due to ultrasonic mixing. It is clear also, AFM examination of the prepared samples of reinforced epoxy resin shown that topographical contrast and the identification of small structural details critically depend on hardness of epoxy resin, which in turn depended on the ratio of material (CdO) added. We show that the AFM imaging of the films showed that the mean diameter (104.8nm) of films for all of the samples decreased from 135.50 nm to 83.20 nm with the increase of CdO concentrations.

Geometric and compositional factors on critical current density in YBa2Cu3O7‑δ films containing nanorods

Science.gov (United States)

Horide, Tomoya; Nagao, Sho; Izutsu, Ryosuke; Ishimaru, Manabu; Kita, Ryusuke; Matsumoto, Kaname

2018-06-01

Critical current density (J c) was investigated in YBa2Cu3O7‑δ films containing nanorods prepared with various nanorod materials, with variation of nanorod content, substrate temperature, and oxidization condition. Three types of compositional situation were realized: films containing strain induced oxygen vacancies; fully oxidized films containing cation compositional deviation; and oxygen deficient films. Normalized J c‑B behavior was determined via the matching field, which is a geometric factor, regardless of the compositional details. A J c‑critical temperature (T c) relation depending on distribution and fraction of compositional deviation (cation compositional deviation and strain induced oxygen vacancies) was found: the J c values decreased with decreasing T c due to the effect of T c on nanorod pinning strength in the fully oxidized films; J c decreased with decreasing oxygen pressure in the film cooling process after film deposition in spite of T c remaining almost the same, due to reduction of the effective area for current flow in the oxygen deficient films. Thus, a J c landscape based on geometric and compositional factors was obtained. The study highlights the importance of the J c‑T c analysis in the understanding of J c in YBa2Cu3O7‑δ films containing nanorods.

Effects of γ-rays on electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol-polypyrrole composite polymer films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohd Hamzah Harun; Elias Saion; Noorhana Yahya; Anuar Kassim; Ekramul Mahmud; Muhammad Yousuf Hussain; Iskandar Shahrim Mustafa; Azian Othman; Norazimah Mohd Yusof; Mohd Ahmad Ali Omer

2007-01-01

The composite polymer films of polyvinyl alcohol/polypyrrole/chloral hydrate (PVA-PPy-CH) had been prepared. Effects of γ-rays on the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films had been investigated by using Inductance Resistance meter (LCR) meter at a frequency ranging from 20 Hz to 1 MHz. With the incorporation of choloral hydrate in the polymer sample, the conductivity increased indicates that it is capable to be used as dopant for polymerizing conjugated polymer. The electrical conductivity obtained increased as the dose increased, which is in the order of 10 -5 Scm -1 indicates that γ-ray is capable to enhance the electrical conductivity of the composite polymer films. The parameter of s is in the range of 0.31 ≤ S ≤ 0.49 and obeyed simple power law dispersion ω S . The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs reveal the formation of polypyrrole globules in polyvinyl alcohol matrix which increased as the irradiation dose was increased. (Author)

Electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding characteristics of multiwalled carbon nanotube filled polyacrylate composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Yong; Chen Changxin; Zhang Song; Ni Yuwei; Huang Jie

2008-01-01

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were homogeneously dispersed in pure acrylic emulsion by ultrasonication to prepare MWCNT/polyacrylate composites applied on building interior wall for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. The structure and surface morphology of the MWCNTs and MWCNT/polyacrylate composites were studied by field emission scanning microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrical conductivity at room temperature and EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of the composite films on concrete substrate with different MWCNT loadings were investigated and the measurement of EMI SE was carried out in two different frequency ranges of 100-1000 MHz (radio frequency range) and 8.2-12.4 GHz (X-band). The experimental results show that a low mass concentration of MWCNTs could achieve a high conductivity and the EMI SE of the MWCNT/polyacrylate composite films has a strong dependence on MWCNTs content in both two frequency ranges. The SE is higher in X-band than that in radio frequency range. For the composite films with 10 wt.% MWCNTs, the EMI SE of experiment agrees well with that of theoretical prediction in far field

Preparation of Nd-Fe-B/α-Fe nano-composite thick-film magnets on various substrates using PLD with high laser energy density above 10 J/cm2

Science.gov (United States)

Nakano, M.; Kondo, H.; Yamashita, A.; Yanai, T.; Itakura, M.; Fukunaga, H.

2018-05-01

PLD (Pulsed Laser Deposition) method with high laser energy density (LED) above 10 J/cm2 followed by a flash annealing enabled us to obtain isotropic nano-composite thick-film magnets with (BH)max ≧ 80 kJ/m3 on polycrystalline Ta substrates. We also have demonstrated that a dispersed structure composed of α-Fe together with Nd2Fe14B phases with the average grain diameter of approximately 20 nm could be formed on the Ta substrates. In this study, we tried to enhance the (BH)max value by controlling the microstructure due to the usage of different metal based substrates with each high melting point such as Ti, Nb, and W. Although it was difficult to vary the microstructure and to improve the magnetic properties of the films deposited on the substrates, we confirmed that isotropic thick-film magnets with (BH)max ≧ 80 kJ/m3 based on the nano-dispersed α-Fe and Nd2Fe14B phases could be obtained on various metal substrates with totally different polycrystalline structure. On the other hand, the use of a glass substrate lead to the deterioration of magnetic properties of a film prepared using the same preparation process.

Effect of porous zeolite on temperature-dependent physical properties of polypropylene/octadecane (PP/OD composite films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

D. Kim

2018-07-01

Full Text Available Polymeric materials with temperature-dependent gas permeabilities using a phase change material are designed and their applicability as a packaging system investigated. Polypropylene/octadecane/zeolite (PP/OD/ZL composite films were prepared via extrusion process. ZL was used as a filler to enhance the dispersion and interfacial interaction between the OD and the PP originating from different flowabilities during the extrusion process. (FTIR and (WAXD analyses showed that the incorporation of ZL increased the interfacial interaction between PP and OD, resultantly enhancing the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and the oxygen transmittance rate and mechanical properties after contact with food simulants and thermal treatment. When the temperature was elevated from 10 to 30 °C, oxygen and water vapor transmittance rate of the composite films increased sharply because of the influence of the OD content. It was surmised that temperaturedependent permeation jump caused by increasing of segmental mobility of OD phase and converting the crystalline structure to an amorphous one of OD phase in the composite films. However, the permeation jump in the composite films was weakened as the ZL content increased. These results are related to changes in the interfacial interaction and crystallinity in the composite films due to the addition of ZL.

Preparation of self-supporting thin metal target films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Xiuying; Ge Suxian; Yin Jianhua; Yin Xu; Jin Genming

1989-01-01

The preparation method and equipment for thin metal self-supporting target without oil contamination are described. The influence of target films contaminated by oil vapor on accuracy of nuclear-physics experimental data are also discussed. The analytical results on carbon content in the prepared films of three elements show that the equipment is very effective for eliminating contamination

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of biodegradable starch/PVA composite films reinforced with cellulosic fibre.

Science.gov (United States)

Priya, Bhanu; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Pathania, Deepak; Singha, Amar Singh

2014-08-30

Cellulosic fibres reinforced composite blend films of starch/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by using citric acid as plasticizer and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linker. The mechanical properties of cellulosic fibres reinforced composite blend were compared with starch/PVA crossed linked blend films. The increase in the tensile strength, elongation percentage, degree of swelling and biodegradability of blend films was evaluated as compared to starch/PVA crosslinked blend films. The value of different evaluated parameters such as citric acid, glutaraldehyde and reinforced fibre to starch/PVA (5:5) was found to be 25 wt.%, 0.100 wt.% and 20 wt.%, respectively. The blend films were characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA/DTG). Scanning electron microscopy illustrated a good adhesion between starch/PVA blend and fibres. The blend films were also explored for antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results confirmed that the blended films may be used as exceptional material for food packaging. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ac conductivity and dielectric properties of amorphous Se80Te20-xGex chalcogenide glass film compositions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hegab, N.A.; Afifi, M.A.; Atyia, H.E.; Farid, A.S.

2009-01-01

Thin films of the prepared Se 80 Te 20-x Ge x (x = 5, 7 and 10 at.%) were prepared by thermal evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the films were in amorphous state. The ac conductivity and dielectric properties of the investigated film compositions were studied in the frequency range 0.1-100 kHz and in temperature range (303-373 K). The experimental results indicated that the ac conductivity and the dielectric properties depended on the temperature and frequency. The ac conductivity is found to obey the ω s law, in accordance with the hopping model, s is found to be temperature dependent (s 1 and dielectric loss ε 2 were found to decrease with frequency and increase with temperature. The maximum barrier height W m , calculated from dielectric measurements according to Guintini equation, agrees with that proposed by the theory of hopping over potential barrier as suggested by Elliott in case of chalcogenide glasses. The density of localized states was estimated for the studied film compositions. The variation of the studied properties with Ge content was also investigated.

Structural and mechanical properties of nc-TiC/a-C:H nanocomposite film prepared by dual plasma technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Yaohui; Zhang Xu; Wu Xianying; Li Qiang; Zhang Huixing; Zhang Xiaoji

2008-01-01

Nanocomposite nc-TiC/a-C:H film, with an unusual combination of superhardness, high elastic modulus and high elastic recovery, are prepared by using the dual plasma technique. The effects of the filter coil current on the compositional, structural and mechanical properties of the nc-TiC/a-C:H films have been investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman analyses show that deposition rate, composition and nanostructure of the nc-TiC/a-C:H films could be changed by varying the filter coil current. Fortunately, by selecting the proper value for the filter coil current, 2.5 A, one could remarkably enhance mechanical properties of films such as the superhardness (66.4 GPa), the high elastic modulus (510 GPa) and the high elastic recovery (83.3%)

Preparation and evaluation of Mn3GaN1-x thin films with controlled N compositions

Science.gov (United States)

Ishino, Sunao; So, Jongmin; Goto, Hirotaka; Hajiri, Tetsuya; Asano, Hidefumi

2018-05-01

Thin films of antiperovskite Mn3GaN1-x were grown on MgO (001) substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering, and their structural, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties were systematically investigated. It was found that the combination of the deposition rate and the N2 gas partial pressure could produce epitaxial films with a wide range of N composition (N-deficiency) and resulting c/a values (0.93 - 1.0). While the films with c/a = 0.992 - 1.0 were antiferromagnetic, the films with c/a = 0.93 - 0.989 showed perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) with the maximum PMA energy up to 1.5×106 erg/cm3. Systematic dependences of the energy spectra of the polar Kerr signals on the c/a ratio were observed, and the Kerr ellipticity was as large as 2.4 deg. at 1.9 eV for perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnetic thin films with c/a = 0.975. These results highlight that the tetragonal distortion plays an important role in magnetic and magneto-optical properties of Mn3GaN1-x thin films.

Fabrication of graphene/polyaniline composite multilayer films by electrostatic layer-by-layer assembly

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cong, Jiaojiao; Chen, Yuze; Luo, Jing, E-mail: jingluo19801007@126.com; Liu, Xiaoya

2014-10-15

A novel graphene/polyaniline composite multilayer film was fabricated by electrostatic interactions induced layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, using water dispersible and negatively charged chemically converted graphene (CCG) and positively charged polyaniline (PANI) as building blocks. CCG was achieved through partly reduced graphene oxide, which remained carboxyl group on its surface. The remaining carboxyl groups not only retain the dispersibility of CCG, but also allow the growth of the multilayer films via electrostatic interactions between graphene and PANI. The structure and morphology of the obtained CCG/PANI multilayer film are characterized by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum (UV–vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical properties of the resulting film are studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), which showed that the resulting CCG/PANI multilayer film kept electroactivity in neutral solution and showed outstanding cyclic stability up to 100 cycles. Furthermore, the composite film exhibited good electrocatalytic ability toward ascorbic acid (AA) with a linear response from 1×10{sup −4} to 1.2×10{sup −3} M with the detect limit of 5×10{sup −6} M. This study provides a facile and effective strategy to fabricate graphene/PANI nanocomposite film with good electrochemical property, which may find potential applications in electronic devices such as electrochemical sensor. - Graphical abstract: A novel graphene/polyaniline (CCG/PANI) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly. - Highlights: • A novel graphene/polyaniline (CCG/PANI) film was prepared by layer-by-layer assembly. • The water dispersible and negatively charged graphene (CCG) was used as building block. • CCG was achieved through partly reduced graphene oxide with carboxyl group on its surface. • CCG/PANI film kept

High photocatalytic degradation activity of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO2 nano-composite film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yang Changjun; Gong Chuqing; Peng Tianyou; Deng Kejian; Zan Ling

2010-01-01

A novel photodegradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO 2 nano-composite film was prepared by embedding VC modified nano-TiO 2 photocatalyst into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid-phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of PVC-VC-TiO 2 nano-composite film under UV light irradiation was investigated and compared with those of the PVC-TiO 2 film and the pure PVC film, with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), weight loss monitoring, and X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD). The results show that PVC-VC-TiO 2 nano-composite film has a high photocatalytic activity; the photocatalytic degradation rate of it is two times higher than that of PVC-TiO 2 film and fifteen times higher than that of pure PVC film. The optimal mass ratio of VC to TiO 2 is found to be 0.5. The mechanism of enhancing photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of a Ti IV -VC charge-transfer complex with five-member chelate ring structure and a rapid photogenerated charge separation is thus achieved.

Eco-nano composite films containing copper as potential antimicrobial active packaging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bruna, Julio E.; Gonzalez, Valeska; Rodriguez, Francisco; Guarda, Abel; Galotto, Maria Jose, E-mail: julio.bruna@usach.cl [Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Packaging Laboratory, University of Santiago de Chile. Santiago (Chile)

2011-07-01

The antimicrobial efficiency of Cellulose Acetate/MMTCu and Chitosan/MMTCu nano composites against Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 n/t has been studied in the present work. The MMT modified with copper were obtained using cation interchange in solution and the nano composites films were prepared using casting solution technique, being the biodegradable polymer (Cellulose Acetate or Chitosan) the main component and the montmorillonite modified with copper, the minority component. Characterization of MMTCu and the nano composites (CA/MMTCu and Ch/MMTCu), were carried out using XRD, AA, TGA, DSC and microbiological analysis. The nano composites showed to be more stable at higher temperature, resulting from the incorporation of MMTCu into the polymer. On the other hand, the results indicated that the antibacterial effect of nano composite increased with the proportion of MMTCu added. (author)

Eco-nano composite films containing copper as potential antimicrobial active packaging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bruna, Julio E.; Gonzalez, Valeska; Rodriguez, Francisco; Guarda, Abel; Galotto, Maria Jose

2011-01-01

The antimicrobial efficiency of Cellulose Acetate/MMTCu and Chitosan/MMTCu nano composites against Escherichia Coli 0157:H7 n/t has been studied in the present work. The MMT modified with copper were obtained using cation interchange in solution and the nano composites films were prepared using casting solution technique, being the biodegradable polymer (Cellulose Acetate or Chitosan) the main component and the montmorillonite modified with copper, the minority component. Characterization of MMTCu and the nano composites (CA/MMTCu and Ch/MMTCu), were carried out using XRD, AA, TGA, DSC and microbiological analysis. The nano composites showed to be more stable at higher temperature, resulting from the incorporation of MMTCu into the polymer. On the other hand, the results indicated that the antibacterial effect of nano composite increased with the proportion of MMTCu added. (author)

EFFECT OF THE PHASE STRUCTURE EVOLUTION ON THE PROPERTIES OF FILMS FORMED FROM PBA/P(ST-CO-MMA)COMPOSITE LATEX

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

无

2008-01-01

A group of heterogeneous latexes poly(butyl acrylate)/poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate)(PBA/P(St-co-MMA))were prepared by a semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization process under monomer starved conditions.The glass transition temperature(Tg)and the mechanical properties of the film formed from the composite latex changed with the evolution of the particle morphology.A photon transmission method was used to monitor the phase structure evolution of films which were prepared from core-shell PBA/P(St-co-MMA)latex at room temperature and annealed at 383 K above Tg of the polymers.In addition,the changes of the surface of the film formed from the composite latex with time at 383 K were observed by AFM.The evidence illustrated that the film formed from the core-shell latex particles was metastable.The rearrangement of the phases could occur under proper conditions.

Swift heavy ions induced surface modifications in Ag-polypyrrole composite films synthesized by an electrochemical route

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, Vijay; Ali, Yasir; Sharma, Kashma; Kumar, Vinod; Sonkawade, R.G.; Dhaliwal, A.S.; Swart, H.C.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Two steps electrochemical synthesis for the fabrication of Ag-polypyrrole composite films. • Surface modifications by swift heavy ion beam. • SEM image shows the formation of craters and humps after irradiation. • Detailed structural analysis by Raman spectroscopy. - Abstract: The general aim of this work was to study the effects of swift heavy ions on the properties of electrochemically synthesized Ag-polypyrrole composite thin films. Initially, polypyrrole (PPy) films were electrochemically synthesized on indium tin oxide coated glass surfaces using a chronopotentiometery technique, at optimized process conditions. The prepared PPy films have functioned as working electrodes for the decoration of submicron Ag particles on the surface of the PPy films through a cyclicvoltammetry technique. Towards probing the effect of swift heavy ion irradiation on the structural and morphological properties, the composite films were subjected to a 40 MeV Li 3+ ion beam irradiation for various fluences (1 × 10 11 , 1 × 10 12 and 1 × 10 13 ions/cm 2 ). Comparative microstructural investigations were carried out after the different ion fluences using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy techniques. Raman and SEM studies revealed that the structure of the films became disordered after irradiation. The SEM studies of irradiated composite films show significant changes in their surface morphologies. The surface was smoother at lower fluence but craters were observed at higher fluence

Swift heavy ions induced surface modifications in Ag-polypyrrole composite films synthesized by an electrochemical route

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kumar, Vijay, E-mail: vijays_phy@rediffmail.com [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein ZA 9300 (South Africa); Ali, Yasir [Department of Physics, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, District Sangrur 148106, Punjab (India); Sharma, Kashma [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein ZA 9300 (South Africa); Department of Chemistry, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173212 (India); Kumar, Vinod [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein ZA 9300 (South Africa); Sonkawade, R.G. [Inter University Accelerator Center, Aruna Asif Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067 (India); Dhaliwal, A.S. [Department of Physics, Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, District Sangrur 148106, Punjab (India); Swart, H.C., E-mail: swarthc@ufs.ac.za [Department of Physics, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein ZA 9300 (South Africa)

2014-03-15

Highlights: • Two steps electrochemical synthesis for the fabrication of Ag-polypyrrole composite films. • Surface modifications by swift heavy ion beam. • SEM image shows the formation of craters and humps after irradiation. • Detailed structural analysis by Raman spectroscopy. - Abstract: The general aim of this work was to study the effects of swift heavy ions on the properties of electrochemically synthesized Ag-polypyrrole composite thin films. Initially, polypyrrole (PPy) films were electrochemically synthesized on indium tin oxide coated glass surfaces using a chronopotentiometery technique, at optimized process conditions. The prepared PPy films have functioned as working electrodes for the decoration of submicron Ag particles on the surface of the PPy films through a cyclicvoltammetry technique. Towards probing the effect of swift heavy ion irradiation on the structural and morphological properties, the composite films were subjected to a 40 MeV Li{sup 3+} ion beam irradiation for various fluences (1 × 10{sup 11}, 1 × 10{sup 12} and 1 × 10{sup 13} ions/cm{sup 2}). Comparative microstructural investigations were carried out after the different ion fluences using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy techniques. Raman and SEM studies revealed that the structure of the films became disordered after irradiation. The SEM studies of irradiated composite films show significant changes in their surface morphologies. The surface was smoother at lower fluence but craters were observed at higher fluence.

Optical absorption properties of Ag/SiO sub 2 composite films induced by gamma irradiation

CERN Document Server

Pan, A L; Yang, Z P; Liu, F X; Ding, Z J; Qian, Y T

2003-01-01

Mesoporous SiO sub 2 composite films with small Ag particles or clusters dispersed in them were prepared by a new method: first the matrix SiO sub 2 films were prepared by the sol-gel process combined with the dip-coating technique; then they were soaked in AgNO sub 3 solutions; this was followed by irradiation with gamma-rays at room temperature and ambient pressure. The structure of these films was examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and their optical absorption spectra were examined. It has been shown that the Ag particles grown within the porous SiO sub 2 films are very small and are highly dispersed. On increasing the soaking concentration and subjecting the samples to an additional annealing, a different peak-shift effect for the surface plasmon resonance was observed in the optical absorption measurement. Possible mechanisms of this behaviour are discussed in this paper.

Preparation and characterisation of Al-doped Zn O thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Saad, M.; Kassis, A.; Nounou, F.

2010-12-01

Al-doped Zn O thin films were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering under several preparation conditions (deposition pressure, RF power, substrate temperature). The films were optically and electrically characterized by measuring their transmission and resistance. Furthermore, x-ray diffraction spectroscopy was used in order to study the structural properties of these films. As a result of this study, the preparation conditions suitable for the highly conductive part of the window layer in solar cells were determined. (author)

Preparation of nanostructured PbS thin films as sensing element for NO{sub 2} gas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kaci, S., E-mail: k_samira05@yahoo.fr [Centre de Recherche en Technologie des Semi-conducteurs pour l’Energétique (CRTSE) Division Couches Minces et Interfaces, 02 Bd Frantz Fanon, B.P. 140, 7 Merveilles, 16038 Algiers (Algeria); Keffous, A.; Hakoum, S. [Centre de Recherche en Technologie des Semi-conducteurs pour l’Energétique (CRTSE) Division Couches Minces et Interfaces, 02 Bd Frantz Fanon, B.P. 140, 7 Merveilles, 16038 Algiers (Algeria); Trari, M. [Université des Sciences et Technologies Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Laboratoire de Stockage et de Valorisation des Eneriges Renouvelables, Faculté de Chimie, BP 32, EL Alia, 16111 Bab Ezzouar, Algiers (Algeria); Mansri, O.; Menari, H. [Centre de Recherche en Technologie des Semi-conducteurs pour l’Energétique (CRTSE) Division Couches Minces et Interfaces, 02 Bd Frantz Fanon, B.P. 140, 7 Merveilles, 16038 Algiers (Algeria)

2014-06-01

In this work, we demonstrate that semiconducting films of A{sub IV}B{sub VI} compounds, in particular, of nanostructured lead sulfide (PbS) which prepared by chemical bath deposition (CBD), can be used as a sensing element for nitrogen dioxide (NO{sub 2}) gas. The CBD method is versatile, simple in implementation and gives homogeneous semiconductor structures. We have prepared PbS nanocrystalline thin film at different reaction baths and temperatures. In the course of deposition, variable amounts of additives, such as organic substances among them, were introduced into the baths. The energy dispersive analysis (EDX) confirms the chemical composition of PbS films. A current–voltage (I–V) characterization of Pd/nc-PbS/a-SiC:H pSi(100)/Al Schottky diode structures were studied in the presence of NO{sub 2} gas. The gas sensing behavior showed that the synthesized PbS nanocrystalline thin films were influenced by NO{sub 2} gas at room temperature. The results can be used for developing an experimental sensing element based on chemically deposited nanostructured PbS films which can be applicable in gas sensors.

Effect of Structure, Composition, and Micromorphology on the Hydrophobic Property of F-DLC Film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aihua Jiang

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Fluorinated diamond-like carbon (F-DLC films were prepared by radio frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique with CF4 and CH4 as source gases under different deposition conditions. The chemical bonding structure and composition of the films were detected by Raman, Fourier transform infrared absorption spectrometry (FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS characterization. The micromorphology and surface roughness of the film were observed and analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM. The results indicated that all the prepared films presented a diamond-like carbon structure. The relative content of fluorine in the films increased, containing more CF2 groups. The ratio of hybrid structure sp3/sp2 decreased. The surface roughness of the films increased when the gas flow ratio R (R = CF4/[CH4 + CF4] or the deposition power increased. The contact angle of water with the surface of the F-DLC film was measured with a static drop-contact angle/surface tension measuring instrument. The hydrophobic property of the F-DLC films was found to be dependent on the sp2 structure, fluorine content, and surface roughness of the films. The contact angle increased when the relative content of fluorine in the films and sp2 content increased, whereas the contact angle first increased and then decreased with the surface roughness.

Preparation of Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Zirconate Titanate Films and Their Crystallization Behaviors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tursiloadi, Silvester

2002-01-01

The thin films with composition near morpotropic phase boundary (MPB) of the system xPb(Mg 1 /3, Nb 2 /3) O 3 -yPbTiO 3 -zPbZrO 3 (x = 0-0.35, y = 0.47 and z = 0.53), were prepared by sol-gel method. The starting materials were consisted of Pb(iso-OC 3 H 7 ) 2 , Zr(n-OC 4 H 9 ) 4 , Ti(iso-OC 3 H 7 ) 4 , Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 4H 2 O and Nb(OC 2 H 5 ) 5 . The l-propanol was used as solvent. The concentration of PMN-PT-PZ in coating solution was 0.7 M, and the pH of the solution was 4.5. The thin films were prepared by dip coating and spin coating. The crystallization behaviors of the PMN-PT-PZ thin films showed that the formation of perovskite phase at low temperature becomes difficult with increasing the content of PMN. The amounts of pyrochlore and perovskite phase in PMN-PT-PZ films depended on the heating temperatures, and PMN contents. Single-phase perovskite was found for the coated films containing 0 and 12.5 mol% after calculating at 600 o C, 21 mol% after calculating at 700 o C, and 30 mol% after calculating at 750 o C. Single-phase perovskite of coated films will never be found when the content of PMN was 35 mol%

Sol-gel approach to the novel organic-inorganic hybrid composite films with ternary europium complex covalently bonded with silica matrix

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dong Dewen; Yang Yongsheng; Jiang Bingzheng

2006-01-01

Novel organic-inorganic hybrid composite films with ternary lanthanide complex covalently bonded with silica matrix were prepared in situ via co-ordination of N-(3-propyltriethoxysilane)-4-carboxyphthalimide (TAT) and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) with europium ion (Eu 3+ ) during a sol-gel approach and characterized by the means of spectrofluorimeter, phosphorimeter and infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR). The resulting transparent films showed improved photophysical properties, i.e. increased luminescence intensity and longer luminescence lifetime, compared with the corresponding binary composite films without Phen. All the results revealed that the intense luminescence of the composite film was attributed to the efficient energy transfer from ligands, especially Phen, to chelated Eu 3+ and the reduced non-radiation through the rigid silica matrix and 'site isolation'

Transmission of terahertz radiation by anisotropic MWCNT/polystyrene composite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Okotrub, A.V.; Bulusheva, L.G. [Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, SB RAS, 3 Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Novosibirsk State Technical University, 20 Karl Marx Ave., 630092 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Kubarev, V.V. [Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, SB RAS, 11 Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogova st., 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation); Kanygin, M.A.; Sedelnikova, O.V. [Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, SB RAS, 3 Acad. Lavrentiev Ave., 630090 Novosibirsk (Russian Federation)

2011-11-15

Anisotropic composite materials have been prepared by repeated forge rolling of polystyrene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with length of {proportional_to}65 {mu}m. Transmission spectra of the composites were recorded for two different polarizations of the electric field. Obtained data indicated that the forge rolling resulted in a predominant orientation of CNTs in polymer matrix. Anisotropic response of the composites was measured at 130 {mu}m wavelength on the Novosibirsk terahertz free electron laser and angular dependence of the transmitted light was determined. Absorption spectrum showed no strong resonance features and it was interpreted by CNTs breaking and agglomeration of CNT fragments during the composite fabrication procedure. Based on classical theory of scattering, considered the scatters as electromagnetic antennas, the size distribution of CNTs in composites was found. Anisotropy of terahertz radiation transmitted from MWCNT/polystyrene composite film on the Novosibirsk free electron laser at 130 {mu}m wavelength. (Copyright copyright 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Nonlinear optical properties of polyaniline and poly (o-toluidine) composite thin films with multi walled carbon nano tubes

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nagaraja, K.K. [National University of Science and Technology “MISiS”, Leninskii pr. 4, Moscow 119049 (Russian Federation); Pramodini, S. [Department of Physics, School of Engineering and Technology, Jain University, Jakkasandra Post, Bengaluru 5621112, Karnataka (India); Poornesh, P., E-mail: poorneshp@gmail.com [Nonlinear Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal 576 104, Karnataka (India); Telenkov, M.P. [National University of Science and Technology “MISiS”, Leninskii pr. 4, Moscow 119049 (Russian Federation); Kityk, I.V. [Electrical Engineering Department, Czestochowa University Technology, Czestochowa (Poland)

2017-05-01

We report the improved third-order nonlinear optical properties of polyaniline and poly (o-toluidine) with different doping concentrations of multi walled carbon nano tube (MWCNTs) composite thin films investigated using z-scan technique and continuous wave He–Ne laser at 633 nm wavelength was used as source of excitation. Thin films were prepared by spin coating technique on glass substrate. The structural properties of the composite films were analysed by X-ray diffraction studies and the characteristic peaks corresponding to MWCNTs and polymers have been observed. The surface morphology of the deposited films was analysed using scanning electron microscopy and it confirms that the polymer in the composites has been coated on the MWCNTs homogeneously. The z-scan results reveal that the films exhibit reverse saturable absorption and self-defocusing nonlinearity. The third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility χ{sup (3)} is found to be of the order of 10{sup −3} esu. Also, optical power limiting and clamping experiment was performed. The clamping values increases with increase in concentration and the lowest clamping observed for composite films are 1 mW and 0.7 mW.

Biosensors Based on Ultrathin Film Composite Membranes

Science.gov (United States)

1994-01-25

composite membranes should have a number C •’ of potential advantages including fast response time, simplicity of construction, and applicability to a number...The support membrane for the ultrathin film composite was an Anopore ( Alltech Associates) microporous alumina filter, these membranes are 55 Pm thick...constant 02 concentration in this solution. Finally, one of the most important potential advantage of a sensor based on an ultrathin film composite

Preparation and characterization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) composite thin films highly loaded with platinum nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chang, Chao-Ching, E-mail: ccchang@tku.edu.tw [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, No. 151, Yingzhuan Rd., Danshui Dist., New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan (China); Energy and Opto-Electronic Materials Research Center, Tamkang University, No. 151, Yingzhuan Rd., Danshui Dist., New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan (China); Jiang, Ming-Tai [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, No. 151, Yingzhuan Rd., Danshui Dist., New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan (China); Chang, Chen-Liang; Lin, Cheng-Lan [Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Tamkang University, No. 151, Yingzhuan Rd., Danshui Dist., New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan (China); Energy and Opto-Electronic Materials Research Center, Tamkang University, No. 151, Yingzhuan Rd., Danshui Dist., New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan (China)

2011-06-15

Research highlights: {yields} Nano-sized and mono-dispersed Pt nanoparticles were synthesized by a polyol method. {yields} A thin film of PEDOT:PSS loaded with high concentration of Pt nanoparticles has been prepared. {yields} The PEDOT:PSS-Pt modified electrode has good potential to serve as a counter electrode in DSSC. - Abstract: In this work, we propose a simple and efficient, low-temperature ({approx}120 deg. C) process to prepare transparent thin films of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) loaded with high concentration (up to 22.5 wt%) of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. Firstly, an improved polyol method was modified to synthesize nano-sized ({approx}5 nm) and mono-dispersed Pt particles. These nanoparticles were incorporated into the matrix of PEDOT:PSS thin films via a spin coating/drying procedure. The electrochemical activities of the PEDOT:PSS thin film modified electrodes with respect to the I{sup -}/I{sub 3}{sup -} redox reactions were investigated. It was found that the modified electrode of PEDOT:PSS thin film containing 22.5 wt% Pt exhibited the electrochemical activity comparable to the conventional Pt thin film electrode, suggesting that this electrode has good potential to serve as a counter electrode in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Barium titanate thick films prepared by screen printing technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mirjana M. Vijatović

2010-06-01

Full Text Available The barium titanate (BaTiO3 thick films were prepared by screen printing technique using powders obtained by soft chemical route, modified Pechini process. Three different barium titanate powders were prepared: i pure, ii doped with lanthanum and iii doped with antimony. Pastes for screen printing were prepared using previously obtained powders. The thick films were deposited onto Al2O3 substrates and fired at 850°C together with electrode material (silver/palladium in the moving belt furnace in the air atmosphere. Measurements of thickness and roughness of barium titanate thick films were performed. The electrical properties of thick films such as dielectric constant, dielectric losses, Curie temperature, hysteresis loop were reported. The influence of different factors on electrical properties values was analyzed.

Preparation and spectroscopic analysis of zinc oxide nanorod thin films of different thicknesses

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mia Nasrul Haque

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Zinc oxide thin films with different thicknesses were prepared on microscopic glass slides by sol-gel spin coating method, then hydrothermal process was applied to produce zinc oxide nanorod arrays. The nanorod thin films were characterized by various spectroscopic methods of analysis. From the images of field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM, it was observed that for the film thickness up to 200 nm the formed nanorods with wurtzite hexagonal structure were uniformly distributed over the entire surface substrate. From X-ray diffraction analysis it was revealed that the thin films had good polycrystalline nature with highly preferred c-axis orientation along (0 0 2 plane. The optical characterization done by UV-Vis spectrometer showed that all the films had high transparency of 83 % to 96 % in the visible region and sharp cut off at ultraviolet region of electromagnetic spectrum. The band gap of the films decreased as their thickness increased. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS showed the presence of zinc and oxygen elements in the films and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR revealed the chemical composition of ZnO in the film.

Preparation and evaluation of buccal bioadhesive films containing clotrimazole.

Science.gov (United States)

Singh, S; Jain, S; Muthu, M S; Tiwari, S; Tilak, R

2008-01-01

Buccal bioadhesive films, releasing topical drugs in the oral cavity at a slow and predetermined rate, provide distinct advantages over traditional dosage forms. The aim of present study was to prepare and evaluate buccal bioadhesive films of clotrimazole for oral candidiasis. The film was designed to release the drug at a concentration above the minimum inhibitory concentration for a prolonged period of time so as to reduce the frequency of administration of the available conventional dosage forms. The different proportions of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and carbopol 974P (CP 974P) were used for the preparation of films. Carbopol was used to incorporate the desired bioadhesiveness in the films. The films were prepared by solvent casting method and evaluated for bioadhesion, in vitro drug release and effectiveness against Candida albicans. In vitro drug release from the film was determined using a modified Franz diffusion cell while bioadhesiveness was evaluated with a modified two-arm balance using rabbit intestinal mucosa as a model tissue. Films containing 5% CP 974P of the total polymer were found to be the best with moderate swelling along with favorable bioadhesion force, residence time and in vitro drug release. The microbiological studies revealed that drug released from the film could inhibit the growth of C. albicans for 6 h. The drug release mechanism was found to follow non-Fickian diffusion.

Study on Gas Sensing Performance of In2O3 Thick Film Resistors Prepared by Screen Printing Technique

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S. C. KULKARNI

2011-02-01

Full Text Available Indium Oxide (In2O3 thick films were prepared on alumina substrate by using standard screen printing technique. These films were dried and fired at temperatures between 750 0C to 950 0C for two hours in air atmosphere. The compositional, morphological and structural properties of In2O3 films were performed by Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX, XRD, and Scanning electron Microscopy respectively. We explore the various gases to study sensing performance of In2O3 thick films. The maximum response was reported to film fired at 750 0C for H2S gas at 150 0C operating temperature.

Preparation and characterization of thick BSCCO 2223 films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ciancio, G; Avila, A; Malachevsky, M.T; Ovidio, C.A

2002-01-01

Among the most widespread applications for critical high-temperature ceramic superconductors are for silver veined tapes, with the superconductor in the middle. These tapes are prepared by the powder- in - tube method. To attain high densities of critical current, the ceramic material must have a certain texture, with the grains oriented with the c axis perpendicular to the direction in which the current circulates. In the system that was studied, the degree of orientation increases as the distance to the vein decreases, with the maximum being in the silver-ceramic inter-phase. Superconductor tapes become inconvenient when defining the ceramic, especially because of the orientation of their plates as a function of the distance to the silver. Although the silver can be dissolved by a chemical attack in order to uncover the ceramic, greater precaution is needed while manipulating the superconductor and obtaining representative data. The behavior of thick films of the compound BSCCO 2223, deposited on silver sheets, forming silver-ceramic composites, was studied. These sheets simulate the silver-ceramic inter-phase and the distribution of the grains towards the center in a thick tape. After the samples were prepared, the phases that were present were characterized by x-ray diffraction and the resulting microstructure was analyzed with a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope). Its mechanical properties were evaluated, following the formation and propagation of cracks in real time using four point flexion microassays inside the SEM chamber, as well as generating tension-deformation curves. The method of preparation of the thick films is discussed and its influence on the results obtained with the different characterizations (cw)

Preparation and characterization of micro-grid modified In{sub 2}O{sub 3}:W films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dong, Dongmei; Wang, Wenwen, E-mail: 08569@buaa.edu.cn; Zhang, Fan; Fu, Qiang; Pan, Jiaojiao

2016-08-01

Tungsten doped indium oxide (In{sub 2}O{sub 3}:W, IWO) thin films with IWO micro-grid covered surface were prepared at room temperature using techniques of radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering and polystyrene (PS) microsphere template. The composition, crystallization structures, surface morphologies, and optical and electrical properties of the films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, spectrophotometer from visible to near infrared (NIR) range and Hall effect measurement, respectively. Periodic micro-grid modified surface was obtained to improve light trapping properties. The effects of the PS micro-spheres diameters and the sputtering time on the surface morphology, transmittance in NIR range, diffuse reflection and conductive properties of the IWO films are investigated. Experiments show that surface modification of the IWO film with micro-grid under the optimized condition can improve the conductivity of the films by 15%, and the diffuse reflectance by 150%, with less than 8% decrease of the transmittance in the visible region. The study would be beneficial to the light trapping effect of solar cells using IWO films as transparent electrodes. - Highlights: • In{sub 2}O{sub 3}:W (IWO) films were obtained by reactive frequency magnetron sputtering. • IWO micro-grids were prepared on the surface of IWO films. • Influences of micro-grid size and sputtering time on IWO films were analyzed. • Both high conductivity and transparency are acquired in near-infrared region.

Preparation of gelatin films incorporated with tea polyphenol nanoparticles for enhancing controlled-release antioxidant properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Fei; Antoniou, John; Li, Yue; Yi, Jiang; Yokoyama, Wallace; Ma, Jianguo; Zhong, Fang

2015-04-22

Gelatin films incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles in various free/encapsulated tea polyphenol (TP) ratios were prepared in order to investigate the influence of different ratios on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of films. The TP-containing nanoparticles were prepared by cross-linking chitosan hydrochloride (CSH) with sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin sodium (SBE-β-CD) at three different encapsulation efficiencies (EE; ∼50%, ∼80%, and ∼100%) of TP. The stability of TP-loaded nanoparticles was maintained during the film drying process from the analysis of free TP content in the redissolved film solutions. Composite films showed no significant difference in visual aspects, while the light transmittance (250-550 nm) was decreased with incorporation of TP. Nanoparticles appeared to be homogeneously dispersed within the film matrix by microstructure analysis (SEM and AFM). TP-loaded films had ferric reducing and DPPH radical scavenging power that corresponded to the EEs. Sunflower oil packaged in bags made of gelatin films embedded with nanoparticles of 80% EE showed the best oxidation inhibitory effect, followed by 100% EE, 50% EE, and free TP, over 6 weeks of storage. However, when the gelatin film was placed over the headspace and was not in contact with the oil, the free TP showed the best effect. The results indicate that sustained release of TP in the contacting surface can ensure the protective effects, which vary with free/encapsulated mass ratios, thus improving antioxidant activities instead of increasing the dosage.

Flexible n-type thermoelectric composite films with enhanced performance through interface engineering and post-treatment

Science.gov (United States)

An, Hyeunhwan; Karas, Dale; Kim, Byung-Wook; Trabia, Sarah; Moon, Jaeyun

2018-07-01

Flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials, which are devices that convert thermal gradients to electrical energy, have attracted interest for practical energy-harvesting/recovery applications. However, as compared with p-type materials, the progress on the development of n-type TE flexible materials has been slow due to difficulties involved in n-type doping techniques. This study used high mobility carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a uniformly mixed hybrid-composite, resulting in an enhanced power factor by increasing electrical conductivity. The energy filtering effect and stoichiometric composition of the material used, bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) correlated to a significant enhancement in TE performance, with a power factor of 225.9 μW m‑1K‑2 at room temperature: a factor of 65 higher than as-fabricated composite film. This paper describes a simplified synthesis for the preparation of the composite film that eliminates time-intensive and cost-prohibitive processing, traditionally seen during extrusion and dicing inorganic manufacturing. The resulting post-annealed composite film consisting of Bi2Te3 nanowire and CNTs demonstrate a promising candidate for material that can be used for an n-type TE device that has improved energy conversion efficiency.

Simulation and fabrication of 0-3 composite PZT films for ultrahigh frequency (100-300 MHz) ultrasonic transducers

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Xiaoyang; Fei, Chunlong; Chen, Zeyu; Chen, Ruimin; Yu, Ping; Chen, Zhongping; Shung, K. Kirk; Zhou, Qifa

2016-03-01

This paper presents simulation, fabrication, and characterization of single-element ultrahigh frequency (100-300-MHz) needle ultrasonic transducers based on 0-3 composite Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) films prepared by using composite ceramic sol-gel film and sol-infiltration technique. The center frequency of the developed transducer at 300-MHz was the highest frequency of PbTiO3 ceramic-based ultrasonic transducers ever reported. Furthermore, a brief description of the composite model was followed by the development of a new expression for predicting the longitudinal velocity, the clamped dielectric constant, and the complex electromechanical coupling coefficient kt of these films, which is very important in ultrasonic transducer design. Moreover, these parameters are difficult to obtain by measuring the frequency dependence of impedance and phase angle because of the weak signal of the previous 0-3 composite films transducer (>100 MHz). The modeling results show that the Cubes model with a geometric factor n = 0.05 fits well with the measured data. This model will be helpful for developing the 0-3 composite systems for ultrahigh frequency ultrasonic transducer design.

Preparation and properties of thin films treatise on materials science and technology

CERN Document Server

Tu, K N

1982-01-01

Treatise on Materials Science and Technology, Volume 24: Preparation and Properties of Thin Films covers the progress made in the preparation of thin films and the corresponding study of their properties. The book discusses the preparation and property correlations in thin film; the variation of microstructure of thin films; and the molecular beam epitaxy of superlattices in thin film. The text also describes the epitaxial growth of silicon structures (thermal-, laser-, and electron-beam-induced); the characterization of grain boundaries in bicrystalline thin films; and the mechanical properti

Composite films of oxidized multiwall carbon nanotube and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) as a contact electrode for transistor and inverter devices.

Science.gov (United States)

Yun, Dong-Jin; Rhee, Shi-Woo

2012-02-01

Composite films of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT)/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polymerized with poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) were prepared by spin-coating a mixture solution. The effect of the MWNT loading and the MWNT oxidation, with acid solution or ultraviolet (UV)-ozone treatment, on the film properties such as surface roughness, work function, surface energy, optical transparency and conductivity were studied. Also pentacene thin film transistors and inverters were made with these composite films as a contact metal and the device characteristics were measured. The oxidation of MWNT reduced the conductivity of MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film but increased the work function and transparency. UV-ozone treated MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film showed higher conductivity (14000 Ω/□) and work function (4.9 eV) than acid-oxidized MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film and showed better performance as a source/drain electrode in organic thin film transistor (OTFT) than other types of MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite films. Hole injection barrier of the UV-ozone treated MWNT/PEDOT:PSS composite film with pentacene was significantly lower than any other films because of the higher work function.

Enhancement of Moisture Protective Properties and Stability of Pectin through Formation of a Composite Film: Effects of Shellac and Plasticizer.

Science.gov (United States)

Luangtana-Anan, Manee; Soradech, Sitthiphong; Saengsod, Suthep; Nunthanid, Jurairat; Limmatvapirat, Sontaya

2017-12-01

The aim of this investigation was to develop the high moisture protective ability and stable pectin through the design of composite films based on varying shellac concentrations. A film casting method was applied to prepare a free film. The moisture protective properties and mechanical properties were investigated. The findings was the composite films exhibited the reductions in the hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability, and the moisture content compared with pectin films. The single and composite films were then study for their stability at 40 °C and 75% RH for 90 d. Among the concentrations of shellac, 50% (w/w) could improve stability in terms of moisture protection after 90 d of storage, whereas lower concentrations of shellac (10% to 40%) could not achieve this. However, the higher shellac content also contributed to weaker mechanical properties. The mechanical improvement and stability of composite films with the incorporation of plasticizers were further investigated. Polyethylene glycol 400 and diethyl phthalate at a concentration of 10% were used. The results indicated that both plasticizers could enhance the mechanical characteristics and had a slight effect on moisture protection. The stability of pectin in terms of moisture protective properties could, therefore, be modified through the fabrication of composite films with hydrophobic polymers, that is, shellac and the addition of proper plasticizers to enhance mechanical properties, which could offer wide applications for edible film in food, agro, and pharmaceutical industries. The composite film with 50% shellac could improve moisture protective properties of pectin film. Adding a plasticizer could build up the higher mechanical characteristics of composite film. Stability of pectin could be modified by fabrication of composite films with proper content of shellac and plasticizer. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Fabrication of compact and stable perovskite films with optimized precursor composition in the fast-growing procedure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Tanghao; Zhou, Yuanyuan; Hu, Qin; Chen, Ke; Zhang, Yifei; Yang, Wenqiang; Wu, Jiang; Ye, Fengjun; Luo, Deying; Zhu, Kai; Padture, Nitin P.; Liu, Feng; Russell, Thomas; Zhu, Rui; Gong, Qihuang

2017-06-02

The fast-growing procedure (FGP) provides a simple, high-yield and lead (Pb)-release free method to prepare perovskite films. In the FGP, the ultra-dilute perovskite precursor solution is drop-cast onto a hot (~240 degrees C) substrate, where a perovskite film grows immediately accompanied by the rapid evaporation of the host solvent. In this process, all the raw materials in the precursor solution are deposited into the final perovskite film. The potential pollution caused by Pb can be significantly reduced. Properties of the FGP-processed perovskite films can be modulated by the precursor composition. While CH3NH3Cl (MACl) affects the crystallization process and leads to full surface coverage, CH(NH2)2I (FAI) enhances the thermal stability of the film. Based on the optimized precursor composition of PbI2(1-x)FAI xMACl, x=0.75, FGP-processed planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells exhibit power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 15% with suppressed hysteresis and excellent reproducibility.

Optical sensor platform based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) - 4'-(hexyloxy)-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (HOBC) bi-phase nematic liquid crystal composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Santos, Moliria V; Tercjak, Agnieszka; Gutierrez, Junkal; Barud, Hernane S; Napoli, Mariana; Nalin, Marcelo; Ribeiro, Sidney J L

2017-07-15

The preparation of composite materials has gained tremendous attention due to the potential synergy of the combined materials. Here we fabricate novel thermal/electrical responsive photonic composite films combining cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with a low molecular weight nematic liquid crystal (NLC), 4'-(hexyloxy)-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (HOBC). The obtained composite material combines both intense structural coloration of photonic cellulose and thermal and conductive properties of NLC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results confirmed that liquid crystals coated CNC films maintain chiral nematic structure characteristic of CNC film and simultaneously, transversal cross-section scanning electron microscopy images indicated penetration of liquid crystals through the CNC layers. Investigated composite film maintain NLC optical properties being switchable as a function of temperature during heating/cooling cycles. The relationship between the morphology and thermoresponsive in the micro/nanostructured materials was investigated by using transmission optical microscopy (TOM). Conductive response of the composite films was proved by Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) measurement. Designed thermo- and electro-responsive materials open novel simple pathway of fabrication of CNC-based materials with tunable properties. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Electrochemical synthesis of poly(pyrrole-co-o-anisidine)/chitosan composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Yalçınkaya, Süleyman; Çakmak, Didem

2017-05-01

In this study, poly(pyrrole-co-o-anisidine)/chitosan composite films were electrochemically synthesized in various monomers feed ratio (pyrrole: o-anisidine; 9:1, 7:3, 1:1, 3:7 and 1:9) of pyrrole and o-anisidine on the platinum electrode. Electrochemical synthesis of the composite films was carried out via cyclic voltammetry technique. They were characterized by FT-IR, cyclic voltammetry, SEM micrographs, digital images, TGA and DSC techniques. The SEM results indicated that the particle size of the composite decreased with increasing o-anisidine ratio and the films became more likely to be smooth morphology. The TGA results proved that the film of the composite with 1:1 ratio showed highest final degradation temperature and lowest weight loss (83%) compared to copolymer and 9:1 1:9 composite films. The 1:1 composite film had higher thermal stability than copolymer and the other composite films (9:1 1:9). Meanwhile, electrochemical studies exhibited that the 1/9 composite film had good electrochemical stability as well.

Silk fibroin/pullulan blend films: Preparation and characterization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shivananda, C. S.; Rao, B. Lakshmeesha; Madhukumar, R.; Asha, S. [Department of Studies in Physics, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri – 574 199 (India); Sarojini, B. K. [Department of Industrial Chemistry, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri, Mangalore –574 199 (India); Somashekhar, R. [Department of Studies in Physics, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore – 570 006 (India); Sangappa, Y., E-mail: syhalabhavi@yahoo.co.in [Department of Studies in Physics, Mangalore University, Mangalagangotri – 574 199 (India); School of Material Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332 (United States)

2016-05-23

In this work silk fibroin/pullulan blend films have been prepared by solution casting method. The blend films were examined for structural, and thermal properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimatric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The XRD results indicate that with the introduction of pullulan, the interaction between SF and pullulan in the blend films induced the conformation transition of SF films and amorphous phase increases with increasing pullulan ratio. The thermal properties of the blend films were improved significantly in the blend films.

Composition, XRD and morphology study of laser prepared LiNbO.sub.3./sub. films

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Jelínek, Miroslav; Havránek, Vladimír; Remsa, Jan; Kocourek, Tomáš; Vincze, A.; Bruncko, J.; Studnička, Václav; Rubešová, K.

2013-01-01

Roč. 110, č. 4 (2013), s. 883-888 ISSN 0947-8396 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP106/10/1477; GA MŠk(CZ) MEB0810156 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 ; RVO:61389005 Keywords : LiNbO 3 * thin films * PLD * composition * morphology Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.694, year: 2013

Strongly nonlinear electronic transport in Cr-Si composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Burkov, A.T.; Vinzelberg, H.; Schumann, J.; Nakama, T.; Yagasaki, K.

2004-01-01

The phase formation, the resistivity and the thermopower of amorphous Cr 0.15 Si 0.85 , and nanocrystalline CrSi 2 -Si thin film composites have been studied. The films were produced by a magnetron sputtering of a composite target onto unheated substrates with subsequent crystallization of the film at high temperatures. As the film composite develops under the heat treatment from the initial amorphous state into the final polycrystalline material, two percolation thresholds were found. At first, the percolating cluster of nanocrystalline CrSi 2 is formed. However, this cluster is destroyed with further annealing due to crystallization and redistribution of Si. The composite films which are close to this insulating threshold reveal a strongly nonlinear conductivity. The conductivity increases with the current by two orders of magnitude

Preparation of Ni-C Ultrafine Composite from Waste Material

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mahmoud A. Rabah

2017-06-01

Full Text Available This work depicts the preparation of Ni-C ultrafine composite from used engine oil. The used oil was emulsified with detergent loaded with Ni (OH2. The loaded emulsion was sprayed on electric plasma generated between two C electrodes to a DC main 28 V and 70-80 A. The purged Ni-doped carbon fume was trapped on a polymer film moistened with synthetic adhesive to fix the trapped smoke. Characterization of the deposit was made using SEM. XRD examined the crystal morphology. Carbon density in the cloud was calculated. The average size and thickness of the deposited composite is 120-160 nm. Aliphatic hydrocarbons readily decompose to gaseous products. Solid carbon smoke originates from aromatic compounds. Plasma heat blasts the oil in short time to decompose in one step.

CIGS thin film solar cell prepared by reactive co-sputtering

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Jeha; Lee, Ho-Sub; Park, Nae-Man

2013-09-01

The reactive co-sputtering was developed as a new way of preparing high quality CuInGaSe2(CIGS) films from two sets of targets; Cu0.6Ga 0.4 and Cu0.4In0.6 alloy and Cu and (In0.7Ga0.3)2Se3 compound targets. During sputtering, Cu, In, Ga metallic elements as well as the compound materials were reacted to form CIGS simultaneously in highly reactive elemental Se atmosphere generated by a thermal cracker. CIGS layer had been grown on Mo/soda-lime glass(SLG) at 500°C. For both sets of targets, we controlled the composition of CIGS thin film by changing the RF power for target components. All the films showed a preferential (112) orientation as observed from X-ray diffraction analysis. The composition ratios of CIGS were easily set to 0.71-0.95, 0.10-0.30 for [Cu]/[III] and [Ga]/[III], respectively. The grain size and the surface roughness of a CIGS film increased as the [Cu]/[III] ratios increased. The solar cells were fabricated using a standard base line process in the device structure of grid/ITO/i-ZnO/CdS/CIGS/Mo/ SLG. The best performance was obtained the performance of Voc = 0.45 V, Jsc =35.6, FF = 0.535, η = 8.6% with a 0.9 μm-CIGS solar cell from alloy targets while Voc = 0.54 V, Jsc =30.8, FF = 0.509, η = 8.5% with a 0.8 μm-CIGS solar cell from Cu and (In0.7Ga0.3)2Se3.

Preparation and characterization of porphyrin-polythiophene stacked films as prepared by electrochemical method under stirring condition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sugawa, Kosuke; Akiyama, Tsuyoshi; Yamada, Sunao

2008-01-01

Porphyrin-polythiophene (pTh) stacked films consisting of meso-tetrathienylporphyrin (TThP) and bithiophene (BiTh) were prepared on transparent indium-tin-oxide (ITO) electrodes by sequential electrochemical scanning of applied potential between 0 and + 2 V vs Ag wire in the electrolyte solution of BiTh and TThP under stirring condition. First, the pTh films were prepared by electrochemical polymerization and then TThP was incorporated into the as-prepared pTh film by subsequent electrochemical scanning as described above in the TThP solution. The operation of solution stirring during electrochemical scanning achieved the formation of robust stacked films. UV/Vis and fluorescence spectra confirmed that the amount of TThP moiety increased with increasing the number of electrochemical scanning cycles in the TThP solution. In order to evaluate the incorporation profile of TThP, surface analyses and depth profiles of stacked films were carried out by XPS spectroscopy. The results suggested that all films formed porphyrin-polythiophene stacked structure precisely, and that TThP was exclusively incorporated around the outermost region of the pTh film

Role of Annealing Temperature on Morphology of Alumina Thin Film Prepared by Wet-Chemical Method

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manju Pandey

2015-03-01

Full Text Available In this paper, we reported the compositional, morphological and structural properties of the alumina(Al2O3 thin films prepared by sol-gel technique and annealed between 800 0C to 1200 0C for 1-hour in an air atmosphere. The deposited films were polycrystalline in nature. Thin films were found uniform and adherent to the alumina substrate. Effect of annealing temperature on structural parameters such as pore size and surface area were calculated. The result indicates that pore size and surface area was decreased by increasing annealing temperature. The material characterization was done by field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM, atomic force microscopy (AFM and Brunaur, Emmet and Teller (BET.

Preparation of mesoporous carbon nitride structure by the dealloying of Ni/a-CN nanocomposite films

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Han; Shen, Yongqing; Huang, Jie; Liao, Bin; Wu, Xianying; Zhang, Xu

2018-05-01

The preparation of mesoporous carbon nitride (p-CN) structure by the selective dealloying process of Ni/a-CN nanocomposite films is investigated. The composition and structure of the Ni/a-CN nanocomposite films and porous carbon nitride (p-CN) films are determined by scan electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Phase separated structure including nickel carbide phase and the surrounding amorphous carbon nitride (a-CN) matrix are detected for the as-deposited films. Though the bulk diffusion is introduced in the film during the annealing process, the grain sizes for the post-annealed films are around 10 nm and change little comparing with the ones of the as-deposited films, which is associated with the thermostability of the CN surrounding in the film. The p-CN skeleton with its pore size around 12.5 nm is formed by etching the post-annealed films, indicative of the stability of the phase separated structure during the annealing process.

A cost-effective process to prepare VO2 (M) powder and films with superior thermochromic properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiao, Xiudi; Zhang, Hua; Chai, Guanqi; Sun, Yaoming; Yang, Tao; Cheng, Haoliang; Chen, Lihua; Miao, Lei; Xu, Gang

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: Combining codeposition and short time post annealing, VO 2 (M) with high quality and excellent phase transition performance is obtained. After mixing the VO 2 powder with acrylic resin, the composite films deposited on glass show superior visible transmission and solar modulation, which can be used as an excellent candidate of low cost smart window in energy saving field. - Highlights: • The VO 2 powder obtained by short time thermolysis method is high purity and crystallinity with superior phase transition performance. • The maximum decreasing efficiency of phase transition temperature is about −30 K/at% with w = 0.4 at%. • After mixing VO 2 powder with acrylic resin, the maximal visible transmission of the composite films is 48% and the transmission modulation at 2000 nm is 37.3% with phase transition temperature of 66.2 °C. • Though the phase transition performance is weakened by tungsten doping, the film prepared by 1.3 at% tungsten doped VO 2 still show superior transmission modulation about 26.4%, which means that it is a potential candidate as smart windows. - Abstract: VO 2 powder with superior phase transition performance was prepared by convenient thermolysis method. The results illustrated that VO 2 powder show high purity and crystallinity. VO 2 particles are transformed from cluster to quasi-sphere with the increase of annealing temperature. The DSC analysis proves that VO 2 show superior phase transition performance around 68 °C. The phase transition temperature can be reduced to 33.5 °C by 1.8 at% tungsten doping. The maximum decreasing efficiency of phase transition temperature is about −30 K/at% with w = 0.4 at%. After mixing VO 2 powder with acrylic resin, the maximal visible transmission of the composite thin films on glass is 48% and the transmission modulation at 2000 nm is 37.3% with phase transition temperature of 66.2 °C. Though the phase transition performance is weakened by tungsten doping, the film

The Formation Mechanism and Corrosion Resistance of a Composite Phosphate Conversion Film on AM60 Alloy.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Jun; Lan, Xiangna; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Qinyong

2018-03-08

Magnesium alloy AM60 has high duc and toughness, which is expected to increase in demand for automotive applications. However, it is too active, and coatings have been extensively studied to prevent corrosion. In this work, a Ba-containing composite phosphate film has been prepared on the surface of AM60. The composition and formation mechanism of the film have been investigated using a scanning electronic microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry tests. The corrosion resistance of the film has been measured by electrochemical and immersion tests. The results show that the deposition film has fully covered the substrate but there are some micro-cracks. The structure of the film is complex, and consists of MgHPO₄·3H₂O, MnHPO₄·2.25H₂O, BaHPO₄·3H₂O, BaMg₂(PO₄)₂, Mg₃(PO₄)₂·22H₂O, Ca₃(PO₄)₂·xH₂O, and some amorphous phases. The composite phosphate film has better anticorrosion performance than the AM60 and can protect the bare alloy from corrosion for more than 12 h in 0.6 M NaCl.

Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of PZT Composite Thick Films with Variable Solution to Powder Ratios.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Dawei; Zhou, Qifa; Shung, Koping Kirk; Bharadwaja, Srowthi N; Zhang, Dongshe; Zheng, Haixing

2009-05-08

The use of PZT films in sliver-mode high-frequency ultrasonic transducers applications requires thick, dense, and crack-free films with excellent piezoelectric and dielectric properties. In this work, PZT composite solutions were used to deposit PZT films >10 μm in thickness. It was found that the functional properties depend strongly on the mass ratio of PZT sol-gel solution to PZT powder in the composite solution. Both the remanent polarization, P(r), and transverse piezoelectric coefficient, e(31,) (f), increase with increasing proportion of the sol-gel solution in the precursor. Films prepared using a solution-to-powder mass ratio of 0.5 have a remanent polarization of 8 μC/cm(2), a dielectric constant of 450 (at 1 kHz), and e(31,) (f) = -2.8 C/m(2). Increasing the solution-to-powder mass ratio to 6, the films were found to have remanent polarizations as large as 37 μC/cm(2), a dielectric constant of 1250 (at 1 kHz) and e(31,) (f) = -5.8 C/m(2).

Preparation of high laser-induced damage threshold Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Xu, Cheng, E-mail: xucheng@cumt.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116 (China); Yi, Peng; Fan, Heliang; Qi, Jianwei; Yang, Shuai; Qiang, Yinghuai; Liu, Jiongtian [School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116 (China); Li, Dawei [Key Laboratory of High Power Laser Materials, Shanghai Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800 (China)

2014-08-01

High laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} films were prepared by the sol–gel method using TaCl{sub 5} as a new precursor. The optical properties, surface morphologies, chemical composition, absorption and LIDT of the films were investigated. The results showed that the transparent and homogenous Ta{sub 2}O{sub 5} films had small surface roughness, low absorption and high LIDT even with large number of layers. The maximum LIDT at 1064 nm and 12 ns of the films was 24.8 J/cm{sup 2}. The ion chromatograph and Fourier transform infrared spectrum were used to reveal the functions of the addition of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} in the sol formation. It was shown that H{sub 2}O{sub 2} had two important functions, which were the decrease of Cl element content and the rapid generation of tantalum oxide. The high LIDT achieved was mainly due to the nearly free of defects in the films.

Preparation of Modified Films with Protein from Grouper Fish

Science.gov (United States)

Tecante, A.; Granados-Navarrete, S.; Martínez-García, C.

2016-01-01

A protein concentrate (PC) was obtained from Grouper fish skin and it was used to prepare films with different amounts of sorbitol and glycerol as plasticizers. The best performing films regarding resistance were then modified with various concentrations of CaCl2, CaSO4 (calcium salts), and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) with the purpose of improving their mechanical and barrier properties. These films were characterized by determining their mechanical properties and permeability to water vapor and oxygen. Formulations with 5% (w/v) protein and 75% sorbitol and 4% (w/v) protein with a mixture of 15% glycerol and 15% sorbitol produced adequate films. Calcium salts and GDL increased the tensile fracture stress but reduced the fracture strain and decreased water vapor permeability compared with control films. The films prepared represent an attractive alternative for being used as food packaging materials. PMID:27597950

Thin-film composite crosslinked polythiosemicarbazide membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN)

KAUST Repository

Aburabie, Jamaliah

2015-01-01

In this work we report a new class of solvent stable thin-film composite (TFC) membrane fabricated on crosslinked polythiosemicarbazide (PTSC) as substrate that exhibits superior stability compared with other solvent stable polymeric membranes reported up to now. Integrally skinned asymmetric PTSC membranes were prepared by the phase inversion process and crosslinked with an aromatic bifunctional crosslinker to improve the solvent stability. TFC membranes were obtained via interfacial polymerization using trimesoyl chloride (TMC) and diaminopiperazine (DAP) monomers. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle measurement.The membranes exhibited high fluxes toward solvents like tetrahydrofuran (THF), dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) ranging around 20L/m2 h at 5bar with a molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of around 1000g/mol. The PTSC-based thin-film composite membranes are very stable toward polar aprotic solvents and they have potential applications in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industry.

Preparation of RF reactively sputtered indium-tin oxide thin films with optical properties suitable for heat mirrors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boyadzhiev, S; Dobrikov, G; Rassovska, M

2008-01-01

Technologies are discussed for preparing and characterizing indium-tin oxide (ITO) thin films with properties appropriate for usage as heat mirrors in solar thermal collectors. The samples were prepared by means of radio frequency (RF) reactive sputtering of indium-tin targets in oxygen. The technological parameters were optimized to obtain films with optimal properties for heat mirrors. The optical properties of the films were studied by visible and infra-red (IR) spectrophotometry and laser ellipsometry. The reflectance of the films in the thermal IR range was investigated by a Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectrophotometer. Heating of the substrates during the sputtering and their post deposition annealing in different environments were also studied. The ultimate purpose of the present research being the development of a technological process leading to low-cost ITO thin films with high transparency in the visible and near IR (0.3-2.4 μm) and high reflection in the thermal IR range (2.5-25 μm), we investigated the correlation of the ITO thin films structural and optical properties with the technological process parameters - target composition and heat treatment

Influence of electroformation regime on the specific properties of cobalt oxide‒platinum composite films deposited on conductive diamond

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Spătaru, Tanţa; Osiceanu, Petre; Preda, Loredana; Munteanu, Cornel [Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, 202 Spl. Independenţei 060021, Bucharest (Romania); Spătaru, Nicolae, E-mail: nspataru@icf.ro [Institute of Physical Chemistry “Ilie Murgulescu”, 202 Spl. Independenţei 060021, Bucharest (Romania); Fujishima, Akira [Tokyo University of Science, 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 162-8601 (Japan)

2014-04-01

Two straightforward electrochemical methods were used in the present work for depositing cobalt oxide-platinum composite films on boron-doped diamond substrates in order to put into evidence the effect of the electroformation regime on the morphological and electrochemical features of these hybrid systems. The shift from potentiostatic to potentiodynamic deposition enabled not only a significant improvement of the Pt particles dispersion but also a much higher surface concentration of oxygenated species of platinum. For similar Co{sub 3}O{sub 4} and Pt loadings, the specific capacitance of the composite films deposited by cyclic voltammetry was with ca. 8% higher than that of the potentiostatically obtained ones. Additional advantage of potentiodynamic deposition is the improved resistance to fouling during methanol anodic oxidation of Pt particles, tentatively ascribed to the higher surface concentration of oxygenated species of platinum. - Highlights: • Cobalt oxide-platinum composite films were electrodeposited on conductive diamond. • Composite films formed by cyclic voltammetry exhibit enhanced specific capacitance. • Potentiodynamic deposition enables higher concentration of oxygenated Pt species. • Co{sub 3}O{sub 4}–Pt films prepared by cyclic voltammetry are less susceptible to CO poisoning.

Preparation and switching kinetics of Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 thin films deposited by reactive sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hase, Takashi; Shiosaki, Tadashi

1991-01-01

Ferroelectric Pb(Zr, Ti)O 3 [PZT] thin films have been prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si and Pt/SiO 2 /Si substrates using the reactive sputtering method with a metal composite target. The (111)-oriented PZT (80/20) thin films with a perovskite structure have been obtained at a substrate temperature of 595degC on highly (111)-oriented Pt films formed on SiO 2 /Si substrates. When an 8 V pulse sequence was applied to a 265 nm-thick film with an electrode area of 50 x 50 μm 2 , the switching time and the switched charge density measured were 20 ns and 10 μC/cm 2 , respectively. The switching time was strongly dependent on the electrode area. (author)

Preparation and performance of Ecobras/bentonite biodegrading films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, Ana Nery M.; Melo, Nadja M.C.; Canedo, Eduardo L.; Carvalho, Laura H.; Araujo, Arthur R.A.

2011-01-01

Compounds based on the biodegradable polymer Ecobras and bentonite clay in its pristine, sonicated, and organically modified with a quaternary ammonium salt forms were prepared as flat films. Clays and compounds were characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of the films were determined according to pertinent ASTM standards. Reasonable properties, higher than those of the matrix, were obtained with compounds prepared with purified clays and organoclays, particularly for low clay loading. (author)

Design and characterization of chitosan/zeolite composite films — Effect of zeolite type and zeolite dose on the film properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barbosa, Gustavo P.; Debone, Henrique S.; Severino, Patrícia; Souto, Eliana B.; Silva, Classius F. da

2016-01-01

Chitosan films can be used as wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds and severe burns. The antimicrobial properties of these films may be enhanced by the addition of silver. Despite the antimicrobial activity of silver, several studies have reported the cytotoxicity as a factor limiting its biomedical applications. This problem may, however, be circumvented by the provision of sustained release of silver. Silver zeolites can be used as drug delivery platforms to extend the release of silver. The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of clinoptilolite and A-type zeolites in chitosan films. Sodium zeolites were initially subjected to ion-exchange in a batch reactor. Films were prepared by casting technique using a 2% w/w chitosan solution and two zeolite doses (0.1 or 0.2% w/w). Films were characterized by thermal analysis, color analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and water vapor permeation. The results showed that films present potential for application as dressing. The water vapor permeability is one of the main properties in wound dressings, the best results were obtained for A-type zeolite/chitosan films, which presented a brief reduction of this property in relation to zeolite-free chitosan film. On the other hand, the films containing clinoptilolite showed lower water vapor permeation, which may be also explained by the best distribution of the particles into the polymer which also promoted greater thermal resistance. - Highlights: • Zeolite/chitosan composite films were prepared by casting technique. • Micrographs showed slight difference according to the content and A-type zeolite. • The barrier properties of the films were suitable to the dressing application. • Film characterization suggested that zeolites interacted with the chitosan chain.

Design and characterization of chitosan/zeolite composite films — Effect of zeolite type and zeolite dose on the film properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Barbosa, Gustavo P.; Debone, Henrique S. [Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema (Brazil); Severino, Patrícia [Universidade Tiradentes, Instituto de Tecnologia e Pesquisa, Aracaju (Brazil); Souto, Eliana B. [Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra (FFUC), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra (Portugal); Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology & Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (CNC-IBILI), University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra (Portugal); Silva, Classius F. da, E-mail: cfsilva@unifesp.br [Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema (Brazil)

2016-03-01

Chitosan films can be used as wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds and severe burns. The antimicrobial properties of these films may be enhanced by the addition of silver. Despite the antimicrobial activity of silver, several studies have reported the cytotoxicity as a factor limiting its biomedical applications. This problem may, however, be circumvented by the provision of sustained release of silver. Silver zeolites can be used as drug delivery platforms to extend the release of silver. The objective of this study was to evaluate the addition of clinoptilolite and A-type zeolites in chitosan films. Sodium zeolites were initially subjected to ion-exchange in a batch reactor. Films were prepared by casting technique using a 2% w/w chitosan solution and two zeolite doses (0.1 or 0.2% w/w). Films were characterized by thermal analysis, color analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and water vapor permeation. The results showed that films present potential for application as dressing. The water vapor permeability is one of the main properties in wound dressings, the best results were obtained for A-type zeolite/chitosan films, which presented a brief reduction of this property in relation to zeolite-free chitosan film. On the other hand, the films containing clinoptilolite showed lower water vapor permeation, which may be also explained by the best distribution of the particles into the polymer which also promoted greater thermal resistance. - Highlights: • Zeolite/chitosan composite films were prepared by casting technique. • Micrographs showed slight difference according to the content and A-type zeolite. • The barrier properties of the films were suitable to the dressing application. • Film characterization suggested that zeolites interacted with the chitosan chain.

Preparation and characterization of bionanocomposite films based on potato starch/halloysite nanoclay.

Science.gov (United States)

Sadegh-Hassani, Fatemeh; Mohammadi Nafchi, Abdorreza

2014-06-01

In this research casting method was used to prepare potato starch based bio-nanocomposite films with halloysite nanoclay as the reinforcing materials. The composition included potato starch with 40% (w/w) of a mixture of sorbitol/glycerol (weight ratio of 3 to 1as plasticizer) with nanoclay (0-5% w/w). The films were dried under controlled conditions. Physicochemical properties such as solubility in water, water absorption capacity (WAC), water vapour permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability, and mechanical properties of the films were measured. Results showed that by increasing the concentration of nanoclay, mechanical properties of films were improved. Tensile strength was increased from 7.33 to 9.82MPa, and elongation at break decreased from 68.0 to 44.0%. Solubility in water decreased from 35 to 23%, and heat seal strength increased from 375 to 580N/m. Also incorporation of clay nanoparticles in the structure of biopolymer decreased permeability of the gaseous molecules. In summary, addition of halloysite nanoclay, improve the barrier and mechanical properties of potato starch films and this bionanocomposites have high potential to be used for food packaging purposes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrication and electrochemical capacitance of hierarchical graphene/polyaniline/carbon nanotube ternary composite film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lu Xiangjun; Dou Hui; Yang Sudong; Hao Liang; Zhang Luojiang; Shen Laifa; Zhang Fang; Zhang Xiaogang

2011-01-01

Graphical abstract: A hierarchical film with coaxial polyaniline/carbon nanotube (PANI/CNT) nanocables uniformly sandwiched between graphene (GN) sheets was prepared by filtration of the complex dispersion of graphite oxide (GO) and PANI/CNT. Highlights: → A film composed of GN sheets, PANI and CNTs was fabricated. → The coaxial PANI/CNT nanocables uniformly sandwiched between the GN sheets. → The unique structure facilitates contact between electrolyte and electrode materials. → Each component provides unique function to achieve superior electrochemical properties. - Abstract: A film composed of graphene (GN) sheets, polyaniline (PANI) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been fabricated by reducing a graphite oxide (GO)/PANI/CNT precursor prepared by flow-directed assembly from a complex dispersion of GO and PANI/CNT, followed by reoxidation and redoping of the reduced PANI in the composite to restore the conducting PANI structure. Scanning electron microscope images indicate that the ternary composite film is a layered structure with coaxial PANI/CNT nanocables uniformly sandwiched between the GN sheets. Such novel hierarchical structure with high electrical conductivity perfectly facilitates contact between electrolyte ions and PANI for faradaic energy storage and efficiently utilizes the double-layer capacitance at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces. The specific capacitance of the GN/PANI/CNT estimated by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement is 569 F g -1 (or 188 F cm -3 for volumetric capacitance) at a current density of 0.1 A g -1 . In addition, the GN/PANI/CNT exhibits good rate capability (60% capacity retention at 10 A g -1 ) and superior cycling stability (4% fade after 5000 continuous charge/discharge cycles).

Synthesis of Ag-TiO{sub 2} composite nano thin film for antimicrobial application

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yu Binyu; Guo Qiuquan; Yang Jun [Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B9 (Canada); Leung, Kar Man [Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B9 (Canada); Lau, Woon Ming [Surface Science Western, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5B9 (Canada)

2011-03-18

TiO{sub 2} photocatalysts have been found to kill cancer cells, bacteria and viruses under mild UV illumination, which offers numerous potential applications. On the other hand, Ag has long been proved as a good antibacterial material as well. The advantage of Ag-TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite is to expand the nanomaterial's antibacterial function to a broader range of working conditions. In this study neat TiO{sub 2} and Ag-TiO{sub 2} composite nanofilms were successfully prepared on silicon wafer via the sol-gel method by the spin-coating technique. The as-prepared composite Ag-TiO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2} films with different silver content were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the topologies, microstructures and chemical compositions, respectively. It was found that the silver nanoparticles were uniformly distributed and strongly attached to the mesoporous TiO{sub 2} matrix. The morphology of the composite film could be controlled by simply tuning the molar ratio of the silver nitrate aqueous solution. XPS results confirmed that the Ag was in the Ag{sup 0} state. The antimicrobial effect of the synthesized nanofilms was carried out against gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 29425) by using an 8 W UV lamp with a constant relative intensity of 0.6 mW cm{sup -2} and in the dark respectively. The synthesized Ag-TiO{sub 2} thin films showed enhanced bactericidal activities compared to the neat TiO{sub 2} nanofilm both in the dark and under UV illumination.

Surface Properties of a Novel Poly(vinyl alcohol Film Prepared by Heterogeneous Saponification of Poly(vinyl acetate Film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Seong Baek Yang

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Almost general poly(vinyl alcohol (PVA films were prepared by the processing of a PVA solution. For the first time, a novel poly(vinyl alcohol (PVA film was prepared by the saponification of a poly(vinyl acetate (PVAc film in a heterogenous medium. Under the same saponification conditions, the influence of saponification time on the degree of saponification (DS was studied for the preparation of the saponified PVA film, and it was found that the DS varied with time. Optical microscopy was used to confirm the characteristics and surface morphology of the saponified PVA film, revealing unusual black globules in the film structure. The contact angle of the films was measured to study the surface properties, and the results showed that the saponified PVA film had a higher contact angle than the general PVA film. To confirm the transformation of the PVAc film to the PVA film, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were employed.

Preparation, characterization and evaluation of drug-delivery systems: Pectin and mefenamic acid films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Moreira, R.B. [Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Rodovia MT-100, Km 3,5, Barra do Garças, MT CEP 78600-000 (Brazil); Teixeira, J.A. [Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, MT CEP 78060-900 (Brazil); Furuyama-Lima, A.M. [Universidade Estadual Paulista, IBILCE, São José do Rio Preto, SP CEP 15054-000 (Brazil); Souza, N.C. de [Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Rodovia MT-100, Km 3,5, Barra do Garças, MT CEP 78600-000 (Brazil); Siqueira, A.B., E-mail: buzutti@cpd.ufmt.br [Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Rodovia MT-100, Km 3,5, Barra do Garças, MT CEP 78600-000 (Brazil)

2014-08-20

Highlights: • The films were prepared and characterized by FTIR, TG–DSC/FTIR and AFM microscopy. • The results provided information on the composition, dehydration, thermal stability, thermal decomposition. • DSC results of CaHCl shows two overlapping endothermic peaks. • The AFM image shows great similarity for A5 and A6 films. • A5 and A6 films functioned well as a topical delivery system. - Abstract: Mefenamic acid (H-Mef) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Various adhesive dosage forms of NSAIDs have been developed, which include adhesive tablets, gels, ointments, patches and more recently, polymeric films. The objective of this study was the development of H-Mef adhesive films to be used as a drug-delivery system with different ratios of pectin and calcium chloride dihydrate by the casting technique. The materials were characterized by TG–DSC coupled FTIR, AFM (atomic force microscopy) and spectroscopic techniques. The results provided information about the dehydration, film roughness, surface morphology, thermal decomposition, as well as identification of gaseous products evolved during thermal decomposition. The characterizations indicated the A5 and A6 films functioned well, with 99% H-Mef released within 15 min at pH 5, suggesting these degradable films could be used as a topical delivery system.

Preparation of Modified Films with Protein from Grouper Fish

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. A. Valdivia-López

2016-01-01

Full Text Available A protein concentrate (PC was obtained from Grouper fish skin and it was used to prepare films with different amounts of sorbitol and glycerol as plasticizers. The best performing films regarding resistance were then modified with various concentrations of CaCl2, CaSO4 (calcium salts, and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL with the purpose of improving their mechanical and barrier properties. These films were characterized by determining their mechanical properties and permeability to water vapor and oxygen. Formulations with 5% (w/v protein and 75% sorbitol and 4% (w/v protein with a mixture of 15% glycerol and 15% sorbitol produced adequate films. Calcium salts and GDL increased the tensile fracture stress but reduced the fracture strain and decreased water vapor permeability compared with control films. The films prepared represent an attractive alternative for being used as food packaging materials.

Influences of ambient gases on the structure and the composition of calcium phosphate films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, Hye-Lee; Kim, Young-Sun; Kim, Dae-Joon; Lee, Won-Jun; Han, Jung-Suk

2006-01-01

Calcium phosphate films were prepared by using a pulsed KrF-laser deposition (PLD) method with a hydroxyapatite target in various ambient gases, such as Ar, O 2 and H 2 O. The influence of the ambient gas on the properties of the deposited films was investigated. The chamber pressure and the substrate temperature were fixed at 0.25 Torr and 600 .deg. C, respectively. Calcium-rich amorphous calcium phosphate films were deposited with a low density in Ar due to the preferential resputtering of phosphorus from the growing film. In an O 2 ambient, the density and the Ca/P ratio of the films were similar to those of the target. However, the deposited film was amorphous calcium phosphate and did not contain OH - groups. Polycrystalline hydroxyapatite films can be deposited in a H 2 O ambient because a sufficient supply of OH - groups from the ambient gas is essential for the growth of a hydroxyapatite film.

Influences of ambient gases on the structure and the composition of calcium phosphate films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Hye-Lee; Kim, Young-Sun; Kim, Dae-Joon; Lee, Won-Jun [Sejong University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Han, Jung-Suk [Seoul National University, Seoul (Korea, Republic of)

2006-11-15

Calcium phosphate films were prepared by using a pulsed KrF-laser deposition (PLD) method with a hydroxyapatite target in various ambient gases, such as Ar, O{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O. The influence of the ambient gas on the properties of the deposited films was investigated. The chamber pressure and the substrate temperature were fixed at 0.25 Torr and 600 .deg. C, respectively. Calcium-rich amorphous calcium phosphate films were deposited with a low density in Ar due to the preferential resputtering of phosphorus from the growing film. In an O{sub 2} ambient, the density and the Ca/P ratio of the films were similar to those of the target. However, the deposited film was amorphous calcium phosphate and did not contain OH{sup -} groups. Polycrystalline hydroxyapatite films can be deposited in a H{sub 2}O ambient because a sufficient supply of OH{sup -} groups from the ambient gas is essential for the growth of a hydroxyapatite film.

Fabrication and Characterization of FeNiCr Matrix-TiC Composite for Polishing CVD Diamond Film

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Zhuji Jin; Zewei Yuan; Renke Kang; Boxian Dong

2009-01-01

Dynamic friction polishing (DFP) is one of the most promising methods appropriate for polishing CVD diamond film with high efficiency and low cost.By this method CVD diamond film is polished through being simply pressed against a metal disc rotating at a high speed utilizing the thermochemical reaction occurring as a result of dynamic friction between them in the atmosphere.However, the relatively soft materials such as stainless steel, cast iron and nickel alloy widely used for polishing CVD diamond film are easy to wear and adhere to diamond film surface, which may further lead to low efficiency and poor polishing quality.In this paper, FeNiCr matrix-TiC composite used as grinding wheel for polishing CVD diamond film was obtained by combination of mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS).The process of ball milling,composition, density, hardness, high-temperature oxidation resistance and wear resistance of the sintered piece were analyzed.The results show that TiC was introduced in MA-SPS process and had good combination with FeNiCr matrix and even distribution in the matrix.The density of composite can be improved by mechanical alloying.The FeNiCr matrix-TiC composite obtained at 1273 K was found to be superior to at 1173 K sintering in hardness, high-temperature oxidation resistance and wearability.These properties are more favorable than SUS304 for the preparation of high-performance grinding wheel for polishing CVD diamond film.

Films of double oxides of zirconium and iron

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kozik, V.V.; Borilo, L.P.; Shul'pekov, A.M.

2000-01-01

Films of double oxides of zirconium and iron were prepared by the method of precipitation from film-forming alcohol solutions of zirconium oxychloride and iron chloride with subsequent thermal treatment. Using the methods of X-ray phase and differential thermal analyses, conductometry and optical spectroscopy, basic chemical processes occurring in the film-forming solutions and during thermal treatment are studied alongside with phase composition and optical characteristics of the films prepared. The composition-property diagrams of the given system in a thin-film state are plotted [ru

Application of composition modulated thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hilliard, J.E.

1979-01-01

Film produced by evaporating two components through a rotating pinwheel shutter which cuts off the vapor first from one source and then the other are evaluated. These films have a modulated composition rather than a layered structure. Mechanical properties were determined using a bulge tester

Waste Material of Propolis as a Film Forming Agent Intended to Modify the Metronidazole Release: Preparation and Characterization.

Science.gov (United States)

de Toledo, Lucas de Alcântara Sica; Rosseto, Hélen Cássia; Ravani, Laura; Cortesi, Rita; Bruschi, Marcos Luciano

2016-01-01

Metronidazole is an antimicrobial agent utilized for the treatment of protozoa and anaerobic bacteria infections. Many times, it is necessary to modify the metronidazole release, and the development of modified release systems may be suggested. In this study, we are able to investigate the use of the residue normally thrown out from the preparation of propolis extracts (BP) as strategy to modify the metronidazole release. We prepared films containing polymeric adjuvant (gelatin or ethylcellulose) and metronidazole, by solvent casting method. Density, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture uptake capacity (MUC), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and in vitro metronidazole release were investigated. Thickness and density of the preparations indicated that the compounds were homogeneously dispersed throughout. Mechanical properties were influenced by film composition. Films containing gelatin showed higher resistance to stress while those containing ethylcellulose presented greater flexibility. The greater the adjuvant concentrations lower the resistance to rupture and the elasticity, but higher MUC and WVP of formulations. FT-IR tests suggested interactions between BP and the adjuvants. Films were capable to protect the metronidazole and changed its release profile. BP films are of great practical importance constituting a novel strategy to modify the metronidazole release.

The effect of Nb doping on ferroelectric properties of PZT thin films prepared from polymeric precursors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Souza, E.C.F.; Simoes, A.Z.; Cilense, M.; Longo, E.; Varela, J.A.

2004-01-01

Pure and Nb doped PbZr 0.4 Ti 0.6 O 3 thin films was prepared by the polymeric precursor method and deposited by spin coating on Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si (100) substrates and annealed at 700 deg. C. The films are oriented in (1 1 0) and (1 0 0) direction. The electric properties of PZT thin films show strong dependence of the crystallographic orientation. The P-E hysteresis loops for the thin film with composition PbZr 0.39 Ti 0.6 Nb 0.1 O 3 showed good saturation, with values for coercive field (E c ) equal to 60 KV cm -1 and for remanent polarization (P r ) equal to 20 μC cm -2 . The measured dielectric constant (ε) is 1084 for this film. These results show good potential for application in FERAM

High photocatalytic degradation activity of the polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang Changjun; Gong Chuqing; Peng Tianyou [College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China); Deng Kejian [Key Laboratory of Catalysis and Materials Science of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission and Ministry of Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan 430074 (China); Zan Ling, E-mail: irlab@whu.edu.cn [College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China)

2010-06-15

A novel photodegradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-vitamin C (VC)-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film was prepared by embedding VC modified nano-TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid-phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of PVC-VC-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film under UV light irradiation was investigated and compared with those of the PVC-TiO{sub 2} film and the pure PVC film, with the aid of UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), weight loss monitoring, and X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD). The results show that PVC-VC-TiO{sub 2} nano-composite film has a high photocatalytic activity; the photocatalytic degradation rate of it is two times higher than that of PVC-TiO{sub 2} film and fifteen times higher than that of pure PVC film. The optimal mass ratio of VC to TiO{sub 2} is found to be 0.5. The mechanism of enhancing photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of a Ti{sup IV}-VC charge-transfer complex with five-member chelate ring structure and a rapid photogenerated charge separation is thus achieved.

Niobium and zirconium telluride thin films prepared by sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kassem, M.; Pailharey, D.; Mathey, Y.

2000-01-01

A versatile procedure of sputter deposition, well adapted for getting a large of Te/M ratios (with M = Zr or Nb), has led to the synthesis of several highly anisotropic zirconium and niobium poly tellurides in thin film form. Upon tuning the two key parameters of the process, i.e., the Te percentage in the target and the substrate temperature during the deposition, preparation of systems ranging from ZrTe 0 .72 to ZrTe 6 .7, on the one hand, and from NbTe 1 .28 to NbTe 7 .84, on the other, has been achieved. Besides their amorphous or crystalline (with or without preferential orientations) behavior and their relationship to known structural types, the most striking feature of these films is their large departure from the stoichiometry of the bulk Mte x reference compounds. This peculiarity, together with the possible changes of composition under annealing, are described and interpreted in terms of variable of Te and M atoms trapped or intercalated within the parent structures. (author)

Correlation between microstructure and optical properties of nano-crystalline TiO{sub 2} thin films prepared by sol-gel dip coating

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mechiakh, R., E-mail: raouf_mechiakh@yahoo.fr [Departement de Medecine, Faculte de Medecine, Universite Hadj Lakhdar, Batna (Algeria); Laboratoire de Photovoltaique de Semi-conducteurs et de Nanostructures, Centre de Recherche des Sciences et Technologies de l' Energie, BP.95, Hammam-Lif 2050 (Tunisia); Laboratoire de Ceramiques, Universite Mentouri Constantine (Algeria); Sedrine, N. Ben; Chtourou, R. [Laboratoire de Photovoltaique de Semi-conducteurs et de Nanostructures, Centre de Recherche des Sciences et Technologies de l' Energie, BP.95, Hammam-Lif 2050 (Tunisia); Bensaha, R. [Laboratoire de Ceramiques, Universite Mentouri Constantine (Algeria)

2010-11-15

Titanium dioxide thin films have been prepared from tetrabutyl-orthotitanate solution and methanol as a solvent by sol-gel dip coating technique. TiO{sub 2} thin films prepared using a sol-gel process have been analyzed for different annealing temperatures. Structural properties in terms of crystal structure were investigated by Raman spectroscopy. The surface morphology and composition of the films were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The optical transmittance and reflectance spectra of TiO{sub 2} thin films deposited on silicon substrate were also determined. Spectroscopic ellipsometry study was used to determine the annealing temperature effect on the optical properties and the optical gap of the TiO{sub 2} thin films. The results show that the TiO{sub 2} thin films crystallize in anatase phase between 400 and 800 deg. C, and into the anatase-rutile phase at 1000 deg. C, and further into the rutile phase at 1200 deg. C. We have found that the films consist of titanium dioxide nano-crystals. The AFM surface morphology results indicate that the particle size increases from 5 to 41 nm by increasing the annealing temperature. The TiO{sub 2} thin films have high transparency in the visible range. For annealing temperatures between 1000 and 1400 deg. C, the transmittance of the films was reduced significantly in the wavelength range of 300-800 nm due to the change of crystallite phase and composition in the films. We have demonstrated as well the decrease of the optical band gap with the increase of the annealing temperature.

Characterization of film-forming solutions and films incorporating free and nanoencapsulated tea polyphenol prepared by gelatins with different Bloom values

Science.gov (United States)

Gelatin film-forming solutions and their films incorporating tea polyphenol (TP) and chitosan nanoparticles (CSNs) were prepared from gelatins with different Bloom values (100, 150 and 225). Blank gelatin film-forming solutions and films were prepared as controls. Gelatins with higher Bloom values h...

Preparation and Characterization of Composites Based on Polylactic Acid and Beeswax with Improved Water Vapor Barrier Properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Lim, Jung Hoon; Kim, Jeong Ae; Ko, Jung A; Park, Hyun Jin

2015-11-01

Beeswax and a plasticizer (ATBC) were added to polylactic acid (PLA) films in order to enhance the water vapor barrier properties of the films. Beeswax improved the barrier properties; the water vapor permeability in the composite containing 1% beeswax was 58% lower than that of the neat PLA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the incorporation of beeswax and ATBC had so little effect on the PLA structure. In addition, the structure of PLA did not vary substantially with the additions. The surfaces of the composites were examined by using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the degree of crystallinity of the PLA films increased with the addition of beeswax and ATBC. However, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites containing beeswax were up to approximately 50% lower than those of the neat PLA. Although further study is needed to improve the mechanical properties, the aforementioned results showed that the PLA barrier properties can be improved by the incorporation of a small amount of beeswax and ATBC. The results of this study can be applied for the preparation of PLA composite films with improved barrier properties. Such biodegradable films are extremely useful for applications in the food packaging industry. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

The preparation and composition design of boron-rich lanthanum hexaboride target for sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen, Defang; Min, Guanghui; Wu, Yan; Yu, Huashun; Zhang, Lin

2015-01-01

Highlights: • High-purity LaB 6 powder was prepared due to significant reduction of residual B 4 C and effective purification process. • The effects of raw materials ratio on the size, morphology, phase structure and crystalline size of LaB 6 were studied. • The correlation of component between LaB 6 films and boron-rich targets was established. • The variation of densities of LaB 6 targets with sintering time and sintering temperature was investigated. - Abstract: Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB 6 ) nano-film has been proved to be promising transparent thermal insulation material, while its properties are limited on purity and composition. High-purity LaB 6 polycrystalline powder was prepared through boron carbide reduction method in this work. A series of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser particle analyzer and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer were employed to characterize LaB 6 powder. As raising the content of La 2 O 3 in reactants, more uniform, finer (2.686 μm) and purer (99.5139 wt%) LaB 6 powder is prepared, with only 0.4434 wt% residual B 4 C. The density of targets increases with the rise of sintering temperature and the extension of sintering time, while crystallite size increases simultaneously with the extension of sintering time. The introduction of B powder in target is conductive to sintering process, increasing hardness and flexural strength of targets. X-ray photoelectron spectrometer was used to characterize the composition and microstructure of LaB 6 nano-film which is tentatively considered to be composed of LaB 6 nanocrystalline and amorphous microstructure of La and B atoms. The film LaB 6.0627±0.02 was obtained when the ratio of B and La of sputtering target reached 12.5. The thickness and deposition rate decrease with the increase of B content in targets

Photoluminescence from Au nanoparticles embedded in Au:oxide composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Liao, Hongbo; Wen, Weijia; Wong, George K.

2006-12-01

Au:oxide composite multilayer films with Au nanoparticles sandwiched by oxide layers (such as SiO2, ZnO, and TiO2) were prepared in a magnetron sputtering system. Their photoluminescence (PL) spectra were investigated by employing a micro-Raman system in which an Argon laser with a wavelength of 514 nm was used as the pumping light. Distinct PL peaks located at a wavelength range between 590 and 680 nm were observed in most of our samples, with Au particle size varying from several to hundreds of nanometers. It was found that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in these composites exerted a strong influence on the position of the PL peaks but had little effect on the PL intensity.

Photoluminescence from Au nanoparticles embedded in Au:oxide composite films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liao Hongbo; Wen Weijia; Wong, George K. L.

2006-01-01

Au:oxide composite multilayer films with Au nanoparticles sandwiched by oxide layers (such as SiO 2 , ZnO, and TiO 2 ) were prepared in a magnetron sputtering system. Their photoluminescence (PL) spectra were investigated by employing a micro-Raman system in which an Argon laser with a wavelength of 514 nm was used as the pumping light. Distinct PL peaks located at a wavelength range between 590 and 680 nm were observed in most of our samples, with Au particle size varying from several to hundreds of nanometers. It was found that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in these composites exerted a strong influence on the position of the PL peaks but had little effect on the PL intensity

Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Chitosan Composite Films Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofiber

Science.gov (United States)

Choo, Kaiwen; Ching, Yern Chee; Chuah, Cheng Hock; Julai, Sabariah; Liou, Nai-Shang

2016-01-01

In this study microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was oxidized by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation. The treated cellulose slurry was mechanically homogenized to form a transparent dispersion which consisted of individual cellulose nanofibers with uniform widths of 3–4 nm. Bio-nanocomposite films were then prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan (CS) polymeric blend with different TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) contents (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 wt %) via the solution casting method. The characterizations of pure PVA/CS and PVA/CS/TOCN films were performed in terms of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results from FESEM analysis justified that low loading levels of TOCNs were dispersed uniformly and homogeneously in the PVA-CS blend matrix. The tensile strength and thermal stability of the films were increased with the increased loading levels of TOCNs to a maximum level. The thermal study indicated a slight improvement of the thermal stability upon the reinforcement of TOCNs. As evidenced by the FTIR and XRD, PVA and CS were considered miscible and compatible owing to hydrogen bonding interaction. These analyses also revealed the good dispersion of TOCNs within the PVA/CS polymer matrix. The improved properties due to the reinforcement of TOCNs can be highly beneficial in numerous applications. PMID:28773763

The Formation Mechanism and Corrosion Resistance of a Composite Phosphate Conversion Film on AM60 Alloy

Science.gov (United States)

Lan, Xiangna; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Qinyong

2018-01-01

Magnesium alloy AM60 has high duc and toughness, which is expected to increase in demand for automotive applications. However, it is too active, and coatings have been extensively studied to prevent corrosion. In this work, a Ba-containing composite phosphate film has been prepared on the surface of AM60. The composition and formation mechanism of the film have been investigated using a scanning electronic microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry tests. The corrosion resistance of the film has been measured by electrochemical and immersion tests. The results show that the deposition film has fully covered the substrate but there are some micro-cracks. The structure of the film is complex, and consists of MgHPO4·3H2O, MnHPO4·2.25H2O, BaHPO4·3H2O, BaMg2(PO4)2, Mg3(PO4)2·22H2O, Ca3(PO4)2·xH2O, and some amorphous phases. The composite phosphate film has better anticorrosion performance than the AM60 and can protect the bare alloy from corrosion for more than 12 h in 0.6 M NaCl. PMID:29518038

Preparation and characterization of vanadium oxide thin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Monfort, O.; Plesch, G. [Comenius University of Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, 84215 Bratislava (Slovakia); Roch, T. [Comenius University of Bratislava, Faculty of Mathematics Physics and Informatics, Department of Experimental Physics, 84248 Bratislava (Slovakia)

2013-04-16

The thermotropic VO{sub 2} films have many applications, since they exhibit semiconductor-conductor switching properties at temperature around 70 grad C. Vanadium oxide thin films were prepared via sol-gel method. Spin coater was used to depose these films on Si/SiO{sub 2} and lime glass substrates. Thin films of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} can be reduced to metastable VO{sub 2} thin films at the temperature of 450 grad C under the pressure of 10{sup -2} Pa. These films are then converted to thermotropic VO{sub 2} at 700 grad C in argon under normal pressure. (authors)

Magnetostrictive thin films prepared by RF sputtering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Carabias, I.; Martinez, A.; Garcia, M.A.; Pina, E.; Gonzalez, J.M.; Hernando, A.; Crespo, P.

2005-01-01

Fe 80 B 20 thin films have been prepared by ion beam sputtering magnetron on room temperature. The films were fabricated on different substrates to compare the different magnetic and structural properties. In particular the growth of films on flexible substrates (PDMS, Kapton) has been studied to allow a simple integration of the system in miniaturized magnetostrictive devices. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that films are mainly amorphous although the presence of some Fe nanoparticles cannot be ruled out. The coercive field of thin films ranges between 15 and 35 Oe, depending on substrate. Magnetostriction measurements indicate the strong dependence of the saturation magnetostriction with the substrate. Samples on flexible substrates exhibit a better performance than samples deposited onto glass substrates

Metal doped fluorocarbon polymer films prepared by plasma polymerization using an RF planar magnetron target

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Biederman, H.; Holland, L.

1983-01-01

Fluorocarbon films have been prepared by plasma polymerization of CF 4 using an RF planar magnetron with an aluminium target. More than one order of magnitude higher deposition rate has been achieved in comparison with an r.f. diode system operated under similar conditions of monomer pressure and flow rate and power input. A glow discharge in a CF 4 [25%]-argon[75%] mixture was used to incorporate aluminium from a target electrode into the polymer films. The foregoing mixture and another based on CF 4 [87%]-argon[13%] were used in the RF discharge with a copper target. Some experiments with a gold target and pure CF 4 as the inlet gas were also made. The film structure was examined by SEM and TEM and characteristic micrographs are presented here. The composition of the films was estimated from an EAS study. The sheet resistivity of the metal/polymer film complexes was determined. (orig.)

Metal doped fluorocarbon polymer films prepared by plasma polymerization using an RF planar magnetron target

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Biederman, H.; Holland, L. (Sussex Univ., Brighton (UK). Lab. for Plasma Materials Processing)

1983-07-01

Fluorocarbon films have been prepared by plasma polymerization of CF/sub 4/ using an RF planar magnetron with an aluminium target. More than one order of magnitude higher deposition rate has been achieved in comparison with an R.F. diode system operated under similar conditions of monomer pressure and flow rate and power input. A glow discharge in a CF/sub 4/(25%)-argon(75%) mixture was used to incorporate aluminium from a target electrode into the polymer films. The foregoing mixture and another based on CF/sub 4/(87%)-argon(13%) were used in the RF discharge with a copper target. Some experiments with a gold target and pure CF/sub 4/ as the inlet gas were also made. The film structure was examined by SEM and TEM and characteristic micrographs are presented here. The composition of the films was estimated from an EAS study. The sheet resistivity of the metal/polymer film complexes was determined.

Composite films prepared from agricultural by-products

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Šimkovic, I.; Kelnar, Ivan; Mendichi, R.; Bertok, T.; Filip, J.

2017-01-01

Roč. 156, 20 January (2017), s. 77-85 ISSN 0144-8617 Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : sugar beet residue * bagasse * holocellulose Subject RIV: JI - Composite Materials OBOR OECD: Composites (including laminates, reinforced plastics, cermets, combined natural and synthetic fibre fabrics Impact factor: 4.811, year: 2016

Free-standing graphene films prepared via foam film method for great capacitive flexible supercapacitors

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Yucan; Ye, Xingke; Tang, Zhonghua; Wan, Zhongquan; Jia, Chunyang

2017-11-01

Recently, graphene films have always attracted attention due to their excellent characteristics in energy storage. In this work, a novel graphene oxide (GO) film with excellent mechanical properties, whose thickness was regulated simply via changing the concentration of the surfactant, was successfully prepared by foam film method. After chemical reduction, the reduced GO (rGO) films have excellent electrical conductivity of ∼172 S cm-1. Moreover, the supercapacitors based on the rGO films exhibit satisfied capacitive performance of ∼56 mF cm-2 at 0.2 mA cm-2 in 6 M KOH aqueous solution. Meanwhile, the flexible all solid state supercapacitors (FSSCs) based on the rGO films also show great volumetric capacitance of ∼2810 mF cm-3 at 12 mA cm-3 (∼1607 mF cm-3 at 613 mA cm-3) with polyvinyl alcohol-KOH gel electrolyte. Besides, after 10000 cycles and continuously bent to 180° for 300 times, the volumetric capacitance of the FSSC remains at 81.4% and 90.4% of its initial capacitance value, respectively. Therefore, the free-standing rGO films prepared via foam film method could be considered as promising electrode materials for high performance flexible supercapacitors.

Preparation, Characterization, and Electrochromic Properties of Nanocellulose-Based Polyaniline Nanocomposite Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Sihang; Sun, Gang; He, Yongfeng; Fu, Runfang; Gu, Yingchun; Chen, Sheng

2017-05-17

On the basis of nanocellulose obtained by acidic swelling and ultrasonication, rodlike nanocellulose/polyaniline nanocomposites with a core-shell structure have been prepared via in situ polymerization. Compared to pure polyaniline, the nanocomposites show superior film-forming properties, and the prepared nanocomposite films demonstrate excellent electrochemical and electrochromic properties in electrolyte solution. Nanocomposite films, especially the one prepared with 40% polyaniline coated nanocomposite, exhibited faster response time (1.5 s for bleaching and 1.0 s for coloring), higher optical contrast (62.9%), higher coloration efficiency (206.2 cm 2 /C), and more remarkable switching stability (over 500 cycles). These novel nanocellulose-based nanorod network films are promising novel electrochromic materials with excellent properties.

Study on photocatalytic performance of cerium-graphene oxide-titanium dioxide composite film for formaldehyde removal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li, Jia; Zhang, Quan; Lai, Alvin C.K.; Zeng, Liping

2016-01-01

In order to degrade in-car formaldehyde gas, graphene oxide (GO), cerium (Ce), and TiO_2 were organically combined by one-step sol-gel method. Then the mixed collosol was coated onto the surface of inorganic glass substrates to form Ce-GO-TiO_2 composite film by way of immersion, coating, and calcinations. The morphology and crystal structure of as-prepared Ce-GO-TiO_2 film were studied by a series of detection techniques. The photocatalytic performance of this film was analyzed by the degradation effect of formaldehyde under simulated sunlight. The results showed that the Ce-GO-TiO_2 film had the inbuilt mesoporous structure in the lamellar stacking with particles. When the doping amount of Ce and GO were 0.4 and 0.2% (mass ratio), the composite film can improve effectively the response to the visible light and its degradation rate for low concentration of formaldehyde was up to 83.8% in simulated sunlight for 7 h, which could be attributed to the co-function of Ce and GO. (copyright 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Effect of substrate porosity on photoluminescence properties of ZnS films prepared on porous Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Cai-Feng; Li, Qing-Shan; Zhang, Li-Chun; Lv, Lei; Qi, Hong-Xia

2007-05-01

ZnS films were deposited on porous Si (PS) substrates with different porosities by pulsed laser deposition. The photoluminescence spectra of the samples were measured to study the effect of substrate porosity on luminescence properties of ZnS/porous Si composites. After deposition of ZnS films, the red photoluminescence peak of porous Si shows a slight blueshift compared with as-prepared porous Si samples. With an increase of the porosity, a green emission at about 550 nm was observed which may be ascribed to the defect-center luminescence of ZnS films, and the photoluminescence of ZnS/porous Si composites is very close to white light. Good crystal structures of the samples were observed by x-ray diffraction, showing that ZnS films were grown in preferred orientation. Due to the roughness of porous Si surface, some cracks appear in ZnS films, which could be seen from scanning electron microscope images.

Nanoparticulate cerium dioxide and cerium dioxide-titanium dioxide composite thin films on glass by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qureshi, Uzma; Dunnill, Charles W.; Parkin, Ivan P.

2009-01-01

Two series of composite thin films were deposited on glass by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD)-nanoparticulate cerium dioxide and nanoparticulate cerium dioxide embedded in a titanium dioxide matrix. The films were analysed by a range of techniques including UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis by X-rays. The AACVD prepared films showed the functional properties of photocatalysis and super-hydrophilicity. The CeO 2 nanoparticle thin films displaying photocatalysis and photo-induced hydrophilicity almost comparable to that of anatase titania.

Solvent exfoliated graphene for reinforcement of PMMA composites prepared by in situ polymerization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, Jialiang; Shi, Zixing; Ge, Yu; Wang, Yan; Fan, Jinchen; Yin, Jie

2012-01-01

Graphene (GP)-based polymer nanocomposites have attracted considerable scientific attention due to its pronounced improvement in mechanical, thermal and electrical properties compared with pure polymers. However, the preparation of well-dispersed and high-quality GP reinforced polymer composites remains a challenge. In this paper, a simple and facile approach for preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) functionalized GP (GPMMA) via in situ free radical polymerization is reported. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), Raman, transmission electron microscope (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to confirm the successful grafting of PMMA chains onto the GP sheets. Composite films are prepared by incorporating different amounts of GPMMA into the PMMA matrix through solution-casting method. Compared with pure PMMA, PMMA/GPMMA composites show simultaneously improved Young's modulus, tensile stress, elongation at break and thermal stability by addition of only 0.5 wt% GPMMA. The excellent reinforcement is attributed to good dispersion of high-quality GPMMA and strong interfacial adhesion between GPMMA and PMMA matrix as evidenced by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the fracture surfaces. Consequently, this simple protocol has great potential in the preparation of various high-performance polymer composites. Highlights: ► Functionalization of solvent exfoliated graphene by in situ polymerization. ► A simple and scalable method for preparing high-quality graphene. ► Functionalized graphene can be well-dispersed and have a strong interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix. ► The nanocomposites exhibit a remarkable improvement of thermal and mechanical properties.

Preparation and Characteristics of Biodegradable Polyurethane/Clay Nanocomposite Films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kim, Seong Woo [Kyonggi University, Suwon (Korea, Republic of)

2013-06-15

Biodegradable polyurethane (PU)/clay nanocomposite films were prepared via extrusion compounding process followed by casting film process. Organically modified montmorillonite (denoted as C30B) with a large amount of hydroxyl groups on its surface was used for the formation of strong bonding with PU resin. From both XRD analysis and TEM observations, the intercalated and exfoliated structure, and dispersion state of silicate platelets in the compounded nanocomposite films were confirmed. In addition, the rheological and tensile properties, optical transparency, oxygen permeability of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated as a function of added nanoclay content, and moreover based on these results, the correlation between the morphology and the resulting properties of the nanocomposites could be presented. The inclusion of nanoclays at appropriate content resulted in remarkable improvement in the nanocomposite performance including tensile modulus, elongation, transparency, and oxygen barrier property, however at excess amount of nanoclays, reduction or very slight increase was observed due to poor dispersion. The biodegradability of the prepared nanocomposite film was evaluated by examining the deterioration in the barrier and tensile properties during degradation period under compost.

Novel transparent and flexible nanocomposite film prepared from chrysotile nanofibres

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Kun, E-mail: kliu@csu.edu.cn [School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Zhu, Binnan; Feng, Qiming [School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083 (China); Duan, Tao [Joint Laboratory for Extreme Conditions Matter Properties, Southwest University of Science and Technology and Research Center of Laser Fusion, CAEP, Mianyang 621010 (China)

2013-10-01

In the present study, chrysotile nanofibres, obtained from physicochemical dispersion of natural chrysotile, were used to prepare nanofibre sheets by vacuum filtration. As-prepared sheets were then impregnated by UV-curable resin and cured by ultraviolet light to fabricate the flexible and transparent nanocomposite films. Observed from SEM, the transparent films showed a smooth surface and a typical sandwich structure in cross section, viz. nanofibre sheet filled with resin was sandwiched by two layers of resin. XRD patterns indicated the amorphous nature of cured resin and characteristic crystallographic structure of chrysotile in nanocomposite films. Though the nanofibre sheets were white in colour, and nanofibre contents in nanocomposites were as much as 43.4 wt%, the nanocomposite films displayed an excellent optical transparency with about 85% light transmittance in the visible light range. Tensile tests showed that the addition of nanofibres resulted in a great improvement in mechanical strength of the nanocomposite films; with the increase of nanofibre contents, the modulus and tensile strength of nanocomposite films increased gradually. - Graphical abstract: Photos show the experimental phenomenon. The white nanofibre sheets can be written or printed like paper, and it's very interested that the handwriting is clearly visible from the front and back of the transparent films prepared from nanofibre sheets by vacuum impregnation and UV curing. This phenomenon can be attributed to the increase of transparency of film, which results from the replacement of air interstices in nanofibre sheet by resin with higher refractive index. Visible light can pass easily through the transparent film without obvious loss, but can be apparently adsorbed and scattered by ink particles that adhered to nanofibres and embedded in resin. - Highlights: • A flexible and transparent film is prepared from chrysotile nanofibres. • The nanofibre sheet is sandwiched by two

Novel transparent and flexible nanocomposite film prepared from chrysotile nanofibres

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Kun; Zhu, Binnan; Feng, Qiming; Duan, Tao

2013-01-01

In the present study, chrysotile nanofibres, obtained from physicochemical dispersion of natural chrysotile, were used to prepare nanofibre sheets by vacuum filtration. As-prepared sheets were then impregnated by UV-curable resin and cured by ultraviolet light to fabricate the flexible and transparent nanocomposite films. Observed from SEM, the transparent films showed a smooth surface and a typical sandwich structure in cross section, viz. nanofibre sheet filled with resin was sandwiched by two layers of resin. XRD patterns indicated the amorphous nature of cured resin and characteristic crystallographic structure of chrysotile in nanocomposite films. Though the nanofibre sheets were white in colour, and nanofibre contents in nanocomposites were as much as 43.4 wt%, the nanocomposite films displayed an excellent optical transparency with about 85% light transmittance in the visible light range. Tensile tests showed that the addition of nanofibres resulted in a great improvement in mechanical strength of the nanocomposite films; with the increase of nanofibre contents, the modulus and tensile strength of nanocomposite films increased gradually. - Graphical abstract: Photos show the experimental phenomenon. The white nanofibre sheets can be written or printed like paper, and it's very interested that the handwriting is clearly visible from the front and back of the transparent films prepared from nanofibre sheets by vacuum impregnation and UV curing. This phenomenon can be attributed to the increase of transparency of film, which results from the replacement of air interstices in nanofibre sheet by resin with higher refractive index. Visible light can pass easily through the transparent film without obvious loss, but can be apparently adsorbed and scattered by ink particles that adhered to nanofibres and embedded in resin. - Highlights: • A flexible and transparent film is prepared from chrysotile nanofibres. • The nanofibre sheet is sandwiched by two

Superhydrophobicity and regeneration of PVDF/SiO2 composite films

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Tao; Li, Xianfeng; Wang, Daohui; Huang, Qinglin; Liu, Zhen; Li, Nana; Xiao, Changfa

2017-02-01

Superhydrophobicity of polymers is easily destroyed by careless touching due to the softness of microstructures. In this study, based on a well-constructed polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) surface, a novel superhydrophobic PVDF/SiO2 composite film was fabricated by adding hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticle and solvent into a coagulation bath. The water contact angle of the composite film reached 162.3° and the sliding angle was as low as 1.5°. More importantly, the composite film could be regenerated only through immersing the composite film in the designed regeneration agent. The composition of the designed regeneration agent ensured that SiO2 nanoparticles were firmly adhered on the film surface even under the ultrasonic cleaning. Hence, the superhydrophobicity and self-cleaing property could be regenerated and maintained effectively, and moreover, these propeties could resist a proper pressure. In addition, after many rubbing-regenerating cycles, the regeneration method was still valid.

Preparation of Superhydrophobic Film on Ti Substrate and Its Anticorrosion Property.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Min; Tang, Wenchuan; Huang, Luyao; Zhang, Dawei; Du, Cuiwei; Yu, Gaohong; Chen, Ming; Chowwanonthapunya, Thee

2017-06-08

Superhydrophobic films were fabricated on a titanium substrate with or without anodizing by using a self-assembling method. Firstly, the pretreatments of mechanical polishing/anodizing or mechanical polishing only were conducted, respectively. Subsequently, the preparation of polydopamine film layer, deposition of nano-silver particles, and post modification of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol were performed on the surface of the pretreated substrate. The surface morphologies, compositions, wettability, and corrosion resistance of the films were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), water contact angle measurements, and electrochemical tests, respectively. Meanwhile, the effect of the deposition time in the silver nitrate solution on the hydrophobicity of the specimen surface was investigated. The result showed that with the increase of deposition time, the hydrophobic property enhanced gradually. The surface deposited for 7 h exhibited an optimum hydrophobic effect, which was characterized with a large water contact angle (WCA) of 154°, and the surface was rather rough and covered by a relatively uniform layer of micro-nano silver particles. The excellent hydrophobicity was attributed to a rough stratified microstructure along with the low surface energy. The electrochemical measurements showed that the existence of the superhydrophobic film can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of Ti samples.

Preparation of Superhydrophobic Film on Ti Substrate and Its Anticorrosion Property

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Min Zhu

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Superhydrophobic films were fabricated on a titanium substrate with or without anodizing by using a self-assembling method. Firstly, the pretreatments of mechanical polishing/anodizing or mechanical polishing only were conducted, respectively. Subsequently, the preparation of polydopamine film layer, deposition of nano-silver particles, and post modification of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol were performed on the surface of the pretreated substrate. The surface morphologies, compositions, wettability, and corrosion resistance of the films were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM, energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS, water contact angle measurements, and electrochemical tests, respectively. Meanwhile, the effect of the deposition time in the silver nitrate solution on the hydrophobicity of the specimen surface was investigated. The result showed that with the increase of deposition time, the hydrophobic property enhanced gradually. The surface deposited for 7 h exhibited an optimum hydrophobic effect, which was characterized with a large water contact angle (WCA of 154°, and the surface was rather rough and covered by a relatively uniform layer of micro-nano silver particles. The excellent hydrophobicity was attributed to a rough stratified microstructure along with the low surface energy. The electrochemical measurements showed that the existence of the superhydrophobic film can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of Ti samples.

Preparation of Superhydrophobic Film on Ti Substrate and Its Anticorrosion Property

Science.gov (United States)

Zhu, Min; Tang, Wenchuan; Huang, Luyao; Zhang, Dawei; Du, Cuiwei; Yu, Gaohong; Chen, Ming; Chowwanonthapunya, Thee

2017-01-01

Superhydrophobic films were fabricated on a titanium substrate with or without anodizing by using a self-assembling method. Firstly, the pretreatments of mechanical polishing/anodizing or mechanical polishing only were conducted, respectively. Subsequently, the preparation of polydopamine film layer, deposition of nano-silver particles, and post modification of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol were performed on the surface of the pretreated substrate. The surface morphologies, compositions, wettability, and corrosion resistance of the films were investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), water contact angle measurements, and electrochemical tests, respectively. Meanwhile, the effect of the deposition time in the silver nitrate solution on the hydrophobicity of the specimen surface was investigated. The result showed that with the increase of deposition time, the hydrophobic property enhanced gradually. The surface deposited for 7 h exhibited an optimum hydrophobic effect, which was characterized with a large water contact angle (WCA) of 154°, and the surface was rather rough and covered by a relatively uniform layer of micro-nano silver particles. The excellent hydrophobicity was attributed to a rough stratified microstructure along with the low surface energy. The electrochemical measurements showed that the existence of the superhydrophobic film can effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of Ti samples. PMID:28772987

Preparation of Ni-Fe bimetallic porous anode support for solid oxide fuel cells using LaGaO{sub 3} based electrolyte film with high power density

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ju, Young-Wan; Ida, Shintaro; Ishihara, Tatsumi [Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Motooka 744, Nishi-Ku, Fukuoka 819-0395 (Japan); Eto, Hiroyuki [Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Central Research Institute, 1002-14 Mukohyama, Naka-Shi, Ibaraki 311-0102 (Japan); Inagaki, Toru [The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc., 11-20 Nakoji 3-Chome, Amagasaki, Hyogo 661-0974 (Japan)

2010-10-01

Optimization of sintering temperature for NiO-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite oxide substrate was studied in order to obtain a dense substrate with smooth surface. By in situ reduction, the substrate was changed to a porous Ni-Fe alloy metal. The volumetric shrinkage and porosity of the substrate were also studied systematically with the Ni-Fe substrate reduced at different temperatures. A Sr and Mg-doped LaGaO{sub 3} (LSGM) thin film was prepared on dense substrate by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The LSGM film with stoichiometric composition was successfully prepared under optimal deposition parameters and a target composition. Sm{sub 0.5}Sr{sub 0.5}CoO{sub 3} (SSC55) cathode was prepared by the slurry coating method on the deposited film. Prepared SOFC single cell shows high power density and the maximum power density (MPD) achieved was 1.79, 0.82 and 0.29 W cm{sup -2} at 973, 873 and 773 K, respectively. After thermal cycle from 973 to 298 K, the cell shows almost theoretical open circuit potential (1.1 V) and the power density of 1.62 W cm{sup -2}, which is almost the same as that at first cycles. Therefore, the Ni-Fe porous metal support made by the selective reduction is highly promising as a metal anode substrate for SOFC using LaGaO{sub 3} thin film. (author)

Proton-conductive nano zeolite-PVA composite film as a new water-absorbing electrolyte for water electrolysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Nishihara

2018-03-01

Full Text Available In this study, organic-inorganic composite electrolyte membranes are developed for a novel water-absorbing porous electrolyte water electrolysis cell. As the materials of the composite electrolyte membrane, 80 wt% of a proton-conducting nano zeolite (H-MFI as an electrolyte and 20 wt% of poly(vinyl alcohol (PVA as a cross-linkable matrix are used. The nano zeolite is prepared by a milling process. The nano zeolite-PVA composite membrane precursors are prepared by spraying onto a substrate, followed by cross-linking. The resulting nano zeolite-cross-linked PVA composite films are then evaluated for their properties such as proton conductivity as electrolyte membranes for the water-absorbing porous electrolyte water electrolysis cell. It is confirmed that conventional materials such as zeolites and PVA can be used for the water electrolysis as an electrolyte.

Cellulose acetate-based SiO2/TiO2 hybrid microsphere composite aerogel films for water-in-oil emulsion separation

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Xue; Ma, Jianjun; Ling, Jing; Li, Na; Wang, Di; Yue, Fan; Xu, Shimei

2018-03-01

The cellulose acetate (CA)/SiO2-TiO2 hybrid microsphere composite aerogel films were successfully fabricated via water vapor-induced phase inversion of CA solution and simultaneous hydrolysis/condensation of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) and tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) at room temperature. Micro-nano hierarchical structure was constructed on the surface of the film. The film could separate nano-sized surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions only under gravity. The flux of the film for the emulsion separation was up to 667 L m-2 h-1, while the separation efficiency was up to 99.99 wt%. Meanwhile, the film exhibited excellent stability during multiple cycles. Moreover, the film performed excellent photo-degradation performance under UV light due to the photocatalytic ability of TiO2. Facile preparation, good separation and potential biodegradation maked the CA/SiO2-TiO2 hybrid microsphere composite aerogel films a candidate in oil/water separation application.

Effects of Polypropylene Orientation on Mechanical and Heat Seal Properties of Polymer-Aluminum-Polymer Composite Films for Pouch Lithium-Ion Batteries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fangxinyu Zeng

2018-01-01

Full Text Available In this study, polyamide-aluminum foil-polypropylene (PA-Al-PP composite films with different orientation status of the PP layer were prepared, and their morphology, tensile, peeling and heat seal behavior were studied. The comparative study of tensile and fracture behaviors of single-layer film of PA, Al and PP, as well as the composite films of PA-Al, PP-Al and PA-Al-PP revealed that in PA-Al-PP composite film, the PA layer with the highest tensile strength can share the tensile stress from the Al layer during stretching, while the PP layer with the lowest tensile strength can prevent further development of the small cracks on boundary of the Al layer during stretching. Moreover, the study of heat seal behavior suggested that both the orientation status and the heat seal conditions were important factors in determining the heat seal strength (HSS and failure behavior of the sample. Four failure types were observed, and a clear correspondence between HSS and failure types was found. The results also elucidated that for the composite film, only in the cases where the tensile stress was efficiently released by each layer during HSS measurement could the composite film exhibit desired high HSS that was even higher than its tensile strength.

Preparation and characterization of water-absorbing composite ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

The present work introduces a novel method for the formation of water absorbing composite membrane. The prepared composite is based on chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and Montmorillonite. Prepared composite membrane exhibits high water absorbing and holding capacity with increasing clay content.