The effect of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films on the growth of Penicillium expansum in apples.

Science.gov (United States)

Simonaitiene, Dovile; Brink, Ieva; Sipailiene, Ausra; Leskauskaite, Daiva

2015-05-01

Penicillium expansum causes a major post-harvest disease of apples. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibition effect of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films containing different amounts of quince and cranberry juice against P. expansum on the simulation medium and on apples. The mechanical properties of films were also evaluated. The presence of cranberry and quince juice in the composition of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films caused a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in elasticity and decrease in tensile strength of films. Chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films with quince and cranberry juice demonstrated a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition effect against P. expansum growth on the simulated medium and apples. The presence of cranberry juice in the composition of chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films resulted in a longer lag phase and a lower P. expansum growth rate on the simulation medium in comparison with films made with the addition of quince juice. These differences were not evident when experiment was conducted with apples. Addition of quince and cranberry juice to the chitosan and whey proteins-chitosan films as natural antifungal agents has some potential for prolonging the shelf life of apples. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular interactions in gelatin/chitosan composite films.

Science.gov (United States)

Qiao, Congde; Ma, Xianguang; Zhang, Jianlong; Yao, Jinshui

2017-11-15

Gelatin and chitosan were mixed at different mass ratios in solution forms, and the rheological properties of these film-forming solutions, upon cooling, were studied. The results indicate that the significant interactions between gelatin and chitosan promote the formation of multiple complexes, reflected by an increase in the storage modulus of gelatin solution. Furthermore, these molecular interactions hinder the formation of gelatin networks, consequently decreasing the storage modulus of polymer gels. Both hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions are formed between gelatin and chitosan, as evidenced by the shift of the amide-II bands of polymers. X-ray patterns of composite films indicate that the contents of triple helices decrease with increasing chitosan content. Only one glass transition temperature (T g ) was observed in composite films with different composition ratios, and it decreases gradually with an increase in chitosan proportion, indicating that gelatin and chitosan have good miscibility and form a wide range of blends. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of Ultra-thin Color Films with Highly Absorbing Media Using Oblique Angle Deposition.

Science.gov (United States)

Yoo, Young Jin; Lee, Gil Ju; Jang, Kyung-In; Song, Young Min

2017-08-29

Ultra-thin film structures have been studied extensively for use as optical coatings, but performance and fabrication challenges remain.  We present an advanced method for fabricating ultra-thin color films with improved characteristics. The proposed process addresses several fabrication issues, including large area processing. Specifically, the protocol describes a process for fabricating ultra-thin color films using an electron beam evaporator for oblique angle deposition of germanium (Ge) and gold (Au) on silicon (Si) substrates.  Film porosity produced by the oblique angle deposition induces color changes in the ultra-thin film. The degree of color change depends on factors such as deposition angle and film thickness. Fabricated samples of the ultra-thin color films showed improved color tunability and color purity. In addition, the measured reflectance of the fabricated samples was converted into chromatic values and analyzed in terms of color. Our ultra-thin film fabricating method is expected to be used for various ultra-thin film applications such as flexible color electrodes, thin film solar cells, and optical filters. Also, the process developed here for analyzing the color of the fabricated samples is broadly useful for studying various color structures.

Spectroelectrochemical properties of ultra-thin indium tin oxide films under electric potential modulation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Han, Xue, E-mail: x0han004@louisville.edu; Mendes, Sergio B., E-mail: sbmend01@louisville.edu

2016-03-31

In this work, the spectroscopic properties of ultra-thin ITO films are characterized under an applied electric potential modulation. To detect minute spectroscopic features, the ultra-thin ITO film was coated over an extremely sensitive single-mode integrated optical waveguide, which provided a long pathlength with more than adequate sensitivity for optical interrogation of the ultra-thin film. Experimental configurations with broadband light and several laser lines at different modulation schemes of an applied electric potential were utilized to elucidate the nature of intrinsic changes. The imaginary component of the refractive index (absorption coefficient) of the ultra-thin ITO film is unequivocally shown to have a dependence on the applied potential and the profile of this dependence changes substantially even for wavelengths inside a small spectral window (500–600 nm). The characterization technique and the data reported here can be crucial to several applications of the ITO material as a transparent conductive electrode, as for example in spectroelectrochemical investigations of surface-confined redox species. - Highlights: • Optical waveguides are applied for spectroscopic investigations of ultra-thin films. • Ultra-thin ITO films in aqueous environment are studied under potential modulation. • Unique spectroscopic features of ultra-thin ITO films are unambiguously observed.

The effect of andiroba oil and chitosan concentration on the physical properties of chitosan emulsion film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vanessa Tiemi Kimura

Full Text Available Abstract Chitosan film is used as a dressing to heal burns. The physical and biological properties of the film can be modified by the addition of phytotherapic compounds. This work used the casting -solvent evaporation technique to prepare chitosan film containing andiroba oil (Carapa guianensis which has anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and healing properties. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the concentrations of chitosan and andiroba oil on the physical properties of chitosan films. The emulsion films were evaluated concerning the mechanical properties and fluid handling capacity. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis were performed. The results showed that the barrier and mechanical properties were affected by the addition of andiroba oil, and these may be modulated as a function of the concentration of oil added to the film. The thermal analysis showed no evidence of chemical interactions between the oil and chitosan.

Antimicrobial and physical properties of chitosan films incorporated with turmeric extract.

Science.gov (United States)

Kalaycıoğlu, Zeynep; Torlak, Emrah; Akın-Evingür, Gülşen; Özen, İlhan; Erim, F Bedia

2017-08-01

In this study, the effects of turmeric extract incorporation on the antibacterial and physical properties of the chitosan films were evaluated. Turmeric containing chitosan-based film was produced with casting procedure and cross-linked with sodium sulfate. Mechanical, optical, thermal properties, and water vapor permeability of the films were studied. The addition of turmeric to chitosan film significantly increased the tensile strength of the film and improved the ultraviolet-visible light barrier of the film. Infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested an interaction between the phenolic compounds of the extract and amin group of chitosan. Antimicrobial activity of the chitosan films was studied against Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus by plate count agar technique and a better antimicrobial activity was observed with turmeric incorporation. Turmeric incorporated chitosan films with enhanced antimicrobial activity and film stiffness can be suggested as a promising application for food packaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cell Adhesion and Proliferation on Sulfonated and Non-Modified Chitosan Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Martínez-Campos, Enrique; Civantos, Ana; Redondo, Juan Alfonso; Guzmán, Rodrigo; Pérez-Perrino, Mónica; Gallardo, Alberto; Ramos, Viviana; Aranaz, Inmaculada

2017-05-01

Three types of chitosan-based films have been prepared and evaluated: a non-modified chitosan film bearing cationizable aliphatic amines and two films made of N-sulfopropyl chitosan derivatives bearing both aliphatic amines and negative sulfonate groups at different ratios. Cell adhesion and proliferation on chitosan films of C2C12 pre-myoblastic cells and B16 cells as tumoral model have been tested. A differential cell behavior has been observed on chitosan films due to their different surface modification. B16 cells have shown lower vinculin expression when cultured on sulfonated chitosan films. This study shows how the interaction among cells and material surface can be modulated by physicochemical characteristics of the biomaterial surface, altering tumoral cell adhesion and proliferation processes.

Modification of mechanical and thermal property of chitosan-starch blend films

Science.gov (United States)

Tuhin, Mohammad O.; Rahman, Nazia; Haque, M. E.; Khan, Ruhul A.; Dafader, N. C.; Islam, Rafiqul; Nurnabi, Mohammad; Tonny, Wafa

2012-10-01

Chitosan-starch blend films (thickness 0.2 mm) of different composition were prepared by casting and their mechanical properties were studied. To improve the properties of chitosan-starch films, glycerol and mustard oil of different composition were used. Chitosan-starch films, incorporated with glycerol and mustard oil, were further modified with monomer 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) using gamma radiation. The modified films showed improvement in both tensile strength and elongation at break than the pure chitosan-starch films. Water uptake of the films reduced significantly than the pure chitosan-starch film. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the modified films experience less thermal degradation than the pure films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR were used to investigate the morphology and molecular interaction of the blend film, respectively.

Preparation of chitosan-coated polyethylene packaging films by DBD plasma treatment.

Science.gov (United States)

Theapsak, Siriporn; Watthanaphanit, Anyarat; Rujiravanit, Ratana

2012-05-01

Polyethylene (PE) packaging films were coated with chitosan in order to introduce the antibacterial activity to the films. To augment the interaction between the two polymers, we modified the surfaces of the PE films by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma before chitosan coating. After that the plasma-treated PE films were immersed in chitosan acetate solutions with different concentrations of chitosan. The optimum plasma treatment time was 10 s as determined from contact angle measurement. Effect of the plasma treatment on the surface roughness of the PE films was investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM) while the occurrence of polar functional groups was observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscope (FTIR). It was found that the surface roughness as well as the occurrence of oxygen-containing functional groups (i.e., C═O, C-O, and -OH) of the plasma-treated PE films increased from those of the untreated one, indicating that the DBD plasma enhanced hydrophilicity of the PE films. The amounts of chitosan coated on the PE films were determined after washing the coated films in water for several number of washing cycles prior to detection of the chitosan content by the Kjaldahl method. The amounts of chitosan coated on the PE films were constant after washing for three times and the chitosan-coated PE films exhibited appreciable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, the obtained chitosan-coated PE films could be a promising candidate for antibacterial food packaging.

Physical Evaluation of PVA/Chitosan Film Blends with Glycerine and Calcium Chloride

Science.gov (United States)

Nugraheni, A. D.; Purnawati, D.; Kusumaatmaja, A.

2018-04-01

PVA/chitosan film has been fabricated by using drop casting method. PVA/chitosan film is produced by dissolving 2% (w/v) PVA solution and 2% (w/v) chitosan solution. PVA/chitosan film is produced with weight ratio variation (w/w) 100/0, 75/25, 50/50 and 0/100. The film is fabricated using drop casting method in Petry dish with diameter 11 cm at room temperature and RH 50%–60% during seven days. The mechanical properties were characterized by using Universal Technical Machine (UTM) and UV-Vis to understand the physical properties of weight ratio (w/w) of PVA/Chitosan film by addition of plasticizer and calcium chloride. The film thickness tends to decrease with PVA content. The addition of chitosan will increase film thickness, and it will decrease swelling index, elongation (%), and transmittance of UV rays. The additions of plasticizer to PVA/Chitosan film will increase film thickness and elongation (%), and it will decrease swelling index, tensile strength and transmittance of UV rays. The crosslink of PVA/Chitosan film with calcium chloride will decrease film thickness, swelling index, elongation (%) and transmittance of UV rays, and increase tensile strength.

Theoretical Methods of Domain Structures in Ultrathin Ferroelectric Films: A Review

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jianyi Liu

2014-09-01

Full Text Available This review covers methods and recent developments of the theoretical study of domain structures in ultrathin ferroelectric films. The review begins with an introduction to some basic concepts and theories (e.g., polarization and its modern theory, ferroelectric phase transition, domain formation, and finite size effects, etc. that are relevant to the study of domain structures in ultrathin ferroelectric films. Basic techniques and recent progress of a variety of important approaches for domain structure simulation, including first-principles calculation, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo simulation, effective Hamiltonian approach and phase field modeling, as well as multiscale simulation are then elaborated. For each approach, its important features and relative merits over other approaches for modeling domain structures in ultrathin ferroelectric films are discussed. Finally, we review recent theoretical studies on some important issues of domain structures in ultrathin ferroelectric films, with an emphasis on the effects of interfacial electrostatics, boundary conditions and external loads.

Development of thermoplastic starch blown film by incorporating plasticized chitosan.

Science.gov (United States)

Dang, Khanh Minh; Yoksan, Rangrong

2015-01-22

The objective of the present work was to improve blown film extrusion processability and properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS) film by incorporating plasticized chitosan, with a content of 0.37-1.45%. The effects of chitosan on extrusion processability and melt flow ability of TPS, as well as that on appearance, optical properties, thermal properties, viscoelastic properties and tensile properties of the films were investigated. The possible interactions between chitosan and starch molecules were evaluated by FTIR and XRD techniques. Chitosan and starch molecules could interact via hydrogen bonds, as confirmed from the blue shift of OH bands and the reduction of V-type crystal formation. Although the incorporation of chitosan caused decreased extensibility and melt flow ability, as well as increased yellowness and opacity, the films possessed better extrusion processability, increased tensile strength, rigidity, thermal stability and UV absorption, as well as reduced water absorption and surface stickiness. The obtained TPS/chitosan-based films offer real potential application in the food industry, e.g. as edible films. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic anisotropies in ultrathin bismuth iron garnet films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Popova, Elena; Franco Galeano, Andres Felipe; Deb, Marwan; Warot-Fonrose, Bénédicte; Kachkachi, Hamid; Gendron, François; Ott, Frédéric

2013-01-01

Ultrathin bismuth iron garnet Bi 3 Fe 5 O 12 films were grown epitaxially on (001)-oriented gadolinium gallium garnet substrates. Film thickness varied from two to three dozens of unit cells. Bi 3 Fe 5 O 12 films grow pseudomorphically on substrates up to a thickness of 20 nm, and then a lattice relaxation occurs. Magnetic properties of the films were studied as a function of bismuth iron garnet thickness. The magnetization and cubic anisotropy decrease with decreasing film thickness. The uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy is constant for all film thicknesses. For two unit cell thick films, the easy magnetization axis changes from in-plane to perpendicular to the plane direction. Such a reorientation takes place as a result of the competition of constant uniaxial perpendicular anisotropy with weakening film magnetization. - Highlights: ► Ultrathin Bi 3 Fe 5 O 12 films were grown epitaxially on structure-matching substrates. ► Magnetic properties of Bi 3 Fe 5 O 12 were studied down to the thickness of 2.5 nm. ► Reorientation of easy magnetization axis as a function of film thickness was observed

Magnetic anisotropies in ultrathin bismuth iron garnet films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Popova, Elena, E-mail: popova@physique.uvsq.fr [Groupe d' Etude de la Matière Condensée (GEMaC), CNRS/Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin, 45 Avenue des Etats-Unis, 78035 Versailles (France); Franco Galeano, Andres Felipe [Laboratoire PROcédés, Matériaux et Energie Solaire (PROMES), CNRS/Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan (France); Deb, Marwan [Groupe d' Etude de la Matière Condensée (GEMaC), CNRS/Université de Versailles-Saint-Quentin, 45 Avenue des Etats-Unis, 78035 Versailles (France); Warot-Fonrose, Bénédicte [Centre d' Elaboration de Matériaux et d' Etudes Structurales (CEMES), CNRS, 29 rue Jeanne Marvig, 31055 Toulouse (France); Transpyrenean Associated Laboratory for Electron Microscopy (TALEM), CEMES-INA, CNRS–Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain); Kachkachi, Hamid [Laboratoire PROcédés, Matériaux et Energie Solaire (PROMES), CNRS/Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 52 Avenue Paul Alduy, 66860 Perpignan (France); Gendron, François [Institut des NanoSciences de Paris (INSP), CNRS/Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris 6, 4 place Jussieu, Boîte courrier 840, 75252 Paris Cedex 05 (France); Ott, Frédéric [Laboratoire Léon Brillouin (LLB), CNRS/CEA, Bâtiment 563, CEA Saclay, 91191 Gif sur Yvette Cedex (France); and others

2013-06-15

Ultrathin bismuth iron garnet Bi{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} films were grown epitaxially on (001)-oriented gadolinium gallium garnet substrates. Film thickness varied from two to three dozens of unit cells. Bi{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} films grow pseudomorphically on substrates up to a thickness of 20 nm, and then a lattice relaxation occurs. Magnetic properties of the films were studied as a function of bismuth iron garnet thickness. The magnetization and cubic anisotropy decrease with decreasing film thickness. The uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy is constant for all film thicknesses. For two unit cell thick films, the easy magnetization axis changes from in-plane to perpendicular to the plane direction. Such a reorientation takes place as a result of the competition of constant uniaxial perpendicular anisotropy with weakening film magnetization. - Highlights: ► Ultrathin Bi{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} films were grown epitaxially on structure-matching substrates. ► Magnetic properties of Bi{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} were studied down to the thickness of 2.5 nm. ► Reorientation of easy magnetization axis as a function of film thickness was observed.

Synthesis of N-oleyl O-sulfate chitosan from methyl oleate with O-sulfate chitosan as edible film material

Science.gov (United States)

Daniel; Sihaloho, O.; Saleh, C.; Magdaleni, A. R.

2018-04-01

The research on the synthesis of N-oleyl O-sulfate chitosan through sulfonation reaction on chitosan with ammonium sulfate and followed by amidation reaction using methyl oleate has been done. In this study, chitosan was chemically modified into N-oleyl O-sulfatechitosan as an edible film making material. N-oleyl O-sulfate chitosan was synthesized by reaction between methyl oleate and O-sulfate chitosan. Wherein the depleted chitosan of O-sulfate chitosan into O-sulfate chitosan was obtained by reaction of sulfonation between ammonium sulfate and chitosan aldimine. While chitosan aldimine was obtained through reaction between chitosan with acetaldehyde. The structure of N-oleyl O-sulfate chitosan was characterized by FT-IR analysis which showed vibration uptake of C-H sp3 group, S=O group, and carbonyl group C=O of the ester. The resulting of N-oleyl O-sulfate chitosan yielded a percentage of 93.52%. Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) test results gave a value of 6.68. In the toxicity test results of N-oleyl O-sulfate chitosan obtained LC50 value of 3738.4732 ppm. In WVTR (Water Vapor Transmission Rate) test results for chitosan film was 407.625 gram/m2/24 hours and N-oleylO-sulfate chitosan film was 201.125 gram/m2/24 hours.

Effect of molecular weight reduction by gamma irradiation on chitosan film properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

García, Mario A., E-mail: marioifal@gmail.com [Pharmacy and Food Institute, University of Havana, St. 222 No. 2317, ZC 13600 Havana (Cuba); Pérez, Liliam [Pharmacy and Food Institute, University of Havana, St. 222 No. 2317, ZC 13600 Havana (Cuba); Paz, Nilia de la [Drugs Research and Development Center, Ave. 26 No. 1605, Havana (Cuba); González, Juan [Food Industry Research Institute, Carretera al Guatao km 3 1/2, Havana, CP 19200 (Cuba); Rapado, Manuel [Radiobiology Department, Center for Technological Applications and Nuclear Development, St. 30 No. 502, Playa, Havana (Cuba); Casariego, Alicia [Pharmacy and Food Institute, University of Havana, St. 222 No. 2317, ZC 13600 Havana (Cuba)

2015-10-01

The present work aimed the influence of molecular weight (MW) reduction by irradiation with {sup 60}Co and polymer concentration on some physical properties of chitosan films. Irradiation of chitosan with a MW of 275.221 kDa and 74.74% of deacetylation degree was performed using a {sup 60}Co source to provide doses of 5, 10, 20 and 50 kGy to obtain chitosans with molecular weights of 247.847, 221.563, 126.469 and 77.063 kDa, respectively. Films were prepared via the solution casting method. Film-forming solutions (FFS) of chitosan irradiated or not, were prepared at 1.5 and 2% (w/v) in a solution of lactic acid at 1% (v/v) and 0.1% (v/v) of Tween 80. The FFS were poured into glass plates of 400 cm{sup 2} and dried at 60 °C during 10 h without airflow. The decrease of MW and increase of chitosan concentration increased the tensil strength and water vapor permeability while decreased the elongation at break of the films. The chitosan MW did not significantly influence (p > 0.05) the water solubility of films within a same polymer concentration. There was a decrease in the films' brightness with the increase of concentration and a decrease of the MW of irradiated chitosan, while the b* values of films increased and there was an increasing tendency of their apparent opacity. - Highlights: • MW reduction by {sup 60}Co irradiation increased the tensil strength of chitosan films. • MW reduction increased the water vapor permeability of chitosan films. • MW did not affect the films' water solubility within a same chitosan concentration. • Films' brightness decreased with the chitosan molecular weight reduction.

Effect of molecular weight reduction by gamma irradiation on chitosan film properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

García, Mario A.; Pérez, Liliam; Paz, Nilia de la; González, Juan; Rapado, Manuel; Casariego, Alicia

2015-01-01

The present work aimed the influence of molecular weight (MW) reduction by irradiation with 60 Co and polymer concentration on some physical properties of chitosan films. Irradiation of chitosan with a MW of 275.221 kDa and 74.74% of deacetylation degree was performed using a 60 Co source to provide doses of 5, 10, 20 and 50 kGy to obtain chitosans with molecular weights of 247.847, 221.563, 126.469 and 77.063 kDa, respectively. Films were prepared via the solution casting method. Film-forming solutions (FFS) of chitosan irradiated or not, were prepared at 1.5 and 2% (w/v) in a solution of lactic acid at 1% (v/v) and 0.1% (v/v) of Tween 80. The FFS were poured into glass plates of 400 cm 2 and dried at 60 °C during 10 h without airflow. The decrease of MW and increase of chitosan concentration increased the tensil strength and water vapor permeability while decreased the elongation at break of the films. The chitosan MW did not significantly influence (p > 0.05) the water solubility of films within a same polymer concentration. There was a decrease in the films' brightness with the increase of concentration and a decrease of the MW of irradiated chitosan, while the b* values of films increased and there was an increasing tendency of their apparent opacity. - Highlights: • MW reduction by 60 Co irradiation increased the tensil strength of chitosan films. • MW reduction increased the water vapor permeability of chitosan films. • MW did not affect the films' water solubility within a same chitosan concentration. • Films' brightness decreased with the chitosan molecular weight reduction

Low temperature CVD growth of ultrathin carbon films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chao Yang

2016-05-01

Full Text Available We demonstrate the low temperature, large area growth of ultrathin carbon films by chemical vapor deposition under atmospheric pressure on various substrates. In particularly, uniform and continuous carbon films with the thickness of 2-5 nm were successfully grown at a temperature as low as 500 oC on copper foils, as well as glass substrates coated with a 100 nm thick copper layer. The characterizations revealed that the low-temperature-grown carbon films consist on few short, curved graphene layers and thin amorphous carbon films. Particularly, the low-temperature grown samples exhibited over 90% transmittance at a wavelength range of 400-750 nm and comparable sheet resistance in contrast with the 1000oC-grown one. This low-temperature growth method may offer a facile way to directly prepare visible ultrathin carbon films on various substrate surfaces that are compatible with temperatures (500-600oC used in several device processing technologies.

Study on chitosan film properties as a green dielectric

Science.gov (United States)

Nainggolan, I.; Nasution, T. I.; Putri, S. R. E.; Azdena, D.; Balyan, M.; Agusnar, H.

2018-02-01

Chitosan film dielectrics to produce an electrostatic capacitor were prepared by the solution cast technique. The charging and discharging of the capacitor were done using RC series circuit with DC voltage supply because chitosan has bipolar properties. First testing was by varying supply voltage of 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 V, respectively, and could be determined that the most effective voltage for chitosan film can be well polarised is 5 V. The results of second testing for the use of 5 V supply showed that the capacitance of a chitosan film capacitor decreased with the increase in load value. For loads of 100, 1K, 10K, 100K and 1M Ω, the capacitance values of the chitosan film capacitor were 3.1725, 0.4136, 0.05379, 0.007917 and 0.001522 F, respectively. It was also found that the increase in voltage of the capacitor at charging process was faster for the lower load. Therefore, the research result has corresponded to the general formula that used to calculate the capacitance value and thus, the biopolymer chitosan has potential as a sustainable green dielectric.

Enhancing mechanical properties of chitosan films via modification with vanillin.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Zhi-Hong; Han, Zhong; Zeng, Xin-An; Xiong, Xia-Yu; Liu, Yu-Jia

2015-11-01

The vanillin/chitosan composite films were prepared using the solvent evaporation method. The properties of the films including optical property, water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (%E) were studied to investigate the effect of cross-linking agent of vanillin on chitosan films by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR). Results showed that the TS of composite films increased by 53.3% and the WVP decreased by 36.5% compared with pure chitosan film that were due to the formation of the dense network structure by FT-IR spectra. There were almost no changes of the thermal stability of the composite films compared with the pure chitosan film by TGA analysis. In addition, from the SEM images, it could be seen that the film with addition of vanillin with 0.5-10% concentration exhibited good compatibility. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ethanolic extract of propolis for biodegradable films packaging enhanced with chitosan

Science.gov (United States)

Ismail, M. I.; Roslan, A.; Saari, N. S.; Hashim, K. H.; Kalamullah, M. R.

2017-09-01

The use of industrial organic waste which are chitosan and propolis as materials for the development of biodegradable and active packaging is economical and environmentally appealing. Processing of propolis-chitosan film can minimize waste, and produce low-cost added value biopolymer packaging films for targeted applications. This aims of this research is to develop and characterize a biodegradable films by incorporating chitosan with propolis extract to enhance the functional properties for potential use as active food packaging. The film's moisture content, solubility and antimicrobial activity increase due to increasing volume of propolis extract which are 0 ml, 1.2 ml and 2.4 ml of propolis extract. Propolis-chitosan film with 2.4 ml of propolis extract is more soluble in water compared to propolis-chitosan film with 0 ml of propolis extract and 1.2 ml of propolis extract. The higher the volume of the propolis extract used, the higher the solubility of film in the water. The moisture content also will increase when higher volume of propolis extract used. Characterization of moisture content, solubility and antimicrobial activities revealed the benefits of adding propolis extract into chitosan films and the potential of using the developed film as active food packaging.

Non-monotonic wetting behavior of chitosan films induced by silver nanoparticles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Praxedes, A.P.P.; Webler, G.D.; Souza, S.T. [Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, 57072-970 Maceió, AL (Brazil); Ribeiro, A.S. [Instituto de Química e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, 57072-970 Maceió, AL (Brazil); Fonseca, E.J.S. [Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, 57072-970 Maceió, AL (Brazil); Oliveira, I.N. de, E-mail: italo@fis.ufal.br [Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, 57072-970 Maceió, AL (Brazil)

2016-05-01

Highlights: • The addition of silver nanoparticles modifies the morphology of chitosan films. • Metallic nanoparticles can be used to control wetting properties of chitosan films. • The contact angle shows a non-monotonic dependence on the silver concentration. - Abstract: The present work is devoted to the study of structural and wetting properties of chitosan-based films containing silver nanoparticles. In particular, the effects of silver concentration on the morphology of chitosan films are characterized by different techniques, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). By means of dynamic contact angle measurements, we study the modification on surface properties of chitosan-based films due to the addition of silver nanoparticles. The results are analyzed in the light of molecular-kinetic theory which describes the wetting phenomena in terms of statistical dynamics for the displacement of liquid molecules in a solid substrate. Our results show that the wetting properties of chitosan-based films are high sensitive to the fraction of silver nanoparticles, with the equilibrium contact angle exhibiting a non-monotonic behavior.

Formulation of chitosan-based ciprofloxacin and diclofenac film for ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Purpose: This study was designed to develop and evaluate chitosan films containing ciprofloxacin and diclofenac sodium for the topical treatment of periodontitis. Methods: Chitosan films containing ciprofloxacin alone and in combination with diclofenac sodium were prepared by solvent casting method. Some of the ...

Ultrathin Polymer Films, Patterned Arrays, and Microwells

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Mingdi

2002-05-01

The ability to control and tailor the surface and interface properties of materials is important in microelectronics, cell growth control, and lab-on-a-chip devices. Modification of material surfaces with ultrathin polymer films is attractive due to the availability of a variety of polymers either commercially or by synthesis. We have developed two approaches to the attachment of ultrathin polymer films on solid substrates. In the first method, a silane-functionalized perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA-silane) was synthesized and used to covalently immobilize polymer thin films on silicon wafers. Silanization of the wafer surface with the PFPA-silane introduced a monolayer of azido groups which in turn covalently attached the polymer film by way of photochemically initiated insertion reactions. The thickness of the film could be adjusted by the type and the molecular weight of the polymer. The method is versatile due to the general C-H and/or N-H insertion reactions of crosslinker; and therefore, no specific reactive functional groups on the polymers are required. Using this method, a new type of microwell array was fabricated from covalently immobilized polymer thin films on flat substrates. The arrays were characterized with AFM, XPS, and TOF-SIMS. The second method describes the attachment of polymer thin films on solid substrates via UV irradiation. The procedure consisted of spin-coating a polymer film and irradiating the film with UV light. Following solvent extraction, a thin film remained. The thickness of the film, from a few to over a hundred nanometers, was controlled by varying solution concentration and the molecular weight of the polymer.

Functional chitosan-based grapefruit seed extract composite films for applications in food packaging technology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tan, Y.M.; Lim, S.H.; Tay, B.Y.; Lee, M.W.; Thian, E.S.

2015-01-01

Highlights: • Chitosan-based grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) films were solution casted. • GFSE was uniformly dispersed within all chitosan film matrices. • All chitosan-based composite films showed remarkable transparency. • Increasing amounts of GFSE incorporated increased the elongation at break of films. • Chitosan-based GFSE composite films inhibited the proliferation of fungal growth. - Abstract: Chitosan-based composite films with different amounts of grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% v/v) were fabricated via solution casting technique. Experimental results showed that GFSE was uniformly dispersed within all chitosan film matrices. The presence of GFSE made the films more amorphous and tensile strength decreased, while elongation at break values increased as GFSE content increased. Results from the measurement of light transmission revealed that increasing amounts of GFSE (from 0.5 to 1.5% v/v) did not affect transparency of the films. Furthermore, packaging of bread samples with chitosan-based GFSE composite films inhibited the proliferation of fungal growth as compared to control samples. Hence, chitosan-based GFSE composite films have the potential to be a useful material in the area of food technology

Functional chitosan-based grapefruit seed extract composite films for applications in food packaging technology

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Tan, Y.M. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore); Lim, S.H.; Tay, B.Y. [Forming Technology Group, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (Singapore); Lee, M.W. [Food Innovation and Resource Centre, Singapore Polytechnic (Singapore); Thian, E.S., E-mail: mpetes@nus.edu.sg [Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore (Singapore)

2015-09-15

Highlights: • Chitosan-based grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) films were solution casted. • GFSE was uniformly dispersed within all chitosan film matrices. • All chitosan-based composite films showed remarkable transparency. • Increasing amounts of GFSE incorporated increased the elongation at break of films. • Chitosan-based GFSE composite films inhibited the proliferation of fungal growth. - Abstract: Chitosan-based composite films with different amounts of grapefruit seed extract (GFSE) (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% v/v) were fabricated via solution casting technique. Experimental results showed that GFSE was uniformly dispersed within all chitosan film matrices. The presence of GFSE made the films more amorphous and tensile strength decreased, while elongation at break values increased as GFSE content increased. Results from the measurement of light transmission revealed that increasing amounts of GFSE (from 0.5 to 1.5% v/v) did not affect transparency of the films. Furthermore, packaging of bread samples with chitosan-based GFSE composite films inhibited the proliferation of fungal growth as compared to control samples. Hence, chitosan-based GFSE composite films have the potential to be a useful material in the area of food technology.

Ultrathin TaOx film based photovoltaic device

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tyagi, Pawan

2011-01-01

Application of the economical metal oxide thin-film photovoltaic devices is hindered by the poor energy efficiency. This paper investigates the photovoltaic effect with an ultrathin tantalum oxide (TaOx) tunnel barrier, formed by the plasma oxidation of a pre-deposited tantalum (Ta) film. These ∼ 3 nm TaOx tunnel barriers showed approximately 160 mV open circuit voltage and 3-5% energy efficiency, for varying light intensity. The ultrathin TaOx (∼ 3 nm) could absorb approximately 12% of the incident light radiation in 400-1000 nm wavelength range; this strong light absorbing capability was found to be associated with the dramatically large extinction coefficient. Spectroscopic ellipsometry revealed that the extinction coefficient of 3 nm TaOx was ∼ 0.2, two orders higher than that of tantalum penta oxide (Ta 2 O 5 ). Interestingly, refractive index of this 3 nm thick TaOx was comparable with that of stochiometeric Ta 2 O 5 . However, heating and prolonged high-intensity light exposure deteriorated the photovoltaic effect in TaOx junctions. This study provides the basis to explore the photovoltaic effect in a highly economical and easily processable ultrathin metal oxide tunnel barrier or analogous systems.

Gentamicin modified chitosan film with improved antibacterial property and cell biocompatibility.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Yang; Ji, Peihong; Lv, Huilin; Qin, Yong; Deng, Linhong

2017-05-01

Gentamicin modified chitosan film (CS-GT) was produced using a three-step procedure comprising: (i) the chitosan solution was air-dried to form a chitosan (CS) film, (ii) using citric acid to generate the amide and carboxyl groups on the surface of CS, (iii) the CS with surface carboxyl groups was modified by grafting of gentamicin. After modification, this CS-GT film has excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. It is very evident that the gentamicin grafting treatment significantly improves the antibacterial properties of the CS film. Our preliminary results suggest that this novel gentamicin modified chitosan film, which can be prepared in large quantities and at low cost, should have potential application in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of caraway essential oil on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of chitosan film

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hromiš Nevena M.

2015-01-01

Full Text Available The aim of this study was to evaluate bioactivity of chitosan film with incorporated caraway essential oil by measuring antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the potential interaction of functional groups of chitosan film and incorporated caraway essential oil. New detected peaks and main shifts in the peaks of chitosan spectra are attributed mainly to presence of s-(+-carvone and limonene, the main components of caraway essential oil. The antioxidant activity of chitosan film was analyzed by DPPH method. Chitosan film without incorporated caraway essential oil showed the lowest scavenging ability (29.95%, after 24 h. The addition of different concentrations of caraway essential oil into chitosan film significantly enhanced antioxidant activity of pure chitosan film, reaching the maximum of 95%. ASTM E 2149 - 01 method was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of chitosan films. The reduction of bacteria cell number in contact with examined films was tested on Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium. The most sensitive bacteria was Staphylococcus aureus and the most resistant bacteria was Salmonella Typhimurium for all tested films. These results suggested that incorporation of caraway essential oil into chitosan film significantly improved its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The film showed a great potential to be used as an active packaging material.

Reliability assessment of ultra-thin HfO2 films deposited on silicon wafer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fu, Wei-En; Chang, Chia-Wei; Chang, Yong-Qing; Yao, Chih-Kai; Liao, Jiunn-Der

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Nano-mechanical properties on annealed ultra-thin HfO 2 film are studied. ► By AFM analysis, hardness of the crystallized HfO 2 film significantly increases. ► By nano-indention, the film hardness increases with less contact stiffness. ► Quality assessment on the annealed ultra-thin films can thus be achieved. - Abstract: Ultra-thin hafnium dioxide (HfO 2 ) is used to replace silicon dioxide to meet the required transistor feature size in advanced semiconductor industry. The process integration compatibility and long-term reliability for the transistors depend on the mechanical performance of ultra-thin HfO 2 films. The criteria of reliability including wear resistance, thermal fatigue, and stress-driven failure rely on film adhesion significantly. The adhesion and variations in mechanical properties induced by thermal annealing of the ultra-thin HfO 2 films deposited on silicon wafers (HfO 2 /SiO 2 /Si) are not fully understood. In this work, the mechanical properties of an atomic layer deposited HfO 2 (nominal thickness ≈10 nm) on a silicon wafer were characterized by the diamond-coated tip of an atomic force microscope and compared with those of annealed samples. The results indicate that the annealing process leads to the formation of crystallized HfO 2 phases for the atomic layer deposited HfO 2 . The HfSi x O y complex formed at the interface between HfO 2 and SiO 2 /Si, where the thermal diffusion of Hf, Si, and O atoms occurred. The annealing process increases the surface hardness of crystallized HfO 2 film and therefore the resistance to nano-scratches. In addition, the annealing process significantly decreases the harmonic contact stiffness (or thereafter eliminate the stress at the interface) and increases the nano-hardness, as measured by vertically sensitive nano-indentation. Quality assessments on as-deposited and annealed HfO 2 films can be thereafter used to estimate the mechanical properties and adhesion of ultra-thin HfO 2

Ground state configurations in antiferromagnetic ultrathin films with dipolar anisotropy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

León, H.

2013-01-01

The formalism developed in a previous work to calculate the dipolar energy in quasi-two-dimensional crystals with ferromagnetic order is now extended to collinear antiferromagnetic order. Numerical calculations of the dipolar energy are carried out for systems with tetragonally distorted fcc [001] structures, the case of NiO and MnO ultrathin film grown in non-magnetic substrates, where the magnetic phase is a consequence of superexchange and dipolar interactions. The employed approximation allows to demonstrate that dipolar coupling between atomic layers is responsible for the orientation of the magnetization when it differs from the one in a single layer. The ground state energy of a given NiO or MnO film is found to depend not only on the strain, but also on how much the interlayer separation and the 2D lattice constant are changed with respect to the ideal values corresponding to the non-distorted cubic structure. Nevertheless, it is shown that the orientation of the magnetization in the magnetic phase of any of these films is determined by the strain exclusively. A striped phase with the magnetization along the [112 ¯ ] direction appears as the ground state configuration of NiO and MnO ultrathin films. In films with equally oriented stripes along the layers this magnetic phase is twofold degenerate, while in films with multidomain layers it is eightfold degenerate. These results are not in contradiction with experimentally observed out-of-plane or in-plane magnetization of striped phases in NiO and MnO ultrathin films. - Highlights: ► Dipolar energy in collinear antiferromagnetic ultrathin films is calculated. ► Numerical results are presented for distorted fcc [001] structures. ► The lowest energy of a system depends on how the tetragonal distortion is achieved. ► A striped phase with magnetization in the [112 ¯ ] direction is the ground state. ► In multidomain NiO and MnO films it is eightfold degenerate.

Origin of spin-dependent asymmetries in electron transmission through ultrathin ferromagnetic films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gokhale, M.P.; Mills, D.L.

1991-01-01

We present theoretical calculations of exchange asymmetries in the transmission of electrons through ultrathin films of ferromagnetic Fe. The results account nicely for the magnitude of the asymmetries observed by Pappas et al. in photoemission studies of Cu covered by an ultrathin film of Fe. We argue that exchange asymmetry in the transmissivity of the Fe film, rather than the spin dependence of the electron mean free path, is responsible for the effects reported by these authors

Thermal degradation of ternary blend films containing PVA/chitosan/vanillin

Science.gov (United States)

Kasai, Deepak; Chougale, Ravindra; Masti, Saraswati; Narasgoudar, Shivayogi

2018-05-01

The ternary chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol)/vanillin blend films were prepared by solution casting method. The influence of equal weight percent of poly (vinyl alcohol) and vanillin on thermal stability of the chitosan blend films were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The kinetic parameters such as enthalpy (ΔH*), entropy (ΔS*), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG*) in the first and second decomposition steps based on the thermogravimetric data were calculated. The thermal stabilities of the blend films were confirmed by thermodynamic parameters obtained in the activation energies, which indicated that increase in the equal weight percent of PVA/vanillin decreased the thermal stability of the chitosan film.

Dissolvable Films of Silk Fibroin for Ultrathin Conformal Bio-Integrated Electronics

Science.gov (United States)

2010-06-01

implantation. *A full list of authors and their affiliations appears at the end of the paper. Silk is an appealing biopolymer as a temporary, soluble...18 APR 2010 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2010 to 00-00-2010 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Dissolvable films of silk fibroin for ultrathin...10.1038/NMAT2745 Dissolvable films of silk fibroin for ultrathin conformal bio-integrated electronics Dae-Hyeong Kim and Jonathan Viventi et al

Effect of moisture and chitosan layered silicate on morphology and properties of chitosan/layered silicates films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva, J.R.M.B. da; Santos, B.F.F. dos; Leite, I.F.

2014-01-01

Thin chitosan films have been for some time an object of practical assessments. However, to obtain biopolymers capable of competing with common polymers a significant improvement in their properties is required. Currently, the technology of obtaining polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites has proven to be a good alternative. This work aims to evaluate the effect of chitosan content (CS) and layered silicates (AN) on the morphology and properties of chitosan/ layered silicate films. CS/AN bionanocomposites were prepared by the intercalation by solution in the proportion 1:1 and 5:1. Then were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffraction (XRD) and X-ray thermogravimetry (TG). It is expected from the acquisition of films, based on different levels of chitosan and layered silicates, choose the best composition to serve as a matrix for packaging drugs and thus be used for future research. (author)

Ultra-thin film encapsulation processes for micro-electro-mechanical devices and systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stoldt, Conrad R; Bright, Victor M

2006-01-01

A range of physical properties can be achieved in micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) through their encapsulation with solid-state, ultra-thin coatings. This paper reviews the application of single source chemical vapour deposition and atomic layer deposition (ALD) in the growth of submicron films on polycrystalline silicon microstructures for the improvement of microscale reliability and performance. In particular, microstructure encapsulation with silicon carbide, tungsten, alumina and alumina-zinc oxide alloy ultra-thin films is highlighted, and the mechanical, electrical, tribological and chemical impact of these overlayers is detailed. The potential use of solid-state, ultra-thin coatings in commercial microsystems is explored using radio frequency MEMS as a case study for the ALD alloy alumina-zinc oxide thin film. (topical review)

In situ polymerization process of polypyrrole ultrathin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Onoda, Mitsuyoshi; Tada, Kazuya; Shinkuma, Akira

2006-01-01

A novel thin film processing technique has been developed for the fabrication of ultrathin films of conducting polymers with molecular-level control over thickness and multilayer architecture. This new self-assembly process opens up vast possibilities in applications which require large area, ultrathin films of conducting polymers and more importantly in applications that can take advantage of the unique interactions achievable in the complex, supermolecular architectures of multilayer films. In in situ polymerized polypyrrole (PPy), the deposition process strongly depends on the nature of the substrate surface. That is, for a surface that is negatively charged, there is a linear correspondence between dipping time and the amount of PPy deposited on the substrate. However, in the case of a positively charged surface, there is an apparent rest period of approximately 10-20 min, during which no PPy is deposited. From optical absorption spectroscopy and photoelectron emission studies etc., it became clear that oligomers of pyrrole were adsorbed on the positively charged surface during the rest period, as a result the polymerization reaction of PPy could proceed

Preparation and water absorption of cross-linked chitosan/silk fibroin blend films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Suesat, Jantip; Rujiravanit, Ratana [Chulalongkorn University, The Petroleum and Petrochemical College, Bangkok (Thailand); Jamieson, Alexander M. [Case Western Reserve Univ., Department of Macromolecular Science, Cleveland (United States); Tokura, Seiichi [Kansai Univ., Faculty of Engineering, Osaka (Japan)

2001-03-01

Natural polymer blend films composed of chitosan and silk fibroin were prepared by varying the ratio of chitosan to silk fibroin, with and without glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The effects of the ratio of chitosan to silk fibroin and crosslinking agent on swelling behavior of the blend films were studied. For the swelling behavior, the blend films exhibited a dramatic change in the degree of swelling when immersed in acidic solutions. The degree of swelling of the films increased as the chitosan content increased; the blend film with 80% chitosan content had the maximum degree of swelling. It appeared that crosslinking had occurred in the blend films which helped the films to retain their three dimensional structure. In addition, FTIR spectra of the films showed evidence of hydrogen bonding interaction between chitosan and silk fibroin. For the effect of salt type, the films were immersed in various types of aqueous salt solutions, viz NaCl, LiCl, CaCl{sub 2}, AlCl{sub 3}, and FeCl{sub 3}. The films immersed in AlCl{sub 3} and FeCl{sub 3} aqueous solutions gave the maximum degree of swelling. The effects of AlCl{sub 3} and FeCl{sub 3} concentrations on swelling behavior were also investigated. It was found that the maximum degree of swelling of the films occurred at 1.0 x 10{sup -2} M of AlCl{sub 3} and FeCl{sub 3} aqueous solutions. (author)

Preparation and water absorption of cross-linked chitosan/silk fibroin blend films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Suesat, Jantip; Rujiravanit, Ratana; Jamieson, Alexander M.; Tokura, Seiichi

2001-01-01

Natural polymer blend films composed of chitosan and silk fibroin were prepared by varying the ratio of chitosan to silk fibroin, with and without glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The effects of the ratio of chitosan to silk fibroin and crosslinking agent on swelling behavior of the blend films were studied. For the swelling behavior, the blend films exhibited a dramatic change in the degree of swelling when immersed in acidic solutions. The degree of swelling of the films increased as the chitosan content increased; the blend film with 80% chitosan content had the maximum degree of swelling. It appeared that crosslinking had occurred in the blend films which helped the films to retain their three dimensional structure. In addition, FTIR spectra of the films showed evidence of hydrogen bonding interaction between chitosan and silk fibroin. For the effect of salt type, the films were immersed in various types of aqueous salt solutions, viz NaCl, LiCl, CaCl 2 , AlCl 3 , and FeCl 3 . The films immersed in AlCl 3 and FeCl 3 aqueous solutions gave the maximum degree of swelling. The effects of AlCl 3 and FeCl 3 concentrations on swelling behavior were also investigated. It was found that the maximum degree of swelling of the films occurred at 1.0 x 10 -2 M of AlCl 3 and FeCl 3 aqueous solutions. (author)

Hypericum perforatum incorporated chitosan films as potential bioactive wound dressing material.

Science.gov (United States)

Güneş, Seda; Tıhmınlıoğlu, Funda

2017-09-01

Recent studies in wound dressing applications offer new therapies and promote wound healing process. The aim of this study was to develop Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort) oil incorporated chitosan films for wound dressing applications. H. perforatum oil as a potential therapeutic agent was encapsulated in chitosan film to achieve a better wound dressing material. Oil incorporated chitosan films were successfully prepared by solvent casting method in different oil concentrations (0.25-1.5%v/v). Water vapor permeability (WVP), mechanical test, swelling behavior and surface hydrophobicity were performed in order to characterize the prepared films. Antimicrobial test was performed by disc diffusion method and the growth inhibition effects of the films including different amount of H. perforatum oil were investigated on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. WVP increased with oil incorporation and the highest value was obtained for 0.25% oil concentration.The highest strain value was obtained in 0.25% oil content films although tensile stress decreased with increasing oil content. H. perforatum oil incorporated films had antimicrobial effect on both microorganisms. Chitosan based films had no cytotoxic effects on NIH3T3fibroblast cells and provided a good surface for cell attachment and proliferation. The results showed that the H. perforatum incorporated chitosan films seems to be a potential and novel biomaterial for wound healing applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Non-ohmic transport behavior in ultra-thin gold films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alkhatib, A.; Souier, T.; Chiesa, M.

2011-01-01

Highlights: → C-AFM study on ultra-thin gold films. → Connection between ultra-thin film morphology and lateral electrical transport. → Transition between ohmic and non-ohmic behavior. → Electrical transition correlation to the film structure continuity. → Direct and indirect tunneling regimes related to discontinuous structures. - Abstract: Structure and local lateral electrical properties of Au films of thicknesses ranging from 10 to 140 nm are studied using conductive atomic force microscopy. Comparison of current maps taken at different thicknesses reveals surprising highly resistive regions (10 10 -10 11 Ω), the density of which increases strongly at lower thickness. The high resistivity is shown to be directly related to discontinuities in the metal sheet. Local I-V curves are acquired to show the nature of electrical behavior relative to thickness. Results show that in Au films of higher thickness the electrical behavior is ohmic, while it is non-ohmic in highly discontinuous films of lower thickness, with the transition happening between 34 and 39 nm. The non-ohmic behavior is explained with tunneling occurring between separated Au islands. The results explain the abrupt increase of electrical resistivity at lower thin film thicknesses.

Photoresponsive layer-by-layer ultrathin films prepared from a hyperbranched azobenzene-containing polymeric diazonium salt

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Xinyang; Fan Pengwei; Tuo Xinlin; He Yaning; Wang Xiaogong

2009-01-01

In this work, a hyperbranched diazonium salt (HB-DAS), prepared through azo-coupling reaction of an AB 2 monomer (N, N-bis[2-(4-aminobenzoyloxy)ethyl]aniline), was used to prepare self-assembled multilayers and ultrathin films. Multilayer films were fabricated by dipping substrates in HB-DAS and other polyelectrolyte solutions alternately in a layer-by-layer (LBL) manner. It was somewhat surprising to observe that HB-DAS forms multilayer films with either a polyanion (poly(styrenesulfonate sodium salt), PSS) or a polycation (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDAC) through alternate deposition in the solutions. Ultrathin films were formed in a sequential growth manner by dipping the substrates in the HB-DAS solution, washing with deionized water and drying repeatedly. In all the processes, the absorbance and thickness of the thin films linearly increase as the number of the dipping cycle increases. HB-DAS/PSS multilayer possesses an obviously larger bilayer thickness and lower density compared with the other two counterparts. The drying step after each deposition is necessary for the HB-DAS ultrathin film growth through the repeated dip-coating of HB-DAS. The multilayer and ultrathin films prepared by the above methods all show high resistance to erosion by organic solvents. The multilayers and ultrathin films exhibit photoinduced dichroism upon the irradiation of a polarized Ar + laser beam

Photoresponsive layer-by-layer ultrathin films prepared from a hyperbranched azobenzene-containing polymeric diazonium salt

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Li Xinyang; Fan Pengwei; Tuo Xinlin; He Yaning [Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 (China); Wang Xiaogong [Department of Chemical Engineering, Laboratory for Advanced Materials, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 (China)], E-mail: wxg-dce@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn

2009-01-30

In this work, a hyperbranched diazonium salt (HB-DAS), prepared through azo-coupling reaction of an AB{sub 2} monomer (N, N-bis[2-(4-aminobenzoyloxy)ethyl]aniline), was used to prepare self-assembled multilayers and ultrathin films. Multilayer films were fabricated by dipping substrates in HB-DAS and other polyelectrolyte solutions alternately in a layer-by-layer (LBL) manner. It was somewhat surprising to observe that HB-DAS forms multilayer films with either a polyanion (poly(styrenesulfonate sodium salt), PSS) or a polycation (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), PDAC) through alternate deposition in the solutions. Ultrathin films were formed in a sequential growth manner by dipping the substrates in the HB-DAS solution, washing with deionized water and drying repeatedly. In all the processes, the absorbance and thickness of the thin films linearly increase as the number of the dipping cycle increases. HB-DAS/PSS multilayer possesses an obviously larger bilayer thickness and lower density compared with the other two counterparts. The drying step after each deposition is necessary for the HB-DAS ultrathin film growth through the repeated dip-coating of HB-DAS. The multilayer and ultrathin films prepared by the above methods all show high resistance to erosion by organic solvents. The multilayers and ultrathin films exhibit photoinduced dichroism upon the irradiation of a polarized Ar{sup +} laser beam.

Controlled Growth of Ultrathin Film of Organic Semiconductors by Balancing the Competitive Processes in Dip-Coating for Organic Transistors.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Kunjie; Li, Hongwei; Li, Liqiang; Zhang, Suna; Chen, Xiaosong; Xu, Zeyang; Zhang, Xi; Hu, Wenping; Chi, Lifeng; Gao, Xike; Meng, Yancheng

2016-06-28

Ultrathin film with thickness below 15 nm of organic semiconductors provides excellent platform for some fundamental research and practical applications in the field of organic electronics. However, it is quite challenging to develop a general principle for the growth of uniform and continuous ultrathin film over large area. Dip-coating is a useful technique to prepare diverse structures of organic semiconductors, but the assembly of organic semiconductors in dip-coating is quite complicated, and there are no reports about the core rules for the growth of ultrathin film via dip-coating until now. In this work, we develop a general strategy for the growth of ultrathin film of organic semiconductor via dip-coating, which provides a relatively facile model to analyze the growth behavior. The balance between the three direct factors (nucleation rate, assembly rate, and recession rate) is the key to determine the growth of ultrathin film. Under the direction of this rule, ultrathin films of four organic semiconductors are obtained. The field-effect transistors constructed on the ultrathin film show good field-effect property. This work provides a general principle and systematic guideline to prepare ultrathin film of organic semiconductors via dip-coating, which would be highly meaningful for organic electronics as well as for the assembly of other materials via solution processes.

Antimicrobial activity of chitosan coatings and films against Listeria monocytogenes on black radish.

Science.gov (United States)

Jovanović, Gordana D; Klaus, Anita S; Nikšić, Miomir P

2016-01-01

The antibacterial activity of chitosan coatings prepared with acetic or lactic acid, as well as of composite chitosan-gelatin films prepared with essential oils, was evaluated in fresh shredded black radish samples inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 during seven days of storage at 4°C. The chitosan coating prepared with acetic acid showed the most effective antibacterial activity. All tested formulations of chitosan films exhibited strong antimicrobial activity on the growth of L. monocytogenes on black radish, although a higher inhibition of pathogens was achieved at higher concentrations of chitosan. The antimicrobial effect of chitosan films was even more pronounced with the addition of essential oils. Chitosan-gelatin films with thyme essential oils showed the most effective antimicrobial activity. A reduction of 2.4log10CFU/g for L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115 and 2.1log10CFU/g for L. monocytogenes ATCC 19112 was achieved in the presence of 1% chitosan film containing 0.2% of thyme essential oil after 24h of storage. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Chitosan films and blends for packaging material.

Science.gov (United States)

van den Broek, Lambertus A M; Knoop, Rutger J I; Kappen, Frans H J; Boeriu, Carmen G

2015-02-13

An increased interest for hygiene in everyday life as well as in food, feed and medical issues lead to a strong interest in films and blends to prevent the growth and accumulation of harmful bacteria. A growing trend is to use synthetic and natural antimicrobial polymers, to provide non-migratory and non-depleting protection agents for application in films, coatings and packaging. In food packaging, antimicrobial effects add up to the barrier properties of the materials, to increase the shelf life and product quality. Chitosan is a natural bioactive polysaccharide with intrinsic antimicrobial activity and, due to its exceptional physicochemical properties imparted by the polysaccharide backbone, has been recognized as a natural alternative to chemically synthesized antimicrobial polymers. This, associated with the increasing preference for biofunctional materials from renewable resources, resulted in a significant interest on the potential for application of chitosan in packaging materials. In this review we describe the latest developments of chitosan films and blends as packaging material. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface plasmon—polaritons on ultrathin metal films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quan Jun; Zhang Jun; Shao Le-Xi; Tian Ying

2011-01-01

We discuss the surface plasmon—polaritons used for ultrathin metal films with the aid of linear response theory and make comparisons with the known result given by Economou E N. In this paper we consider transverse electromagnetic fields and assume that the electromagnetic field in the linear response formula is the induced field due to the current of the electrons. It satisfies the Maxwell equation and thus we replace the current (charge) term in the Maxwell equation with the linear response expectation value. Finally, taking the external field to be zero, we obtain the dispersion relation of the surface plasmons from the eigenvalue equation. In addition, the charge-density and current-density in the z direction on the surface of ultrathin metal films are also calculated. The results may be helpful to the fundamental understanding of the complex phenomenon of surface plasmon-polaritons. (condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

Development and Characterization of Novel Films Based on Sulfonamide-Chitosan Derivatives for Potential Wound Dressing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Oana Maria Dragostin

2015-12-01

Full Text Available The objective of this study was to develop new films based on chitosan functionalized with sulfonamide drugs (sulfametoxydiazine, sulfadiazine, sulfadimetho-xine, sulfamethoxazol, sulfamerazine, sulfizoxazol in order to enhance the biological effects of chitosan. The morphology and physical properties of functionalized chitosan films as well the antioxidant effects of sulfonamide-chitosan derivatives were investigated. The chitosan-derivative films showed a rough surface and hydrophilic properties, which are very important features for their use as a wound dressing. The film based on chitosan-sulfisoxazol (CS-S6 showed the highest swelling ratio (197% and the highest biodegradation rate (63.04% in comparison to chitosan film for which the swelling ratio was 190% and biodegradation rate was only 10%. Referring to the antioxidant effects the most active was chitosan-sulfamerazine (CS-S5 which was 8.3 times more active than chitosan related to DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability. This compound showed also a good ferric reducing power and improved total antioxidant capacity.

High-mobility ultrathin semiconducting films prepared by spin coating

Science.gov (United States)

Mitzi, David B.; Kosbar, Laura L.; Murray, Conal E.; Copel, Matthew; Afzali, Ali

2004-03-01

The ability to deposit and tailor reliable semiconducting films (with a particular recent emphasis on ultrathin systems) is indispensable for contemporary solid-state electronics. The search for thin-film semiconductors that provide simultaneously high carrier mobility and convenient solution-based deposition is also an important research direction, with the resulting expectations of new technologies (such as flexible or wearable computers, large-area high-resolution displays and electronic paper) and lower-cost device fabrication. Here we demonstrate a technique for spin coating ultrathin (~50Å), crystalline and continuous metal chalcogenide films, based on the low-temperature decomposition of highly soluble hydrazinium precursors. We fabricate thin-film field-effect transistors (TFTs) based on semiconducting SnS2-xSex films, which exhibit n-type transport, large current densities (>105Acm-2) and mobilities greater than 10cm2V-1s-1-an order of magnitude higher than previously reported values for spin-coated semiconductors. The spin-coating technique is expected to be applicable to a range of metal chalcogenides, particularly those based on main group metals, as well as for the fabrication of a variety of thin-film-based devices (for example, solar cells, thermoelectrics and memory devices).

Ultrathin and Nanostructured Au Films with Gradient of Effective Thickness. Optical and Plasmonic Properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tomilin, S V; Berzhansky, V N; Shaposhnikov, A N; Prokopov, A R; Milyukova, E T; Karavaynikov, A V; Tomilina, O A

2016-01-01

In present work the results of investigation of optical (transmission spectra) and plasmonic (surface plasmon-polariton resonance) properties of ultrathin and nanostructured Au films are presents. Methods and techniques for the syntheses of samples of ultrathin and nanostructured metallic films, and for the experimental studies of optical and plasmonic properties are representative. Au films on SiO 2 (optic glass) substrates were investigated. (paper)

Magnetic x-ray linear dichroism of ultrathin Fe-Ni alloy films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schumann, F.O.; Willis, R.F. [Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States); Goodman, K.W. [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab., CA (United States)] [and others

1997-04-01

The authors have studied the magnetic structure of ultrathin Fe-Ni alloy films as a function of Fe concentration by measuring the linear dichroism of the 3p-core levels in angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The alloy films, grown by molecular-beam epitaxy on Cu(001) surfaces, were fcc and approximately four monolayers thick. The intensity of the Fe dichroism varied with Fe concentration, with larger dichroisms at lower Fe concentrations. The implication of these results to an ultrathin film analogue of the bulk Invar effect in Fe-Ni alloys will be discussed. These measurements were performed at the Spectromicroscopy Facility (Beamline 7.0.1) of the Advanced Light Source.

MgB2 ultrathin films fabricated by hybrid physical chemical vapor deposition and ion milling

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Narendra Acharya

2016-08-01

Full Text Available In this letter, we report on the structural and transport measurements of ultrathin MgB2 films grown by hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition followed by low incident angle Ar ion milling. The ultrathin films as thin as 1.8 nm, or 6 unit cells, exhibit excellent superconducting properties such as high critical temperature (Tc and high critical current density (Jc. The results show the great potential of these ultrathin films for superconducting devices and present a possibility to explore superconductivity in MgB2 at the 2D limit.

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.

COVALENTLY ATTACHED MULTILAYER ULTRA-THIN FILMS FROM DIAZORESIN AND CALIXARENES

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

Zhao-hui Yang; Wei-xiao Cao

2003-01-01

A kind of photosensitive ultra-thin film was fabricated from diazoresin (DR) and various calixarenes by using the self-assembly technique. Under UV irradiation both the ionic- and hydrogen bonds between the layers of the film will convert into covalent bonds. As a result, the stability of the film toward polar solvents increases dramatically.

Superstable Ultrathin Water Film Confined in a Hydrophilized Carbon Nanotube.

Science.gov (United States)

Tomo, Yoko; Askounis, Alexandros; Ikuta, Tatsuya; Takata, Yasuyuki; Sefiane, Khellil; Takahashi, Koji

2018-03-14

Fluids confined in a nanoscale space behave differently than in the bulk due to strong interactions between fluid molecules and solid atoms. Here, we observed water confined inside "open" hydrophilized carbon nanotubes (CNT), with diameter of tens of nanometers, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A 1-7 nm water film adhering to most of the inner wall surface was observed and remained stable in the high vacuum (order of 10 -5 Pa) of the TEM. The superstability of this film was attributed to a combination of curvature, nanoroughness, and confinement resulting in a lower vapor pressure for water and hence inhibiting its vaporization. Occasional, suspended ultrathin water film with thickness of 3-20 nm were found and remained stable inside the CNT. This film thickness is 1 order of magnitude smaller than the critical film thickness (about 40 nm) reported by the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory and previous experimental investigations. The stability of the suspended ultrathin water film is attributed to the additional molecular interactions due to the extended water meniscus, which balances the rest of the disjoining pressures.

Structural, Thermal, Physical, Mechanical, and Barrier Properties of Chitosan Films with the Addition of Xanthan Gum.

Science.gov (United States)

de Morais Lima, Maria; Carneiro, Lucia Cesar; Bianchini, Daniela; Dias, Alvaro Renato Guerra; Zavareze, Elessandra da Rosa; Prentice, Carlos; Moreira, Angelita da Silveira

2017-03-01

Films based on chitosan and xanthan gum were prepared using casting technique aiming to investigate the potential of these polymers as packaging materials. Six formulations of films were studied varying the proportion of chitosan and xanthan gum: 100:0 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C100XG0 film); 90:10 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C90XG10 film); 80:20 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C80XG20 film); 70:30 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C70XG30 film); 60:40 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C60XG40 film); and 50:50 (chitosan:xanthan gum, w/w, C50XG50 film). The total quantity of solids (chitosan and xanthan gum) in the filmogenic solution was 1.5 g per 100 mL of aqueous solution for all treatments, according to the proportion of each polymer. The films were evaluated by their functional groups, structural, thermal, morphological, physical, mechanical, and barrier properties. All films have presented endothermic peaks in the range of 122 to 175 °C and broad exothermic peaks above 200 °C, which were assigned to the melting temperature and thermal decomposition, respectively. These results demonstrated that films with xanthan gum have the highest T m and Δ m H. The films containing higher content of xanthan gum show also the highest tensile strength and the lowest elongation. Xanthan gum addition did not affect the water vapor permeability, solubility, and moisture of films. This set of data suggests the formation of chitosan-xanthan complexes in the films. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/ZnAl2O4 films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Araujo, P.M.A.G.; Santos, P.T.A.; Rodrigues, P.A.; Costa, A.C.F.M.; Araujo, E.M.

2012-01-01

Chitosan films have been explored for biomedical application, as the chitosan to be, low toxicity, abundant in nature, show affinity for dispersion loads and high mechanical strength. On the other hand, ZnAl 2 O 4 has energy gap of approximately 3.8 eV, which makes it useful for use as photoelectric device ultraviolet. Thus, this work has as objective to prepare films of quitosana/ZnAl 2 O 4 in proportions of 5:1, 5:2, 5:3, 5:4 and evaluate the structural, morphological and thermals characteristics. To this end, ZnAl2O4 first nanoparticles (NPs) was deagglomerated and 325 mesh sieve and added to chitosan diluted in 1% acetic acid, and dried at 60°C. After drying, a solution of 1M sodium hydroxide was added to obtain a film with neutral pH. The films were characterized by XRD, SEM and TG. For all proportions evaluated it was verified the presence of ZnAl 2 O)4 and chitosan phases. By micrographs, it was observed that there was formation of agglomerates of ZnAl 2 O 4 NPs both on the surface of the films, the encapsulated in chitosan. In all samples the ratio 5:4 showed the greatest consistency both in relation to the film surface of the nanoparticles in the chitosan matrix. TG/DTA curves of quitosana/ZnAl 2 O 4 film for all the samples showed that for the concentration of 5:1 to 5:3 occurred three mass loss while for concentration of 5:2 to 5:4 were only two stages decomposition. (author)

Preparation and characterization of depolymerised chitosan films and crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Salazar, Max Carlos; Valderrama Negron, Ana

2013-01-01

This work has studied the preparation and characterization of chitosan films (CS) crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Initially we studied the depolymerization of chitosan with sodium nitrite to get different polymer molecular weights in the used polymer. For example, we obtained chitosans of 554.22kDa and 133.37kDa of molecular weight. Afterward, prepared and characterized chitosans films crosslinked with TPP, evidently the hydrogen bridge interaction with the polyanion through IR, SEM, TG; also was performed swelling studies, with the objective of identified the type of kinetic model in which enable explain said phenomenon in these films. (author)

Reliability assessment of ultra-thin HfO{sub 2} films deposited on silicon wafer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fu, Wei-En [Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Room 216, Building 8, 321 Kuang Fu Road Sec. 2, Hsinchu, Taiwan (China); Chang, Chia-Wei [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (China); Chang, Yong-Qing [Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Room 216, Building 8, 321 Kuang Fu Road Sec. 2, Hsinchu, Taiwan (China); Yao, Chih-Kai [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (China); Liao, Jiunn-Der, E-mail: jdliao@mail.ncku.edu.tw [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan (China)

2012-09-01

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nano-mechanical properties on annealed ultra-thin HfO{sub 2} film are studied. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer By AFM analysis, hardness of the crystallized HfO{sub 2} film significantly increases. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer By nano-indention, the film hardness increases with less contact stiffness. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Quality assessment on the annealed ultra-thin films can thus be achieved. - Abstract: Ultra-thin hafnium dioxide (HfO{sub 2}) is used to replace silicon dioxide to meet the required transistor feature size in advanced semiconductor industry. The process integration compatibility and long-term reliability for the transistors depend on the mechanical performance of ultra-thin HfO{sub 2} films. The criteria of reliability including wear resistance, thermal fatigue, and stress-driven failure rely on film adhesion significantly. The adhesion and variations in mechanical properties induced by thermal annealing of the ultra-thin HfO{sub 2} films deposited on silicon wafers (HfO{sub 2}/SiO{sub 2}/Si) are not fully understood. In this work, the mechanical properties of an atomic layer deposited HfO{sub 2} (nominal thickness Almost-Equal-To 10 nm) on a silicon wafer were characterized by the diamond-coated tip of an atomic force microscope and compared with those of annealed samples. The results indicate that the annealing process leads to the formation of crystallized HfO{sub 2} phases for the atomic layer deposited HfO{sub 2}. The HfSi{sub x}O{sub y} complex formed at the interface between HfO{sub 2} and SiO{sub 2}/Si, where the thermal diffusion of Hf, Si, and O atoms occurred. The annealing process increases the surface hardness of crystallized HfO{sub 2} film and therefore the resistance to nano-scratches. In addition, the annealing process significantly decreases the harmonic contact stiffness (or thereafter eliminate the stress at the interface) and increases the nano-hardness, as measured by vertically

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

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

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.

Investigations into the early stages of 'in vitro' calcification on chitosan films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aimoli, Cassiano G.; Torres, Marco A.; Beppu, Marisa M.

2006-01-01

This work investigated the mechanisms involved in the 'in vitro' calcification of chitosan films. The calcification process on chitosan films is a phenomenon that has not been sufficiently studied, despite its importance in the understanding of many natural processes, such as bone and shell formation. Three different techniques were used in the present investigation: X-ray fluorescence (XRF), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Natural and acetylated chitosan films were used as substrates for calcification. The experiments were carried out by immersing chitosan membranes in simulated body fluid (SBF) or in a modified version of SBF, prepared without phosphate ions, during 30 min, 3 or 12 h. Calcium maps obtained by XRF showed that the initial calcium distribution on the chitosan surface was influenced by the acetylation treatment of chitosan films. AFM indicated the distribution pattern of calcium compound deposits at different times, obtained by film surface morphological analysis. The results suggest that the calcification mechanism is nucleation on membranes followed by the crystal growth of calcium compounds. AFM showed that the deposit formation is a function of immersion time: the deposits became more homogeneous and covered the surface more evenly with longer immersion times. XRD showed that the acetylated membranes produced more organized calcium deposits

Antimicrobial cerium ion-chitosan crosslinked alginate biopolymer films: A novel and potential wound dressing.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaygusuz, Hakan; Torlak, Emrah; Akın-Evingür, Gülşen; Özen, İlhan; von Klitzing, Regine; Erim, F Bedia

2017-12-01

Wound dressings require good antiseptic properties, mechanical strength and, more trustably, natural material ingredients. Antimicrobial properties of cerium ions and chitosan are known and alginate based wound dressings are commercially available. In this study, the advantages of these materials were combined and alginate films were crosslinked with cerium(III) solution and chitosan added cerium(III) solution. Films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), light transmittance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling experiments, water vapor transmittance tests, and mechanical stretching tests. The antibacterial and physical properties of the films were compared with those of conventional calcium alginate films. Both cerium ion crosslinked and cerium ion-chitosan crosslinked alginate films gained antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. Cerium alginate-chitosan films showed high resistance to being deformed elastically. Results show that cerium alginate-chitosan films can be flexible, ultraviolet-protecting, and antibacterial wound dressings. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ultrathin diamond-like carbon films deposited by filtered carbon vacuum arcs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anders, Andre; Fong, Walton; Kulkarni, Ashok; Ryan, Francis W.; Bhatia, C. Singh

2001-01-01

Ultrathin ( and lt; 5 nm) hard carbon films are of great interest to the magnetic storage industry as the areal density approaches 100 Gbit/in(sup 2). These films are used as overcoats to protect the magnetic layers on disk media and the active elements of the read-write slider. Tetrahedral amorphous carbon films can be produced by filtered cathodic arc deposition, but the films will only be accepted by the storage industry only if the ''macroparticle'' issue has been solved. Better plasma filters have been developed over recent years. Emphasis is put on the promising twist filter system - a compact, open structure that operates with pulsed arcs and high magnetic field. Based on corrosion tests it is shown that the macroparticle reduction by the twist filter is satisfactory for this demanding application, while plasma throughput is very high. Ultrathin hard carbon films have been synthesized using S-filter and twist filter systems. Film properties such as hardness, elastic modulus, wear, and corrosion resistance have been tested

Modified Starch-Chitosan Edible Films: Physicochemical and Mechanical Characterization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Monserrat Escamilla-García

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Starch and chitosan are widely used for preparation of edible films that are of great interest in food preservation. This work was aimed to analyze the relationship between structural and physical properties of edible films based on a mixture of chitosan and modified starches. In addition, films were tested for antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua. Films were prepared by the casting method using chitosan (CT, waxy (WS, oxidized (OS and acetylated (AS corn starches and their mixtures. The CT-starches films showed improved barrier and mechanical properties as compared with those made from individual components, CT-OS film presented the lowest thickness (74 ± 7 µm, water content (11.53% ± 0.85%, w/w, solubility (26.77% ± 1.40%, w/v and water vapor permeability ((1.18 ± 0.48 × 10−9 g·s−1·m−1·Pa−1. This film showed low hardness (2.30 ± 0.19 MPa, low surface roughness (Rq = 3.20 ± 0.41 nm and was the most elastic (Young’s modulus = 0.11 ± 0.06 GPa. In addition, films made from CT-starches mixtures reduced CT antimicrobial activity against L. innocua, depending on the type of modified starch. This was attributed to interactions between acetyl groups of AS with the carbonyl and amino groups of CT, leaving CT with less positive charge. Interaction of the pyranose ring of OS with CT led to increased OH groups that upon interaction with amino groups, decreased the positive charge of CT, and this effect is responsible for the reduced antimicrobial activity. It was found that the type of starch modification influenced interactions with chitosan, leading to different films properties.

High-mobility ultrathin semiconducting films prepared by spin coating.

Science.gov (United States)

Mitzi, David B; Kosbar, Laura L; Murray, Conal E; Copel, Matthew; Afzali, Ali

2004-03-18

The ability to deposit and tailor reliable semiconducting films (with a particular recent emphasis on ultrathin systems) is indispensable for contemporary solid-state electronics. The search for thin-film semiconductors that provide simultaneously high carrier mobility and convenient solution-based deposition is also an important research direction, with the resulting expectations of new technologies (such as flexible or wearable computers, large-area high-resolution displays and electronic paper) and lower-cost device fabrication. Here we demonstrate a technique for spin coating ultrathin (approximately 50 A), crystalline and continuous metal chalcogenide films, based on the low-temperature decomposition of highly soluble hydrazinium precursors. We fabricate thin-film field-effect transistors (TFTs) based on semiconducting SnS(2-x)Se(x) films, which exhibit n-type transport, large current densities (>10(5) A cm(-2)) and mobilities greater than 10 cm2 V(-1) s(-1)--an order of magnitude higher than previously reported values for spin-coated semiconductors. The spin-coating technique is expected to be applicable to a range of metal chalcogenides, particularly those based on main group metals, as well as for the fabrication of a variety of thin-film-based devices (for example, solar cells, thermoelectrics and memory devices).

Optimization of Chitosan Drying Temperature on The Quality and Quantity of Edible Film

Science.gov (United States)

Sri Wahyuni, Endah; Arifan, Fahmi

2018-02-01

Edible film is a thin layer (biodegradable) used to coat food and can be eaten. In addition edible film serves as a vapor transfer inhibitor, inhibits gas exchange, prevents aroma loss, prevents fat transfer, improves physical characteristics, and as an additive carrier. Edible film made of cassava starch, glycerol and chitosan. Cassava starch is used as raw material because it contains 80% starch. Glycerol serves as a plasticizer and chitosan serves to form films and membranes well. The purpose of this research is to know the characteristic test of edible film by using ANOVA analysis, where the variable of drying of the oven is temperature (70°C, 80°C, 90°C) and time for 3 hours and variables change chitosan (2 gr, 3 gr, 4 gr). The result of this research was obtained the most optimum for water content and water resistance in temperature variable 80 °C and chitosan 4 gr. The best edible films and bubbles on temperature variables are 80 °C and chitosan 4 gr.

Subatomic deformation driven by vertical piezoelectricity from CdS ultrathin films.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Xuewen; He, Xuexia; Zhu, Hongfei; Sun, Linfeng; Fu, Wei; Wang, Xingli; Hoong, Lai Chee; Wang, Hong; Zeng, Qingsheng; Zhao, Wu; Wei, Jun; Jin, Zhong; Shen, Zexiang; Liu, Jie; Zhang, Ting; Liu, Zheng

2016-07-01

Driven by the development of high-performance piezoelectric materials, actuators become an important tool for positioning objects with high accuracy down to nanometer scale, and have been used for a wide variety of equipment, such as atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy. However, positioning at the subatomic scale is still a great challenge. Ultrathin piezoelectric materials may pave the way to positioning an object with extreme precision. Using ultrathin CdS thin films, we demonstrate vertical piezoelectricity in atomic scale (three to five space lattices). With an in situ scanning Kelvin force microscopy and single and dual ac resonance tracking piezoelectric force microscopy, the vertical piezoelectric coefficient (d 33) up to 33 pm·V(-1) was determined for the CdS ultrathin films. These findings shed light on the design of next-generation sensors and microelectromechanical devices.

Structure Formation of Ultrathin PEO Films at Solid Interfaces—Complex Pattern Formation by Dewetting and Crystallization

Science.gov (United States)

Braun, Hans-Georg; Meyer, Evelyn

2013-01-01

The direct contact of ultrathin polymer films with a solid substrate may result in thin film rupture caused by dewetting. With crystallisable polymers such as polyethyleneoxide (PEO), molecular self-assembly into partial ordered lamella structures is studied as an additional source of pattern formation. Morphological features in ultrathin PEO films (thickness dewetting patterns and diffusion limited growth pattern of ordered lamella growing within the dewetting areas. Besides structure formation of hydrophilic PEO molecules, n-alkylterminated (hydrophobic) PEO oligomers are investigated with respect to self-organization in ultrathin films. Morphological features characteristic for pure PEO are not changed by the presence of the n-alkylgroups. PMID:23385233

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)

Thickness-dependence of optical constants for Ta2O5 ultrathin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Dong-Xu; Zheng, Yu-Xiang; Cai, Qing-Yuan; Lin, Wei; Wu, Kang-Ning; Mao, Peng-Hui; Zhang, Rong-Jun; Zhao, Hai-bin; Chen, Liang-Yao

2012-01-01

An effective method for determining the optical constants of Ta 2 O 5 thin films deposited on crystal silicon (c-Si) using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurement with a two-film model (ambient-oxide-interlayer-substrate) was presented. Ta 2 O 5 thin films with thickness range of 1-400 nm have been prepared by the electron beam evaporation (EBE) method. We find that the refractive indices of Ta 2 O 5 ultrathin films less than 40 nm drop with the decreasing thickness, while the other ones are close to those of bulk Ta 2 O 5 . This phenomenon was due to the existence of an interfacial oxide region and the surface roughness of the film, which was confirmed by the measurement of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical properties of ultrathin film varying with the thickness are useful for the design and manufacture of nano-scaled thin-film devices. (orig.)

Thickness-dependence of optical constants for Ta2O5 ultrathin films

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Dong-Xu; Zheng, Yu-Xiang; Cai, Qing-Yuan; Lin, Wei; Wu, Kang-Ning; Mao, Peng-Hui; Zhang, Rong-Jun; Zhao, Hai-bin; Chen, Liang-Yao

2012-09-01

An effective method for determining the optical constants of Ta2O5 thin films deposited on crystal silicon (c-Si) using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) measurement with a two-film model (ambient-oxide-interlayer-substrate) was presented. Ta2O5 thin films with thickness range of 1-400 nm have been prepared by the electron beam evaporation (EBE) method. We find that the refractive indices of Ta2O5 ultrathin films less than 40 nm drop with the decreasing thickness, while the other ones are close to those of bulk Ta2O5. This phenomenon was due to the existence of an interfacial oxide region and the surface roughness of the film, which was confirmed by the measurement of atomic force microscopy (AFM). Optical properties of ultrathin film varying with the thickness are useful for the design and manufacture of nano-scaled thin-film devices.

Film-thickness dependence of structure formation in ultra-thin polymer blend films

CERN Document Server

Gutmann, J S; Stamm, M

2002-01-01

We investigated the film-thickness dependence of structure formation in ultra-thin polymer blend films prepared from solution. As a model system we used binary blends of statistical poly(styrene-co-p-bromostyrene) copolymers of different degrees of bromination. Ultra-thin-film samples differing in miscibility and film thickness were prepared via spin coating of common toluene solutions onto silicon (100) substrates. The resulting morphologies were investigated with scanning force microscopy, reflectometry and grazing-incidence scattering techniques using both X-rays and neutrons in order to obtain a picture of the sample structure at and below the sample surface. (orig.)

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.

Diatomite as a novel composite ingredient for chitosan film with enhanced physicochemical properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Akyuz, Lalehan; Kaya, Murat; Koc, Behlul; Mujtaba, Muhammad; Ilk, Sedef; Labidi, Jalel; Salaberria, Asier M; Cakmak, Yavuz Selim; Yildiz, Aysegul

2017-12-01

Practical applications of biopolymers in different industries are gaining considerable increase day by day. But still, these biopolymers lack important properties in order to meet the industrial demands. In the same regard, in the current study, chitosan composite films are produced by incorporating diatomite soil at two different concentrations. In order to obtain a homogeneous film, glutaraldehyde was supplemented to chitosan solution as a cross-linker. Compositing diatomaceous earth to chitosan film resulted in improvement of various important physicochemical properties compared to control such as; enhanced film wettability, increase elongation at break and improved thermal stability (264-277°C). The microstructure of the film was observed to haveconsisted of homogeneously distributed blister-shaped structures arised due to the incorporation of diatomite. The incorporation of diatomite did not influence the overall antioxidant activity of the composite films, which can be ascribe to the difficulty radicals formation. Chitosan film incorporated with increasing fraction of diatomite revealed a notable enhancement in the antimicrobial activity. Additionally with the present study, for the first time possible interactions between chitosan/diatomite were determined via quantum chemical calculations. Current study will be helpful in giving a new biotechnological perspective to diatom in terms of its successful application in hydrophobic composite film production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Plasticizers on Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan-Gelatin Films

Science.gov (United States)

Manshor, N. Mohammed; Rezali, M. I.; Jai, J.; Yahya, A.

2018-05-01

Composite chitosan-gelatin films were produced to investigate the effect of plasticizer and composition of chitosan and gelatin on physicochemical and mechanical properties of the films. The films were prepared according to ratio of chitosan: gelatin of 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1. For each film, glycerol, sorbitol and sucrose were added as plasticizer. The film forming solution was poured on a glass plate and dried for 12 hours in an oven at 60°C. The highest tensile strength was 4.04 MPa for films of ratio 2:1 plasticized with glycerol compared to sorbitol and sucrose which were 3.94 MPa and 3.84 MPa, respectively. However, films plasticized with sorbitol at ratio of 1:2 had the highest percent elongation which was 68.20%, followed by glycerol and sucrose which were 26.51% and 24.08%, respectively.

Novel self-organization mechanism in ultrathin liquid films: theory and experiment.

Science.gov (United States)

Trice, Justin; Favazza, Christopher; Thomas, Dennis; Garcia, Hernando; Kalyanaraman, Ramki; Sureshkumar, Radhakrishna

2008-07-04

When an ultrathin metal film of thickness h (h*, in contrast to the classical spinodal dewetting behavior where Lambda increases monotonically as h2. These predictions agree well with experimental observations for Co and Fe films on SiO2.

Development and characterization of bioactive edible films from spider crab (Maja crispata) chitosan incorporated with Spirulina extract.

Science.gov (United States)

Balti, Rafik; Mansour, Mohamed Ben; Sayari, Nadhem; Yacoubi, Lamia; Rabaoui, Lotfi; Brodu, Nicolas; Massé, Anthony

2017-12-01

Active food packaging films based on crab chitosan and Spirulina extract (SE) were developed. The effects of the SE incorporation at different levels on physical (color, opacity water vapor and oxygen permeability) and mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break) properties of chitosan films were investigated. FTIR was carried out to observe the potential modifications of the chitosan films when incorporated with SE. The obtained results suggested that incorporation of SE into chitosan films improved mechanical and barrier properties. The antioxidant activity of the chitosan/SE films was characterized by means of three different analytical assays (DPPH, FRAP and FIC). Crab chitosan edible films containing SE showed higher antioxidant activity, regardless concentrations and methods assayed. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The agar disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activities of chitosan edible films against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. The chitosan/SE films were more effective (pchitosan edible films incorporated with SE showed great potential to be used for active food packaging due to its excellent antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of Interfaces on the Structure and Novel Physical Properties in Epitaxial Multiferroic BiFeO3 Ultrathin Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chuanwei Huang

2014-07-01

Full Text Available In functional oxide films, different electrical/mechanical boundaries near film surfaces induce rich phase diagrams and exotic phenomena. In this paper, we review some key points which underpin structure, phase transition and related properties in BiFeO3 ultrathin films. Compared with the bulk counterparts, we survey the recent results of epitaxial BiFeO3 ultrathin films to illustrate how the atomic structure and phase are markedly influenced by the interface between the film and the substrate, and to emphasize the roles of misfit strain and depolarization field on determining the domain patterns, phase transformation and associated physical properties of BiFeO3 ultrathin films, such as polarization, piezoelectricity, and magnetism. One of the obvious consequences of the misfit strain on BiFeO3 ultrathin films is the emergence of a sequence of phase transition from tetragonal to mixed tetragonal & rhombohedral, the rhombohedral, mixed rhombohedral & orthorhombic, and finally orthorhombic phases. Other striking features of this system are the stable domain patterns and the crossover of 71° and 109° domains with different electrical boundary conditions on the film surface, which can be controlled and manipulated through the depolarization field. The external field-sensitive enhancements of properties for BiFeO3 ultrathin films, including the polarization, magnetism and morphotropic phase boundary-relevant piezoelectric response, offer us deeper insights into the investigations of the emergent properties and phenomena of epitaxial ultrathin films under various mechanical/electrical constraints. Finally, we briefly summarize the recent progress and list open questions for future study on BiFeO3 ultrathin films.

Physical Characteristics of Chitosan Based Film Modified With Silica and Polyethylene Glycol

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. Widhi Mahatmanti

2014-07-01

Full Text Available Recently, development of film materials is focused on finding the films with high chemical and physical stabilities. Organic based material such as chitosan produces films with low physical stability, and hence addition of inorganic materials necessary. In this research, the effect of silica and polyethylene glycol (PEG addition on the properties of chitosan based films has been investigated. Precursors used to produce films included chitosan with the deacetylation degree of 83% and sodium silicate solution as the silica source. A simple synthesis in a one-pot process was carried out by mixing 1%(w of chitosan solution in 2%(v/v acetate acid and sodium silicate solution (27% SiO2 in various composition ratios and casting the solution on a glass dish. The tensile strength and percentage of elongation decrease with increasing the silica content. The tensile strength tends to decline with addition of PEG, but the elongation percentage of the film increases. Hydrophilicity of the film decreases with the addition of silica and increases with the addition of PEG. The addition of silica and PEG does not change significantly the morphology of the film and functional groups indicating the domination of physical interaction among active sites in the film components.

Structure Formation of Ultrathin PEO Films at Solid Interfaces—Complex Pattern Formation by Dewetting and Crystallization

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hans-Georg Braun

2013-02-01

Full Text Available The direct contact of ultrathin polymer films with a solid substrate may result in thin film rupture caused by dewetting. With crystallisable polymers such as polyethyleneoxide (PEO, molecular self-assembly into partial ordered lamella structures is studied as an additional source of pattern formation. Morphological features in ultrathin PEO films (thickness < 10 nm result from an interplay between dewetting patterns and diffusion limited growth pattern of ordered lamella growing within the dewetting areas. Besides structure formation of hydrophilic PEO molecules, n-alkylterminated (hydrophobic PEO oligomers are investigated with respect to self-organization in ultrathin films. Morphological features characteristic for pure PEO are not changed by the presence of the n-alkylgroups.

Chitosan/graphene oxide biocomposite film from pencil rod

Science.gov (United States)

Gea, S.; Sari, J. N.; Bulan, R.; Piliang, A.; Amaturrahim, S. A.; Hutapea, Y. A.

2018-03-01

Graphene Oxide (GO) has been succesfully synthesized using Hummber method from graphite powder of pencil rod. The excellent solubility of graphene oxide (GO)in water imparts its feasibilty as new filler for reinforcement hydrophilic biopolymers. In this research, the biocomposite film was fabricated from chitosan/graphene oxide. The characteristics of graphene oxide were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The results of the XRD showed graphene structur in 2θ, appeared at 9.0715°with interlayer spacing was about 9.74063Å. Preparation films with several variations of chitosan/graphene oxide was done by casting method and characterized by mechanical and morphological analysis. The mechanical properties of the tensile test in the film show that the film CS/GO (85: 15)% has the optimum Young’s modulus size of 2.9 GPa compared to other variations of CS / GO film. Morphological analysis film CS/GO (85:15)% by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the obtained biocomposites film showed fine dispersion of GO in the CS matrix and could mix each other homogeneously.

Silk fibroin/chitosan thin film promotes osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Da-Wei; He, Jin; He, Feng-Li; Liu, Ya-Li; Liu, Yang-Yang; Ye, Ya-Jing; Deng, Xudong; Yin, Da-Chuan

2018-04-01

As a biodegradable polymer thin film, silk fibroin/chitosan composite film overcomes the defects of pure silk fibroin and chitosan films, respectively, and shows remarkable biocompatibility, appropriate hydrophilicity and mechanical properties. Silk fibroin/chitosan thin film can be used not only as metal implant coating for bone injury repair, but also as tissue engineering scaffold for skin, cornea, adipose, and other soft tissue injury repair. However, the biocompatibility of silk fibroin/chitosan thin film for mesenchymal stem cells, a kind of important seed cell of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, is rarely reported. In this study, silk fibroin/chitosan film was prepared by solvent casting method, and the rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured on the silk fibroin/chitosan thin film. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were induced, respectively. The proliferation ability, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation abilities of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were systematically compared between silk fibroin/chitosan thin film and polystyrene tissue culture plates. The results showed that silk fibroin/chitosan thin film not only provided a comparable environment for the growth and proliferation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells but also promoted their osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. This work provided information of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells behavior on silk fibroin/chitosan thin film and extended the application of silk fibroin/chitosan thin film. Based on the results, we suggested that the silk fibroin/chitosan thin film could be a promising material for tissue engineering of bone, cartilage, adipose, and skin.

Preparation and characterization of biocomposite film based on chitosan and kombucha tea as active food packaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Ashrafi, Azam; Jokar, Maryam; Mohammadi Nafchi, Abdorreza

2018-03-01

An active film composed of chitosan and kombucha tea (KT) was successfully prepared using the solvent casting technique. The effect of incorporation of KT at the levels 1%-3% w/w on the physical and functional properties of chitosan film was investigated. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan/KT film against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using agar diffusion test, and its antioxidant activity was determined using DPpH assay. The results revealed that incorporation of KT into chitosan films improved the water vapor permeability (from 256.7 to 132.1gcm -2 h -1 KPa -1 mm) and enhanced the antioxidant activity of the latter up to 59% DPpH scavenging activity. Moreover, the incorporation of KT into the chitosan film increased the protective effect of the film against ultra violet (UV). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed the chemical interactions between chitosan and the polyphenol groups of KT. In a minced beef model, chitosan/KT film effectively served as an active packaging and extended the shelf life of the minced beef as manifested in the retardation of lipid oxidation and microbial growth from 5.36 to 2.11logcfugr -1 in 4days storage. The present work demonstrates that the chitosan/KT film not only maintains the quality of the minced beef but also, retards microbial growth significantly, extending the shelf life of the minced beef meat up to 3days; thus, chitosan/KT film is a potential material for active food packaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of collagen / chitosan films for skin regenerating scaffold

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ismarul, I.N.; Ishak, Y.; Ismail, Z.; Mohd Shalihuddin, W.M.

2004-01-01

Various Proportions of chitosan/collagen films (70/30% to 95/05%) w/w were prepared and evaluated for its suitability as skin regenerating scaffold. Interactions between chitosan and collagen were studied using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the blend. Mechanical properties were evaluated using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The chitosan/collagen films were found to swell proportionally with time until it reaches equilibrium, FTIR spectroscopy indicated no chemical interaction between the components of the blends, DSC data indicated only one peak proving that these two materials are compatible at all proportions investigated. SEM micrographs also indicated good homogeneity between these two materials. (Author)

Properties of Chitosan-Genipin Films Grafted with Phenolic Compounds from Red Wine

OpenAIRE

Gonçalves, Fernando Jorge

2015-01-01

Chitosan has been studied as a renewable biopolymer to form edible films and coatings to improve the shelf life of food products. Chemical modification of chitosan is a strategy to prepare chitosan films with enhanced properties to be used as food preservatives. Wine, particularly red wine, is a rich natural source of phenolic compounds, namely anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, monomeric catechins, and phenolic acids. Phenolic compounds, in general, present strong antioxidant properties. The a...

Tuning the Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Balance to Control the Structure of Chitosan Films and Their Protein Release Behavior.

Science.gov (United States)

Becerra, Jose; Sudre, Guillaume; Royaud, Isabelle; Montserret, Roland; Verrier, Bernard; Rochas, Cyrille; Delair, Thierry; David, Laurent

2017-05-01

The control over the crystallinity of chitosan and chitosan/ovalbumin films can be achieved via an appropriate balance of the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interactions during the film formation process, which then controls the release kinetics of ovalbumin. Chitosan films were prepared by solvent casting. The presence of the anhydrous allomorph can be viewed as a probe of the hydrophobic conditions at the neutralization step. The semicrystalline structure, the swelling behavior of the films, the protein/chitosan interactions, and the release behavior of the films were impacted by the DA and the film processing parameters. At low DAs, the chitosan films neutralized in the solid state corresponded to the most hydrophobic environment, inducing the crystallization of the anhydrous allomorph with and without protein. The most hydrophilic conditions, leading to the hydrated allomorph, corresponded to non-neutralized films for the highest DAs. For the non-neutralized chitosan acetate (amorphous) films, the swelling increased when the DA decreased, whereas for the neutralized chitosan films, the swelling decreased. The in vitro release of ovalbumin (model protein) from chitosan films was controlled by their swelling behavior. For fast swelling films (DA = 45%), a burst effect was observed. On the contrary, a lag time was evidenced for DA = 2.5% with a limited release of the protein. Furthermore, by blending chitosans (DA = 2.5% and 45%), the release behavior was improved by reducing the burst effect and the lag time. The secondary structure of ovalbumin was partially maintained in the solid state, and the ovalbumin was released under its native form.

Junctionless Thin-Film Transistors Gated by an H₃PO₄-Incorporated Chitosan Proton Conductor.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Huixuan; Xun, Damao

2018-04-01

We fabricated an H3PO4-incorporated chitosan proton conductor film that exhibited the electric double layer effect and showed a high specific capacitance of 4.42 μF/cm2. Transparent indium tin oxide thin-film transistors gated by H3PO4-incorporated chitosan films were fabricated by sputtering through a shadow mask. The operating voltage was as low as 1.2 V because of the high specific capacitance of the H3PO4-incorporated chitosan dielectrics. The junctionless transparent indium tin oxide thin film transistors exhibited good performance, including an estimated current on/off ratio and field-effect mobility of 1.2 × 106 and 6.63 cm2V-1s-1, respectively. These low-voltage thin-film electric-double-layer transistors gated by H3PO4-incorporated chitosan are promising for next generation battery-powered "see-through" portable sensors.

Coupling of microphase separation and dewetting in weakly segregated diblock co-polymer ultrathin films.

Science.gov (United States)

Yan, Derong; Huang, Haiying; He, Tianbai; Zhang, Fajun

2011-10-04

We have studied the coupling behavior of microphase separation and autophobic dewetting in weakly segregated poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(L-lactide) (PCL-b-PLLA) diblock co-polymer ultrathin films on carbon-coated mica substrates. At temperatures higher than the melting point of the PLLA block, the co-polymer forms a lamellar structure in bulk with a long period of L ∼ 20 nm, as determined using small-angle X-ray scattering. The relaxation procedure of ultrathin films with an initial film thickness of h = 10 nm during annealing has been followed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). In the experimental temperature range (100-140 °C), the co-polymer dewets to an ultrathin film of itself at about 5 nm because of the strong attraction of both blocks with the substrate. Moreover, the dewetting velocity increases with decreasing annealing temperatures. This novel dewetting kinetics can be explained by a competition effect of the composition fluctuation driven by the microphase separation with the dominated dewetting process during the early stage of the annealing process. While dewetting dominates the relaxation procedure and leads to the rupture of the ultrathin films, the composition fluctuation induced by the microphase separation attempts to stabilize them because of the matching of h to the long period (h ∼ 1/2L). The temperature dependence of these two processes leads to this novel relaxation kinetics of co-polymer thin films. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Magnetic properties of ultrathin Co/Ge(111) and Co/Ge(100) films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cheng, W. C.; Tsay, J. S.; Yao, Y. D.; Lin, K. C.; Yang, C. S.; Lee, S. F.; Tseng, T. K.; Neih, H. Y.

2001-01-01

The orientation of the magnetization and the occurrence of interfacial ferromagnetic inactive layers for ultrathin Co films grown on Ge(111) and Ge(100) surfaces have been studied using the in situ surface magneto-optic Kerr effect. On a Ge(111) substrate, cobalt films (≤28 monolayers) with in-plane easy axis of magnetization have been observed; however, on a Ge(100) substrate, ultrathin Co films (14 - 16 monolayers) with canted out-of-plane easy axis of magnetization were measured. The ferromagnetic inactive layers were formed due to the intermixing of Co and Ge and lowering the Curie temperature by reducing Co film thickness. The Co - Ge compound inactive layers were 3.8 monolayers thick for Co films grown on Ge(111) and 6.2 monolayers thick for Co films deposited on Ge(100). This is attributed to the difference of the density of surface atoms on Ge(111) and Ge(100). [copyright] 2001 American Institute of Physics

The effect of gamma irradiation on chitosan film dyed with malachite green

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yeoh Siong Hu; Md Soot Ahmad

2009-01-01

In this research, chitosan is used as the base for a dye and the effects of γ-irradiation on the dye was researched. The dyed chitosan film of the thickness 70 μm was developed by dissolving chitosan powder in an acetic acid solution. Malachite Green dye was used as the dye and was prepared by using water as solvent. Dyed chitosan gel was the dried and small pieces of 1 x 1 cm 2 was cut out and the dyed film was analyzed using the UV-VIS spectrometer and achieved a maximum absorption at the wavelength of λ=615 nm. Using Gammacell, the film was irradiated by gamma ray with various doses ranging from 5-25 KGy. The effect of the irradiation on the dyed film was study for various factors. The effect of the dose, thickness and shelf life was studied and shows significant effect to the optical density. As the dose reaches 25 KGy, the destruction of the dye approaches 20%. (Author)

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

Science.gov (United States)

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

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.

Edible Film from Polyblend of Ginger Starch, Chitosan, and Sorbitol as Plasticizer

Science.gov (United States)

Sariningsih, N.; Putra, Y. P.; Pamungkas, W. P.; Kusumaningsih, T.

2018-03-01

Polyblend ginger starch/chitosan based edible film has been succesfully prepared and characterized. The purpose of this research was to produce edible film from polyblend of ginger starch, chitosan, and sorbitol as plasticizer. The resulted edible film were characterized by using FTIR, TGA and UTM. Edible film of ginger starch had OH vibration (3430 cm-1). Besides, edible film had elongation up to 15.63%. The thermal degradation of this material reached 208°C indicating high termal stability. The water uptake of the edible film was 42.85%. It concluded that edible film produce in this research has potential as a packaging.

Nearly zero transmission through periodically modulated ultrathin metal films

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Xiao, Sanshui; Zhang, Jingjing; Peng, Liang

2010-01-01

Transmission of light through an optically ultrathin metal film with a thickness comparable to its skin depth is significant. We demonstrate experimentally nearly-zero transmission of light through a film periodically modulated by a one-dimensional array of subwavelength slits. The suppressed...... optical transmission is due to the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons and the zero-transmission phenomenon is strongly dependent on the polarization of the incident wave....

Films, Buckypapers and Fibers from Clay, Chitosan and Carbon Nanotubes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marc in het Panhuis

2011-04-01

Full Text Available The mechanical and electrical characteristics of films, buckypapers and fiber materials from combinations of clay, carbon nanotubes (CNTs and chitosan are described. The rheological time-dependent characteristics of clay are maintained in clay–carbon nanotube–chitosan composite dispersions. It is demonstrated that the addition of chitosan improves their mechanical characteristics, but decreases electrical conductivity by three-orders of magnitude compared to clay–CNT materials. We show that the electrical response upon exposure to humid atmosphere is influenced by clay-chitosan interactions, i.e., the resistance of clay–CNT materials decreases, whereas that of clay–CNT–chitosan increases.

Utilization of flax (Linum usitatissimum) cellulose nanocrystals as reinforcing material for chitosan films.

Science.gov (United States)

Mujtaba, Muhammad; Salaberria, Asier M; Andres, María A; Kaya, Murat; Gunyakti, Ayse; Labidi, Jalel

2017-11-01

Use of plastic based packaging tools is causing both health and economic problems. To overcome this situation, researchers are focusing on the use of different biomaterials such as chitosan and cellulose. The current study was conducted to check the effect of flax (Linum usitatissimum) cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) on mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan-based films. CNC was incorporated in different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 30%). CNC was isolated from flax fiber using acid hydrolysis method. Tensile strength (TS) and young modulus (YM) values increased with the increase of CNC concentration. Chitosan film with 20% CNC revealed the highest YM value as 52.35MPa. No significant improvement was recorded in water vapor permeability due to overall lower film crystallinity. All the films were observed to be transparent up to an acceptable level. SEM and AFM analysis confirmed the homogeneity of films. A gradual enhancement was recorded in the antimicrobial activity of chitosan/CNC composite films. No significant improvement revealed in the thermal stability of composites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Field emission mechanism from a single-layer ultra-thin semiconductor film cathode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Duan Zhiqiang; Wang Ruzhi; Yuan Ruiyang; Yang Wei; Wang Bo; Yan Hui

2007-01-01

Field emission (FE) from a single-layer ultra-thin semiconductor film cathode (SUSC) on a metal substrate has been investigated theoretically. The self-consistent quantum FE model is developed by synthetically considering the energy band bending and electron scattering. As a typical example, we calculate the FE properties of ultra-thin AlN film with an adjustable film thickness from 1 to 10 nm. The calculated results show that the FE characteristic is evidently modulated by varying the film thickness, and there is an optimum thickness of about 3 nm. Furthermore, a four-step FE mechanism is suggested such that the distinct FE current of a SUSC is rooted in the thickness sensitivity of its quantum structure, and the optimum FE properties of the SUSC should be attributed to the change in the effective potential combined with the attenuation of electron scattering

Growth and characterization of ultrathin epitaxial MnO film on Ag(001)

Science.gov (United States)

Kundu, Asish K.; Menon, Krishnakumar S. R.

2016-07-01

We present here a comprehensive growth procedure to obtain a well-ordered MnO(001) ultrathin film on Ag(001) substrate. Depending upon the oxygen partial pressure during the growth, different phases of manganese oxide have been detected by Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic (XPS) studies. A modified growth scheme has been adopted to get well-ordered and stoichiometric MnO(001) ultrathin film. The detailed growth mechanism of epitaxial MnO film on Ag(001) has been studied step by step, using LEED and XPS techniques. Observation of sharp (1 × 1) LEED pattern with a low inelastic background, corresponds to a long-range atomic order with low defect densities indicating the high structural quality of the film. The Mn 2p and Mn 3s core-level spectra confirm the oxidation state as well as the stoichiometry of the grown MnO films. Apart from the growth optimization, the evolution of strain relaxation of the MnO(001) film with film thickness has been explored.

Development and Evaluation of Cefadroxil Drug Loaded Biopolymeric Films Based on Chitosan-Furfural Schiff Base

Science.gov (United States)

Dixit, Ritu B.; Uplana, Rahul A.; Patel, Vishnu A.; Dixit, Bharat C.; Patel, Tarosh S.

2010-01-01

Cefadroxil drug loaded biopolymeric films of chitosan-furfural schiff base were prepared by reacting chitosan with furfural in presence of acetic acid and perchloric acid respectively for the external use. Prepared films were evaluated for their strength, swelling index, thickness, drug content, uniformity, tensile strength, percent elongation, FTIR spectral analysis and SEM. The results of in vitro diffusion studies revealed that the films exhibited enhanced drug diffusion as compared to the films prepared using untreated chitosan. The films also demonstrated good to moderate antibacterial activities against selective gram positive and gram negative bacteria. PMID:21179325

Nanometric thin film membranes manufactured on square meter scale: ultra-thin films for CO 2 capture

KAUST Repository

Yave, Wilfredo

2010-09-01

Miniaturization and manipulation of materials at nanometer scale are key challenges in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In membrane science and technology, the fabrication of ultra-thin polymer films (defect-free) on square meter scale with uniform thickness (<100 nm) is crucial. By using a tailor-made polymer and by controlling the nanofabrication conditions, we developed and manufactured defect-free ultra-thin film membranes with unmatched carbon dioxide permeances, i.e. >5 m3 (STP) m-2 h -1 bar-1. The permeances are extremely high, because the membranes are made from a CO2 philic polymer material and they are only a few tens of nanometers thin. Thus, these thin film membranes have potential application in the treatment of large gas streams under low pressure like, e.g., carbon dioxide separation from flue gas. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Optical properties of vacuum deposited polyaniline ultra-thin film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wahab, M. R. A.; Din, M.; Yunus, W. M. M.; Hasan, Z. A.; Kasim, A.

2005-01-01

Full text: Ultra-thin films of emeraldine base (EB) and emeraldine salt (ES) form of polyaniline (PANi) were prepared using electron-gun vacuum deposition. Thickness range studied was between 100AA and 450AA. Dielectric permittivity of the films determined from Kretchmann Configuration Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) angles-scanning set-up show shifts and narrowing of the SPR dip. Absorbance spectra of S-polarized and P-polarized light show the aging effect on orientation of the film. The effect of aging on its conductivity and photoluminescence is also correlated to the surface morphology

Ultra-thin films for plasmonics: a technology overview

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Malureanu, Radu; Lavrinenko, Andrei

2015-01-01

Ultra-thin films with low surface roughness that support surface plasmon-polaritons in the infra-red and visible ranges are needed in order to improve the performance of devices based on the manipulation of plasmon propagation. Increasing amount of efforts is made in order not only to improve...... the quality of the deposited layers but also to diminish their thickness and to find new materials that could be used in this field. In this review, we consider various thin films used in the field of plasmonics and metamaterials in the visible and IR range. We focus our presentation on technological issues...... of their deposition and reported characterization of film plasmonic performance....

Ultrathin polycrystalline 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)-pentacene films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jung, Min-Cherl; Zhang, Dongrong; Nikiforov, Gueorgui O.; Lee, Michael V.; Qi, Yabing, E-mail: Yabing.Qi@oist.jp [Energy Materials and Surface Sciences Unit (EMSS), Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495 (Japan); Joo Shin, Tae; Ahn, Docheon; Lee, Han-Koo; Baik, Jaeyoon; Shin, Hyun-Joon [Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, POSTECH, Pohang 790-784 (Korea, Republic of)

2015-03-15

Ultrathin (<6 nm) polycrystalline films of 6,13-bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl) pentacene (TIPS-P) are deposited with a two-step spin-coating process. The influence of spin-coating conditions on morphology of the resulting film was examined by atomic force microscopy. Film thickness and RMS surface roughness were in the range of 4.0–6.1 and 0.6–1.1 nm, respectively, except for small holes. Polycrystalline structure was confirmed by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction measurements. Near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure measurements suggested that the plane through aromatic rings of TIPS-P molecules was perpendicular to the substrate surface.

Determining surface coverage of ultra-thin gold films from X-ray reflectivity measurements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kossoy, A.; Simakov, D.; Olafsson, S.; Leosson, K.

2013-01-01

The paper describes usage of X-ray reflectivity for characterization of surface coverage (i.e. film continuity) of ultra-thin gold films which are widely studied for optical, plasmonic and electronic applications. The demonstrated method is very sensitive and can be applied for layers below 1 nm. It has several advantages over other techniques which are often employed in characterization of ultra-thin metal films, such as optical absorption, Atomic Force Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy or Scanning Electron Microscopy. In contrast to those techniques our method does not require specialized sample preparation and measurement process is insensitive to electrostatic charge and/or presence of surface absorbed water. We validate our results with image processing of Scanning Electron Microscopy images. To ensure precise quantitative analysis of the images we developed a generic local thresholding algorithm which allowed us to treat series of images with various values of surface coverage with similar image processing parameters. - Highlights: • Surface coverage/continuity of ultra-thin Au films (up to 7 nm) was determined. • Results from X-ray reflectivity were verified by scanning electron microscopy. • We developed local thresholding algorithm to treat non-homogeneous image contrast

Chitosan-caffeic acid-genipin films presenting enhanced antioxidant activity and stability in acidic media.

Science.gov (United States)

Nunes, Cláudia; Maricato, Élia; Cunha, Ângela; Nunes, Alexandra; da Silva, José A Lopes; Coimbra, Manuel A

2013-01-02

The use of chitosan films has been limited due to their high degradability in aqueous acidic media. In order to produce chitosan films with high antioxidant activity and insoluble in acid solutions caffeic acid was grafted to chitosan by a radical mechanism using ammonium cerium (IV) nitrate (60 mM). Genipin was used as cross-linker. This methodology originated films with 80% higher antioxidant activity than the pristine film. Also, these films only lost 11% of their mass upon seven days immersion into an aqueous solution at pH 3.5 under stirring. The films surface wettability (contact angle 105°), mechanical properties (68 MPa of tensile strength and 4% of elongation at break), and thermal stability for temperatures lower than 300 °C were not significantly influenced by the covalent linkage of caffeic acid and genipin to chitosan. Due to their characteristics, mainly higher antioxidant activity and lower solubility, these are promising materials to be used as active films. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chitosan-incorporated different nanocomposite HPMC films for food preservation

Science.gov (United States)

Shanmuga Priya, D.; Suriyaprabha, R.; Yuvakkumar, R.; Rajendran, V.

2014-02-01

Chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized by cross-linking with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) using ionic gelation method and casted into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films. XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectra showed the corresponding phase, characteristic peaks of CS-TPP functional groups, and transmittance of the films, respectively. Oleic acid, TiO2, neem powder, and Ag of equal ratio were added as an additive to the optimized 1 wt% of chitosan-HPMC films and studied for its mechanical, solubility, thermal, structural, and antimicrobial property. The better physio-chemical and biological properties are achieved in the films incorporated with TiO2 and neem. The characterized films were directly tested for the preservation of grape and plums and for their decay index. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity of the preserved fruits showed that grape and plums remained unchanged, respectively, for 10 days and for 3 weeks. This study reveals that shelf life of the grape using TiO2- and neem-doped CS-HPMC films was extended up to 10 days with good sensory and textural qualities compared with other films.

Chitosan-Assisted Crystallization and Film Forming of Perovskite Crystals through Biomineralization.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Yang; Sun, Chen; Yip, Hin-Lap; Sun, Runcang; Wang, Xiaohui

2016-03-18

Biomimetic mineralization is a powerful approach for the synthesis of advanced composite materials with hierarchical organization and controlled structure. Herein, chitosan was introduced into a perovskite precursor solution as a biopolymer additive to control the crystallization and to improve the morphology and film-forming properties of a perovskite film by way of biomineralization. The biopolymer additive was able to control the size and morphology of the perovskite crystals and helped to form smooth films. The mechanism of chitosan-mediated nucleation and growth of the perovskite crystals was explored. As a possible application, the chitosan-perovskite composite film was introduced into a planar heterojunction solar cell and increased power conversion efficiency relative to that observed for the pristine perovskite film was achieved. The biomimetic mineralization method proposed in this study provides an alternative way of preparing perovskite crystals with well-controlled morphology and properties and extends the applications of perovskite crystals in photoelectronic fields, including planar-heterojunction solar cells. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Orbital hybridization, crystal structure and anomalous resistivity of ultrathin CrZrx alloy films on polymeric substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Evans, Drew; Zuber, Kamil; Merkens, Kerstin; Murphy, Peter

2012-01-01

The orbital hybridization and crystal structure are experimentally explored for ultrathin chrome zirconium (CrZr x ) alloy films co-sputtered on precoated polymeric substrates. We determine the level of orbital hybridization and crystal structure using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron diffraction. Body-centred cubic and Ω-hexagonally close-packed phases are observed to coexist in the sputtered Cr-based films. Experiments reveal the orbital hybridization and crystal structure combine to produce anomalous resistivity for these ultrathin films.

Rapid adhesion and proliferation of keratinocytes on the gold colloid/chitosan film scaffold

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Yi; He Hong; Gao Wenjuan; Lu Shuangyun; Liu Yang; Gu Haiying

2009-01-01

The gold colloid/chitosan film scaffold, which could enhance the attached ratio and accelerate proliferation of newborn mice keratinocytes, was fabricated by nanotechnology and self-assembly technology. This nanometer scaffold was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The keratinocytes were cultured and observed on three different extracellular matrices (ECM): gold colloid/chitosan film scaffold, chitosan film and cell culture plastic (control groups). 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after inoculation, the cell attached ratios were calculated respectively. In comparison to control groups, this scaffold could significantly (P < 0.01) increase the attached ratio of keratinocytes and promote their growth. Meanwhile, there were not any fusiform fibroblasts growing on this scaffold. The rapidly proliferating keratinocytes were indentified and characterized by immunohistochemistry and transmissive electron microscope (TEM), which showed the cells maintain their biological activity well. The results indicated that gold colloid/chitosan film scaffold was nontoxic to keratinocytes, and was a good candidate for wound dressing in skin tissue engineering.

Characteristic of ascorbic acid in crosslinked chitosan edible film as drug delivery system membrane

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kistriyani Lilis

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Chitosan is a polysaccharide compound in the form of a linear polysaccharide consisting of N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc and D-glucosamine (GlcN monomer, which is a derivative of deacetylization of chitin polymer. Chitin is one of common type of polysaccharide on earth after the excess cellulose from inveterbrata skeletons. Chitosan has anti-microbial properties. Based on this properties, chitosan is potentially used to be an edible film as drug delivery system membrane. Edible film was made by dissolving chitosan in 100 mL acetic acid 1%, then the plasticizer and crosslinker was added while heated at 60° C. It was molded and dried in oven at 50°C for 48 hours. Drug loading in the edible film could be controlled by remodeling membrane characteristics in the presence of crosslinker additions. The purpose of this study was to estimate the mass transfer coefficient (kCa of drug loading in various concentrations of ascorbic acid in the edible film. The characteristics of ascorbic acid in chitosan edible film could be seen from the number of drugs that could be loaded through the uv-vis spectrophotometric analysis. The higher concentration of ascorbic acid was added, the drug would be loaded more into edible film.

The strength limits of ultra-thin copper films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wiederhirn, Guillaume

2007-07-02

Elucidating size effects in ultra-thin films is essential to ensure the performance and reliability of MEMS and electronic devices. In this dissertation, the influence of a capping layer on the mechanical behavior of copper (Cu) films was analyzed. Passivation is expected to shut down surface diffusion and thus to alter the contributions of dislocation- and diffusion-based plasticity in thin films. Experiments were carried out on 25 nm to 2 {mu}m thick Cu films magnetron-sputtered onto amorphous-silicon nitride coated silicon (111) substrates. These films were capped with 10 nm of aluminum oxide or silicon nitride passivation without breaking vacuum either directly after Cu deposition or after a 500 C anneal. The evolution of thermal stresses in these films was investigated mainly by the substrate curvature method between -160 C and 500 C. Negligible differences were detected for the silicon nitride vs. the aluminum oxide passivated Cu films. The processing parameters associated with the passivation deposition also had no noticeable effect on the stress-temperature behavior of the Cu. However, the thermomechanical behavior of passivated Cu films strongly depended on the Cu film thickness. For films in the micrometer range, the influence of the passivation layer was not significant, which suggests that the Cu deformed mainly by dislocation plasticity. However, diffusional creep plays an increasing role with decreasing film thickness since it becomes increasingly difficult to nucleate dislocations in smaller grains. Size effects were investigated by plotting the stress at room temperature after thermal cycling as a function of the inverse film thickness. Between 2 {mu}m and 200 nm, the room temperature stress was inversely proportional to the film thickness. The passivation exerted a strong effect on Cu films thinner than 100 nm by effectively shutting down surface diffusion mechanisms. Since dislocation processes were also shut off in these ultra-thin films, they

Manipulating magnetic anisotropy of the ultrathin Co2FeAl full-Heusler alloy film via growth orientation of the Pt buffer layer

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wen, F.S.; Xiang, J.Y.; Hao, C.X.; Zhang, F.; Lv, Y.F.; Wang, W.H.; Hu, W.T.; Liu, Z.Y.

2013-01-01

The ultrathin films of Co 2 FeAl (CFA) full-Heusler alloy were prepared between two Pt layers on MgO single crystals by magnetron sputtering. By controlling the substrate temperature, different growth orientations of the Pt underlayers were realized, and their effects were investigated on the magnetic anisotropy of the ultrathin CFA film. It was revealed that different Pt orientations lead to distinctly different magnetic anisotropy for the sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. The Pt (111) orientation favors the perpendicular anisotropy, while the appearance of partial Pt (001) orientation leads to the quick decrease of perpendicular anisotropy and the complete Pt (001) orientation gives rise to the in-plane anisotropy. With the Pt (111) orientation, the temperature and thickness-induced spin reorientation transitions were investigated in the sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. - Highlights: • Different Pt orientations lead to different magnetic anisotropy for sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. • The Pt (111) orientation favors the perpendicular anisotropy for CFA layer. • Temperature and thickness-induced spin reorientation transitions were investigated in sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. • 0.8 nm CFA film is good candidate as electrode in magnetic tunnel junctions

Thickness-dependent coherent phonon frequency in ultrathin FeSe/SrTiO₃ films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Shuolong [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States); Sobota, Jonathan A. [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Leuenberger, Dominik [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States); Kemper, Alexander F. [Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States); Lee, James J. [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States); Schmitt, Felix T. [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States); Li, Wei [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States); Moore, Rob G. [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States); Kirchmann, Patrick S. [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Shen, Zhi -Xun [SLAC National Accelerator Lab., Menlo Park, CA (United States); Stanford Univ., Stanford, CA (United States)

2015-06-01

Ultrathin FeSe films grown on SrTiO₃ substrates are a recent milestone in atomic material engineering due to their important role in understanding unconventional superconductivity in Fe-based materials. By using femtosecond time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, we study phonon frequencies in ultrathin FeSe/SrTiO₃ films grown by molecular beam epitaxy. After optical excitation, we observe periodic modulations of the photoelectron spectrum as a function of pump–probe delay for 1-unit-cell, 3-unit-cell, and 60-unit-cell thick FeSe films. The frequencies of the coherent intensity oscillations increase from 5.00 ± 0.02 to 5.25 ± 0.02 THz with increasing film thickness. By comparing with previous works, we attribute this mode to the Se A_1g phonon. The dominant mechanism for the phonon softening in 1-unit-cell thick FeSe films is a substrate-induced lattice strain. Results demonstrate an abrupt phonon renormalization due to a lattice mismatch between the ultrathin film and the substrate.

Optical transparency and electrical conductivity of nonstoichiometric ultrathin InxOy films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Joseph, Shay; Berger, Shlomo

2011-01-01

The effect of thickness and composition on the electrical conductivity and optical transparency, mainly in the infrared, of ultrathin In x O y films was studied. In x O y films 35-470 A thick with oxygen atomic fractions of ∼0.3 and ∼0.5 were prepared via dc magnetron sputtering. All films were polycrystalline, consisting of only the cubic bixbiyte phase of In 2 O 3 . The average grain size of the films increased from 30 to 95 nm as the film thickness increased. The weak dependence of the electrical conductivity on the frequency and the low activation energies for conduction, a few hundredths of an eV, provided an indication that free band conduction was the primary electrical conduction mechanism in the case of all ultrathin In x O y films. It was found that introducing a high degree of nonstoichiometry in the form of oxygen deficiency did not help improve the electrical conductivity, since not all vacancies contributed two free electrons for conduction and due to impurity scattering. The optical nature of these films, studied mainly by ellipsometry, was found to be dependent on the film's composition and thickness. In the infrared, the dielectric function of all In x O y films was consistent with the Drude model, inferring that the transparency loss in this region was a result of free charge carriers. In the visible however, In x O y films under 170 A, which had an oxygen atomic fraction of ∼0.5, were modeled by extending the Drude model to the shorter wavelengths. Films over 170 A, with the same composition, were modeled using the Cauchy dispersion model, meaning that no absorption was measured. These results indicate that, optically, under specific compositions, ultrathin In x O y films undergo a transition from metalliclike behavior to dielectric behavior with increasing film thickness. Using a figure of merit approach, it was determined that a nonstoichiometric 230 A thick In x O y film, with an oxygen atomic fraction of ∼0.3, had the best combination

How Do Organic Vapors Swell Ultra-Thin PIM-1 Films?

KAUST Repository

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Rahimi, Khosrow; Rauer, Sebastian Bernhard; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiao-Hua; Pinnau, Ingo; Wessling, Matthias

2017-01-01

Dynamic sorption of ethanol and toluene vapor into ultra-thin supported PIM-1 films down to 6 nm are studied with a combination of in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and in-situ X-ray reflectivity. Both ethanol and toluene significantly swell

Antimicrobial Films Based on Chitosan and Methylcellulose Containing Natamycin for Active Packaging Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Serena Santonicola

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Biodegradable polymers are gaining interest as antimicrobial carriers in active packaging. In the present study, two active films based on chitosan (1.5% w/v and methylcellulose (3% w/v enriched with natamycin were prepared by casting. The antimicrobial’s release behavior was evaluated by immersion of the films in 95% ethanol (v/v at different temperatures. The natamycin content in the food simulant was determined by reversed-high performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD. The apparent diffusion (DP and partition (KP/S coefficients were calculated using a mathematical model based on Fick’s Second Law. Results showed that the release of natamycin from chitosan based film (DP = 3.61 × 10−13 cm2/s was slower, when compared with methylcellulose film (DP = 3.20 × 10−8 cm2/s at the same temperature (p < 0.05. To evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of active films, cheese samples were completely covered with the films, stored at 20 °C for 7 days, and then analyzed for moulds and yeasts. Microbiological analyses showed a significant reduction in yeasts and moulds (7.91 log CFU/g in samples treated with chitosan active films (p < 0.05. The good compatibility of natamycin with chitosan, the low Dp, and antimicrobial properties suggested that the film could be favorably used in antimicrobial packagings.

Influence of Codium tomentosum Extract in the Properties of Alginate and Chitosan Edible Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ana Augusto

2018-04-01

Full Text Available The growing search for natural alternatives to synthetic food packaging materials and additives has increased, and seaweed extracts’ bioactivity has made them suitable candidates for incorporation in novel edible films. This study aims to investigate the effect of Codium tomentosum seaweed extract (SE incorporation in alginate and chitosan edible films. Alginate- and chitosan-based films with and without the incorporation of 0.5% SE were characterized according to their physical, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Seaweed extract incorporation in chitosan films resulted in an increase of film solubility (50%, elasticity (18%, and decrease of puncture strength (27% and energy at break (39%. In alginate films, the extract incorporation significantly decreased film solubility (6%, water vapour permeability (46%, and elasticity (24%, and had no effect on thermal properties. Depending on the type of application, the addition of SE in edible films can bring advantages for food conservation.

Effect of gamma radiation on the mechanical and barrier properties of HEMA grafted chitosan-based films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khan, Avik; Huq, Tanzina; Khan, Ruhul A.; Dussault, Dominic; Salmieri, Stephane; Lacroix, Monique

2012-01-01

Chitosan films were prepared by dissolving 1% (w/v) chitosan powder in 2% (w/v) aqueous acetic acid solution. Chitosan films were prepared by solution casting. The values of puncture strength (PS), viscoelasticity coefficient and water vapor permeability (WVP) of the films were found to be 565 N/mm, 35%, and 3.30 g mm/m 2 day kPa, respectively. Chitosan solution was exposed to gamma irradiation (0.1–5 kGy) and it was revealed that PS values were reduced significantly (p≤0.05) after 1 kGy dose and it was not possible to form films after 5 kGy. Monomer, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) solution (0.1–1%, w/v) was incorporated into the chitosan solution and the formulation was exposed to gamma irradiation (0.3 kGy). A 0.1% (w/v) HEMA concentration at 0.3 kGy dose was found optimal-based on PS values for chitosan grafting. Then radiation dose (0.1–5 kGy) was optimized for HEMA grafting. The highest PS values (672 N/mm) were found at 0.7 kGy. The WVP of the grafted films improved significantly (p≤0.05) with the rise of radiation dose. - highlights: ► HEMA and Silane monomer were incorporated into the MC-based formulation and films. ► Films were exposed to gamma radiation. ► HEMA containing films showed the highest PS values. ► Surface morphology of the grafted films suggested better appearance.

Preparation and characterization of biocomposite film based on chitosan and kombucha tea as active food packaging

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ashrafi, Azam; Jokar, Maryam

2018-01-01

An active film composed of chitosan and kombucha tea (KT) was successfully prepared using the solvent casting technique. The effect of incorporation of KT at the levels 1%–3% w/w on the physical and functional properties of chitosan film was investigated. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan...

Characteristics of Ti{sub 3}C{sub 2}X–Chitosan Films with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hu, Chunfeng, E-mail: chfhu@live.cn [Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu (China); Shen, Fei [Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an (China); Zhu, Degui [Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu (China); Zhang, Haibin [Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang (China); Xue, Jianming [State Key Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Technology, Center for Applied Physics and Technology, Peking University, Beijing (China); Han, Xiaogang, E-mail: chfhu@live.cn [Center of Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy, State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an (China)

2017-01-25

Chitosan-reinforced Ti{sub 3}C{sub 2}X films were successfully fabricated by infiltrating Ti{sub 3}C{sub 2}X suspensions containing different chitosan contents followed by vacuum drying. The designed chitosan contents were 0, 7, 10, and 14 wt%. It was determined that as-prepared films had shell-like nanolaminar microstructure. Displacement of Ti{sub 3}C{sub 2}X nanosheets increased from 24.254 Å (0 wt%) to 28.822 Å (10 wt%) and then decreased to 28.132 Å (14 wt%) with increment of chitosan content. Tensile strength of films continuously increased from 8.20 to 43.52 MPa, enhancing 5.3 times. Electrical resistivity of films increased from 0.39 mΩ cm (0 wt%) to 54.91 mΩ cm (14 wt%). Only pure Ti{sub 3}C{sub 2}X film could be used as electrode in the sodium battery.

Stability of Polymer Ultrathin Films (Top-Down Approach.

Science.gov (United States)

Bal, Jayanta Kumar; Beuvier, Thomas; Unni, Aparna Beena; Chavez Panduro, Elvia Anabela; Vignaud, Guillaume; Delorme, Nicolas; Chebil, Mohamed Souheib; Grohens, Yves; Gibaud, Alain

2015-08-25

In polymer physics, the dewetting of spin-coated polystyrene ultrathin films on silicon remains mysterious. By adopting a simple top-down method based on good solvent rinsing, we are able to prepare flat polystyrene films with a controlled thickness ranging from 1.3 to 7.0 nm. Their stability was scrutinized after a classical annealing procedure above the glass transition temperature. Films were found to be stable on oxide-free silicon irrespective of film thickness, while they were unstable (2.9 nm) on 2 nm oxide-covered silicon substrates. The Lifshitz-van der Waals intermolecular theory that predicts the domains of stability as a function of the film thickness and of the substrate nature is now fully reconciled with our experimental observations. We surmise that this reconciliation is due to the good solvent rinsing procedure that removes the residual stress and/or the density variation of the polystyrene films inhibiting thermodynamically the dewetting on oxide-free silicon.

Design, characterization and ex vivo evaluation of chitosan film integrating of insulin nanoparticles composed of thiolated chitosan derivative for buccal delivery of insulin.

Science.gov (United States)

Mortazavian, Elaheh; Dorkoosh, Farid Abedin; Rafiee-Tehrani, Morteza

2014-05-01

The purpose of this study is to optimize and characterize of chitosan buccal film for delivery of insulin nanoparticles that were prepared from thiolated dimethyl ethyl chitosan (DMEC-Cys). Insulin nanoparticles composed of chitosan and dimethyl ethyl chitosan (DMEC) were also prepared as control groups. The release of insulin from nanoparticles was studied in vitro in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) pH 7.4. Optimization of chitosan buccal films has been carried out by central composite design (CCD) response surface methodology. Independent variables were different amounts of chitosan and glycerol as mucoadhesive polymer and plasticizer, respectively. Tensile strength and bioadhesion force were considered as dependent variables. Ex vivo study was performed on excised rabbit buccal mucosa. Optimized insulin nanoparticles were obtained with acceptable physicochemical properties. In vitro release profile of insulin nanoparticles revealed that the highest solubility of nanoparticles in aqueous media is related to DMEC-Cys nanoparticles. CCD showed that optimized buccal film containing 4% chitosan and 10% glycerol has 5.81 kg/mm(2) tensile strength and 2.47 N bioadhesion forces. Results of ex vivo study demonstrated that permeation of insulin nanoparticles through rabbit buccal mucosa is 17.1, 67.89 and 97.18% for chitosan, DMEC and DMEC-Cys nanoparticles, respectively. Thus, this study suggests that DMEC-Cys can act as a potential enhancer for buccal delivery of insulin.

Properties of gelatin-based films incorporated with chitosan-coated microparticles charged with rutin.

Science.gov (United States)

Dammak, Ilyes; Bittante, Ana Mônica Quinta Barbosa; Lourenço, Rodrigo Vinicius; do Amaral Sobral, Paulo José

2017-08-01

The aim of this study was development an active film based on gelatin incorporated with antioxidant, rutin carried into microparticles. The complexation between oppositely charged lecithin and chitosan was applied to prepare the chitosan-coated microparticles. The generated microparticles had an average size of 520±4nm and a span of 0.3 were formulated by a rotor-stator homogenize at the homogenization speed 10,000rpm. Composite films were prepared by incorporating chitosan-coated microparticles, at various concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, or 1% (based on the weight of the gelatin powder)) in the gelatin-based films. For the prepared films, the results showed that obtained physicochemical, water vapor barrier, and mechanical were compared with native gelatin film with a slight decrease for chitosan concentration higher than 0.5%. The microstructure studies done by scanning electron microscopes, revealed different micropores embedded with oil resulting from the incorporation of the microparticles into the gelatin matrix. Moreover, the calorimetric results were comparable to those of gelatin control film with T g value 45°C and increased crystallinity percentage with increasing incorporation of microparticles. This original concept of composite biodegradable films may thus be a good alternative to incorporate liposoluble active compounds to design an active packaging with good properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Investigating Effects of Gelatin-Chitosan Film on Culture of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Rat

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A Karami joyani

2015-02-01

Conclusion: Results of proliferation,differentiation and apoptosis cultured BMSCs on a gelatin-chitosan film showed that gelatin-chitosan film can be used as a good model of a biodegradable scaffold in tissue engineering and cell therapy.

Improved lifetime of chitosan film in converting water vapor to electrical power by adding carboxymethyl cellulose

Science.gov (United States)

Nasution, T. I.; Balyan, M.; Nainggolan, I.

2018-02-01

A Water vapor cell based on chitosan film has been successfully fabricated in film form to convert water vapor to electrical power. In order to improve the lifetime of water vapor cell, Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) was added into 1% chitosan solution within concentration variations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5%. The result showed that the lifetime of water vapor cell increased higher by adding the higher concentration of Carboxymethyl cellulose. The highest lifetime was evidenced by adding 0.5%CMC which maintained for 48 weeks. However, the average electrical power became lower to 4.621 µW. This electrical power lower than the addition of 0.1%CMC which maintained for 5.167 µW. While, the lifetime of chitosan-0.1%CMC film of 44 weeks is shorter compared to chitosan-0.5%CMC film. Based on FTIR characterization, it was founded that the chitosan structure did not change until the addition of 0.1%CMC. This caused the electrical power of water vapor cell degenerated. Therefore, chitosan-0.5%CMC film has excellent lifetime in converting water vapor to electrical power.

Manipulating magnetic anisotropy of the ultrathin Co{sub 2}FeAl full-Heusler alloy film via growth orientation of the Pt buffer layer

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wen, F.S., E-mail: wenfsh03@126.com [State Key Lab of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); Xiang, J.Y.; Hao, C.X.; Zhang, F.; Lv, Y.F. [State Key Lab of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China); Wang, W.H. [Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100080 (China); Hu, W.T.; Liu, Z.Y. [State Key Lab of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China)

2013-12-15

The ultrathin films of Co{sub 2}FeAl (CFA) full-Heusler alloy were prepared between two Pt layers on MgO single crystals by magnetron sputtering. By controlling the substrate temperature, different growth orientations of the Pt underlayers were realized, and their effects were investigated on the magnetic anisotropy of the ultrathin CFA film. It was revealed that different Pt orientations lead to distinctly different magnetic anisotropy for the sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. The Pt (111) orientation favors the perpendicular anisotropy, while the appearance of partial Pt (001) orientation leads to the quick decrease of perpendicular anisotropy and the complete Pt (001) orientation gives rise to the in-plane anisotropy. With the Pt (111) orientation, the temperature and thickness-induced spin reorientation transitions were investigated in the sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. - Highlights: • Different Pt orientations lead to different magnetic anisotropy for sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. • The Pt (111) orientation favors the perpendicular anisotropy for CFA layer. • Temperature and thickness-induced spin reorientation transitions were investigated in sandwiched ultrathin CFA films. • 0.8 nm CFA film is good candidate as electrode in magnetic tunnel junctions.

Preparation and Characterization of Films Extruded of Polyethylene/Chitosan Modified with Poly(lactic acid

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jesús Manuel Quiroz-Castillo

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The use of mixtures of synthetic and natural polymers is a potential option to reduce the pollution by plastic waste. In this work, the method for the chemical modification of chitosan with poly(lactic acid was developed; then, the preparation of films of blends of polyethylene and chitosan-poly(lactic acid produced by an extrusion method using polyethylene-graft maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer. It was possible to obtain films with a maximum content of 20 wt% and 30 wt%, chitosan, with and without compatibilizer, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM analysis showed a homogeneous surface on all films. The addition of the compatibilizer had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the films, such as an increase in Young’s modulus and a decrease in the elongation at break; additionally, the compatibilizer promotes thermal degradation in a single step and gives the film a slight increase in thermal resistance. These results are attributed to an improved interaction in the interface of polyethylene and chitosan-poly(lactic acid, promoted by the compatibilizer.

Preparation and Characterization of Films Extruded of Polyethylene/Chitosan Modified with Poly(lactic acid)

Science.gov (United States)

Quiroz-Castillo, Jesús Manuel; Rodríguez-Félix, Dora Evelia; Grijalva-Monteverde, Heriberto; Lizárraga-Laborín, Lauren Lucero; Castillo-Ortega, María Mónica; del Castillo-Castro, Teresa; Rodríguez-Félix, Francisco; Herrera-Franco, Pedro Jesús

2014-01-01

The use of mixtures of synthetic and natural polymers is a potential option to reduce the pollution by plastic waste. In this work, the method for the chemical modification of chitosan with poly(lactic acid) was developed; then, the preparation of films of blends of polyethylene and chitosan-poly(lactic acid) produced by an extrusion method using polyethylene-graft maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer. It was possible to obtain films with a maximum content of 20 wt% and 30 wt%, chitosan, with and without compatibilizer, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed a homogeneous surface on all films. The addition of the compatibilizer had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the films, such as an increase in Young’s modulus and a decrease in the elongation at break; additionally, the compatibilizer promotes thermal degradation in a single step and gives the film a slight increase in thermal resistance. These results are attributed to an improved interaction in the interface of polyethylene and chitosan-poly(lactic acid), promoted by the compatibilizer. PMID:28787928

How Do Organic Vapors Swell Ultra-Thin PIM-1 Films?

KAUST Repository

Ogieglo, Wojciech

2017-06-22

Dynamic sorption of ethanol and toluene vapor into ultra-thin supported PIM-1 films down to 6 nm are studied with a combination of in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and in-situ X-ray reflectivity. Both ethanol and toluene significantly swell the PIM-1 matrix and, at the same time, induce persistent structural relaxations of the frozen-in glassy PIM-1 morphology. For ethanol below 20 nm three effects were identified. First, the swelling magnitude at high vapor pressures is reduced by about 30% as compared to thicker films. Second, at low penetrant activities (below 0.3 p/p0) films below 20 nm are able to absorb slightly more penetrant as compared with thicker films despite similar swelling magnitude. Third, for the ultra-thin films the onset of the dynamic penetrant-induced glass transition Pg has been found to shift to higher values indicating higher resistance to plasticization. All of these effects are consistent with a view where immobilization of the super-glassy PIM-1 at the substrate surface leads to an arrested, even more rigid and plasticization-resistant, yet still very open, microporous structure. PIM-1 in contact with the larger and more condensable toluene shows very complex, heterogeneous swelling dynamics and two distinct penetrant-induced relaxation phenomena, probably associated with the film outer surface and the bulk, are detected. Following the direction of the penetrant\\'s diffusion the surface seems to plasticize earlier than the bulk and the two relaxations remain well separated down to 6 nm film thickness, where they remarkably merge to form just a single relaxation.

Nanometric thin film membranes manufactured on square meter scale: ultra-thin films for CO 2 capture

KAUST Repository

Yave, Wilfredo; Car, Anja; Wind, Jan; Peinemann, Klaus Viktor

2010-01-01

Miniaturization and manipulation of materials at nanometer scale are key challenges in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In membrane science and technology, the fabrication of ultra-thin polymer films (defect-free) on square meter scale with uniform

Antioxidant, Color and Antibacterial Properties of Edible Chitosan Film Incorporated with Zataria Multiflora Boiss ٍEssential Oil against Listeria Monocytogenes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M Moradi

2011-01-01

Full Text Available Introduction & Objective: The film containing antimicrobial agents are a type of active packaging which is mainly designed to control microbial and chemical spoilage of food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and color properties of chitosan film incorporated with essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZEO. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study which was conducted at Urmia University of Medical Sciences between 2009-2010, the chemical composition of ZEO was analyzed using GC-MS. Chitosan films containing 0, 0.5, 1 and 2% ZEO, were obtained by casting method and subsequently, total phenol (TP, antioxidant, color (accordance with hunter system (L* (luminosity, * (redness, and b* (yellowness and antimicrobial characteristics of films on Listeria monocytogenes were studied. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software. Results: The order of TP for all films in the experiment was 2% ZEO1% ZEO 0.5% ZEO unsupplemented chitosan film, respectively. It was also concluded that the antioxidant activity of chitosan films was increased by adding various concentrations of ZEO. These increases were significant for film containing 1% (33.98% and 2% (37.77% ZEO (p0.05. Regarding the color luminosity (L* of the chitosan film, results indicated no significant changes by incorporating ZEO, whereas the incorporation of ZEO into films had a significant effect on film yellowness, evidenced by lower b* values. Finally, it was shown that the presence of ZEO in chitosan films significantly modified the anti- listerial activity of chitosan, (p0.05. Conclusion: The results indicated that an active film from chitosan could be achieved by incorporating ZEO. Addition of ZEO improves functional and antibacterial characteristics of chitosan film.

Barrier, structural and mechanical properties of bovine gelatin-chitosan blend films related to biopolymer interactions.

Science.gov (United States)

Benbettaïeb, Nasreddine; Kurek, Mia; Bornaz, Salwa; Debeaufort, Frédéric

2014-09-01

The increased use of synthetic packaging films has led to a high ecological problem due to their total non-biodegradability. Thus, there is a vital need to develop renewable and environmentally friendly bio-based polymeric materials. Films and coatings made from polysaccharide polymers, particularly chitosans and gelatins have good gas barrier properties and are envisaged more and more for applications in the biomedical and food fields, as well as for packaging. In this study a casting method was used to develop an edible plasticised film from chitosan and gelatin. Aiming to develop a blend film with enhanced properties, the effects of mixing chitosan (CS) and gelatin (G) in different proportions (CS:G, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, w/w) on functional and physico-chemical properties have been studied. Mean film thickness increased linearly (R2 =0.999) with surface density of the film forming solution. An enhancement of mechanical properties by increasing the tensile strength (38.7±11 MPa for pure chitosan and 76.8±9 MPa for pure gelatin film) was also observed in blends, due to gelatin content.When the gelatin content in blend filmswas increased an improvement of both water vapour barrier properties [(4±0.3)×10(-10) g m(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1) for pure chitosan and (2.5±0.14)×10(-10) g m(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1) for pure gelatin, at 70% RH gradient] and oxygen barrier properties ((822.62±90.24)×10(-12) g m(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1) for blend film chitosan:gelatin (25:75 w/w) and (296.67±18.76)×10(-12) g m(-1) s(-1) Pa(-1) for pure gelatin was observed. Fourier transform infrared spectra of blend films showed a shift in the peak positions related to the amide groups (amide-I and amide-III) indicating interactions between biopolymers. Addition of gelatin in chitosan induced greater functional properties (mechanical, barrier) due to chemical interactions, suggesting an inter-penetrated network. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

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).

Percolation-enhanced generation of terahertz pulses by optical rectification on ultrathin gold films

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ramakrishnan, G.; Planken, P.C.M.

2011-01-01

Emission of pulses of electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range is observed when ultrathin gold films on glass are illuminated with femtosecond near-IR laser pulses. A distinct maximum is observed in the emitted terahertz amplitude from films of average thickness just above the percolation

Exploitation of a self-limiting process for reproducible formation of ultrathin Ni1-xPtx silicide films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Zhen; Zhu Yu; Rossnagel, Steve; Murray, Conal; Jordan-Sweet, Jean; Yang, Bin; Gaudet, Simon; Desjardins, Patrick; Kellock, Andrew J.; Ozcan, Ahmet; Zhang Shili; Lavoie, Christian

2010-01-01

This letter reports on a process scheme to obtain highly reproducible Ni 1-x Pt x silicide films of 3-6 nm thickness formed on a Si(100) substrate. Such ultrathin silicide films are readily attained by sputter deposition of metal films, metal stripping in wet chemicals, and final silicidation by rapid thermal processing. This process sequence warrants an invariant amount of metal intermixed with Si in the substrate surface region independent of the initial metal thickness, thereby leading to a self-limiting formation of ultrathin silicide films. The crystallographic structure, thickness, uniformity, and morphological stability of the final silicide films depend sensitively on the initial Pt fraction.

Structural studies on Langmuir-Blodgett ultra-thin films on tin (IV) stearate using X-ray diffraction technique

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mohamad Deraman; Muhamad Mat Salleh; Mohd Ali Sulaiman; Mohd Ali Sufi

1991-01-01

X-ray diffraction measurements were carried out on Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) ultra-thin films of tin (IV) stearate for different numbers of layers. The structural information such as interplanar spacing, unit cells spacing, molecular length and orientation of molecular chains were obtained from the diffraction data. This information is discussed and compared with that previously published for LB ultra-thin films of manganese stearate and cadmium stearate

Quantum magnetotransport properties of ultrathin topological insulator films

KAUST Repository

Tahir, M.

2013-01-30

We study the quantum magnetotransport in ultrathin topological insulator films in an external magnetic field considering hybridization between the upper and lower surfaces of the film. We investigate the two possible mechanisms for splitting of Landau levels, Zeeman and hybridization effects, and show that their interplay leads to minima in the collisional and Hall conductivities with a metal-to-insulator phase transition at the charge neutrality point. Hall plateaus arise at unusual multiples of e2/h . Evidence of a quantum phase transition for the zeroth and splitting of the higher Landau levels is found from the temperature and magnetic field dependences of the transport.

Quantum magnetotransport properties of ultrathin topological insulator films

KAUST Repository

Tahir, M.; Sabeeh, K.; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

2013-01-01

We study the quantum magnetotransport in ultrathin topological insulator films in an external magnetic field considering hybridization between the upper and lower surfaces of the film. We investigate the two possible mechanisms for splitting of Landau levels, Zeeman and hybridization effects, and show that their interplay leads to minima in the collisional and Hall conductivities with a metal-to-insulator phase transition at the charge neutrality point. Hall plateaus arise at unusual multiples of e2/h . Evidence of a quantum phase transition for the zeroth and splitting of the higher Landau levels is found from the temperature and magnetic field dependences of the transport.

Physical stability and moisture sorption of aqueous chitosan-amylose starch films plasticized with polyols

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cervera, Mirna Fernández; Karjalainen, Milja; Airaksinen, Sari

2004-01-01

The short-term stability and the water sorption of films prepared from binary mixtures of chitosan and native amylose maize starch (Hylon VII) were evaluated using free films. The aqueous polymer solutions of the free films contained 2% (w/w) film formers, glycerol, or erythritol as a plasticizer...... in the crystallinity of the films are evident within a 3-month period of storage, and the changes in the solid state are dependent on the plasticizer and storage conditions. When stored at ambient conditions for 3 months, the aqueous chitosan-amylose starch films plasticized with erythritol exhibited a partly...

Ultrathin NbN Films for Superconducting Single-Photon Detectors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Slysz, W.; Guziewicz, M.; Borysiewicz, M.

2011-01-01

We present our research on fabrication and structural and transport characterization of ultrathin superconducting NbN layers deposited on both single-crystal Al 2 O 3 and Si wafers, and SiO 2 and Si 3 N 4 buffer layers grown directly on Si wafers. The thicknesses of our films varied from 6 nm to 50 nm and they were grown using reactive RF magnetron sputtering on substrates maintained at the temperature 850 o C. We have performed extensive morphology characterization of our films using the X-ray diffraction method and atomic force microscopy, and related the results to the type of the substrate used for the film deposition. Our transport measurements showed that even the thinnest, 6 nm thick NbN films had the superconducting critical temperature of 10-12 K, which was increased to 14 K for thicker films. (author)

Synthesis of fish scales gelatin-chitosan crosslinked films by gamma irradiation techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Erizal; Perkasa, D.P.; Abbas, B.; Sulistioso, G.S.

2013-01-01

Gelatin is an important component of fish scales. Nowadays, attention has increased concerning the application of gelatin.The aim of this research was to improve the mechanical properties of gelatin produced from fish scales, which concurrently could increase the usefulness of fish scales. Gelatin (G) is prone to degrade or dissolve in water at room temperature, therefore to enhance its lifetime, it has to be modified with other compound such as chitosan. Chitosan (Cs) is a biodegradable polymer, which has biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. In this study, gelatin solution was mixed with chitosan solution in various ratios (G/Cs: 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100), casted at room temperature to make composite films, then tested for the effectiveness of various gamma irradiation doses (10-40 kGy) for crosslinking of the two polymers. Chemical changes of the films were measured by FT-IR, gel fractions were determined by gravimetry, and mechanical properties were determined by tensile strength and elongation at break using universal testing machine. At optimum conditions ( 30 kGy and 75% Cs), the gel fraction, tensile strength, and elongation at break were higher leading to a stronger composite films as compared to the gelatin film. FTIR spectral analysis showed that gelatin and chitosan formed a crosslinked network. It was concluded that G-Cs films prepared by gamma irradiation have improved their mechanical properties than the gelatin itself. (author)

Magnetoresistance anisotropy of ultrathin epitaxial La0.83Sr0.17MnO3 films

Science.gov (United States)

Balevičius, Saulius; Tornau, Evaldas E.; ŽurauskienÄ--, Nerija; Stankevič, Voitech; Šimkevičius, Česlovas; TolvaišienÄ--, Sonata; PlaušinaitienÄ--, Valentina; Abrutis, Adulfas

2017-12-01

We present the study of temperature dependence of resistivity (ρ), magnetoresistance (MR), and magnetoresistance anisotropy (AMR) of thin epitaxial La0.83Sr0.17MnO3 films. The films with thickness from 4 nm to 140 nm were grown on an NdGaO3 (001) substrate by a pulsed injection metal organic chemical vapor deposition technique. We demonstrate that the resistivity of these films significantly increases and the temperature Tm of the resistivity maximum in ρ(T) dependence decreases with the decrease of film thickness. The anisotropy of ρ(T) dependence with respect to the electrical current direction along the [100] or [010] crystallographic axis of the film is found for ultrathin films (4-8 nm) at temperatures close to Tm. Both MR and AMR, measured in magnetic fields up to 0.7 T applied in the film plane parallel and perpendicular to the current direction, have shown strong dependence on the film thickness. It was also found that the anisotropy of magnetoresistance could change its sign from positive (thicker films) to negative (ultrathin films) and obtain very small values at a certain intermediate thickness (20 nm) when the current is flowing perpendicular to the easy magnetization axis [010]. While the positive AMR effect was assigned to the conventional magnetic ordering of manganites, the AMR of ultrathin films was influenced by the pinning of magnetization to the easy axis. The temperature dependence and change of the AMR sign with film thickness is shown to be well described by the two-region model (more strained closer to the film substrate and more relaxed further from it) assuming that the relative concentration of both regions changes with the film thickness. The possibility to use the effect of the AMR compensation for the development of scalar in-plane magnetic field sensors is discussed.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan-silver nanocomposite films and their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus

Science.gov (United States)

Regiel, Anna; Irusta, Silvia; Kyzioł, Agnieszka; Arruebo, Manuel; Santamaria, Jesus

2013-01-01

In this work different variables have been analyzed in order to optimize the bactericidal properties of chitosan films loaded with silver nanoparticles. The goal was to achieve complete elimination of antibiotic resistant and biofilm forming strains of Staphylococcus aureus after short contact times. The films were produced by solution casting using chitosan as both a stabilizing and reducing agent for the in situ synthesis of embedded silver nanoparticles. We have applied an innovative approach: the influence of the chitosan molecular weight and its deacetylation degree (DD) were analyzed together with the influence of the bacterial concentration and contact time. The best results were obtained with high DD chitosan where a fast reduction was favored; leading to smaller nanoparticles (nucleation is promoted), and a sufficiently high polymer viscosity prevented the resulting nanoparticles from undesired agglomeration. In addition, for the first time, potential detachment of the silver nanoparticles from the films was evaluated and neglected, demonstrating that uncontrolled release of silver nanoparticles from the chitosan films is prevented. The influence of the ionic silver released from the films, silver loading, nanoparticle sizes, contact, and initial number of bacteria was also analyzed to elucidate the mechanism responsible for the strong bactericidal action observed.

The structure of ultrathin iron films on tungsten single-crystal surfaces

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gardiner, T.M.

1983-01-01

Ultrathin iron films vapour deposited onto the surface of a cylindrical tungsten single crystal are discussed. Results from work function change, Auger electron spectroscopic and low energy electron diffraction techniques are combined for a comparison of the initial stages of film growth on four low index planes. Advantage is taken of the opportunity to evaporate onto and simultaneously to make measurements on all surface orientations of the zone. (Auth.)

Two-dimensional superconductivity in ultrathin disordered thin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Beasley, M.R.

1992-01-01

The status of the understanding of two-dimensional superconductivity in ultrathin, disordered thin films is reviewed. The different consequences of microscopic versus macroscopic disorder are stressed. It is shown that microscopic disorder leads to a rapid suppression of the mean-field transition temperature. The consequences of macroscopic disorder are not well understood, but a universal behavior of the zero-bias resistance as a function of field and temperature has been observed. (orig.)

Chain and mirophase-separated structures of ultrathin polyurethane films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kojio, Ken; Yamamoto, Yasunori; Motokucho, Suguru; Furukawa, Mutsuhisa; Uchiba, Yusuke

2009-01-01

Measurements are presented how chain and microphase-separated structures of ultrathin polyurethane (PU) films are controlled by the thickness. The film thickness is varied by a solution concentration for spin coating. The systems are PUs prepared from commercial raw materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic measurement revealed that the degree of hydrogen bonding among hard segment chains decreased and increased with decreasing film thickness for strong and weak microphase separation systems, respectively. The microphase-separated structure, which is formed from hard segment domains and a surrounding soft segment matrix, were observed by atomic force microscopy. The size of hard segment domains decreased with decreasing film thickness, and possibility of specific orientation of the hard segment chains was exhibited for both systems. These results are due to decreasing space for the formation of the microphase-separated structure.

Silica in situ enhanced PVA/chitosan biodegradable films for food packages.

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Zhen; Li, Baoqiang; Chu, Jiayu; Zhang, Peifeng

2018-03-15

Non-degradable plastic food packages threaten the security of environment. The cost-effective and biodegradable polymer films with good mechanical properties and low permeability are very important for food packages. Among of biodegradable polymers, PVA/chitosan (CS) biodegradable films have attracted considerable attention because of feasible film forming ability. However, PVA/CS biodegradable films suffered from poor mechanical properties. To improve mechanical properties of PVA/CS biodegradable films, we developed SiO 2 in situ to enhance PVA/CS biodegradable films via hydrolysis of sodium metasilicate in presence of PVA and chitosan solution. The tensile strength of PVA/CS biodegradable films was improved 45% when 0.6 wt.% SiO 2 was incorporated into the films. Weight loss of PVA/CS biodegradable films was 60% after 30 days in the soil. The permeability of oxygen and moisture of PVA/CS biodegradable films was reduced by 25.6% and 10.2%, respectively. SiO 2 in situ enhanced PVA/CS biodegradable films possessed not only excellent mechanical properties, but also barrier of oxygen and water for food packages to extend the perseveration time. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan Film Forming Solution Enriched with Essential Oils; an in Vitro Assay.

Science.gov (United States)

Raphaël, Kana Jean; Meimandipour, Amir

2017-01-01

Background: The resistance of the bacteria and fungi to the innumerous antimicrobial agents is a major challenge in the treatment of the infections demands to the necessity for searching and finding new sources of substances with antimicrobial properties. The incorporation of the essential oils (EOs) in chitosan film forming solution may enhance antimicrobial properties. However, its use as the feeding additive in the poultry nutrition needs to clarify the product's activity against both pathogen and the useful microbes in the gastrointestinal tract. Objectives: In the present study, we carried out an in vitro investigation and evaluated the antimicrobial activity of chitosan film forming solution incorporated with essential oils (CFs+EOs) against microbial strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus rahmnosus, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternate . Material and Methods: In three replicates, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of different treatments including: 1- essential oils (EOs), 2- chitosan film solution (CFs), and 3-chitosan film solution enriched with EOs (CFs+EOs) were determined against above mentioned microbes. Results: The results indicated that the chitosan solution enriched with essential oils (CFs+EOs) is capable of inhibiting the bacterial and fungal growth even at the lowest concentrations. The MIC and MBC for all the antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were very low compared to the concentrations needed to inhibit the growth of useful bacteria, Lactobacillus rahmnosu and Enterococcus faecium . The antifungal activity of chitosan was enhanced as the concentration of EOs increased in the film solution. Conclusion: Chitosan-EOs complexes are the promising candidate for novel contact antimicrobial agents that can be used in animal feeds.

An integrated buccal delivery system combining chitosan films impregnated with peptide loaded PEG-b-PLA nanoparticles.

Science.gov (United States)

Giovino, Concetta; Ayensu, Isaac; Tetteh, John; Boateng, Joshua S

2013-12-01

Peptide (insulin) loaded nanoparticles (NPs) have been embedded into buccal chitosan films (Ch-films-NPs). These films were produced by solvent casting and involved incorporating in chitosan gel (1.25% w/v), NPs-Insulin suspensions at three different concentrations (1, 3, and 5mg of NPs per film) using glycerol as plasticiser. Film swelling and mucoadhesion were investigated using 0.01M PBS at 37°C and texture analyzer, respectively. Formulations containing 3mg of NPs per film produced optimised films with excellent mucoadhesion and swelling properties. Dynamic laser scattering measurements showed that the erosion of the chitosan backbone controlled the release of NPs from the films, preceding in vitro drug (insulin) release from Ch-films-NPs after 6h. Modulated release was observed with 70% of encapsulated insulin released after 360h. The use of chitosan films yielded a 1.8-fold enhancement of ex vivo insulin permeation via EpiOral™ buccal tissue construct relative to the pure drug. Flux and apparent permeation coefficient of 0.1μg/cm(2)/h and 4×10(-2)cm(2)/h were respectively obtained for insulin released from Ch-films-NPs-3. Circular dichroism and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that the conformational structure of the model peptide drug (insulin) released from Ch-films-NPs was preserved during the formulation process. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development and Evaluation of Buccal Films Based on Chitosan for the Potential Treatment of Oral Candidiasis.

Science.gov (United States)

Tejada, G; Barrera, M G; Piccirilli, G N; Sortino, M; Frattini, A; Salomón, C J; Lamas, María C; Leonardi, Darío

2017-05-01

In this work, chitosan films were prepared by a casting/solvent evaporation methodology using pectin or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose to form polymeric matrices. Miconazole nitrate, as a model drug, was loaded into such formulations. These polymeric films were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, adhesiveness, and swelling as well as drug release. Besides, the morphology of raw materials and films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy; interactions between polymers were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and drug crystallinity studied by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. In addition, antifungal activity against cultures of the five most important fungal opportunistic pathogens belonging to Candida genus was investigated. Chitosan:hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose films were found to be the most appropriate formulations in terms of folding endurance, mechanical properties, and adhesiveness. Also, an improvement in the dissolution rate of miconazole nitrate from the films up to 90% compared to the non-loaded drug was observed. The in vitro antifungal activity showed a significant activity of the model drug when it is loaded into chitosan films. These findings suggest that chitosan-based films are a promising approach to deliver miconazole nitrate for the treatment of candidiasis.

Films of chitin, chitosan and cellulose obtained from aqueous suspension treated by irradiation of high intensity ultrasound

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Almeida, Erika V.R.; Mariano, Mario S.; Campana-Filho, Sergio P.

2011-01-01

Films of chitin, chitin/chitosan and chitin/sisal cellulose were obtained by casting their aqueous suspensions previously treated with irradiation of high intensity ultrasound. The films were characterized for surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and it is possible notice that the films containing chitosan are much more homogeneous. The thermal behavior of the films was evaluated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis and revealing similarity in comparison with the thermal behavior of polysaccharide isolated. The tensile strength was determined and the film containing chitosan showed the best result when compared to other films. The crystallinity index of the films analyzed by X-ray diffraction showed that the films are amorphous material. The analysis by infrared spectroscopy showed that treatment of aqueous suspensions of polysaccharides with irradiation of high intensity ultrasound did not change the chemical structure of polymers. The crystallinity index was determined by X-ray diffraction, revealing that the films are amorphous materials. The results of this study indicate the possibility of processing of chitin, chitosan and cellulose, polysaccharides whose solubilities are limited to a few solvent systems, by treating their aqueous suspensions with high intensity ultrasound. (author)

Descriptipn of giant changes of domain sizes in ultrathin magnetic films

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kisielewski, M.; Maziewski, A.; Zablotskyy, Vitaliy A.

2004-01-01

Roč. 282, - (2004), s. 39-43 ISSN 0304-8853 Grant - others:SCSR(PL) 4T11B 006 24 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z1010914 Keywords : magnetic domains * ultrathin films Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.031, year: 2004

Laser welding of chitosan-GNRs films for the closure of a capsulorhexis

Science.gov (United States)

Rossi, Francesca; Matteini, Paolo; Ratto, Fulvio; Menabuoni, Luca; Lenzetti, Ivo; Pini, Roberto

2011-03-01

In this work we present the first attempt to close the anterior lens capsule bag by the use of chitosan patches, where Gold Nanorods (GNRs) are embedded. GNRs exhibit intense localized plasmon resonances at optical frequencies in the near infrared (NIR): upon excitation with a NIR laser, a strong photothermal effect is produced, which can be exploited to develop minimally invasive therapies. Here we use the chitosan-GNRs films as a novel NIR sensitive nanocomposite for the photothermal conversion of NIR laser light during surgical interventions of tissue welding. Chitosan is an attractive biomaterial due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial and wound healing-promoting activity. Colloidal GNRs were embedded in chitosan based, highly stabilized, flexible and easy-to-handle films, which were stored in water until the time of surgery. In these preliminary tests, a capsulorhexis was performed in freshly enucleated porcine eyes. The lens was aspired, then the patch was put onto the capsule bag and welded: a diode laser (810 nm) was used to deliver single spots (200 μm core diameter optical fiber) of local capsule/patch adhesion. Then the bag was refilled with silicon oil. The result is an immediate closure of the capsular tissue, with high mechanical strength. The laser welded chitosan- GNRs films are an innovative and highly stable solution to be exploited for the treatment of capsular breaks and for the implementation of a lens refilling procedure.

Ultra-thin films of polysilsesquioxanes possessing 3-methacryloxypropyl groups as gate insulator for organic field-effect transistors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nakahara, Yoshio; Kawa, Haruna; Yoshiki, Jun; Kumei, Maki; Yamamoto, Hiroyuki; Oi, Fumio; Yamakado, Hideo; Fukuda, Hisashi; Kimura, Keiichi

2012-01-01

Polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) possessing 3-methacryloxypropyl groups as an organic moiety of the side chain were synthesized by sol–gel condensation copolymerization of the corresponding trialkoxysilanes. The ultra-thin PSQ film with a radical initiator and a cross-linking agent was prepared by a spin-coating method, and the film was cured integrally at low temperatures of less than 120 °C through two different kinds of polymeric reactions, which were radical polymerization of vinyl groups and sol–gel condensation polymerization of terminated silanol and alkoxy groups. The obtained PSQ film showed the almost perfect solubilization resistance to acetone, which is a good solvent of PSQ before polymerization. It became clear by atomic force microscopy observation that the surface of the PSQ film was very smooth at a nano-meter level. Furthermore, pentacene-based organic field-effect transistor (OFET) with the PSQ film as a gate insulator showed typical p-channel enhancement mode operation characteristics and therefore the ultra-thin PSQ film has the potential to be applicable for solution-processed OFET systems. - Highlights: ► Polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) possessing 3-methacryloxypropyl groups were synthesized. ► The ultra-thin PSQ film could be cured at low temperatures of less than 120 °C. ► The PSQ film showed the almost perfect solubilization resistance to organic solvent. ► The surface of the PSQ film was very smooth at a nano-meter level. ► Pentacene-based organic field-effect transistor with the PSQ film was fabricated.

Novel chitosan film embedded with liposome-encapsulated phage for biocontrol of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef.

Science.gov (United States)

Cui, Haiying; Yuan, Lu; Lin, Lin

2017-12-01

In recent years, phages used for the reduction of pathogenic bacteria have fostered many attentions, but they are liable to lost bioactivity in food due to the presence of acidic compounds, enzymes and evaporite materials. To improve the stability of phages, a chitosan edible film containing liposome-encapsulated phage was engineered in the present study. The characteristics of liposome-encapsulated phage and the chitosan film containing liposome-encapsulated phage were investigated. The encapsulation efficiency of phages in liposome reached 57.66±0.12%. Besides, the desirable physical properties of chitosan film were obtained. The chitosan film embedded with liposome-encapsulated phage exhibited high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7, without the impact on the sensory properties of beef. Hence, chitosan film containing liposome-encapsulated phage could be a promising antibacterial packaging for beef preservation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anomalous aging and strain induced time dependent phenomena in ultra-thin La0.65Ca0.35MnO3 films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Egilmez, M.; Saber, M.M.; Abdelhadi, M.; Chow, K.H.; Jung, J.

2011-01-01

We have shown that ultra-thin La 0.65 Ca 0.35 MnO 3 films exhibit strong metastable behavior. The resistance can vary with time significantly, suggesting that a state of dynamic phase separation exists whereby one phase grows at the expense of another. Physical properties associated with the metastable behavior have been investigated on the films grown on different substrates. We have found that ultra-thin films age much faster than the thicker counterparts and more interestingly the metastability in the resistance of these films enhanced when aged. -- Highlights: → Ultra-thin La 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 3 films exhibit metastable behavior. → Physical properties associated with metastable behavior have been investigated. → The metastability in resistance of the films enhanced when films are aged. → Relaxation rates were used as a relative measure the metastability. → The metastable behavior is sensitive to the strain state of the film.

Mechanical, Thermal and Surface Investigations of Chitosan/Agar/PVA Ternary Blended Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Esam A. El-Hefian

2011-01-01

Full Text Available The mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan/agar/poly vinyl alcohol (CS/AG/PVA ternary blended films having various proportions considering chitosan as the main component were investigated. The various variables static water contact angle such as contact angle, drop base area, drop volume and drop height was also studied in correlation with the variation of time. Results obtained from mechanical measurements showed a noticeable increase in the tensile strength (TS coincided with a sharp decrease in elongation percent at break (E% of blended films with increasing agar and PVA contents. The DSC results prevailed the development of an interaction between chitosan individual components: agar and PVA. Moreover, an enhancement of the wettability of the blends was obtained with increasing agar and PVA contents. It was also found that the pure CS film and the blended films with 90/05/05 and 80/10/10 compositions were more affected by time than blended films with other compositions when the contact angle, the drop height and the drop length were studied as a function of time. In addition, when the drop is initially placed on the substrate, the drop area and the drop volume of all films remained almost constant up to a certain time after which they showed a slight difference with the elapse of time.

The multilayered structure of ultrathin amorphous carbon films synthesized by filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition

KAUST Repository

Wang, Na

2013-08-01

The structure of ultrathin amorphous carbon (a-C) films synthesized by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) deposition was investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results of the plasmon excitation energy shift and through-thickness elemental concentration show a multilayered a-C film structure comprising an interface layer consisting of C, Si, and, possibly, SiC, a buffer layer with continuously increasing sp 3 fraction, a relatively thicker layer (bulk film) of constant sp 3 content, and an ultrathin surface layer rich in sp 2 hybridization. A detailed study of the C K-edge spectrum indicates that the buffer layer between the interface layer and the bulk film is due to the partial backscattering of C+ ions interacting with the heavy atoms of the silicon substrate. The results of this study provide insight into the minimum thickness of a-C films deposited by FCVA under optimum substrate bias conditions. Copyright © 2013 Materials Research Society.

Layer-by-layer self-assembly of polyimide precursor/layered double hydroxide ultrathin films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chen Dan; Huang Shu; Zhang Chao; Wang Weizhi; Liu Tianxi

2010-01-01

The layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly has been extensively used as a simple and effective method for the preparation of polyelectrolyte multilayer films. In this work, we utilized this unique method to prepare polyimide precursor/layered double hydroxide (LDH) ultrathin films. Well-crystallized Co-Al-CO 3 LDH and subsequent anion exchanged Co-Al-NO 3 LDH were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). By vigorous shaking of the as-prepared Co-Al-NO 3 LDH, positively charged and exfoliated LDH nanosheets were obtained. Atomic force microscopy and XRD investigations indicated the delamination of LDH nanosheets. The precursor of polyimide, poly(amic acid) tertiary amine salt (PAS) was prepared by the polycondensation of dianhydride and diamine, and subsequent amine salt formation. By using the LBL method, heterogeneous ultrathin films of PAS and LDH were prepared. The formation of the ordered nanostructured assemblies was confirmed by the progressive enhancement of UV absorbance and the XRD results.

Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115 on ham steak by tea bioactive compounds incorporated into chitosan-coated plastic films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vodnar Dan C

2012-07-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background The consumer demands for better quality and safety of food products have given rise to the development and implementation of edible films. The use of antimicrobial films can be a promising tool for controlling L. monocytogenes on ready to eat products. The aim of this study was to develop effective antimicrobial films incorporating bioactive compounds from green and black teas into chitosan, for controlling L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115 on vacuum-packaged ham steak. The effectiveness of these antimicrobial films was evaluated at room temperature (20°C for 10 days and at refrigerated temperature (4°C for 8 weeks. Results The HPLC results clearly show that relative concentrations of catechins and caffeine in green tea ranked EGCG>EGC>CAF>ECG>EC>C while in black tea extracts ranked CAF>EGCG>ECG>EGC>EC>C. The chitosan-coated plastic films incorporating green tea and black tea extracts shows specific markers identified by FTIR. Incorporating natural extracts into chitosan showed that the growth of L monocytogenes ATCC 19115 was inhibited. The efficacy of antimicrobial effect of tea extracts incorporated into chitosan-coated plastic film was dose dependent. However, chitosan-coated films without addition of tea extracts did not inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115. Chitosan-coated plastic films incorporating 4% Green tea extract was the most effective antimicrobial, reducing the initial counts from 3.2 to 2.65 log CFU/cm2 during room temperature storage and from 3.2 to 1–1.5 log CFU/cm2 during refrigerated storage. Conclusions Incorporation of tea extracts into the chitosan-coated films considerably enhanced their effectiveness against L. monocytogenes ATCC 19115. 4% Green tea incorporated into chitosan-coated plastic film had a better antilisterial effect than 2% green tea or 2% and 4% black tea. Data from this study would provide new formulation options for developing antimicrobial packaging films using tea

Eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion-impregnated chitosan film: antibacterial effects against a clinical pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, in vitro

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sugumar S

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Saranya Sugumar, Amitava Mukherjee, Natarajan Chandrasekaran Centre for Nanobiotechnology, VIT University, Vellore, India Abstract: Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus nanoemulsion was formulated using low- and high-energy emulsification methods. Development of nanoemulsion was optimized for system parameters such as emulsifier type, emulsifier concentration, and emulsification methods to obtain a lower droplet size with greater stability. The minimized droplet diameter was achieved using the high-energy method of ultrasonication. Tween 80 was more effective in reducing droplet size and emulsion appearance when compared to Tween 20. Stable nanoemulsion was formulated with Tween 80 as a surfactant, and the particle size was found to be 9.4 nm (1:2 v/v. The eucalyptus oil nanoemulsion was impregnated into chitosan (1% as a biopolymer in varying concentrations. Further, the film was characterized by moisture content, microscopic study, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Also, the film with and without nanoemulsion was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus. The nanoemulsion-impregnated chitosan film showed higher antibacterial activity than chitosan film. These results support the inclusion of nanoemulsion-impregnated chitosan film in wound management studies. Keywords: essential oil, emulsion, biopolymer, impregnation, thin film, wound isolate

Chemical modification of chitosan film via surface grafting of citric acid molecular to promote the biomineralization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, Yang, E-mail: liuyang@cczu.edu.cn [Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geo Materials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641 (China); Shen, Xin; Zhou, Huan [Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China); Wang, Yingjun [School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641 (China); Deng, Linhong, E-mail: dlh@cczu.edu.cn [Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164 (China)

2016-05-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Chitosan film was modified by surface grafting of citric acid. • The modified film has good hydrophilicity and moisture-retaining capacity. • The citric acid grafting treatment significantly promote the biomineralization. • MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts research confirms the biocompatibility of the film. - Abstract: We develop a novel chitosan–citric acid film (abbreviated as CS–CA) suitable for biomedical applications in this study. In this CS–CA film, the citric acid, which is a harmless organic acid has been extensively investigated as a modifying agent on carbohydrate polymers, was cross-linked by 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) onto the surface of chitosan (CS) film. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the graft copolymerization of the modified chitosan film (CS–CA). Surface wettability, moisturizing performance, the capacity of mineralization in vitro and biocompatibility of the films were characterized. After modification, this CS–CA film has good hydrophilicity. It is very evident that the citric acid grafting treatment significantly promotes the biomineralization of the chitosan based substrates. Cell experiments show that the MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts can adhere and proliferate well on the surface of CS–CA film. This CS–CA film, which can be prepared in large quantities and at low cost, should have potential application in bone tissue engineering.

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 moisture and chitosan layered silicate on morphology and properties of chitosan/layered silicates films; Efeito do teor de quitosana e do silicato em camadas na morfologia e propriedades dos filmes quitosana/silicatos em camadas

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Silva, J.R.M.B. da; Santos, B.F.F. dos; Leite, I.F., E-mail: itamaraf@gmail.com [Universidade Federal da Paraiba (UFPB), PB (Brazil). Centro de Tecnologia. Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais

2014-07-01

Thin chitosan films have been for some time an object of practical assessments. However, to obtain biopolymers capable of competing with common polymers a significant improvement in their properties is required. Currently, the technology of obtaining polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites has proven to be a good alternative. This work aims to evaluate the effect of chitosan content (CS) and layered silicates (AN) on the morphology and properties of chitosan/ layered silicate films. CS/AN bionanocomposites were prepared by the intercalation by solution in the proportion 1:1 and 5:1. Then were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffraction (XRD) and X-ray thermogravimetry (TG). It is expected from the acquisition of films, based on different levels of chitosan and layered silicates, choose the best composition to serve as a matrix for packaging drugs and thus be used for future research. (author)

Formulation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of chitosan-based film forming gel containing ketoprofen.

Science.gov (United States)

Oh, Dong-Won; Kang, Ji-Hyun; Lee, Hyo-Jung; Han, Sang-Duk; Kang, Min-Hyung; Kwon, Yie-Hyuk; Jun, Joon-Ho; Kim, Dong-Wook; Rhee, Yun-Seok; Kim, Ju-Young; Park, Eun-Seok; Park, Chung-Woong

2017-11-01

The film forming gel, adhered to skin surfaces upon application and formed a film, has an advantage onto skin to provide protection and continuous drug release to the application site. This study aimed to prepare a chitosan-based film forming gel containing ketoprofen (CbFG) and to evaluate the CbFG and film from CbFG (CbFG-film). CbFG were prepared with chitosan, lactic acid and various skin permeation enhancers. The physicochemical characteristics were evaluated by texture analysis, viscometry, SEM, DSC, XRD and FT-IR. To identify the mechanism of skin permeation, in vitro skin permeation study was conducted with a Franz diffusion cell and excised SD-rat and hairless mouse dorsal skin. In vivo efficacy assessment in mono-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis animal model was also conducted. CbFG was successfully prepared and, after applying CbFG to the excised rat dorsal skin, the CbFG-film was also formed well. The physicochemical characteristics of CbFG and CbFG-film could be explained by the grafting of oleic acid onto chitosan in the absence of catalysts. In addition, CbFG containing oleic acid had a higher skin permeation rate in comparison with any other candidate enhancers. The in vivo efficacy study also confirmed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Consequently, we report the successful preparation of chitosan-based film forming gel containing ketoprofen with excellent mechanical properties, skin permeation and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor through the electrodeposition of Ru(bpy)32+/AuNPs/chitosan composite film onto electrode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yun Wen; Xu Ying; Dong Ping; Ma Xiongxiong; He Pingang; Fang Yuzhi

2009-01-01

Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy) 3 2+ ) has been successfully immobilized onto electrode through the electrodeposition of Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /AuNPs/chitosan composite film. In the experiments, chitosan solution was first mixed with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . Then, during chronopotentiometry experiments in this mixed solution, a porous 3D network structured film containing Ru(bpy) 3 2+ , AuNPs and chitosan has been electrodeposited onto cathode due to the deposition of chitosan when pH value is over its pK a (6.3). The applied current density is crucial to the film thickness and the amount of the entrapped Ru(bpy) 3 2+ . Additionally, these doping Ru(bpy) 3 2+ in the composite film maintained their intrinsic electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence activities. Consequently, this Ru(bpy) 3 2+ /AuNPs/chitosan modified electrode has been used in ECL to detect tripropylamine, and the detection limit was 5 x 10 -10 M

Ultrathin film, high specific power InP solar cells on flexible plastic substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shiu, K.-T.; Zimmerman, Jeramy; Wang Hongyu; Forrest, Stephen R.

2009-01-01

We demonstrate ultrathin-film, single-crystal InP Schottky-type solar cells mounted on flexible plastic substrates. The lightly p-doped InP cell is grown epitaxially on an InP substrate via gas source molecular beam epitaxy. The InP substrate is removed via selective chemical wet-etching after the epitaxial layers are cold-welded to a 25 μm thick Kapton sheet, followed by the deposition of an indium tin oxide top contact that forms the Schottky barrier with InP. The power conversion efficiency under 1 sun is 10.2±1.0%, and its specific power is 2.0±0.2 kW/kg. The ultrathin-film solar cells can tolerate both tensile and compressive stress by bending over a <1 cm radius without damage.

Ultrathin monomolecular films and robust assemblies based on cyclic catechols

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Zieger, M. M.; Pop-Georgievski, Ognen; de los Santos Pereira, Andres; Verveniotis, E.; Preuss, C. M.; Zorn, M.; Reck, B.; Goldmann, A. S.; Rodriguez-Emmenegger, Cesar; Barner-Kowollik, C.

2017-01-01

Roč. 33, č. 3 (2017), s. 670-679 ISSN 0743-7463 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GJ15-09368Y Grant - others:OPPK(XE) CZ.2.16/3.1.00/21545 Program:OPPK Institutional support: RVO:61389013 Keywords : cyclic catechols * ultrathin films * macromolecules monolayers Subject RIV: CD - Macromolecular Chemistry OBOR OECD: Polymer science Impact factor: 3.833, year: 2016

Structural properties of films and rheology of film-forming solutions of chitosan gallate for food packaging.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Chunhua; Tian, Jinhu; Li, Shan; Wu, Tiantian; Hu, Yaqin; Chen, Shiguo; Sugawara, Tatsuya; Ye, Xingqian

2016-08-01

The chitosan gallates (CG) were obtained by free-radical-initiated grafting of gallic acid (GA) onto chitosan (CS) in this work. The chemical structures of the CG were corroborated by UV-vis, GPC and (1)H NMR analysis. The grafting reaction was accompanied with a degradation of the CS molecule. The shear-thinning flow behavior of CG film-forming solutions (CG FFS) decreased with the grafting amount of GA into CS chain, while the CG FFS grafted at a lower GA value behaved like a networks containing entangled or cross-linked polymer chains with a more elastic behavior. The increasing of GA grafting onto the CS chain led to a reduction of tensile strength, elongation at break and water resistance in the corresponding films, but increases in the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were observed. The microstructure of the film was investigated using scanning electron and atomic force microscope, and the results were closely related to the observed film properties. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of surface roughness on takeoff-angle-dependent X-ray fluorescence of ultrathin films at glancing incidence

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tsuji, Kouichi; Hirokawa, Kichinosuke; Sasaki, Atsushi.

1994-01-01

We had previously shown that takeoff-angle-dependent X-ray fluorescence (TAD-XRF) at glancing incidence is a useful method for the characterization of thin films. Here we report the effect of surface roughness of the substrate on TAD-XRF of an ultrathin film at a glancing incidence. An optically flat glass, scratched glasses and plano-convex lenses were used as substrates. A large-range contour such as warp and a roughness of microscopic scale affect the TAD-XRF profile. Therefore, to characterize the ultrathin film by the TAD-XRF method, the material whose roughness is being investigated should be used as the substrate in TAD-XRF measurement. (author)

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)

The influence of the surface parameter changes onto the phonon states in ultrathin crystalline films

Science.gov (United States)

Šetrajčić, Jovan P.; Ilić, Dušan I.; Jaćimovski, Stevo K.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we have analytically investigated how the changes in boundary surface parameters influence the phonon dispersion law in ultrathin films of the simple cubic crystalline structure. Spectra of possible phonon states are analyzed using the method of two-time dependent Green's functions and for the diverse combination of boundary surface parameters, this problem was presented numerically and graphically. It turns out that for certain values and combinations of parameters, displacement of dispersion branches outside of bulk zone occurs, leading to the creation of localized phonon states. This fact is of great importance for the heat removal, electrical conductivity and superconducting properties of ultrathin films.

Gelatin/chitosan biofilm: preparation and characterization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Trindade, Luciane da C.; Nunes, Raquel A.; Diniz, Nadie K.S.; Braga, Carla R.C.; Silva, Suedina M. de Lima

2011-01-01

In this study, gelatin, chitosan and gelatin/chitosan bio films using the ratio of gelatin/chitosan (50/50) were prepared by casting method. The bio films prepared were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and dissolution ratio. According to the results, the incorporation of chitosan into gelatin indicate the decrease of crystallinity of chitosan, a compact structure without large pores and that the dissolution of gelatin/chitosan film is little influenced by hot water than gelatin films. (author)

Ultra-thin films of polysilsesquioxanes possessing 3-methacryloxypropyl groups as gate insulator for organic field-effect transistors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nakahara, Yoshio; Kawa, Haruna [Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakae-dani, Wakayama 640-8510 (Japan); Yoshiki, Jun [Division of Information and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Muroran Institute of Technology, 27-1 Mizumoto-cho, Muroran 050-8585 (Japan); Kumei, Maki; Yamamoto, Hiroyuki; Oi, Fumio [Konishi Chemical IND. Co., LTD., 3-4-77 Kozaika, Wakayama 641-0007 (Japan); Yamakado, Hideo [Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakae-dani, Wakayama 640-8510 (Japan); Fukuda, Hisashi [Division of Engineering for Composite Functions, Faculty of Engineering, Muroran Institute of Technology, 27-1 Mizumoto-cho, Muroran 050-8585 (Japan); Kimura, Keiichi, E-mail: kkimura@center.wakayama-u.ac.jp [Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Systems Engineering, Wakayama University, 930 Sakae-dani, Wakayama 640-8510 (Japan)

2012-10-01

Polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) possessing 3-methacryloxypropyl groups as an organic moiety of the side chain were synthesized by sol-gel condensation copolymerization of the corresponding trialkoxysilanes. The ultra-thin PSQ film with a radical initiator and a cross-linking agent was prepared by a spin-coating method, and the film was cured integrally at low temperatures of less than 120 Degree-Sign C through two different kinds of polymeric reactions, which were radical polymerization of vinyl groups and sol-gel condensation polymerization of terminated silanol and alkoxy groups. The obtained PSQ film showed the almost perfect solubilization resistance to acetone, which is a good solvent of PSQ before polymerization. It became clear by atomic force microscopy observation that the surface of the PSQ film was very smooth at a nano-meter level. Furthermore, pentacene-based organic field-effect transistor (OFET) with the PSQ film as a gate insulator showed typical p-channel enhancement mode operation characteristics and therefore the ultra-thin PSQ film has the potential to be applicable for solution-processed OFET systems. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) possessing 3-methacryloxypropyl groups were synthesized. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The ultra-thin PSQ film could be cured at low temperatures of less than 120 Degree-Sign C. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The PSQ film showed the almost perfect solubilization resistance to organic solvent. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The surface of the PSQ film was very smooth at a nano-meter level. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pentacene-based organic field-effect transistor with the PSQ film was fabricated.

Effect of Maillard reaction products on the physical and antimicrobial properties of edible films based on ε-polylysine and chitosan.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yingying; Liu, Fuguo; Liang, Chunxuan; Yuan, Fang; Gao, Yanxiang

2014-11-01

Edible films based on Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of ε-polylysine and chitosan, without the use of any plasticiser, were prepared by solution casting. The effect of Maillard reaction parameters (reaction time and the ratio of polylysine/chitosan) of ε-polylysine and chitosan on the structure, moisture content, water solubility, total colour difference and mechanical properties of edible films formed by MRPs were systematically evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that edible films prepared by the MRPs of ε-polylysine and chitosan through the Maillard reaction exhibited a more compact and dense structure than those from the mixture of biopolymers without the presence of MRPs. The tensile strength and % elongation values of films from the mixture were decreased significantly with the rise of ε-polylysine (P Maillard reaction, whereas water solubility was decreased and total colour difference was increased significantly (P Maillard reaction time. In addition, antimicrobial activity of chitosan films against E. coli and S. aureus. could be achieved by incorporating ε-polylysine into chitosan. These films can ensure food quality and safety, especially for coating highly perishable foods, such as meat products. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

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/ZnAl_2O_4 films: structural evaluation and photoluminescent

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Araujo, P.M.A.G.; Costa, A.C.F.M.

2014-01-01

The photoluminescent materials have been the focus of intense research and applications in optics, electronics and biological areas. This work reports obtaining chitosan/ZnAl_2O_4 film in proportions of 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3, 1:4 to 1:5 by weight, and assess the structural properties of the films and photoluminescence. The samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, emission and excitation. By XRD was found that all samples showed characteristic peaks of chitosan and ZnAl_2O_4. The FTIR spectra for all concentrations of Qs/NPs films exhibit characteristic bands of Qs and trend banding of ions ZnAl_2O_4. The emission and excitation spectra revealed the presence of a broadband processes associated with charge transfer to the Al"3"+ O"2"-, all samples showed good photoluminescent properties being that higher intensities of photoluminescence gave to the film concentration 1:4 being promising for photoelectronic applications. (author)

Physico-mechanical and structural properties of eggshell membrane gelatin- chitosan blend edible films

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mohammadi, Reza; Mohammadifar, Mohammad Amin; Rouhi, Milad

2018-01-01

This study investigated the physico-mechanical and structural properties of composite edible films based on eggshell membrane gelatin (G) and chitosan (Ch) (75G:25Ch, 50G:50Ch, 25G:75Ch). The results demonstrated that the addition of Ch increased elongation at break significantly (p< 0.05), but r......This study investigated the physico-mechanical and structural properties of composite edible films based on eggshell membrane gelatin (G) and chitosan (Ch) (75G:25Ch, 50G:50Ch, 25G:75Ch). The results demonstrated that the addition of Ch increased elongation at break significantly (p... interactions introduced by the addition of chitosan to eggshell membrane gelatin as new resources could improve the films’ functional properties....

Nanotwin-enhanced fatigue resistance of ultrathin Ag films for flexible electronics applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wan, H.Y. [Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Shenyang 110016 (China); Luo, X.M.; Li, X.; Liu, W. [Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016 (China); Zhang, G.P., E-mail: gpzhang@imr.ac.cn [Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016 (China)

2016-10-31

Fatigue strength and cracking behavior of ultrathin Ag films on flexible polyimide substrates were investigated. The experimental results show that the enhanced fatigue strength of the 50 nm-thick Ag films not only is caused by the increase in the yield stress and the suppression of cyclic strain localization, but also results from the severe crack deflection induced by the formation of nanotwins, which delays the fatigue crack initiation and enhances the resistance to the fatigue crack growth. The fatigue cracking mechanism for the nanocrystalline metal films is evaluated.

Dependence of the organic nonvolatile memory performance on the location of ultra-thin Ag film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jiao Bo; Wu Zhaoxin; He Qiang; Mao Guilin; Hou Xun; Tian Yuan

2010-01-01

We demonstrated organic nonvolatile memory devices based on 4,4',4''-tris[N-(3-methylphenyl)-N-phenylamino] triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) inserted by an ultra-thin Ag film. The memory devices with different locations of ultra-thin Ag film in m-MTDATA were investigated, and it was found that the location of the Ag film could affect the performance of the organic memory, such as ON/OFF ratio, retention time and cycling endurance. When the Ag film was located at the ITO/m-MTDATA interface, the largest ON/OFF ratio (about 10 5 ) could be achieved, but the cycling endurance was poor. When the Ag film was located in the middle region of the m-MTDATA layer, the ON/OFF ratios came down by about 10 3 , but better performance of cycling endurance was exhibited. When the Ag film was located close to the Al electrode, the ON/OFF ratios and the retention time of this device decreased sharply and the bistable phenomenon almost disappeared. Our works show a simple approach to improve the performance of organic memory by adjusting the location of the metal film.

Precisely Controlled Ultrathin Conjugated Polymer Films for Large Area Transparent Transistors and Highly Sensitive Chemical Sensors.

Science.gov (United States)

Khim, Dongyoon; Ryu, Gi-Seong; Park, Won-Tae; Kim, Hyunchul; Lee, Myungwon; Noh, Yong-Young

2016-04-13

A uniform ultrathin polymer film is deposited over a large area with molecularlevel precision by the simple wire-wound bar-coating method. The bar-coated ultrathin films not only exhibit high transparency of up to 90% in the visible wavelength range but also high charge carrier mobility with a high degree of percolation through the uniformly covered polymer nanofibrils. They are capable of realizing highly sensitive multigas sensors and represent the first successful report of ethylene detection using a sensor based on organic field-effect transistors. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The effects of surface roughness on low haze ultrathin nanocomposite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kanniah, Vinod [Chemical and Materials Engineering, 177 F. Paul Anderson Tower, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 (United States); Tru Vue, Inc. 9400 West, 55th St, McCook, IL 60525 (United States); Grulke, Eric A., E-mail: eric.grulke@uky.edu [Chemical and Materials Engineering, 177 F. Paul Anderson Tower, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 (United States); Druffel, Thad [Vision Dynamics LLC, 1950 Production Court, Louisville, KY 40299 (United States); Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville, Ernst Hall Room 102A, Louisville, KY 40292 (United States)

2013-07-31

Control of surface roughness in optical applications can have a large impact on haze. This work compares surface roughness and haze for self-assembled experimental surface structures as well as simulated surface structures for ultrathin nanocomposite films. Ultrathin nanocomposite films were synthesized from an acrylate monomer as the continuous phase with monodisperse or bidisperse mixtures of silica nanoparticles as the dispersed phase. An in-house spin coating deposition technique was used to make thin nanocomposite films on hydrophilic (glass) and hydrophobic (polycarbonate) substrates. Manipulating the size ratios of the silica nanoparticle mixtures generated multimodal height distributions, varied the average surface roughness (σ) and changed lateral height–height correlations (a). For the simulated surfaces, roughness was estimated from their morphologies, and haze was calculated using simplified Rayleigh scattering theory. Experimental data for haze and morphologies of nanocomposite films corresponded well to these properties for simulated tipped pyramid surfaces. A correlation based on simple Rayleigh scattering theory described our experimental data well, but the exponent on the parameter, σ/λ (λ is the wavelength of incident light), does not have the expected value of 2. A scalar scattering model and a prior Monte Carlo simulation estimated haze values similar to those of our experimental samples. - Highlights: • Bidisperse nanoparticle mixtures created structured surfaces on thin films. • Monodisperse discrete phases created unimodal structure distributions. • Bidisperse discrete phases created multimodal structure distributions. • Multimodal structures had maximum heights ≤ 1.5 D{sub large} over our variable range. • Simplified Rayleigh scattering theory linked roughness to haze and contact angle.

Water-induced morphology changes in an ultrathin silver film studied by ultraviolet-visible, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li Xiaoling; Xu Weiqing; Jia Huiying; Wang Xu; Zhao Bing; Li Bofu; Ozaki, Yukihiro

2005-01-01

Water-induced changes in the morphology and optical properties of an ultrathin Ag film (3 nm thickness) have been studied by use of ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. A confocal micrograph shows that infinite regular Ag rings with almost uniform size (4 μm) emerge on the film surface after the ultrathin Ag film was immersed into water. The AFM measurement further confirms that the Ag rings consist of some metal holes with pillared edges. The UV-Vis spectrum shows that an absorption band at 486 nm of the Ag film after the immersion in water (I-Ag film) blue shifts by 66 nm with a significant decrease in absorbance, which is attributed to the macroscopic loss of some Ag atoms and the change in the morphology of the Ag film. The polarized UV-Vis spectra show that a band at 421 nm due to the normal component of the plasmon oscillation blue shifts after immersing the ultrathin Ag film into water. This band is found to be strongly angle-dependent for p-polarized light, indicating that the optical properties of the ultrathin Ag film are changed. The I-Ag film is SERS-active, and the SERS enhancement depends on different active sites on the film surface. Furthermore, it seems that the orientation of an adsorbate is related to the morphology of the I-Ag film

Evolution of optical constants of silicon dioxide on silicon from ultrathin films to thick films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cai Qingyuan; Zheng Yuxiang; Mao Penghui; Zhang Rongjun; Zhang Dongxu; Liu Minghui; Chen Liangyao, E-mail: yxzheng@fudan.edu.c [Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures, Ministry of Education, Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China)

2010-11-10

A series of SiO{sub 2} films with thickness range 1-600 nm have been deposited on crystal silicon (c-Si) substrates by electron beam evaporation (EBE) method. Variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) in combination with a two-film model (ambient-oxide-interlayer substrate) was used to determine the optical constants and thicknesses of the investigated films. The refractive indices of SiO{sub 2} films thicker than 60 nm are close to those of bulk SiO{sub 2}. For the thin films deposited at the rate of {approx}1.0 nm s{sup -1}, the refractive indices increase with decreasing thickness from {approx}60 to {approx}10 nm and then drop sharply with decreasing thickness below {approx}10 nm. However, for thin films deposited at the rates of {approx}0.4 and {approx}0.2 nm s{sup -1}, the refractive indices monotonically increase with decreasing thickness below 60 nm. The optical constants of the ultrathin film depend on the morphology of the film, the stress exerted on the film, as well as the stoichiometry of the oxide film.

Evolution of optical constants of silicon dioxide on silicon from ultrathin films to thick films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cai Qingyuan; Zheng Yuxiang; Mao Penghui; Zhang Rongjun; Zhang Dongxu; Liu Minghui; Chen Liangyao

2010-01-01

A series of SiO 2 films with thickness range 1-600 nm have been deposited on crystal silicon (c-Si) substrates by electron beam evaporation (EBE) method. Variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) in combination with a two-film model (ambient-oxide-interlayer substrate) was used to determine the optical constants and thicknesses of the investigated films. The refractive indices of SiO 2 films thicker than 60 nm are close to those of bulk SiO 2 . For the thin films deposited at the rate of ∼1.0 nm s -1 , the refractive indices increase with decreasing thickness from ∼60 to ∼10 nm and then drop sharply with decreasing thickness below ∼10 nm. However, for thin films deposited at the rates of ∼0.4 and ∼0.2 nm s -1 , the refractive indices monotonically increase with decreasing thickness below 60 nm. The optical constants of the ultrathin film depend on the morphology of the film, the stress exerted on the film, as well as the stoichiometry of the oxide film.

On the difference between optically and electrically determined resistivity of ultra-thin titanium nitride films

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Van Hao, B.; Kovalgin, Alexeij Y.; Wolters, Robertus A.M.

2013-01-01

This work reports on the determination and comparison of the resistivity of ultra-thin atomic layer deposited titanium nitride films in the thickness range 0.65–20 nm using spectroscopic ellipsometry and electrical test structures. We found that for films thicker than 4 nm, the resistivity values

Temperature-induced transitions between domain structures of ultrathin magnetic films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Polyakova, T.; Zablotskii, V.

2005-01-01

Full text: Understanding of the influence of temperature on behavior of domain patterns of ultrathin magnetic films is of high significance for the fundamental physics of nanomagnetism as well as for technological applications. A thickness-dependent Curie temperature of ultrathin films may cause many interesting phenomena in the thermal evolution of domain structures (DS): i) nontrivial changes of the anisotropy constants as a function of the film thickness; ii) so-called inverse melting of DSs (processes where a more symmetric domain phase is found at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures - the inverse phase sequence) [1]; iii) temperature-induced transitions between domain structures. The possibility of such transitions is determined by lowering of the potential barriers separating different magnetization states as the film temperature approaches the Curie point. In this case with an increase of temperature, due to a significant decrease of the anisotropy constant, the domain wall energy is low enough and allows the system to reach equilibrium by a change of the domain wall number in the sample. This manifests itself in a transition from a metastable DS to a more stable DS which corresponds to new values of the anisotropy constant and magnetizations saturation. Thus, the temperature-induced transitions are driven by temperature changes of the magnetic parameters of the film. The key parameters controlling the DS geometry and period are the characteristic length, l c =σ/4πM S 2 (the ratio between the domain wall and demagnetization energies), and the quality factor Q =K/2πM S 2 (K is the first anisotropy constant). We show that for films with a pronounced nonmonotonic temperature dependence of l c one can expect a counter thermodynamic behavior: the inverse phase sequence and cooling-induced disordering. On changing temperature the existing domain structure should accommodate itself under new magnitudes of l c and Q. There are the two possible

Impedance spectroscopy study of dehydrated chitosan and chitosan containing LiClO4

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, M.M.; Terezo, A.J.; Matos, A.L.; Moura, W.A.; Giacometti, Jose A.; Sombra, A.S.B.

2010-01-01

Cast films of chitosan and chitosan containing LiClO 4 were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the thermogravimetric technique. The electric properties of hydrated and dehydrated films were investigated with impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz, at temperatures varying from 30 to 110 o C. The frequency dependence of the impedance for dehydrated chitosan and chitosan containing LiClO 4 films indicated ionic conduction. Two relaxation peaks were evident on the imaginary curve of the electric modulus, which were assigned to ionic conduction. The peak at higher frequency was found for chitosan and chitosan containing LiClO 4 films. The peak at lower frequency was attributed to Li + conduction since it appeared only for the chitosan containing LiClO 4 . The peak frequency varied with the temperature according to an Arrhenius process with activation energies of circa of 0.6 and 0.45 eV, for H + and Li + conduction, respectively.

Development of Chitosan Acetate Films for Transdermal Delivery of ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Methods: Chitosan acetate was chemically modified with acetaldehyde and the solution was prepared with 1 % acetic acid, in which was dissolved propranolol hydrochloride, was cast as films in Petri dish and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ...

A first-principles study of phase transitions in ultrathin films of BaTiO 3

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

We determine the effects of film thickness, epitaxial strain and the nature of electrodes on ferroelectric phase transitions in ultrathin films of BaTiO3 using a first-principles effective Hamiltonian in classical molecular dynamics simulations. We present results for polarization and dielectric properties as a function of temperature ...

Growth of ultra-thin Ag films on Ni(111)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Meyer, Axel; Flege, Jan Ingo; Falta, Jens [Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen (Germany); Senanayake, Sanjaya [Chemistry Department, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973-5000 (United States); Alamgir, Faisal [Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0245 (United States)

2009-07-01

The physical and chemical properties of ultra-thin metal films on metallic substrates strongly depend on their morphology and the structure of the buried interface. Hence, detailed knowledge of the growth mechanisms is essential for the creation of new functional materials with novel characteristics. In this contribution, we present a comprehensive structural study of the growth and properties of epitaxial Ag films on Ni(111) by in-situ low energy electron microscopy (LEEM). For lower temperatures, the growth of the Ag film proceeds in a Stranski-Krastanov mode after completion of the wetting layer, while for higher temperatures layer-by-layer growth is observed. Quantitative information about the film structure were obtained by analyzing the intensity-voltage (I-V) dependence of the local electron reflectivity (IV-LEEM). The corresponding I(V) spectra showed intensity oscillations depending on local thickness of the Ag film due to the quantum size effect (QSE). Modeling of the I(V) spectra was performed both within the framework of a one-dimensional Kronig-Penney model and multiple scattering IV-LEED calculations. The results of both approaches concerning the variation of the layer spacings and interface characteristics for different temperatures and film thicknesses will be discussed.

Structural and electronic properties of polar MnO ultrathin film grown on Ag(111)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kundu, Asish K., E-mail: asish.kundu@saha.ac.in; Menon, Krishnakumar S. R. [Surface Physics and Material Science Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 70064 (India)

2016-05-23

Surface electronic structure of ultrathin polar MnO film was studied by Low-energy Electron Diffraction (LEED) and Photoemission Spectroscopic (PES) techniques. Epitaxial monolayer to facet formation with increasing film thickness has been observed by LEED. Our LEED result shows p(2x2) surface reconstruction along with facet formation, stabilize the polar MnO(111) surface. The core levels and the valence band electronic structure of MnO films have been studied as a function of film thickness using X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.

Comparative study of experimental and numerical behaviors of microwave absorbers based on ultrathin Al and Cu films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Costa, D.S., E-mail: daniel_eng_aero@hotmail.com [Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia/UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, CEP 12.231-280, São José dos Campos, SP (Brazil); Nohara, E.L. [Universidade de Taubaté, Rua Daniel Danelli, s/n, CEP 12060-440, Taubaté, SP (Brazil); Rezende, M.C. [Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia/UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, CEP 12.231-280, São José dos Campos, SP (Brazil)

2017-06-15

The study of radar absorbing materials increasingly thin, lightweight and flexible has gained growing importance in recent years. In military area these characteristics allow the reduction of weight and volume of platforms, and in civilian sector these materials stimulate innovative projects of electronic and microwave devices. The present work was devoted to studying ultrathin films of Al (20–80 nm) and Cu (10–100 nm) deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate by magnetron sputtering technique. The electrical conductivity values of the films were determined by 4 probes method, the S parameters (S{sub 11} and S{sub 12}) were obtained by transmission line using a X-band waveguide and the skin depth calculated. The results show the dependence of the electrical conductivity with the thickness for both films. The experimental values of microwave attenuation were compared with calculated values based on the equivalent electric circuit theory. This comparison shows a good adjustment and confirms the use of electrical conductivity measurements to predict the microwave absorption behavior of ultrathin films. - Highlights: • This article focuses on recent progresses in ultrathin films aiming microwave absorption. • Nanometric films of Al and Cu deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate were produced. • Electrical conductivity (4-probes) and S-parameters (S{sub 11} and S{sub 12}) of nanofilms were measured. • Calculated microwave attenuations were obtained based on the equivalent electric circuit theory. • A good fit between experimental and predictions data of microwave absorption was observed.

Comparative study of experimental and numerical behaviors of microwave absorbers based on ultrathin Al and Cu films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Costa, D.S.; Nohara, E.L.; Rezende, M.C.

2017-01-01

The study of radar absorbing materials increasingly thin, lightweight and flexible has gained growing importance in recent years. In military area these characteristics allow the reduction of weight and volume of platforms, and in civilian sector these materials stimulate innovative projects of electronic and microwave devices. The present work was devoted to studying ultrathin films of Al (20–80 nm) and Cu (10–100 nm) deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate by magnetron sputtering technique. The electrical conductivity values of the films were determined by 4 probes method, the S parameters (S_1_1 and S_1_2) were obtained by transmission line using a X-band waveguide and the skin depth calculated. The results show the dependence of the electrical conductivity with the thickness for both films. The experimental values of microwave attenuation were compared with calculated values based on the equivalent electric circuit theory. This comparison shows a good adjustment and confirms the use of electrical conductivity measurements to predict the microwave absorption behavior of ultrathin films. - Highlights: • This article focuses on recent progresses in ultrathin films aiming microwave absorption. • Nanometric films of Al and Cu deposited on poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate were produced. • Electrical conductivity (4-probes) and S-parameters (S_1_1 and S_1_2) of nanofilms were measured. • Calculated microwave attenuations were obtained based on the equivalent electric circuit theory. • A good fit between experimental and predictions data of microwave absorption was observed.

Spin accumulation in disordered topological insulator ultrathin films

Science.gov (United States)

Siu, Zhuo Bin; Ho, Cong Son; Tan, Seng Ghee; Jalil, Mansoor B. A.

2017-08-01

Topological insulator (TI) ultrathin films differ from the more commonly studied semi-infinite bulk TIs in that the former possess both top and bottom surfaces where the surface states localized at different surfaces can couple to one another across the finite thickness of the film. In the presence of an in-plane magnetization, the TI thin films display two distinct phases depending on which of the inter-surface coupling or the magnetization is stronger. In this work, we consider a Bi2Se3 TI thin film system with an in-plane magnetization and numerically calculate the resulting spin accumulation on both surfaces of the film due to an in-plane electric field to linear order. We describe a numerical scheme for performing the Kubo formula calculation in which we include impurity scattering and vertex corrections. We find that the sums of the spin accumulation over the two surfaces in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the magnetization and in the out of plane direction are antisymmetric in Fermi energy around the charge neutrality point and are non-vanishing only when the symmetry between the top and bottom TI surfaces is broken. The impurity scattering, in general, diminishes the magnitude of the spin accumulation.

Unraveling the reaction mechanism of silver ions reduction by chitosan from so far neglected spectroscopic features.

Science.gov (United States)

Carapeto, Ana Patrícia; Ferraria, Ana Maria; do Rego, Ana Maria Botelho

2017-10-15

Metallic silver nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous solution using chitosan, as both reducing and stabilizing agent, and AgNO 3 as silver precursor aiming the production of solid ultra-thin films. A systematic characterization of the resulting system as a function of the initial concentrations was performed. The combination of UV-vis absorption - and its quantitative analysis - with X-ray photoelectron spectra, light scattering measurements and atomic force microscopy allowed obtaining a rational picture of silver reduction mechanism through the identification of the nature of the formed reduced/oxidized species. Nanoparticle mean sizes and sizes distributions were rather independent from the precursors initial absolute and relative concentrations ([AgNO 3 ]/[chitosan]). This work clarifies some points of the mechanism involved showing experimental evidence of the early stages of the very fast silver reduction in chitosan aqueous solutions through the spectral signature of the smallest silver aggregate (Ag 2 + ) even at room temperature. The characterized system is believed to be useful for research fields where silver nanoparticles completely exempt of harmful traces of inorganic ions, coming from additional reducing agents, are needed, especially to be used in biocompatible in films. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preparation and voltammetric characterization of electrodes coated with Langmuir-Schaefer ultrathin films of Nafion®

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bertoncello Paolo

2003-01-01

Full Text Available Ultrathin films of Nafion® perfluorinated polymer were deposited on indium-tin oxide electrodes (ITO by using Langmuir-Schaefer (LS technique, after optimization of the subphase composition conditions. Morphological characteristics of these coatings were obtained by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM. Nafion® LS films showed a good uniformity and complete coverage of the electrode surface, however a different organization degree of the polymer layer was evidenced with respect to thin films deposited by spin-coating. ITO electrodes modified with Nafion® LS coatings preconcentrate by ion-exchange electroactive cations, such as Ru[(NH36]3+, dissolved in diluted solutions. The electroactive species is retained by the Nafion® LS coated ITO also after transfer of the modified electrode into pure supporting electrolyte. This allowed the use of the ruthenium complex as voltammetric probe to test diffusion phenomena within the Nafion® LS films. Apparent diffusion coefficients (Dapp of Ru[(NH36]3+ incorporated in Nafion® LS films were obtained by voltammetric measurements. Dapp values decrease slightly by increasing the amount of ruthenium complex incorporated in the ultrathin film. They are significantly lower than values typical for recasted Nafion® films, in agreement with the highly condensed nature of the Nafion® LS fims.

Magnetic field induced superconductor-insulator transitions for ultra-thin Bi films on the different underlayers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Makise, K; Kawaguti, T; Shinozaki, B

2009-01-01

This work shows the experimental results of the superconductor-insulator (S-I) transition for ultra-thin Bi films in magnetic fields. The quench-condensed (q-c) Bi film onto insulating underlayers have been interpreted to be homogeneous. In contrast, the Bi film without underlayers has been regarded as a granular film. The electrical transport properties of ultra-thin metal films near the S-I transition depend on the structure of the film. In order to confirm the effect of the underlayer to the homogeneity of the superconducting films, we investigate the characteristics of S-I transitions of q-c nominally homogeneous Bi films on underlayers of two insulating materials, SiO, and Sb. Under almost the same deposition condition except for the material of underlayer, we prepared the Bi films by repeating the additional deposition and performed in-situ electrical measurement. It is found that the transport properties near the S-I transitions show the remarkable difference between two films on different underlayers. As for Bi films on SiO, it turned out that the temperature dependence of resistance per square R sq (T) of the field-tuned transition and the thickness-tuned transition shows similar behavior; it was a thermally activated form. On the other hand, the R sq (T) of Bi films on Sb for thickness-tuned S-I transition showed logarithmic temperature dependence, but that for field-tuned S-I transition showed a thermally activated form.

Chitosan-graphene oxide films and CO2-dried porous aerogel microspheres: Interfacial interplay and stability.

Science.gov (United States)

Frindy, Sana; Primo, Ana; Ennajih, Hamid; El Kacem Qaiss, Abou; Bouhfid, Rachid; Lahcini, Mohamed; Essassi, El Mokhtar; Garcia, Hermenegildo; El Kadib, Abdelkrim

2017-07-01

The intimate interplay of chitosan (CS) and graphene oxide (GO) in aqueous acidic solution has been explored to design upon casting, nanostructured "brick-and-mortar" films (CS-GO-f) and by acidic-to-basic pH inversion, porous CO 2 -dried aerogel microspheres (CS-GO-m). Owing to the presence of oxygenated functional groups in GO, good-quality crack-free hybrid films were obtained. Mechanical properties were improved independently of the GO content and it was found that a 20wt% loading affords hybrid film characterized with a Young modulus three times superior to that reached with the same loading of layered clay. The presence of graphene oxide was found to be detrimental for the thermal stability of the polysaccharide at T <350°C, a fact attributed to the well-established decomposition of the oxygenated functional groups of the graphene sheets. Irrespective to the graphene oxide loading, chitosan-graphene oxide mixture preserves the gelation memory of the polysaccharide. Supercritical drying of the resulting soft hydrogels provides macroporous network with surface areas ranging from 226m 2 g -1 to 554m 2 g -1 . XPS and RAMAN analyses evidenced the selective reduction of GO sheets inside of these microspheres, affording the hitherto unknown macroporous chitosan-entangled-reduced graphene oxide (CS-rGO-m) aerogels. Improvement in both hydrothermal stability (under water reflux) and chemical stability (under acidic conditions) have been noticed for chitosan-graphene oxide microspheres with respect to non-modified chitosan and chitosan-clay bio-hybrids, a result rooted in the substantial hydrophobic character imparted by the addition of graphenic material to the polysaccharide skeleton. In essence, this contribution demonstrates that graphene oxide loading do not disturb neither the filmogenicity of chitosan nor its gelation ability and constitutes a promising route for novel chitosan-based functional hybrid materials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights

In vivo study on the biocompatibility of chitosan-hydroxyapatite film depending on degree of deacetylation.

Science.gov (United States)

Jeong, Ki-Jae; Song, Younseong; Shin, Hye-Ri; Kim, Ji Eun; Kim, Jeonghyo; Sun, Fangfang; Hwang, Dae-Youn; Lee, Jaebeom

2017-06-01

Chitosan, produced from chitin, is one of the polymers with promising applications in various fields. However, despite diverse research studies conducted on its biocompatibility, its uses are still limited. The main reason is the degree of deacetylation (DOD), which represents the proportion of deacetylated units in the polymer and is directly correlated with its biocompatibility property. In this article, the in vivo biocompatibility of three chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite films composed of chitosan with different DOD values was investigated by traditional biological protocols and novel optical spectroscopic analyses. The DOD of the chitosan obtained from three different manufacturers was estimated and calculated by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The chitosan with the higher DOD induced a higher incidence of inflammation in skin cells. The amino group density, biodegradability, and crystallinity of chitosan are the three possible factors that need to be considered when determining the biocompatibility of the films for in vivo application, as they led to complicated biological results, resulting in either better or worse inflammation even when using chitosan products with the same DOD. This basic study on the relationship between the DOD and inflammation is valuable for the development of further chitosan-based researches. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1637-1645, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF PLA-CHITOSAN BLENDS OBTAINED BY CASTING WITH POTENTIAL USE AS AGRICULTURAL MULCH FILMS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Danila Merino

2016-03-01

Full Text Available PLA-Chitosan films compatibilized with hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI were obtained by casting and subsequent hot pressing. The films were prepared with different contents of chitosan (CS and then its physicochemical properties were studied by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC, optical microscopy (OM and X-ray diffraction (XRD. It was found that the compatibilizing agent reacts completely and that chitosan affects the thermal properties of the films decreasing their decomposition temperatures, glass transition temperature (Tg and melting (Tm and increase its crystallinity. From the functional standpoint, antimicrobial properties of each blend were tested against Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC-3000. The increase in chitosan content was proportional to the antimicrobial effect allowing project its potential application in the agronomic field.

Silver nanoparticle-loaded chitosan-starch based films: Fabrication and evaluation of tensile, barrier and antimicrobial properties

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoksan, Rangrong; Chirachanchai, Suwabun

2010-01-01

The fabrication of silver nanoparticles was accomplished by γ-ray irradiation reduction of silver nitrate in a chitosan solution. The obtained nanoparticles were stable in the solution for more than six months, and showed the characteristic surface plasmon band at 411 nm as well as a positively charged surface with 40.4 ± 2.0 mV. The silver nanoparticles presented a spherical shape with an average size of 20-25 nm, as observed by TEM. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli, S. aureus and B. cereus of the silver nanoparticles dispersed in the γ-ray irradiated chitosan solution was 5.64 μg/mL. The silver nanoparticle-loaded chitosan-starch based films were prepared by a solution casting method. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles led to a slight improvement of the tensile and oxygen gas barrier properties of the polysaccharide-based films, with diminished water vapor/moisture barrier properties. In addition, silver nanoparticle-loaded films exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and B. cereus. The results suggest that silver nanoparticle-loaded chitosan-starch based films can be feasibly used as antimicrobial materials for food packaging and/or biomedical applications.

Proton conductivity and relaxation properties of chitosan-acetate films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prokhorov, E.; Luna-Bárcenas, G.; González-Campos, J.B.; Kovalenko, Yu.; García-Carvajal, Z.Y.; Mota-Morales, J.

2016-01-01

Graphical abstract: Temperature dependence of conductivity, the number of density and proton mobility in chitosan-acetate film. - Highlights: • DD, conductivity, Vogel temperature dependent on the concentration of acetic acid. • Proton conductivity of CS-acetate films interpreted using two Grotthuss mechanisms. • Transformation between two mechanisms observed at the glass transition temperature. - Abstract: The effect of aqueous acetic acid solution concentration during the preparation of chitosan-acetate (CS-acetate) films on the conductivity and relaxation properties were studied by dielectric and FTIR spectroscopies, TGA measurements and X-Ray diffraction. Analyses of the experimental results on the degree of deacetylation, water absorption, conductivity, Vogel temperature and activation energy demonstrate a strong dependence of these parameters on the concentration of the acid acetic solutions from which the films have been obtained. The proton conductivity and relaxation properties of CS-acetate films have been interpreted using two Grotthuss “structural diffusion” and “pack-acid” mechanisms. The transformation between these two mechanisms observed at temperature higher than CS-acetate glass transition temperature is due to an increase in the thermal motion of CS chains, water evaporation, hydrogen bond between water molecules and side groups of CS breaking and formation of new bonds between NH 3 + and acetate ions. Additionally, application of the Rice and Roth model allowed estimating the temperature dependence of proton number and their mobility in CS-acetate films. A systematic interpretation on the appropriate conductivity mechanism will help trigger the design of smart materials used in flexible electronic, solid polymer electrolytes for fuel cells and solid polymer batteries based on CS-acetate films.

Enhancing proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HMSCs on casein/chitosan multilayer films.

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Yan; Zheng, Zebin; Cao, Zhinan; Zhuang, Liangting; Xu, Yong; Liu, Xiaozhen; Xu, Yue; Gong, Yihong

2016-05-01

Creating a bioactive surface is important in tissue engineering. Inspired by the natural calcium binding property of casein (CA), multilayer films ((CA/CS)n) with chitosan (CS) as polycation were fabricated to enhance biomineralization, cell adhesion and differentiation. LBL self-assembly technique was used and the assembly process was intensively studied based on changes of UV absorbance, zeta potential and water contact angle. The increasing content of chitosan and casein with bilayers was further confirmed with XPS and TOF-SIMS analysis. To improve the biocompatibility, gelatin was surface grafted. In vitro mineralization test demonstrated that multilayer films had more hydroxyapatite crystal deposition. Human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSCs) were seeded onto these films. According to fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and cell cytoskeleton staining, MTT assay, expression of osteogenic marker genes, ALP activity, and calcium deposition quantification, it was found that these multilayer films significantly promoted HMSCs attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation than TCPS control. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Electron tunneling studies of ultrathin films near the superconductor-to-insulator transition

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valles, J.M. Jr.; Garno, J.P.

1994-01-01

Electron tunneling measurements on ultrathin quench-condensed films near the superconductor-to-insulator (SI) transition reveal that the superconducting state degrades with increasing normal state sheet resistance, R □ , in a manner that depends strongly on film morphology. In homogeneously disordered films, the superconducting energy gap Δ 0 decreases continuously and appears to go to zero at the SI transition. In granular films the transport properties degrade while Δ 0 remains constant. Measurements in the normal state reveal disorder enhanced e - -e - interaction corrections to the density of states. These effects are strong and depend on morphology in a manner that is consistent with their playing an important role in driving the SI transition. (orig.)

Self-standing chitosan films as dielectrics in organic thin-film transistors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

J. Morgado

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Organic thin film transistors, using self-standing 50 µm thick chitosan films as dielectric, are fabricated using sublimed pentacene or two conjugated polymers deposited by spin coating as semiconductors. Field-effect mobilities are found to be similar to values obtained with other dielectrics and, in the case of pentacene, a value (0.13 cm2/(V•s comparable to high performing transistors was determined. In spite of the low On/Off ratios (a maximum value of 600 was obtained for the pentacene-based transistors, these are promising results for the area of sustainable organic electronics in general and for biocompatible electronics in particular.

Plasticizer effect on the properties of biodegradable blend film from rice starch-chitosan

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Thawien Bourtoom

2008-04-01

Full Text Available The properties of biodegradable blend film from rice starch-chitosan with different plasticizers were determined. Three plasticizers comprising sorbitol (SOR, glycerol (GLY and polyethylene glycol (PEG were studied over a range of concentration from 20 to 60%. Increasing concentration of these plasticizers resulted in decreased tensile strength (TS concomitant with an increase in elongation at break (E, water vapor permeability (WVP and film solubility (FS. SOR plasticized films were the most brittle, with the highest tensile strength (TS, 26.06 MPa. However, its effect on WVP was low (5.45 g.mm/m2.day.kPa. In contrast, GLY and PEG plasticized films had a flexible structure contradictory to a low TS (14.31MPa and 16.14MPa, respectively providing a high WVP (14.52 g.mm/m2.day.kPa and 14.69 g.mm/m2.day.kPa, respectively. SOR plasticized films, demonstrated little higher FS compared to PEG and GLY plasticized films but not significant different (p<0.05. The color of biodegradable blend film from rice starch-chitosan was more affected by the concentration of the plasticizer used than by its type. Nine moisture sorption models were applied to experimental data. Moisture content of the film increased at elevated water activity. The time to reach equilibrium moisture content (EMC was about 20-24 days at lower humidity and 13-16 days at higher humidities. The EMC of glycerol and sorbitol rice starchchitosan biodegradable blend films showed a logarithmic increase at above 0.59 aw and reached the highest moisture content of 51.46% and 42.97 % at 0.95 aw, whereas PEG rice starch-chitosan biodegradable blend films did not show much increase in moisture content.

Determination of the mechanical, diffractometer and thermal properties of chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose films (HPMC)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rotta, Jefferson; Minatti, Edson; Barreto, Pedro L.M.

2009-01-01

This work examined the mechanical, diffractometry and thermal properties of chitosan-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films. The solutions of chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose were mixed at different proportions (100/0; 70/30; 50/50; 30/70 and 0/100) respectively, and 20 m L was casting at Petri dishes to posterior analysis of dried films. The miscibility of polymers has been assessed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was shown that although weak hydrogen bonding exists between the polymer functional groups, the films are not fully miscible at a dry state. (author)

Effect of localized electron states on superconductivity of ultrathin beryllium films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tutov, V.I.; Semenenko, E.E.

1988-01-01

A wide spectrum of distortions is induced in ultrathin beryllium films of thickness less than 10 A, which are responsible for the system transition from the strong localization state completely suppressing superconductivity (in this case R □ of the layer reaches 97600 Ohm) to the weak localization stae coexisting with superconductivity at comparatively high T c (5 K). The resistance per square R □ of the films decreases more than by an order of magnitude. The superconductivity with T c =1.7 K occurs at rather strong localization, when R □ of the layer is 34000 Ohm

The Physico-Mechanical Properties and Release Kinetics of Eugenol in Chitosan-Alginate Polyelectrolyte Complex Films as Active Food Packaging

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Baiq Amelia Riyandari

2018-02-01

Full Text Available A study of eugenol release and its kinetics model from chitosan-alginate polyelectrolyte complex (PEC films has been conducted. Some factors that affected the eugenol release were also studied, including the composition of chitosan-alginate PEC and the concentration of eugenol. The chitosan-alginate-eugenol PEC films were synthesized at pH ± 4.0, then the PEC films were characterized using a Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR spectrophotometer. An investigation of the films’ properties was also conducted, including morphology analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM, differential thermal analysis (DTA / thermogravimetric analysis (TGA, mechanical strength, transparency testing, water absorption, and water vapor permeability. The release of eugenol was investigated through in vitro assay in ethanol 96% (v/v for four days, and the concentration of eugenol was measured using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The characterization of the films using FTIR showed that the formation of PEC occurred through ionic interaction between the amine groups (–NH3+of the chitosan and the carboxylate groups (–COO– of the alginate. The result showed that the composition of chitosan-alginate PEC and the concentration of eugenol can affect the release of eugenol from PEC films. A higher concentration of alginate and eugenol could increase the concentration of eugenol that was released from the films. The mechanism for the release of eugenol from chitosan-alginate PEC films followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model with an n value of < 0.5, which means the release mechanism for eugenol was controlled by a Fickian diffusion process. The antioxidant activity assay of the films using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH method resulted in a high radical scavenging activity (RSA value of 55.99% in four days.

Modeling of Structure Effect for Ferroelectric Capacitor Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene Ultrathin Films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Long Li

2017-12-01

Full Text Available The characteristics of ferroelectric capacitors with poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethlene (P(VDF-TrFE films have been studied at different structures of cell electrodes. It is suggested that the effect of electrode structures could induce changes of performance. Remarkably, cells with line electrodes display a better polarization and fatigue resistance than those with flat electrodes. For P(VDF-TrFE ultrathin films with different electrode structures, the models of charge compensation mechanism for depolarization field and domain fatigue decomposition are used to explain the effect of electrode structure. Furthermore, the driving voltage based on normal speed-functionality is designed, and the testing results show that the line electrode structure could induce a robust switching, which is determined by the free charges concentration in active layer. These findings provide an effective route to design the optimum structure for a ferroelectric capacitor based on P(VDF-TrFE copolymer ultrathin film.

Transparent bionanocomposite films based on chitosan and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Soni, Bhawna; Hassan, El Barbary; Schilling, M Wes; Mahmoud, Barakat

2016-10-20

The development of biobased active films for use in food packaging is increasing due to low cost, environmental appeal, renewability and availability. The objective of this research was to develop an effective and complete green approach for the production of bionanocomposite films with enhanced mechanical and barrier properties. This was accomplished by incorporating TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) into a chitosan matrix. An aqueous suspension of chitosan (100-75wt%), sorbitol (25wt%) and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TEMPO-CNFs, 0-25wt%) were cast in an oven at 40°C for 2-4days. Films were preconditioned at 25°C and 50% RH for characterization. The surface morphology of the films was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thermal properties and crystal structure of the films were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA-DTG) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Incorporation of TEMPO-CNFs enhanced the mechanical strength of the films due to the high aspect ratio (3-20nm width, and 10-100nm length) of TEMPO-CNFs and strong interactions with the chitosan matrix. Oxygen and water vapor transmission rates for films that are prepared with chitosan and TEMPO-CNFs (15-25wt%) were significantly reduced. Furthermore, these bionanocomposite films had good thermal stability. Use of TEMPO-CNFs in this method makes it possible to produce bionanocomposite films that are flexible, transparent, and thus have potential in food packaging applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electronic-Reconstruction-Enhanced Tunneling Conductance at Terrace Edges of Ultrathin Oxide Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Lingfei; Kim, Rokyeon; Kim, Yoonkoo; Kim, Choong H; Hwang, Sangwoon; Cho, Myung Rae; Shin, Yeong Jae; Das, Saikat; Kim, Jeong Rae; Kalinin, Sergei V; Kim, Miyoung; Yang, Sang Mo; Noh, Tae Won

2017-11-01

Quantum mechanical tunneling of electrons across ultrathin insulating oxide barriers has been studied extensively for decades due to its great potential in electronic-device applications. In the few-nanometers-thick epitaxial oxide films, atomic-scale structural imperfections, such as the ubiquitously existed one-unit-cell-high terrace edges, can dramatically affect the tunneling probability and device performance. However, the underlying physics has not been investigated adequately. Here, taking ultrathin BaTiO 3 films as a model system, an intrinsic tunneling-conductance enhancement is reported near the terrace edges. Scanning-probe-microscopy results demonstrate the existence of highly conductive regions (tens of nanometers wide) near the terrace edges. First-principles calculations suggest that the terrace-edge geometry can trigger an electronic reconstruction, which reduces the effective tunneling barrier width locally. Furthermore, such tunneling-conductance enhancement can be discovered in other transition metal oxides and controlled by surface-termination engineering. The controllable electronic reconstruction can facilitate the implementation of oxide electronic devices and discovery of exotic low-dimensional quantum phases. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Surface Acoustic Wave Monitor for Deposition and Analysis of Ultra-Thin Films

Science.gov (United States)

Hines, Jacqueline H. (Inventor)

2015-01-01

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) based thin film deposition monitor device and system for monitoring the deposition of ultra-thin films and nanomaterials and the analysis thereof is characterized by acoustic wave device embodiments that include differential delay line device designs, and which can optionally have integral reference devices fabricated on the same substrate as the sensing device, or on a separate device in thermal contact with the film monitoring/analysis device, in order to provide inherently temperature compensated measurements. These deposition monitor and analysis devices can include inherent temperature compensation, higher sensitivity to surface interactions than quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) devices, and the ability to operate at extreme temperatures.

The multilayered structure of ultrathin amorphous carbon films synthesized by filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition

KAUST Repository

Wang, Na; Komvopoulos, Kyriakos

2013-01-01

The structure of ultrathin amorphous carbon (a-C) films synthesized by filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) deposition was investigated by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron

Antibacterial Activity and Physical Properties of Fish Gelatin-Chitosan Edible Films Supplemented with D-Limonene

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yunzhen Yao

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Fish gelatin-chitosan edible films with D-limonene were successfully prepared, which exhibited exceptional mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity. It has been demonstrated that water-soluble chitosan, fish gelatin, and D-limonene could be a candidate precursor to prepare low cost and high-performance edible food packaging material. The results showed that D-limonene in the films could effectively resist the penetration of light and water because of its hydrophobicity. Moreover, the elongation at break (EAB increased with the addition of D-limonene, which indicated that D-limonene served as a strong plasticizer for the film. Microscopic characterization showed that D-limonene was uniformly distributed in the as-prepared film. And we found that the film exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli. All the results indicate that the as-prepared film could be a promising food packaging.

Thickness-dependent spontaneous dewetting morphology of ultrathin Ag films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Krishna, H; Favazza, C [Department of Physics, Washington University in St Louis, MO 63130 (United States); Sachan, R; Strader, J; Kalyanaraman, R [Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996 (United States); Khenner, M, E-mail: ramki@utk.edu [Department of Mathematics, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101 (United States)

2010-04-16

We show here that the morphological pathway of spontaneous dewetting of ultrathin Ag films on SiO{sub 2} under nanosecond laser melting is dependent on film thickness. For films with thickness h of 2 nm {<=} h {<=} 9.5 nm, the morphology during the intermediate stages of dewetting consisted of bicontinuous structures. For films with 11.5 nm {<=} h {<=} 20 nm, the intermediate stages consisted of regularly sized holes. Measurement of the characteristic length scales for different stages of dewetting as a function of film thickness showed a systematic increase, which is consistent with the spinodal dewetting instability over the entire thickness range investigated. This change in morphology with thickness is consistent with observations made previously for polymer films (Sharma and Khanna 1998 Phys. Rev. Lett. 81 3463-6; Seemann et al 2001 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 13 4925-38). Based on the behavior of free energy curvature that incorporates intermolecular forces, we have estimated the morphological transition thickness for the intermolecular forces for Ag on SiO{sub 2}. The theory predictions agree well with observations for Ag. These results show that it is possible to form a variety of complex Ag nanomorphologies in a consistent manner, which could be useful in optical applications of Ag surfaces, such as in surface enhanced Raman sensing.

Electric field effect on exchange interaction in ultrathin Co films with ionic liquids

Science.gov (United States)

Ishibashi, Mio; Yamada, Kihiro T.; Shiota, Yoichi; Ando, Fuyuki; Koyama, Tomohiro; Kakizakai, Haruka; Mizuno, Hayato; Miwa, Kazumoto; Ono, Shimpei; Moriyama, Takahiro; Chiba, Daichi; Ono, Teruo

2018-06-01

Electric-field modulations of magnetic properties have been extensively studied not only for practical applications but also for fundamental interest. In this study, we investigated the electric field effect on the exchange interaction in ultrathin Co films with ionic liquids. The exchange coupling J was characterized from the direct magnetization measurement as a function of temperature using Pt/ultrathin Co/MgO structures. The trend of the electric field effect on J is in good agreement with that of the theoretical prediction, and a large change in J by applying a gate voltage was observed by forming an electric double layer using ionic liquids.

Chitosan films incorporated with nettle (Urtica Dioica L.) extract-loaded nanoliposomes: II. Antioxidant activity and release properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Almasi, Hadi; Zandi, Mohsen; Beigzadeh, Sara; Haghju, Sara; Mehrnow, Nazila

2016-07-14

Chitosan films were loaded with NE nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extract (NE) at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5%w/w in the free or nanoliposomal form to obtain active and nanoactive films, respectively. The antioxidant potential of the films containing NE-loaded nanoliposomes was decreased in comparison of free NE incorporated films. Diffusion of NE to soybean oil was enough to delay the induction of the oxidation of soybean oil stored for 60 days in contact with chitosan based films. Release studies indicated that the release rate of NE in 95% ethanol simulant significantly decreased by the nanoencapsulation of NE. The diffusion coefficient (D) for chitosan films containing 1.5%w/w of free and encapsulated NE at 25 °C was 18.80 and 3.68 × 10 -7 cm 2  s -1 , respectively. Moreover, the formation of nanoliposomes diminished the increasing effect of temperature on the release rate as when storage temperature increased from 4 °C to 40 °C.

Controlled fabrication of gold nanoparticles biomediated by glucose oxidase immobilized on chitosan layer-by-layer films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Caseli, Luciano; Santos, David S. dos; Aroca, Ricardo F.; Oliveira, Osvaldo N.

2009-01-01

The control of size and shape of metallic nanoparticles is a fundamental goal in nanochemistry, and crucial for applications exploiting nanoscale properties of materials. We present here an approach to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles mediated by glucose oxidase (GOD) immobilized on solid substrates using the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) technique. The LbL films contained four alternated layers of chitosan and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), with GOD in the uppermost bilayer adsorbed on a fifth chitosan layer: (chitosan/PSS) 4 /(chitosan/GOD). The films were inserted into a solution containing gold salt and glucose, at various pHs. Optimum conditions were achieved at pH 9, producing gold nanoparticles of ca. 30 nm according to transmission electron microscopy. A comparative study with the enzyme in solution demonstrated that the synthesis of gold nanoparticles is more efficient using immobilized GOD.

Silicon nitride gradient film as the underlayer of ultra-thin tetrahedral amorphous carbon overcoat for magnetic recording slider

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wang Guigen, E-mail: wanggghit@yahoo.com [Shenzhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Kuang Xuping; Zhang Huayu; Zhu Can [Shenzhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Han Jiecai [Shenzhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055 (China); Center for Composite Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080 (China); Zuo Hongbo [Center for Composite Materials, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080 (China); Ma Hongtao [SAE Technologies Development (Dongguan) Co., Ltd., Dongguan 523087 (China)

2011-12-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The ultra-thin carbon films with different silicon nitride (Si-N) film underlayers were prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer It highlighted the influences of Si-N underlayers. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The carbon films with Si-N underlayers obtained by nitriding especially at the substrate bias of -150 V, can exhibit better corrosion protection properties - Abstract: There are higher technical requirements for protection overcoat of magnetic recording slider used in high-density storage fields for the future. In this study, silicon nitride (Si-N) composition-gradient films were firstly prepared by nitriding of silicon thin films pre-sputtered on silicon wafers and magnetic recording sliders, using microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasma source. The ultra-thin tetrahedral amorphous carbon films were then deposited on the Si-N films by filtered cathodic vacuum arc method. Compared with amorphous carbon overcoats with conventional silicon underlayers, the overcoats with Si-N underlayers obtained by plasma nitriding especially at the substrate bias of -150 V, can provide better corrosion protection for high-density magnetic recording sliders.

Silicon nitride gradient film as the underlayer of ultra-thin tetrahedral amorphous carbon overcoat for magnetic recording slider

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang Guigen; Kuang Xuping; Zhang Huayu; Zhu Can; Han Jiecai; Zuo Hongbo; Ma Hongtao

2011-01-01

Highlights: ► The ultra-thin carbon films with different silicon nitride (Si-N) film underlayers were prepared. ► It highlighted the influences of Si-N underlayers. ► The carbon films with Si-N underlayers obtained by nitriding especially at the substrate bias of −150 V, can exhibit better corrosion protection properties - Abstract: There are higher technical requirements for protection overcoat of magnetic recording slider used in high-density storage fields for the future. In this study, silicon nitride (Si-N) composition-gradient films were firstly prepared by nitriding of silicon thin films pre-sputtered on silicon wafers and magnetic recording sliders, using microwave electron cyclotron resonance plasma source. The ultra-thin tetrahedral amorphous carbon films were then deposited on the Si-N films by filtered cathodic vacuum arc method. Compared with amorphous carbon overcoats with conventional silicon underlayers, the overcoats with Si-N underlayers obtained by plasma nitriding especially at the substrate bias of −150 V, can provide better corrosion protection for high-density magnetic recording sliders.

Effect of edible chitosan/clove oil films and high-pressure processing on the microbiological shelf life of trout fillets.

Science.gov (United States)

Albertos, Irene; Rico, Daniel; Diez, Ana María; González-Arnáiz, Lucía; García-Casas, María Jesús; Jaime, Isabel

2015-11-01

The inhibitory effect of chitosan films with clove oil (0-50 g kg(-1) ) was evaluated on a range of ten representative food spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. The most sensitive bacteria to the films was Shewanella putrefaciens and the most resistant was Aeromonas hydrophila (inhibition was apparent only at 50 g kg(-1) clove essential oil (CEO)). Films with 20 g kg(-1) CEO inhibited nine of ten of the bacteria tested. Chitosan films with 20 g kg(-1) CEO were combined with high-pressure (HPP) processing as treatments for trout fillets, and changes in physicochemical parameters and microbial load were evaluated at 4 °C over 22 days of storage. The films reduced weight loss and water activity compared to fresh and treated samples (HPP and cooking). Results showed that microbial load (total aerobic mesophilic, lactic acid bacteria and total coliform) of the trout fillets covered with chitosan films was lower than that for HPP-treated samples, and similar to cooked samples, except for coliform counts. The use of 20 g kg(-1) CEO-chitosan films showed a further improvement in the shelf-life of trout fillets when compared to that obtained with HPP and cooking treatment. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure, morphology and cell affinity of poly(L-lactide) films surface-functionalized with chitosan nanofibers via a solid–liquid phase separation technique

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Jianhao, E-mail: jhzhao@jnu.edu.cn [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Han, Wanqing; Tang, Minjian [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Tu, Mei; Zeng, Rong [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Liang, Zhihong [Analytical and Testing Center, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Zhou, Changren [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632 (China); Engineering Research Center of Artificial Organs and Materials, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632 (China)

2013-04-01

Poly(L-lactide) films with a nano-structured surface by immobilizing chitosan nanofibers (CSNFs) for improving the cell affinity were fabricated via a solid-liquid phase separation technique. The successful grafting of CSNFs on the surface of poly(L-lactide) films was confirmed by the binding energy of N1s at 398.0 eV in the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the amide I and II bands of chitosan at 1650 and 1568 cm{sup −1} in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Compared with the poly(L-lactide) film, the hydrophilicity was improved with a lower water contact angle of 83.3 ± 1.9° and 75.3 ± 2.5° for the CSNFs-grafted and CSNFs-grafted/anchored poly(L-lactide) films respectively. The scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses showed that the grafted CSNFs with 50–500 nm in diameter were randomly arranged on the film surface and entangled with the anchored CSNFs on the outermost layer. The 3T3 fibroblasts culture indicated cells tended to attach and stretch along the CSNFs on the film surface. The cell viability measurement revealed that among all the samples, the film with both grafted and anchored CSNFs exhibited the highest cell proliferation rate that was twice as much of the poly(L-lactide) film at 7 d. Herein, engineering a nano-structured surface by solid–liquid phase separation will be a promising tool for surface modification of biomaterials. Highlights: ► A surface nano-structured poly(L-lactide) film with chitosan nanofibers was prepared. ► Grafted and anchored chitosan nanofibers were obtained by different treatment ways. ► Hydrophilicity was improved by immobilizing chitosan nanofibers on the film surface. ► Cell viability was enhanced on modified poly(L-lactide) film with chitosan nanofibers. ► Cells tended to attach and stretch along chitosan nanofibers on the film surface.

Modeling Replenishment of Ultrathin Liquid Perfluoro polyether Z Films on Solid Surfaces Using Monte Carlo Simulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mayeed, M.S.; Kato, T.

2014-01-01

Applying the reptation algorithm to a simplified perfluoro polyether Z off-lattice polymer model an NVT Monte Carlo simulation has been performed. Bulk condition has been simulated first to compare the average radius of gyration with the bulk experimental results. Then the model is tested for its ability to describe dynamics. After this, it is applied to observe the replenishment of nano scale ultrathin liquid films on solid flat carbon surfaces. The replenishment rate for trenches of different widths (8, 12, and 16 nms for several molecular weights) between two films of perfluoro polyether Z from the Monte Carlo simulation is compared to that obtained solving the diffusion equation using the experimental diffusion coefficients of Ma et al. (1999), with room condition in both cases. Replenishment per Monte Carlo cycle seems to be a constant multiple of replenishment per second at least up to 2 nm replenished film thickness of the trenches over the carbon surface. Considerable good agreement has been achieved here between the experimental results and the dynamics of molecules using reptation moves in the ultrathin liquid films on solid surfaces.

The influence of Aloe vera gel incorporation on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of banana starch-chitosan edible films.

Science.gov (United States)

Pinzon, Magda I; Garcia, Omar R; Villa, Cristian C

2018-01-27

Aloe vera (AV) gel is a promising material in food conservation, given its widely reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activity; however, its application in the formation of edible films and coatings has been small owing its low film-forming capability. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of film-forming solutions and films prepared using unripe banana starch-chitosan and AV gel at different AV gel concentrations. Our results showed that AV gel considerably affected the rheological and optical properties of the edible coatings, mainly due to increased amounts of solids brought by the AV gel. Film-forming capacity and physicochemical properties were also studied; most of the film properties were affected by the inclusion of AV gel, with decreased water vapor permeability, tensile strength and elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared studies showed that the inclusion of AV gel disrupts the interaction between starch and chitosan molecules; however, further studies are needed to fully understand the specific interactions between the components of AV gel and both starch and chitosan molecules. Our results suggest that the addition of AV gel creates a crosslinking effect between the phenolic compounds in AV gel and starch molecules, which disrupts the starch-chitosan interaction and greatly affects the properties of both the film-forming solution and edible films. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermal-driven evolution of magnetic domain structures in ultrathin films

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Zablotskyy, Vitaliy A.; Maziewski, A.; Polyakova, T.

2006-01-01

Roč. 112, - (2006), s. 101-108 ISSN 1012-0394. [International School on Physics and Chemistry of Condensed Matter /17./ and International Symposium on Physics in Material Science /5./. Bialoweza, 21.06.2005-29.06.2005] EU Projects: European Commission(XE) 3177 - NANOMAG- LAB Grant - others:PSCSR(PL) 4T11B00624 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10100520 Keywords : ultrathin magnetic films * magnetic domain * phase transitions Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 0.493, year: 2005

Direct electrochemistry and electrocatalysis of horseradish peroxidase based on halloysite nanotubes/chitosan nanocomposite film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sun Xiumei; Zhang Yao; Shen Hebai [Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234 (China); Jia Nengqin, E-mail: nqjia@shnu.edu.c [Department of Chemistry, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, 100 Guilin Road, Shanghai 200234 (China)

2010-12-30

The novel halloysite nanotubes/chitosan (HNTs/Chi) composite films were firstly explored to utilize for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and their bioelectrochemical properties were studied, in which the biopolymer chitosan was used as a binder to increase film adherence on glassy carbon (GC) electrode. UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that HRP in the composite film could retain its native secondary structure. A pair of well-defined redox peaks of HRP was obtained at the HRP/HNTs/Chi composite film-modified electrode, exhibiting its fast direct electron transfer (DET). Furthermore, the immobilized HRP displayed its good electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H{sub 2}O{sub 2}). The results demonstrate that the HNTs/Chi composite film may improve the enzyme loading with the retention of bioactivity and greatly promote the direct electron transfer, which can be attributed to its unique tubular structure, high specific surface area, and good biocompatibility.

Facing-target sputtering deposition of ZnO films with Pt ultra-thin layers for gas-phase photocatalytic application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Zhonghai; Hossain, Md. Faruk.; Arakawa, Takuya; Takahashi, Takakazu

2010-01-01

In this paper, various zinc oxide (ZnO) films are deposited by a versatile and effective dc-reactive facing-target sputtering method. The ratios of Ar to O 2 in the mixture gas are varied from 8:2 to 6:4 at a fixed sputtering pressure of 1.0 Pa. X-ray diffraction, spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope are used to study the crystal structure, optical property and surface morphology of the as-deposited films. The Pt ultra-thin layer, ∼2 nm thick, is deposited on the surface of ZnO film by dc diode sputtering with a mesh mask controlling the coated area. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO films and Pt-ZnO films is evaluated by decomposition of methanol under UV-vis light irradiation. The variation of photocatalytic activity depends on the ratios of Ar to O 2 , which is mainly attributed to the different grain size and carrier mobility. Though the pure ZnO film normally shows a low gas-phase photocatalytic activity, its activity is significantly enhanced by depositing Pt ultra-thin layer.

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism study of epitaxial magnetite ultrathin film on MgO(100)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liu, W. Q.; Xu, Y. B., E-mail: yongbing.xu@york.ac.uk, E-mail: rzhang@nju.edu.cn [York-Nanjing International Center for Spintronics (YNICS), School of Electronics Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093 (China); Spintronics and Nanodevice Laboratory, Department of Electronics, University of York, York YO10 5DD (United Kingdom); Song, M. Y.; Lin, J. G. [Center for Condensed Matter Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan (China); Maltby, N. J.; Li, S. P. [Spintronics and Nanodevice Laboratory, Department of Electronics, University of York, York YO10 5DD (United Kingdom); Samant, M. G.; Parkin, S. S. P. [IBM Research Division, Almaden Research Center, San Jose, California 95120 (United States); Bencok, P.; Steadman, Paul; Dobrynin, Alexey [Diamond Light Source, Didcot OX11 0DE (United Kingdom); Zhang, R., E-mail: yongbing.xu@york.ac.uk, E-mail: rzhang@nju.edu.cn [York-Nanjing International Center for Spintronics (YNICS), School of Electronics Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093 (China)

2015-05-07

The spin and orbital magnetic moments of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} epitaxial ultrathin film synthesized by plasma assisted simultaneous oxidization on MgO(100) have been studied with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. The ultrathin film retains a rather large total magnetic moment, i.e., (2.73 ± 0.15) μ{sub B}/f.u., which is ∼70% of that for the bulk-like Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}. A significant unquenched orbital moment up to 0.54 ± 0.05 μ{sub B}/f.u. was observed, which could come from the symmetry breaking at the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}/MgO interface. Such sizable orbital moment will add capacities to the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}-based spintronics devices in the magnetization reversal by the electric field.

Ultrathin NbN film superconducting single-photon detector array

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Smirnov, K; Korneev, A; Minaeva, O; Divochiy, A; Tarkhov, M; Ryabchun, S; Seleznev, V; Kaurova, N; Voronov, B; Gol'tsman, G; Polonsky, S

2007-01-01

We report on the fabrication process of the 2 x 2 superconducting single-photon detector (SSPD) array. The SSPD array is made from ultrathin NbN film and is operated at liquid helium temperatures. Each detector is a nanowire-based structure patterned by electron beam lithography process. The advances in fabrication technology allowed us to produce highly uniform strips and preserve superconducting properties of the unpatterned film. SSPD exhibit up to 30% quantum efficiency in near infrared and up to 1% at 5-μm wavelength. Due to 120 MHz counting rate and 18 ps jitter, the time-domain multiplexing read-out is proposed for large scale SSPD arrays. Single-pixel SSPD has already found a practical application in non-invasive testing of semiconductor very-large scale integrated circuits. The SSPD significantly outperformed traditional single-photon counting avalanche diodes

Direct nanofabrication and transmission electron microscopy on a suite of easy-to-prepare ultrathin film substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Allred, Daniel B.; Zin, Melvin T.; Ma, Hong; Sarikaya, Mehmet; Baneyx, Francois; Jen, Alex K.-Y.; Schwartz, Daniel T.

2007-01-01

A high-yield, easy to master method for preparing electron transparent metal, oxide, and carbon ultrathin film substrates suitable for direct nano/micro-fabrication and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is presented. To demonstrate the versatility of these substrates for fabrication processes, we use e-beam lithography, self-assembled colloidal and protein templates, and microcontact printing to create patterned masks for subsequent electrodeposition of two dimensional and three dimensional structures. The electrodeposited structures range in scale from a few nanometers to a few micrometers in characteristic dimensions. Because fabrication occurs directly on ultrathin films, TEM analysis of the resulting materials and buried interfaces is straightforward without any destructive sample preparation. We show that all the normal TEM analytical methods (imaging, diffraction, electron and X-ray spectroscopies) are compatible with the fabricated structures and the thin film substrates. These electron transparent substrates have largely rendered the need for TEM sample preparation on fabricated structures obsolete in our lab

Thickness-dependent spontaneous dewetting morphology of ultrathin Ag films.

Science.gov (United States)

Krishna, H; Sachan, R; Strader, J; Favazza, C; Khenner, M; Kalyanaraman, R

2010-04-16

We show here that the morphological pathway of spontaneous dewetting of ultrathin Ag films on SiO2 under nanosecond laser melting is dependent on film thickness. For films with thickness h of 2 nm < or = h < or = 9.5 nm, the morphology during the intermediate stages of dewetting consisted of bicontinuous structures. For films with 11.5 nm < or = h < or = 20 nm, the intermediate stages consisted of regularly sized holes. Measurement of the characteristic length scales for different stages of dewetting as a function of film thickness showed a systematic increase, which is consistent with the spinodal dewetting instability over the entire thickness range investigated. This change in morphology with thickness is consistent with observations made previously for polymer films (Sharma and Khanna 1998 Phys. Rev. Lett. 81 3463-6; Seemann et al 2001 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 13 4925-38). Based on the behavior of free energy curvature that incorporates intermolecular forces, we have estimated the morphological transition thickness for the intermolecular forces for Ag on SiO2. The theory predictions agree well with observations for Ag. These results show that it is possible to form a variety of complex Ag nanomorphologies in a consistent manner, which could be useful in optical applications of Ag surfaces, such as in surface enhanced Raman sensing.

Synchrotron-radiation XPS analysis of ultra-thin silane films: Specifying the organic silicon

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dietrich, Paul M., E-mail: paul.dietrich@yahoo.de [Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und – prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin (Germany); Glamsch, Stephan [Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und – prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin (Germany); Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Fabeckstr. 34/36, 14195 Berlin (Germany); Ehlert, Christopher [Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und – prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin (Germany); Institut für Chemie, Universität Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 24-25, 14476 Potsdam (Germany); Lippitz, Andreas [Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und – prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin (Germany); Kulak, Nora [Freie Universität Berlin, Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Fabeckstr. 34/36, 14195 Berlin (Germany); Unger, Wolfgang E.S. [Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und – prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin (Germany)

2016-02-15

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • A synchrotron-based XPS method to analyze ultra-thin silane films is presented. • Specification and quantification of organic next to inorganic silicon is demonstrated. • Non-destructive chemical depth profiles of the silane monolayers were obtained. - Abstract: The analysis of chemical and elemental in-depth variations in ultra-thin organic layers with thicknesses below 5 nm is very challenging. Energy- and angle-resolved XPS (ER/AR-XPS) opens up the possibility for non-destructive chemical ultra-shallow depth profiling of the outermost surface layer of ultra-thin organic films due to its exceptional surface sensitivity. For common organic materials a reliable chemical in-depth analysis with a lower limit of the XPS information depth z{sub 95} of about 1 nm can be performed. As a proof-of-principle example with relevance for industrial applications the ER/AR-XPS analysis of different organic monolayers made of amino- or benzamidosilane molecules on silicon oxide surfaces is presented. It is demonstrated how to use the Si 2p core-level region to non-destructively depth-profile the organic (silane monolayer) – inorganic (SiO{sub 2}/Si) interface and how to quantify Si species, ranging from elemental silicon over native silicon oxide to the silane itself. The main advantage of the applied ER/AR-XPS method is the improved specification of organic from inorganic silicon components in Si 2p core-level spectra with exceptional low uncertainties compared to conventional laboratory XPS.

Solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor through the electrodeposition of Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}/AuNPs/chitosan composite film onto electrode

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yun Wen; Xu Ying; Dong Ping; Ma Xiongxiong [Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, ZhongShan Road North 3663, Shanghai 20062 (China); He Pingang [Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, ZhongShan Road North 3663, Shanghai 20062 (China)], E-mail: pghe@chem.ecnu.edu.cn; Fang Yuzhi [Department of Chemistry, East China Normal University, ZhongShan Road North 3663, Shanghai 20062 (China)], E-mail: yuzhi@online.sh.cn

2009-03-02

Tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}) has been successfully immobilized onto electrode through the electrodeposition of Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}/AuNPs/chitosan composite film. In the experiments, chitosan solution was first mixed with Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}. Then, during chronopotentiometry experiments in this mixed solution, a porous 3D network structured film containing Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}, AuNPs and chitosan has been electrodeposited onto cathode due to the deposition of chitosan when pH value is over its pK{sub a} (6.3). The applied current density is crucial to the film thickness and the amount of the entrapped Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}. Additionally, these doping Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+} in the composite film maintained their intrinsic electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence activities. Consequently, this Ru(bpy){sub 3}{sup 2+}/AuNPs/chitosan modified electrode has been used in ECL to detect tripropylamine, and the detection limit was 5 x 10{sup -10} M.

Studies on the interactions between bovine {beta}-lactoglobulin and chitosan at the solid-liquid interface

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Campina, Jose M., E-mail: jpina@fc.up.p [Centro de Investigacao em Quimica (CIQ), Departamento de Quimica, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto (Portugal); Souza, Hileia K.S., E-mail: hsouza@fe.up.p [REQUIMTE, Departamento de Engenharia Quimica, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto (Portugal); Borges, Joao, E-mail: jborges@fc.up.p [Centro de Investigacao em Quimica (CIQ), Departamento de Quimica, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto (Portugal); Martins, Ana, E-mail: amartins@fc.up.p [Centro de Investigacao em Quimica (CIQ), Departamento de Quimica, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto (Portugal); Goncalves, Maria Pilar, E-mail: pilarg@fe.up.p [REQUIMTE, Departamento de Engenharia Quimica, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto (Portugal); Silva, Fernando, E-mail: afssilva@fc.up.p [Centro de Investigacao em Quimica (CIQ), Departamento de Quimica, Faculdade de Ciencias, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto (Portugal)

2010-12-01

Chitosan ultrathin films have been formed on polycrystalline Au substrates using the LbL technique with the purpose of studying its interaction with bovine {beta}-lactoglobulin ({beta}-LG) at the solid-liquid interface. The immobilization of chitosan was followed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with energy dissipation (QCM-D), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The behavior of the chitosan films in the presence of {beta}-LG solutions with different bulk concentrations ([{beta}-LG]), ionic strength (I), and pH has been investigated using the same techniques plus Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results showed that for pHs lower than protein's pI, weak intermolecular forces (H bonding, Van der Waals, hydrophobic, etc.) are established between {beta}-LG and chitosan (especially close to the pI) leading to low coverage nonspecific adsorption. On the contrary when pH > pI, strong ionic bonding through attractive electrostatic interactions lead to high coverage adsorbed phases composed of large {beta}-LG aggregates. The adsorption process was shown to consist of a relatively fast step (in which these interactions are predominant) which is followed, once the {beta}-LG monolayer is exceeded, by the slow formation of thicker and increasingly viscoelastic films through {beta}-LG self-aggregation. QCM-D and AFM experiments unveiled the role of [{beta}-LG] and I on the formation of these aggregates. The adsorption isotherm built from impedance data in the medium-low [{beta}-LG] range (0.001-0.3 mg mL{sup -1}), showed good fitting to the Langmuir model confirming that the formation of one {beta}-LG monolayer is achieved in this concentration range.

Studies on the interactions between bovine β-lactoglobulin and chitosan at the solid-liquid interface

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campina, Jose M.; Souza, Hileia K.S.; Borges, Joao; Martins, Ana; Goncalves, Maria Pilar; Silva, Fernando

2010-01-01

Chitosan ultrathin films have been formed on polycrystalline Au substrates using the LbL technique with the purpose of studying its interaction with bovine β-lactoglobulin (β-LG) at the solid-liquid interface. The immobilization of chitosan was followed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with energy dissipation (QCM-D), Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). The behavior of the chitosan films in the presence of β-LG solutions with different bulk concentrations ([β-LG]), ionic strength (I), and pH has been investigated using the same techniques plus Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results showed that for pHs lower than protein's pI, weak intermolecular forces (H bonding, Van der Waals, hydrophobic, etc.) are established between β-LG and chitosan (especially close to the pI) leading to low coverage nonspecific adsorption. On the contrary when pH > pI, strong ionic bonding through attractive electrostatic interactions lead to high coverage adsorbed phases composed of large β-LG aggregates. The adsorption process was shown to consist of a relatively fast step (in which these interactions are predominant) which is followed, once the β-LG monolayer is exceeded, by the slow formation of thicker and increasingly viscoelastic films through β-LG self-aggregation. QCM-D and AFM experiments unveiled the role of [β-LG] and I on the formation of these aggregates. The adsorption isotherm built from impedance data in the medium-low [β-LG] range (0.001-0.3 mg mL -1 ), showed good fitting to the Langmuir model confirming that the formation of one β-LG monolayer is achieved in this concentration range.

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

Science.gov (United States)

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

2009-06-01

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

Dynamics of ultrathin metal films on amorphous substrates under fast thermal processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Favazza, Christopher; Kalyanaraman, Ramki; Sureshkumar, Radhakrishna

2007-01-01

A mathematical model is developed to analyze the growth/decay rate of surface perturbations of an ultrathin metal film on an amorphous substrate (SiO 2 ). The formulation combines the approach of Mullins [W. W. Mullins, J. Appl. Phys. 30, 77 (1959)] for bulk surfaces, in which curvature-driven mass transport and surface deformation can occur by surface/volume diffusion and evaporation-condensation processes, with that of Spencer et al. [B. J. Spencer, P. W. Voorhees, and S. H. Davis, Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 26 (1991)] to describe solid-state transport in thin films under epitaxial strain. Modifications of the Mullins model to account for thin-film boundary conditions result in qualitatively different dispersion relationships especially in the limit as kh o o is the unperturbed film height. The model is applied to study the relative rate of solid-state mass transport as compared to that of liquid phase dewetting in a thin film subjected to a fast thermal pulse. Specifically, we have recently shown that multiple cycles of nanosecond (ns) pulsed laser melting and resolidification of ultrathin metal films on amorphous substrates can lead to the formation of various types of spatially ordered nanostructures [J. Trice, D. Thomas, C. Favazza, R. Sureshkumar, and R. Kalyanaraman, Phys. Rev. B 75, 235439 (2007)]. The pattern formation has been attributed to the dewetting of the thin film by a hydrodynamic instability. In such experiments the film is in the solid state during a substantial fraction of each thermal cycle. However, results of a linear stability analysis based on the aforementioned model suggest that solid-state mass transport has a negligible effect on morphological changes of the surface. Further, a qualitative analysis of the effect of thermoelastic stress, induced by the rapid temperature changes in the film-substrate bilayer, suggests that stress relaxation does not appreciably contribute to surface deformation. Hence, surface deformation caused by liquid

Mixed-Penetrant Sorption in Ultrathin Films of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity PIM-1.

Science.gov (United States)

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Furchner, Andreas; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiaohua; Pinnau, Ingo; Wessling, Matthias

2017-11-02

Mixed-penetrant sorption into ultrathin films of a superglassy polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) was studied for the first time by using interference-enhanced in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. PIM-1 swelling and the concurrent changes in its refractive index were determined in ultrathin (12-14 nm) films exposed to pure and mixed penetrants. The penetrants included water, n-hexane, and ethanol and were chosen on the basis of their significantly different penetrant-penetrant and penetrant-polymer affinities. This allowed studying microporous polymer responses at diverse ternary compositions and revealed effects such as competition for the sorption sites (for water/n-hexane or ethanol/n-hexane) or enhancement in sorption of typically weakly sorbing water in the presence of more highly sorbing ethanol. The results reveal details of the mutual sorption effects which often complicate comprehension of glassy polymers' behavior in applications such as high-performance membranes, adsorbents, or catalysts. Mixed-penetrant effects are typically very challenging to study directly, and their understanding is necessary owing to a broadly recognized inadequacy of simple extrapolations from measurements in a pure component environment.

Active packaging from chitosan-titanium dioxide nanocomposite film for prolonging storage life of tomato fruit.

Science.gov (United States)

Kaewklin, Patinya; Siripatrawan, Ubonrat; Suwanagul, Anawat; Lee, Youn Suk

2018-06-01

The feasibility of active packaging from chitosan (CS) and chitosan containing nanosized titanium dioxide (CT) to maintain quality and extend storage life of climacteric fruit was investigated. The CT nanocomposite film and CS film were fabricated using a solution casting method and used as active packaging to delay ripening process of cherry tomatoes. Changes in firmness, weight loss, a*/b* color, lycopene content, total soluble solid, ascorbic acid, and concentration of ethylene and carbon dioxide of the tomatoes packaged in CT film, CS film, and control (without CT or CS films) were monitored during storage at 20°C. Classification of fruit quality as a function of different packaging treatments was visualized using linear discriminant analysis. Tomatoes packaged in the CT film evolved lower quality changes than those in the CS film and control. The results suggested that the CT film exhibited ethylene photodegradation activity when exposed to UV light and consequently delayed the ripening process and changes in the quality of the tomatoes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phase diagram of Fe1-xCox ultrathin film

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fridman, Yu.A.; Klevets, Ph.N.; Voytenko, A.P.

2008-01-01

Concentration-driven reorientation phase transitions in ultrathin magnetic films of FeCo alloy have been studied. It is established that, in addition to the easy-axis and easy-plane phases, a spatially inhomogeneous phase (domain structure), a canted phase, and also an 'in-plane easy-axis' phase can exist in the system. The realization of the last phase is associated with the competition between the single-ion anisotropy and the magnetoelastic interaction. The critical values of Co concentration corresponding to the phase transitions are evaluated, the types of phase transitions are determined, and the phase diagrams are constructed

Magnetoresistance Probe of Ultrathin Mn5Ge3 Films with Anderson Weak Localization

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Li-Jun, Chen; De-Yong, Wang; Qing-Feng, Zhan; Wei, He; Qing-An, Li

2008-01-01

We present the magnetoresistance measurements of ultrathin Mn 5 Ge 3 films with different thicknesses at low temperatures. Owing to the lattice mismatch between Mn 5 Ge 3 and Ge (111), the thickness of Mn 5 Ge 3 films has a significant effect on the magnetoresistance. When the thickness of Mn is more than 72 monolayers (MLs), the magnetoresistance of the Mn 5 Ge 3 films appears a peak at about 6kOe, which shows that the magnetoresistance results from the Anderson weak localization effect and the variable range hopping in the presence of a magnetic field. The magnetic and semiconducting properties indicate that the Mn 5 Ge 3 film is a potential material for spin injection. (condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

One-dimensional in-plane edge domain walls in ultrathin ferromagnetic films

Science.gov (United States)

Lund, Ross G.; Muratov, Cyrill B.; Slastikov, Valeriy V.

2018-03-01

We study existence and properties of 1D edge domain walls in ultrathin ferromagnetic films with uniaxial in-plane magnetic anisotropy. In these materials, the magnetization vector is constrained to lie entirely in the film plane, with the preferred directions dictated by the magnetocrystalline easy axis. We consider magnetization profiles in the vicinity of a straight film edge oriented at an arbitrary angle with respect to the easy axis. To minimize the micromagnetic energy, these profiles form transition layers in which the magnetization vector rotates away from the direction of the easy axis to align with the film edge. We prove existence of edge domain walls as minimizers of the appropriate 1D micromagnetic energy functional and show that they are classical solutions of the associated Euler-Lagrange equation with a Dirichlet boundary condition at the edge. We also perform a numerical study of these 1D domain walls and uncover further properties of these domain wall profiles.

How Do Organic Vapors Swell Ultrathin Films of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity PIM-1?

Science.gov (United States)

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Rahimi, Khosorov; Rauer, Sebastian Bernhard; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiaohua; Pinnau, Ingo; Wessling, Matthias

2017-07-27

Dynamic sorption of ethanol and toluene vapor into ultrathin supported films of polymer of intrinsic microporosity PIM-1 down to a thickness of 6 nm are studied with a combination of in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and in situ X-ray reflectivity. Both ethanol and toluene significantly swell the PIM-1 matrix and, at the same time, induce persistent structural relaxations of the frozen-in glassy PIM-1 morphology. For ethanol below 20 nm, three effects were identified. First, the swelling magnitude at high vapor pressures is reduced by about 30% as compared to that of thicker films. Second, at low penetrant activities (below 0.3p/p 0 ), films below 20 nm are able to absorb slightly more penetrant as compared with thicker films despite a similar swelling magnitude. Third, for the ultrathin films, the onset of the dynamic penetrant-induced glass transition P g has been found to shift to higher values, indicating higher resistance to plasticization. All of these effects are consistent with a view where immobilization of the superglassy PIM-1 at the substrate surface leads to an arrested, even more rigid, and plasticization-resistant, yet still very open, microporous structure. PIM-1 in contact with the larger and more condensable toluene shows very complex, heterogeneous swelling dynamics, and two distinct penetrant-induced relaxation phenomena, probably associated with the film outer surface and the bulk, are detected. Following the direction of the penetrant's diffusion, the surface seems to plasticize earlier than the bulk, and the two relaxations remain well separated down to 6 nm film thickness, where they remarkably merge to form just a single relaxation.

Effect of enzymatic degradation of chitosan in polyhydroxybutyrate/chitosan/calcium phosphate composites on in vitro osteoblast response.

Science.gov (United States)

Giretova, Maria; Medvecky, Lubomir; Stulajterova, Radoslava; Sopcak, Tibor; Briancin, Jaroslav; Tatarkova, Monika

2016-12-01

Polyhydroxybutyrate/chitosan/calcium phosphate composites are interesting biomaterials for utilization in regenerative medicine and they may by applied in reconstruction of deeper subchondral defects. Insufficient informations were found in recent papers about the influence of lysozyme degradation of chitosan in calcium phosphate/chitosan based composites on in vitro cytotoxicity and proliferation activity of osteoblasts. The effect of enzymatic chitosan degradation on osteoblasts proliferation was studied on composite films in which the porosity of origin 3D scaffolds was eliminated and the surface texture was modified. The significantly enhanced proliferation activity with faster population growth of osteoblasts were found on enzymatically degraded biopolymer composite films with α-tricalcium phosphate and nanohydroxyapatite. No cytotoxicity of composite films prepared from lysozyme degraded scaffolds containing a large fraction of low molecular weight chitosans (LMWC), was revealed after 10 days of cultivation. Contrary to above in the higher cytotoxicity origin untreated nanohydroxyapatite films and porous composite scaffolds. The results showed that the synergistic effect of surface distribution, morphology of nanohydroxyapatite particles, microtopography and the presence of LMWC due to chitosan degradation in composite films were responsible for compensation of the cytotoxicity of nanohydroxyapatite composite films or porous composite scaffolds.

Ultrathin percolated WO{sub 3} cluster film and its resistive response to H{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhao, Meng [Research Center for Solid State Physics and Materials, School of Mathematics and Physics, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009 (China); Department of Applied Physics and Materials Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Wong, Man Hon; Huang, Jian Xing [Department of Applied Physics and Materials Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Ong, Chung Wo, E-mail: c.w.ong@polyu.edu.hk [Department of Applied Physics and Materials Research Center, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China)

2014-11-05

Highlights: • Ultrathin percolated network of WO{sub 3} clusters was fabricated. • The WO{sub 3} clusters are modeled by spherical caps connected by ultrafine linkages. • The ultrathin percolated network of WO{sub 3} clusters shows fast response rate to H{sub 2}. • The fast response is attributed to the rapid electrical switching of the linkages. • Improved H{sub 2} sensing properties may be achieved if narrower linkages are used. - Abstract: Thin films composed of tungsten oxide (WO{sub 3}) nanoclusters were fabricated by oxidizing supersonic cluster beam deposited tungsten films at various temperatures. Oxidation at 700 °C resulted in aggregation of the deposits, forming a percolated network of WO{sub 3} spherical caps connected by fine links. The resistance response of the palladium-(Pd-) coated film sample to hydrogen (H{sub 2}) was investigated. The response rate was faster than those of other samples oxidized at lower temperatures. This is the result of the rapid electrical switching of the intercluster links between the highly resistive depleted state and conducting hydrogenated state. The possibility of improving the H{sub 2} sensing response rate with the use of the percolated WO{sub 3} film structure is illustrated.

Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with Polyethylene Glycol Passivated Ultrathin CsPbBr3 Films.

Science.gov (United States)

Song, Li; Guo, Xiaoyang; Hu, Yongsheng; Lv, Ying; Lin, Jie; Liu, Zheqin; Fan, Yi; Liu, Xingyuan

2017-09-07

Efficient inorganic perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) with an ultrathin perovskite emission layer (∼30 nm) were realized by doping Lewis base polyethylene glycol (PEG) into CsPbBr 3 films. PEG in the perovskite films not only physically fills the crystal boundaries but also interacts with the perovskite crystals to passivate the crystal grains, reduce nonradiative recombination, and ensure efficient luminance and high efficiency. As a result, promoted brightness, current efficiency (CE), and external quantum efficiency (EQE) were achieved. The nonradiative decay rate of the PEG:CsPbBr 3 composite film is 1 order of magnitude less than that of the neat CsPbBr 3 film. After further optimization of the molar ratio between CsBr and PbBr 2 , a peak CE of 19 cd/A, a maximum EQE of 5.34%, and a maximum brightness of 36600 cd/m 2 were achieved, demonstrating the interaction between PEG and the precursors. The results are expected to offer some helpful implications in optimizing the polymer-assisted PeLEDs with ultrathin emission layers, which might have potential application in see-through displays.

EFFECT OF PLASTICIZERS ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF EDIBLE FILM FROM JANENG STARCH – CHITOSAN

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Narlis Juandi

2016-10-01

Full Text Available The interest in the development of edible and biodegradable films has increased because it is every day more evident that non degradable are doing much damage to the environment. In this research, edible films were based on blends of janeng starch in different proportions, added of palm oil or glycerol, which were used as plasticizers. The objective was to study the effect of two different plasticizers, palm oil and glycerol of edible film from janeng starch–chitosan on the mechanical properties and FTIR spectra. Increasing concentration of glycerol as plasticizer resulted tend to increased tensile strength and elongation at break. The tensile strength and elongation at break values for palm oil is higher than glycerol as plasticizer at the same concentration. FTIR spectra show the process of making edible film from janeng starch–chitosan with palm oil or glycerol as plasticizers are physically mixing in the presence of hydrogen interactions between chains.

Electrical properties of single crystal Yttrium Iron Garnet ultra-thin films at high temperatures

OpenAIRE

Thiery, Nicolas; Naletov, Vladimir V.; Vila, Laurent; Marty, Alain; Brenac, Ariel; Jacquot, Jean-François; de Loubens, Grégoire; Viret, Michel; Anane, Abdelmadjid; Cros, Vincent; Youssef, Jamal Ben; Demidov, Vladislav E.; Demokritov, Sergej O.; Klein, Olivier

2017-01-01

We report a study on the electrical properties of 19 nm thick Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) films grown by liquid phase epitaxy. The electrical conductivity and Hall coefficient are measured in the high temperature range [300,400]~K using a Van der Pauw four-point probe technique. We find that the electrical resistivity decreases exponentially with increasing temperature following an activated behavior corresponding to a band-gap of $E_g\\approx 2$ eV, indicating that epitaxial YIG ultra-thin film...

Bio-active nanocomposite films based on nanocrystalline cellulose reinforced styrylquinoxalin-grafted-chitosan: Antibacterial and mechanical properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Fardioui, Meriem; Meftah Kadmiri, Issam; Qaiss, Abou El Kacem; Bouhfid, Rachid

2018-07-15

In this study, active nanocomposite films based on cellulose nanocrystalline (NCC) reinforced styrylquinoxalin-grafted-chitosan are prepared by solvent-casting process. The structures of the two styrylquinoxaline derivatives were confirmed by FT-IR, 1 H, 13 C NMR spectral data and the study of the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (EC), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Bacillus subtilis (BS) and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (PA) exhibits that they have a good antibacterial activity against (PA). On their side, the styrylquinoxalin-g-chitosan films are able to inhibit the growth of (PA) through their contact area without being damaged by the antibacterial test conditions. The addition of 5wt% of NCCs as nano-reinforcements revealed no change at the level of antibacterial activity but led to an important improvement of the mechanical properties (more than 60% and 90% improvement in Young's modulus and tensile strength, respectively) of the modified-chitosan films. Thereby, the present nanocomposite films are prepared by a simple way and featured by good mechanical and antibacterial properties which enhance the possibility to use them as bio-based products for biomedical and food packaging. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Epitaxial growth of ultra-thin NbN films on AlxGa1−xN buffer-layers

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Krause, S; Meledin, D; Desmaris, V; Pavolotsky, A; Belitsky, V; Rudziński, M; Pippel, E

2014-01-01

The suitability of Al x Ga 1−x N epilayers to deposit onto ultra-thin NbN films has been demonstrated for the first time. High quality single-crystal films with 5 nm thickness confirmed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) have been deposited in a reproducible manner by means of reactive DC magnetron sputtering at elevated temperatures and exhibit critical temperatures (T c ) as high as 13.2 K and residual resistivity ratio (RRR) ∼1 on hexagonal GaN epilayers. On increasing the Al content x in the Al x Ga 1−x N epilayer above 20%, a gradual deterioration of T c to 10 K was observed. Deposition of NbN on bare silicon substrates served as a reference and comparison. Excellent spatial homogeneity of the fabricated films was confirmed by R(T) measurements of patterned micro-bridges across the entire film area. The superconducting properties of these films were further characterized by critical magnetic field and critical current measurements. It is expected that the employment of GaN material as a buffer-layer for the deposition of ultra-thin NbN films will prospectively benefit terahertz electronics, particularly hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers. (paper)

Structure of ultrathin Pd films determined by low-energy electron microscopy and diffraction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Santos, B; De la Figuera, J [Centro de Microanalisis de Materiales, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049 (Spain); Puerta, J M; Cerda, J I [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales, CSIC, Madrid 28049 (Spain); Herranz, T [Instituto de Quimica-Fisica ' Rocasolano' , CSIC, Madrid 28006 (Spain); McCarty, K F [Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 94550 (United States)], E-mail: benitosantos001@gmail.com

2010-02-15

Palladium (Pd) films have been grown and characterized in situ by low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) and microscopy in two different regimes: ultrathin films 2-6 monolayers (ML) thick on Ru(0001), and {approx}20 ML thick films on both Ru(0001) and W(110). The thinner films are grown at elevated temperature (750 K) and are lattice matched to the Ru(0001) substrate. The thicker films, deposited at room temperature and annealed to 880 K, have a relaxed in-plane lattice spacing. All the films present an fcc stacking sequence as determined by LEED intensity versus energy analysis. In all the films, there is hardly any expansion in the surface-layer interlayer spacing. Two types of twin-related stacking sequences of the Pd layers are found on each substrate. On W(110) the two fcc twin types can occur on a single substrate terrace. On Ru(0001) each substrate terrace has a single twin type and the twin boundaries replicate the substrate steps.

Fungal inactivation by Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) essential oil added to amaranth, chitosan, or starch edible films.

Science.gov (United States)

Avila-Sosa, Raúl; Hernández-Zamoran, Erika; López-Mendoza, Ingrid; Palou, Enrique; Jiménez Munguía, María Teresa; Nevárez-Moorillón, Guadalupe Virginia; López-Malo, Aurelio

2010-04-01

Edible films can incorporate antimicrobial agents to provide microbiological stability, since they can be used as carriers of a wide number of additives that can extend product shelf life and reduce the risk of pathogenic bacteria growth on food surfaces. Addition of antimicrobial agents to edible films offers advantages such as the use of low antimicrobial concentrations and low diffusion rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate inhibition of Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. by selected concentrations of Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) essential oil added to amaranth, chitosan, or starch edible films. Oregano essential oil was characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Amaranth, chitosan, and starch edible films were formulated with essential oil concentrations of 0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%, and 4%. Mold radial growth was evaluated inoculating spores in 2 ways: edible films were placed over inoculated agar, Film/Inoculum mode (F/I), or the edible films were first placed in the agar and then films were inoculated, Inoculum/Film mode (I/F). The modified Gompertz model adequately described growth curves. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth parameters between the 2 modes of inoculation. Antifungal effectiveness of edible films was starch > chitosan > amaranth. In starch edible films, both studied molds were inhibited with 0.50% of essential oil. Edible films added with Mexican oregano essential oil could improve the quality of foods by controlling surface growth of molds.

Surfactant-mediated growth of ultrathin Ge and Si films and their interfaces: Interference-enhanced Raman study

OpenAIRE

Kanakaraju, S; Sood, AK; Mohan, S

2000-01-01

We report on the growth and interfaces of ultrathin polycrystalline Ge and Si films when they are grown on each other using ion beam sputter deposition with and without surfactant at different growth temperatures, studied using interference enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Ge films grown on Si without surfactant show Ge segregation at the interfaces forming an alloy of GexSi1-x as indicated by the Ge-Si Raman mode. However, use of Sb as surfactant strongly suppresses the intermixing. Also Si film...

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/genipin/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) films for controlled release drugs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Aldana, Ana Agustina, E-mail: aaldana@fcq.unc.edu.ar [Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (UNC), Edificio de Ciencias II, Medina Allende y Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, Cordoba 5000 (Argentina); Gonzalez, Agustin, E-mail: agustingonzalez@fcq.unc.edu.ar [Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (UNC), Edificio de Ciencias II, Medina Allende y Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, Cordoba 5000 (Argentina); Strumia, Miriam C., E-mail: mcs@fcq.unc.edu.ar [Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (UNC), Edificio de Ciencias II, Medina Allende y Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, Cordoba 5000 (Argentina); Martinelli, Marisa, E-mail: mmartinelli@fcq.unc.edu.ar [Departamento de Quimica Organica, Facultad de Ciencias Quimicas, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba (UNC), Edificio de Ciencias II, Medina Allende y Haya de la Torre, Ciudad Universitaria, Cordoba 5000 (Argentina)

2012-05-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cross-linked chitosan films using genipin and/or PVP. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Propranolol hydrochloride was used like a model drug to release studies. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Incorporating PVP improves mechanical and diffusion properties. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ch-Gen 0.10% and Ch-Gen 0.10%-PVP have optimal behavior. - Abstract: The study of the physicochemical and functional properties of chitosan films cross-linked with genipin and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) was performed in this work. Cross-linked films were prepared by casting method from acetic acid solutions. The structure and physical properties of the films were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ({sup 13}C NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical testings. Propranolol hydrochloride was used like a model drug to determine the behavior of drug release from films. The drug release capacity was measured and compared with the degree of cross-linking, mechanical properties and swelling index. There was an appropriate balance of hydrophilicity, mechanical properties and diffusion by the incorporation of PVP into the networks cross-linked with genipin. The combination of both cross-linkers allows obtaining a soft and tough material potentially applicable as a controlled release. This research represents the first report where both cross-linkers, chemical and ionic agents, are used for obtaining films. These studies suggest that the chitosan films prepared here are promising drug delivery systems for buccal application, with thermal stability and acceptable mechanical properties. Buccal films may be preferred in terms of flexibility and comfort.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan/genipin/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) films for controlled release drugs

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aldana, Ana Agustina; González, Agustín; Strumia, Miriam C.; Martinelli, Marisa

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Cross-linked chitosan films using genipin and/or PVP. ► Propranolol hydrochloride was used like a model drug to release studies. ► Incorporating PVP improves mechanical and diffusion properties. ► Ch–Gen 0.10% and Ch–Gen 0.10%–PVP have optimal behavior. - Abstract: The study of the physicochemical and functional properties of chitosan films cross-linked with genipin and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) was performed in this work. Cross-linked films were prepared by casting method from acetic acid solutions. The structure and physical properties of the films were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 13 C NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical testings. Propranolol hydrochloride was used like a model drug to determine the behavior of drug release from films. The drug release capacity was measured and compared with the degree of cross-linking, mechanical properties and swelling index. There was an appropriate balance of hydrophilicity, mechanical properties and diffusion by the incorporation of PVP into the networks cross-linked with genipin. The combination of both cross-linkers allows obtaining a soft and tough material potentially applicable as a controlled release. This research represents the first report where both cross-linkers, chemical and ionic agents, are used for obtaining films. These studies suggest that the chitosan films prepared here are promising drug delivery systems for buccal application, with thermal stability and acceptable mechanical properties. Buccal films may be preferred in terms of flexibility and comfort.

Operando SXRD of E-ALD deposited sulphides ultra-thin films: Crystallite strain and size

Science.gov (United States)

Giaccherini, Andrea; Russo, Francesca; Carlà, Francesco; Guerri, Annalisa; Picca, Rosaria Anna; Cioffi, Nicola; Cinotti, Serena; Montegrossi, Giordano; Passaponti, Maurizio; Di Benedetto, Francesco; Felici, Roberto; Innocenti, Massimo

2018-02-01

Electrochemical Atomic Layer Deposition (E-ALD), exploiting surface limited electrodeposition of atomic layers, can easily grow highly ordered ultra-thin films and 2D structures. Among other compounds CuxZnyS grown by means of E-ALD on Ag(111) has been found particularly suitable for the solar energy conversion due to its band gap (1.61 eV). However its growth seems to be characterized by a micrometric thread-like structure, probably overgrowing a smooth ultra-thin films. On this ground, a SXRD investigation has been performed, to address the open questions about the structure and the growth of CuxZnyS by means of E-ALD. The experiment shows a pseudo single crystal pattern as well as a powder pattern, confirming that part of the sample grows epitaxially on the Ag(111) substrate. The growth of the film was monitored by following the evolution of the Bragg peaks and Debye rings during the E-ALD steps. Breadth and profile analysis of the Bragg peaks lead to a qualitative interpretation of the growth mechanism. This study confirms that Zn lead to the growth of a strained Cu2S-like structure, while the growth of the thread-like structure is probably driven by the release of the stress from the epitaxial phase.

Chitosan film containing fucoidan as a wound dressing for dermal burn healing: Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation

OpenAIRE

Sezer, Ali Demir; Hatipoglu, Fatih; Cevher, Erdal; Oğurtan, Zeki; Bas, Ahmet Levent; Akbuğa, Jülide

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to develop chitosan film containing fucoidan and to investigate its suitability for the treatment of dermal burns on rabbits. Porous films, thickness between 29.7 and 269.0 μm, were obtained by the solvent dropping method. Water vapor permeability (3.3–16.6/0.1 g), the swelling (0.67–1.77 g/g), tensile strength (7.1–45.8 N), and bioadhesion (0.076–1.771 mJ/cm2) of the films were determined. The thinnest films were obtained with the lowest chitosan concentration (P...

Characteristic study of chitosan addition in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) bone based gelatin film

Science.gov (United States)

Atmaka, W.; Yudhistira, B.; Putro, M. I. S.

2018-03-01

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of popular fish species in Indonesia. The high number in tilapia’s production and export of tilapia resulting in the increase of bone fish waste. an attempt to decrease the amount of the aforementioned waste, the fish bones were turned into gelatine. The gelatine produced from this waste can be put to good use by turning it into edible film due to its high water resistance and low tensile strength value. However, in order to make a proper film, both the water resistance and the tensile strength value needs another appropriate additional biopolymer. In this case, the appropriate biopolymer needed both to form the film and to repair its characteristics is chitosan. The purpose of this research is to find out the effect of the chitosan addition on the tilapia bone based gelatine film. The research used several mixtures of gelatine (G) and chitosan (C) with the following ratio: G100:C0 (GC1), G75:C25 (GC2), G50:C50 (GC3), G25:C75 (GC4), G0:C100 (GC5). ANOVA results (Psolubility, tensile strength, elongation at break, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), color a, and color b but no significant effects on the vapor permeability and color L. The best result is shown on GC2 with thickness 0.119 mm; solubility 74.95%; tensile strength 2.635 Mpa; elongation at break 68.26%; water vapor permeability 5.897 g/h m2 and FTIR. The parameters in GC2 shows good compatibility between the two biopolymers.

Molecular dynamics simulations of ultrathin water film confined between flat diamond plates

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A.V. Khomenko

2008-12-01

Full Text Available Molecular dynamics simulations of ultrathin water film confined between atomically flat rigid diamond plates are described. Films with thickness of one and two molecular diameters are concerned and TIP4P model is used for water molecules. Dynamical and equilibrium characteristics of the system for different values of the external load and shear force are investigated. An increase of the external load causes the transition of the film to a solidlike state. This is manifested in a decrease of the diffusion constant and in the ordering of the liquid molecules into quasidiscrete layers. For two-layer film under high loads, the molecules also become ordered parallel to the surfaces. Time dependencies of the friction force and the changes of its average value with the load are obtained. In general, the behaviour of the studied model is consistent with the experimental results obtained for simple liquids with spherical molecules.

Chitosan-Sodium Phytate Films with a Strong Water Barrier and Antimicrobial Properties Produced via One-Step-Consecutive-Stripping and Layer-by-Layer-Casting Technologies.

Science.gov (United States)

Yang, Jie; Xiong, Liu; Li, Man; Sun, Qingjie

2018-06-20

The pursuit of sustainable functional materials requires the development of materials based on renewable resources and efficient fabrication methods. Here, we first fabricated chitosan-sodium phytate films via one-step-stripping and layer-by-layer-casting technologies. The proposed film-fabrication methods are general, facile, environmentally benign, cost-effective, and easy to scale up. The resultant one-step-stripped film was thin (9 ± 1 μm), soft, transparent, and strong, whereas the thickness of the layer-by-layer-cast film was 70 ± 3 μm. FTIR analysis of the films indicated the formation of interactions between the phosphoric groups in sodium phytate and the amino groups in chitosan. More importantly, the water-vapor-permeability values of the one-step-stripped and cast films were 4-5 orders of magnitude lower than chitosan films reported before. Layer-by-layer-cast films in particular exhibited high tensile strength (49.21 ± 1.12 MPa) and were more than three times stronger than other polyelectrolyte multilayer films. Both types of films remained stable in an acidic environment. Furthermore, the layer-by-layer-assembled films presented greater antimicrobial activity than the stripped films. The developed chitosan-sodium phytate films can enhance several biomedical and environmental applications, such as packaging, drug delivery, diagnostics, microfluidics, and biosensing.

High-Pressure CO2 Sorption in Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity under Ultrathin Film Confinement.

Science.gov (United States)

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiaohua; Wessling, Matthias; Pinnau, Ingo

2018-04-04

Ultrathin microporous polymer films are pertinent to the development and further spread of nanotechnology with very promising potential applications in molecular separations, sensors, catalysis, or batteries. Here, we report high-pressure CO 2 sorption in ultrathin films of several chemically different polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), including the prototypical PIM-1. Films with thicknesses down to 7 nm were studied using interference-enhanced in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was found that all PIMs swell much more than non-microporous polystyrene and other high-performance glassy polymers reported previously. Furthermore, chemical modifications of the parent PIM-1 strongly affected the swelling magnitude. By investigating the behavior of relative refractive index, n rel , it was possible to study the interplay between micropores filling and matrix expansion. Remarkably, all studied PIMs showed a maximum in n rel at swelling of 2-2.5% indicating a threshold point above which the dissolution in the dense matrix started to dominate over sorption in the micropores. At pressures above 25 bar, all PIMs significantly plasticized in compressed CO 2 and for the ones with the highest affinity to the penetrant, a liquidlike mixing typical for rubbery polymers was observed. Reduction of film thickness below 100 nm revealed pronounced nanoconfinement effects and resulted in a large swelling enhancement and a quick loss of the ultrarigid character. On the basis of the partial molar volumes of the dissolved CO 2 , the effective reduction of the T g was estimated to be ∼200 °C going from 128 to 7 nm films.

High-Pressure CO2 Sorption in Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity under Ultrathin Film Confinement

KAUST Repository

Ogieglo, Wojciech

2018-03-12

Ultrathin microporous polymer films are pertinent to the development and further spread of nanotechnology with very promising potential applications in molecular separations, sensors, catalysis, or batteries. Here, we report high-pressure CO2 sorption in ultrathin films of several chemically different polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), including the prototypical PIM-1. Films with thicknesses down to 7 nm were studied using interference-enhanced in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was found that all PIMs swell much more than non-microporous polystyrene and other high-performance glassy polymers reported previously. Furthermore, chemical modifications of the parent PIM-1 strongly affected the swelling magnitude. By investigating the behavior of relative refractive index, nrel, it was possible to study the interplay between micropores filling and matrix expansion. Remarkably, all studied PIMs showed a maximum in nrel at swelling of 2-2.5% indicating a threshold point above which the dissolution in the dense matrix started to dominate over sorption in the micropores. At pressures above 25 bar, all PIMs significantly plasticized in compressed CO2 and for the ones with the highest affinity to the penetrant, a liquidlike mixing typical for rubbery polymers was observed. Reduction of film thickness below 100 nm revealed pronounced nanoconfinement effects and resulted in a large swelling enhancement and a quick loss of the ultrarigid character. On the basis of the partial molar volumes of the dissolved CO2, the effective reduction of the Tg was estimated to be ∼200 °C going from 128 to 7 nm films.

High-Pressure CO2 Sorption in Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity under Ultrathin Film Confinement

KAUST Repository

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiaohua; Wessling, Matthias; Pinnau, Ingo

2018-01-01

Ultrathin microporous polymer films are pertinent to the development and further spread of nanotechnology with very promising potential applications in molecular separations, sensors, catalysis, or batteries. Here, we report high-pressure CO2 sorption in ultrathin films of several chemically different polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), including the prototypical PIM-1. Films with thicknesses down to 7 nm were studied using interference-enhanced in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was found that all PIMs swell much more than non-microporous polystyrene and other high-performance glassy polymers reported previously. Furthermore, chemical modifications of the parent PIM-1 strongly affected the swelling magnitude. By investigating the behavior of relative refractive index, nrel, it was possible to study the interplay between micropores filling and matrix expansion. Remarkably, all studied PIMs showed a maximum in nrel at swelling of 2-2.5% indicating a threshold point above which the dissolution in the dense matrix started to dominate over sorption in the micropores. At pressures above 25 bar, all PIMs significantly plasticized in compressed CO2 and for the ones with the highest affinity to the penetrant, a liquidlike mixing typical for rubbery polymers was observed. Reduction of film thickness below 100 nm revealed pronounced nanoconfinement effects and resulted in a large swelling enhancement and a quick loss of the ultrarigid character. On the basis of the partial molar volumes of the dissolved CO2, the effective reduction of the Tg was estimated to be ∼200 °C going from 128 to 7 nm films.

Physicochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan films with and without sorbitol.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Mei; Zhou, Yibin; Zhang, Yang; Yu, Chen; Cao, Shengnan

2014-09-01

The effect of sorbitol on the physicochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of chitosan films with different degrees of deacetylation (DD; i.e., DD85% and DD95%) was investigated. The thickness, moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS) and water-vapor permeability (WVP) of the films were evaluated. Sorbitol addition reduced MC, increased WS and significantly (psorbitol increased the strain and decreased stress for both DD films, but DD95% could sustain higher strain and DD85% could sustain higher stress. Thermogravimetrics analysis and differential scanning calorimetry showed that sorbitol elicited a lower degradation temperature for both films, and that DD95% films exhibited higher thermal stability than DD85% films. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mixed-Penetrant Sorption in Ultra-Thin Films of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity PIM-1

KAUST Repository

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Furchner, Andreas; Ghanem, Bader; Ma, Xiao-Hua; Pinnau, Ingo; Wessling, Matthias

2017-01-01

Mixed penetrant sorption into ultra-thin films of a super-glassy polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) was studied for the first time by using interference-enhanced in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. PIM-1 swelling and the concurrent changes in its refractive index were determined in ultra-thin (12 - 14 nm) films exposed to pure and mixed penetrants. The penetrants included water, n-hexane and ethanol and were chosen based on their significantly different penetrant-penetrant and penetrant-polymer affinities. This allowed studying microporous polymer responses at diverse ternary compositions and revealed effects such as competition for the sorption sites (for water / n-hexane or ethanol / n-hexane) or enhancement in sorption of typically weakly sorbing water in the presence of more highly sorbing ethanol. The results reveal details of the mutual sorption effects which often complicate comprehension of glassy polymers' behavior in applications such as high-performance membranes, adsorbents or catalysts. Mixed-penetrant effects are typically very challenging to study directly and their understanding is necessary owing to a broadly recognized inadequacy of simple extrapolations from measurements in pure component environment.

Mixed-Penetrant Sorption in Ultra-Thin Films of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity PIM-1

KAUST Repository

Ogieglo, Wojciech

2017-10-12

Mixed penetrant sorption into ultra-thin films of a super-glassy polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) was studied for the first time by using interference-enhanced in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry. PIM-1 swelling and the concurrent changes in its refractive index were determined in ultra-thin (12 - 14 nm) films exposed to pure and mixed penetrants. The penetrants included water, n-hexane and ethanol and were chosen based on their significantly different penetrant-penetrant and penetrant-polymer affinities. This allowed studying microporous polymer responses at diverse ternary compositions and revealed effects such as competition for the sorption sites (for water / n-hexane or ethanol / n-hexane) or enhancement in sorption of typically weakly sorbing water in the presence of more highly sorbing ethanol. The results reveal details of the mutual sorption effects which often complicate comprehension of glassy polymers\\' behavior in applications such as high-performance membranes, adsorbents or catalysts. Mixed-penetrant effects are typically very challenging to study directly and their understanding is necessary owing to a broadly recognized inadequacy of simple extrapolations from measurements in pure component environment.

Dynamics of ultrathin metal films on amorphous substrates under fast thermal processing

Science.gov (United States)

Favazza, Christopher; Kalyanaraman, Ramki; Sureshkumar, Radhakrishna

2007-11-01

A mathematical model is developed to analyze the growth/decay rate of surface perturbations of an ultrathin metal film on an amorphous substrate (SiO2). The formulation combines the approach of Mullins [W. W. Mullins, J. Appl. Phys. 30, 77 (1959)] for bulk surfaces, in which curvature-driven mass transport and surface deformation can occur by surface/volume diffusion and evaporation-condensation processes, with that of Spencer etal . [B. J. Spencer, P. W. Voorhees, and S. H. Davis, Phys. Rev. Lett. 67, 26 (1991)] to describe solid-state transport in thin films under epitaxial strain. Modifications of the Mullins model to account for thin-film boundary conditions result in qualitatively different dispersion relationships especially in the limit as kho≪1, where k is the wavenumber of the perturbation and ho is the unperturbed film height. The model is applied to study the relative rate of solid-state mass transport as compared to that of liquid phase dewetting in a thin film subjected to a fast thermal pulse. Specifically, we have recently shown that multiple cycles of nanosecond (ns) pulsed laser melting and resolidification of ultrathin metal films on amorphous substrates can lead to the formation of various types of spatially ordered nanostructures [J. Trice, D. Thomas, C. Favazza, R. Sureshkumar, and R. Kalyanaraman, Phys. Rev. B 75, 235439 (2007)]. The pattern formation has been attributed to the dewetting of the thin film by a hydrodynamic instability. In such experiments the film is in the solid state during a substantial fraction of each thermal cycle. However, results of a linear stability analysis based on the aforementioned model suggest that solid-state mass transport has a negligible effect on morphological changes of the surface. Further, a qualitative analysis of the effect of thermoelastic stress, induced by the rapid temperature changes in the film-substrate bilayer, suggests that stress relaxation does not appreciably contribute to surface

Chitosan nanocomposite films: enhanced electrical conductivity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Marroquin, Jason B; Rhee, K Y; Park, S J

2013-02-15

A novel, high-performance Fe(3)O(4)/MWNT/Chitosan nanocomposite has been prepared by a simple solution evaporation method. A significant synergistic effect of Fe(3)O(4) and MWNT provided enhanced electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and thermal stability on the nanocomposites. A 5% (wt) loading of Fe(3)O(4)/MWNT in the nanocomposite increased conductivity from 5.34×10(-5) S/m to 1.49×10(-2) S/m compared to 5% (wt) MWNT loadings. The Fe(3)O(4)/MWNT/Chitosan films also exhibited increases in tensile strength and modulus of 70% and 155%, respectively. The integral procedure decomposition temperature (IPDT) was enhanced from 501 °C to 568 °C. These effects resulted from a number of factors: generation of a greater number of conductive channels through interactions between MWNT and Fe(3)O(4) surfaces, a higher relative crystallinity, the antiplasticizing effects of Fe(3)O(4), a restricted mobility and hindrance of depolymerization of the Chitosan chain segments, as well as uniform distribution, improved dispersion, and strong interfacial adhesion between the MWNT and Chitosan matrix. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Zhixiong; Liang, Ruizheng; Liu, Wendi; Yan, Dongpeng; Wei, Min

2015-10-01

Stimuli-responsive fluorescent switches have shown broad applications in optical devices, biological materials and intelligent responses. Herein, we describe the design and fabrication of a dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film (UTF) via a three-step layer-by-layer (LBL) technique: (i) encapsulation of spiropyran (SP) within an amphiphilic block copolymer (PTBEM) to give the (SP@PTBEM) micelle; (ii) the mixture of riboflavin (Rf) and poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) (PSS) to enhance the adhesion ability of small molecules; (iii) assembly of negatively charged SP@PTBEM and Rf-PSS with cationic layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets to obtain the (Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM)n UTFs (n: bilayer number). The assembly process of the UTFs and their luminescence properties, as monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), present a uniform and ordered layered structure with stepwise growth. The resulting Rf-PSS/LDH/SP@PTBEM UTF serves as a three-state switchable multicolor (green, yellow, and red) luminescent system based on stimulation from UV/Vis light and pH, with an acceptable reversibility. Therefore, this work provides a facile way to fabricate stimuli-responsive solid-state film switches with tunable-color luminescence, which have potential applications in the areas of displays, sensors, and rewritable optical memory and fluorescent logic devices.Stimuli-responsive fluorescent switches have shown broad applications in optical devices, biological materials and intelligent responses. Herein, we describe the design and fabrication of a dual-stimuli-responsive fluorescent switch ultrathin film (UTF) via a three-step layer-by-layer (LBL) technique: (i) encapsulation of spiropyran (SP) within an amphiphilic block copolymer (PTBEM) to give the (SP@PTBEM) micelle; (ii) the mixture of riboflavin (Rf) and poly(styrene 4-sulfonate) (PSS) to enhance the adhesion ability of small molecules; (iii) assembly of negatively charged SP

Study of anisotropy, magnetization reversal and damping in ultrathin Co films on MgO (0 0 1) substrate

Science.gov (United States)

Mallik, Srijani; Bedanta, Subhankar

2018-01-01

Ultrathin Co films of 3 nm thickness have been prepared on MgO (0 0 1) substrate in presence or absence of substrate pre-annealing. Uniaxial anisotropy is induced in the samples due to the deposition under oblique angle of incidence. Along with the oblique deposition induced anisotropy, another uniaxial anisotropy contribution has been observed due to pre-annealing. However, no cubic anisotropy has been observed here as compared to the thicker films. Angle dependent ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) measurement confirms the presence of two anisotropies in the pre-annealed sample with ∼18° misalignment with each other. The two anisotropy constants were calculated from both superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry and FMR spectroscopy. The magnetization reversal is governed by nucleation dominated aftereffect followed by domain wall motion for the pre-annealed sample. Branched domains are observed for the sample prepared without pre-annealing which indicates grain disorientation of Co. However, in the thicker (25 nm) Co films ripple domains were observed in contrary to ultrathin (3 nm) films.

Size- and phase-dependent mechanical properties of ultrathin Si films on polyimide substrates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schlich, Franziska F.; Spolenak, Ralph

2016-01-01

Ultrathin Si films in the nanometer range are extensively used for electronic and optoelectronic devices. Their mechanical properties have a high impact on the durability of the devices during lifetime. Here, fragmentation and buckling of 8–103 nm thin amorphous and polycrystalline (poly-) Si films on polyimide substrates have been studied by in situ light microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and resistance measurements. Generally, a smaller film thickness and a compressive residual stress delays the fracture of the film. The fracture strength of poly-Si films is larger compared to that of amorphous Si films while the adhesion to the substrate is better for amorphous Si compared to poly-Si. The onset delamination as a function of film thickness differs for the two phases and is described by two different models. Thin-film models for fracture toughness (amorphous Si: K 1C  = 1.49 ± 0.22, poly-Si: K 1C  = 3.36 ± 1.37) are applied, discussed, and found to be consistent with literature values.

Alloy formation during the electrochemical growth of a Ag-Cd ultrathin film on Au(1 1 1)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Barrio, M.C. del; Garcia, S.G.; Salinas, D.R.

2009-01-01

The electrodeposition of a Ag/Cd ultrathin film on a Au(1 1 1) surface and the formation of a surface alloy during this process have been studied using classical electrochemical techniques and in situ Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). The films were obtained from separate electrolytes containing Ag + or Cd 2+ ions and from a multicomponent solution containing both ions. First, the polarization conditions were adjusted in order to form a Ag film by overpotential deposition. Afterwards, a Cd monolayer was formed onto this Au(1 1 1)/Ag modified surface by underpotential deposition. The voltammetric behavior of the Cd UPD and the in situ STM images indicated that the ultrathin Ag films were uniformly deposited and epitaxially oriented with respect to the Au(1 1 1) surface. Long time polarization experiments showed that a significant Ag-Cd surface alloying accompanied the formation of the Cd monolayer on the Au(1 1 1)/Ag modified surface, independent of the Ag film thickness. In the case of an extremely thin Ag layer (1 Ag ML) the STM images and long time polarization experiments revealed a solid state diffusion process of Cd, Ag, and Au atoms which can be responsible for the formation of different Ag-Cd or Au-Ag-Cd alloy phases.

Probing stress state and phase content in ultra-thin Ta films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Whitacre, J.F.; Yalisove, S.M.; Bilello, J.C.; Rek, Z.U.

1998-01-01

Ta films 25 angstrom to 200 angstrom in thickness were sputter-deposited using different sputter gas (Ar) pressures and cathode power settings. The average in-plane stresses were determined using double crystal diffraction topography (DCDT). X-ray analysis (using the grazing incidence x-ray scattering (GIXS) geometry) was performed using a synchrotron light source. To study microstructure and phase content, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and transmission electron diffraction (TED) were used. Well resolved x-ray patterns were collected for all of the films. The DCDT stress data was found to be consistent with stress effects evidence in the GIXS data. In general, residual stress state was not strongly dependent upon Ar pressure. The strongest evidence of amorphous content was found in both x-ray and TED data taken from 25 angstrom thick films deposited using 2mTorr Ar pressure and 460 W cathode power. These results show that it is possible to create and study ultra-thin Ta films which possess a range of residual stresses and phase compositions

Antiferromagnetic coupling of TbPc2 molecules to ultrathin Ni and Co films

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

David Klar

2013-05-01

Full Text Available The magnetic and electronic properties of single-molecule magnets are studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. We study the magnetic coupling of ultrathin Co and Ni films that are epitaxially grown onto a Cu(100 substrate, to an in situ deposited submonolayer of TbPc2 molecules. Because of the element specificity of the X-ray absorption spectroscopy we are able to individually determine the field dependence of the magnetization of the Tb ions and the Ni or Co film. On both substrates the TbPc2 molecules couple antiferromagnetically to the ferromagnetic films, which is possibly due to a superexchange interaction via the phthalocyanine ligand that contacts the magnetic surface.

Ultrathin Nanocrystalline Diamond Films with Silicon Vacancy Color Centers via Seeding by 2 nm Detonation Nanodiamonds.

Science.gov (United States)

Stehlik, Stepan; Varga, Marian; Stenclova, Pavla; Ondic, Lukas; Ledinsky, Martin; Pangrac, Jiri; Vanek, Ondrej; Lipov, Jan; Kromka, Alexander; Rezek, Bohuslav

2017-11-08

Color centers in diamonds have shown excellent potential for applications in quantum information processing, photonics, and biology. Here we report chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films as thin as 5-6 nm with photoluminescence (PL) from silicon-vacancy (SiV) centers at 739 nm. Instead of conventional 4-6 nm detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs), we prepared and employed hydrogenated 2 nm DNDs (zeta potential = +36 mV) to form extremely dense (∼1.3 × 10 13 cm -2 ), thin (2 ± 1 nm), and smooth (RMS roughness < 0.8 nm) nucleation layers on an Si/SiO x substrate, which enabled the CVD growth of such ultrathin NCD films in two different and complementary microwave (MW) CVD systems: (i) focused MW plasma with an ellipsoidal cavity resonator and (ii) pulsed MW plasma with a linear antenna arrangement. Analytical ultracentrifuge, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy are used for detailed characterization of the 2 nm H-DNDs and the nucleation layer as well as the ultrathin NCD films. We also demonstrate on/off switching of the SiV center PL in the NCD films thinner than 10 nm, which is achieved by changing their surface chemistry.

Modelling study of magnetic and concentration phase transition in ultrathin antiferromagnetic films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leonid, Afremov; Aleksandr, Petrov

2014-01-01

Using the method of the ''average spin'' a modelling study of magnetic and concentration phase transition in ultrathin antiferromagnetic of different crystalline structure has been carried out. It has been shown, that relative change of Neel temperature is subject to the power law with negative index which doesn't depend on the film's crystal kind. The calculation of the dependence of phase transition critical concentration in diluted magnetic material on the film thickness has been made out. The legitimacy of the use of the method developed for modelling of magnetic and concentration phase transition in different nanostructures is certified by accordance between the results of calculations and the experimental data

Determination of structural and mechanical properties, diffractometry, and thermal analysis of chitosan and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC films plasticized with sorbitol

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jefferson Rotta

2011-06-01

Full Text Available In this work, the structural, mechanical, diffractometric, and thermal parameters of chitosan-hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC films plasticized with sorbitol were studied. Solutions of HPMC (2% w/v in water and chitosan (2% w/v in 2% acetic acid solution were prepared. The concentration of sorbitol used was 10% (w/w to both polymers. This solutions were mixed at different proportions (100/0; 70/30; 50/50; 30/70, and 0/100 of chitosan and HPMC, respectively, and 20 mL was cast in Petri dishes for further analysis of dried films. The miscibility of polymers was assessed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA. The results obtained indicate that the films are not fully miscible at a dry state despite the weak hydrogen bonding between the polymer functional groups.

nanocomposites chitosan /clay for electrochemical sensors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Braga, Carla R. Costa; Melo, Frank M. Araujo de; Costa, Gilmara M. Silva; Silva, Suedina M. Lima

2009-01-01

This study was performed to obtain films of nanocomposites chitosan/bentonite and chitosan/montmorillonite intercalation by the technique of solution in the proportions of 5:1 and 10:1. The nanocomposites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the nanocomposites Chitosan/montmorillonite also were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TG). The results indicated that the feasibility of obtaining films of nanocomposites exfoliate. Among the suggested applications for films developed in this study includes them use for electrochemical sensors. (author)

Diffusion of phonons through (along and across) the ultrathin crystalline films

Science.gov (United States)

Šetrajčić, J. P.; Jaćimovski, S. K.; Vučenović, S. M.

2017-11-01

Instead of usual approach, applying displacement-displacement Green's functions, the momentum-momentum Green's functions will be used to calculate the diffusion tensor. With this type of Green's function we have calculated and analyzed dispersion law in film-structures. A small number of phonon energy levels along the direction of boundary surfaces joint of the film are discrete-ones and in this case standing waves could occur. This is consequence of quantum size effects. These Green's functions enter into Kubo's formula defining diffusion properties of the system and possible heat transfer direction through observed structures. Calculation of the diffusion tensor for phonons in film-structure requires solving of the system of difference equations. Boundary conditions are included into mentioned system through the Hamiltonian of the film-structure. It has been shown that the diagonal elements of the diffusion tensor express discrete behavior of the dispersion law of elementary excitations. More important result is-that they are temperature independent and that their values are much higher comparing with bulk structures. This result favors better heat conduction of the film, but in direction which is perpendicular to boundary film surface. In the same time this significantly favors appearance 2D superconducting surfaces inside the ultra-thin crystal structure, which are parallel to the boundary surface.

Tribological performance of ultrathin diamond-like carbon films prepared by plasma-based ion implantation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liao, J X; Li, E Q; Tian, Z; Pan, X F; Xu, J; Jin, L; Yang, H G

2008-01-01

Ultrathin diamond-like carbon (DLC) films with thicknesses of 5-60 nm have been prepared on Si by plasma-based ion implantation. Raman spectrum and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that these DLC films present high sp 3 /sp 2 ratios. XPS also displays that each DLC film firmly adheres to the Si substrate owing to a C-Si transition layer. Atomic force microscopy shows that the DLC films are smooth and compact with average roughness (R a ) of about 0.25 nm. Sliding friction experiments reveal that these DLC films show significantly improved tribological performance. With increase of DLC film thickness, the sp 3 /sp 2 ratio increases, the roughness decreases, the hardness increases, the adhesive wear lightens and thereby the tribological performance becomes enhanced. Also, the effects of the applied load and the reciprocating frequency on the tribological performance are discussed

Comment on 'extrinsic versus intrinsic ferroelectric switching : experimental investigations using ultra-thin PVDF Langmuir-Blodgett films'

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Naber, R.C.G.; Blom, P.W.M.; de Leeuw, DM

2006-01-01

Previous work on ultra-thin P(VDF-TrFE) Langmuir-Blodgett films has indicated a transition from extrinsic to intrinsic ferroelectric switching. The lack of several key features of intrinsic switching in the experimental work reported by Kliem et al argues against intrinsic switching. In this Comment

Microstructure and molecular interaction in glycerol plasticized chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) blending films

Science.gov (United States)

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan (CS) blended films plasticized by glycerol were investigated using mechanical testing, atomic force microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FTIR spectroscopy, with primary emphasis on the effects of the glycerol content and the molecular weig...

Structure and morphology of magnetron sputter deposited ultrathin ZnO films on confined polymeric template

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Singh, Ajaib [Discipline of Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore 453552 (India); Schipmann, Susanne [II. Insatitute of Physics and JARA-FIT, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen (Germany); Mathur, Aakash; Pal, Dipayan [Discipline of Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore 453552 (India); Sengupta, Amartya [Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Delhi 110016 (India); Klemradt, Uwe [II. Insatitute of Physics and JARA-FIT, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen (Germany); Chattopadhyay, Sudeshna, E-mail: sudeshna@iiti.ac.in [Discipline of Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore 453552 (India); Discipline of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore 453552 (India); Centre for Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore 453552 (India)

2017-08-31

Highlights: • Ultra-thin ZnO films grown on confined polymeric (polystyrene, PS) template. • XRR and GISAXS explore the surface/interfaces structure and morphology of ZnO/PS. • Insights into the growth mechanism of magnetron sputtered ZnO thin film on PS template. • Nucleated disk-like cylindrical particles are the basis of the formation of ZnO layers. • Effect of ZnO film thickness on room temperature PL spectra in ZnO/PS systems. - Abstract: The structure and morphology of ultra-thin zinc oxide (ZnO) films with different film thicknesses on confined polymer template were studied through X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). Using magnetron sputter deposition technique ZnO thin films with different film thicknesses (<10 nm) were grown on confined polystyrene with ∼2R{sub g} film thickness, where R{sub g} ∼ 20 nm (R{sub g} is the unperturbed radius of gyration of polystyrene, defined by R{sub g} = 0.272 √M{sub 0}, and M{sub 0} is the molecular weight of polystyrene). The detailed internal structure, along the surface/interfaces and the growth direction of the system were explored in this study, which provides insight into the growth procedure of ZnO on confined polymer and reveals that a thin layer of ZnO, with very low surface and interface roughness, can be grown by DC magnetron sputtering technique, with approximately full coverage (with bulk like electron density) even in nm order of thickness, in 2–7 nm range on confined polymer template, without disturbing the structure of the underneath template. The resulting ZnO-polystyrene hybrid systems show strong ZnO near band edge (NBE) and deep-level (DLE) emissions in their room temperature photoluminescence spectra, where the contribution of DLE gets relatively stronger with decreasing ZnO film thickness, indicating a significant enhancement of surface defects because of the greater surface to volume ratio in thinner films.

In vitro evaluation of cell-seeded chitosan films for peripheral nerve tissue engineering

OpenAIRE

Wrobel, Sandra; Serra, Sofia Cristina; Samy, S. M.; Sousa, Nuno; Heimann, Claudia; Barwig, Christina; Grothe, Claudia; Salgado, A. J.; Talini, Kirsten Haastert

2014-01-01

Natural biomaterials have attracted an increasing interest in the field of tissue-engineered nerve grafts, representing a possible alternative to autologous nerve transplantation. With the prospect of developing a novel entubulation strategy for transected nerves with cell-seeded chitosan films, we examined the biocompatibility of such films in vitro. Different types of rat Schwann cells (SCs)-immortalized, neonatal, and adult-as well as rat bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC...

The effect of deposition energy of energetic atoms on the growth and structure of ultrathin amorphous carbon films studied by molecular dynamics simulations

KAUST Repository

Wang, N; Komvopoulos, K

2014-01-01

The growth and structure of ultrathin amorphous carbon films was investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The second-generation reactive-empirical-bond-order potential was used to model atomic interactions. Films with different structures

Local variation of fragility and glass transition temperature of ultra-thin supported polymer films.

Science.gov (United States)

Hanakata, Paul Z; Douglas, Jack F; Starr, Francis W

2012-12-28

Despite extensive efforts, a definitive picture of the glass transition of ultra-thin polymer films has yet to emerge. The effect of film thickness h on the glass transition temperature T(g) has been widely examined, but this characterization does not account for the fragility of glass-formation, which quantifies how rapidly relaxation times vary with temperature T. Accordingly, we simulate supported polymer films of a bead-spring model and determine both T(g) and fragility, both as a function of h and film depth. We contrast changes in the relaxation dynamics with density ρ and demonstrate the limitations of the commonly invoked free-volume layer model. As opposed to bulk polymer materials, we find that the fragility and T(g) do not generally vary proportionately. Consequently, the determination of the fragility profile--both locally and for the film as a whole--is essential for the characterization of changes in film dynamics with confinement.

Gigantic Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction in the MnBi ultrathin films

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Jie-Xiang; Zang, Jiadong; Zang's Team

The magnetic skyrmion, a swirling-like spin texture with nontrivial topology, is driven by strong Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya (DM) interaction originated from the spin-orbit coupling in inversion symmetry breaking systems. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we predict a new material, MnBi ultrathin film, with gigantic DM interactions. The ratio of the DM interaction to the Heisenberg exchange is about 0.3, exceeding any values reported so far. Its high Curie temperature, high coercivity, and large perpendicular magnetoanisotropy make MnBi a good candidate for future spintronics studies. Topologically nontrivial spin textures are emergent in this system. We expect further experimental efforts will be devoted into this systems.

Antimicrobial Active Packaging including Chitosan Films with Thymus vulgaris L. Essential Oil for Ready-to-Eat Meat

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jesús Quesada

2016-08-01

Full Text Available An active packaging system has been designed for the shelf life extension of ready to eat meat products. The package included an inner surface coated with a chitosan film with thyme essential oil (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% not in direct contact with the meat. Our aim was to reduce the impact of thyme essential oil (EO on meat sensory properties by using a chemotype with low odor intensity. The pH, color parameters, microbial populations, and sensory properties were assessed during 4 weeks of refrigerated storage. The presence of EO films reduced yeast populations, whereas aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and enterobacteria were not affected by the presence of the EO in the films. Meat color preservation (a * was enhanced in the presence of EO, giving a better appearance to the packaged meat. The presence of the chitosan-EO layer reduced water condensation inside the package, whereas packages containing only chitosan had evident water droplets. Thyme odor was perceived as desirable in cooked meat, and the typical product odor intensity decreased by increasing the EO concentration. Further studies should point towards developing oil blends or combinations with natural antimicrobial agents to be incorporated into the film to improve its antimicrobial properties.

Chitosan/graphene oxide nanocomposite films with enhanced interfacial interaction and their electrochemical applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

He, Linghao; Wang, Hongfang; Xia, Guangmei; Sun, Jing; Song, Rui

2014-01-01

Graphical abstract: Nanocomposites by introducing graphene oxide (GO) into chitosan (CS) matrix were prepared and the effect of GO on the crystallization, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the films were investigated. In addition, the electrochemical behavior of the CS/GO modified electrode was comparatively studied with that of the neat CS-modified electrode. - Highlights: • Graphene oxide (GO) with well dispersion in the biopolymer chitosan (CS) matrix. • Detectable interactions do exist between the GO nanosheets and CS segments. • The addition of minor GO can improve the electrochemical activity of the neat CS. - Abstract: A series of chitosan (CS) nanocomposites incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were facilely prepared by sonochemical method. Characterized by scanning electron microscopy, the obtained nanocomposites showed fine dispersion of GO in the CS matrix. Meanwhile, a marked interfacial interaction was also revealed as the values of glass transition temperature, the decomposition temperature and the storage modulus were significantly increased with the addition of GO. Furthermore, the well dispersed GO nanosheets could significantly improve the electrochemical activity of the CS as demonstrated by the electrochemical behaviors of pure CS and the GO/CS composite electrodes. Hence, the GO/CS nanocomposites film could be a promising candidate in the fabrication of electrochemical biosensors

An iodine supplementation of tomato fruits coated with an edible film of the iodide-doped chitosan.

Science.gov (United States)

Limchoowong, Nunticha; Sricharoen, Phitchan; Techawongstien, Suchila; Chanthai, Saksit

2016-06-01

In general, the risk of numerous thyroid cancers inevitably increases among people with iodine deficiencies. An iodide-doped chitosan (CT-I) solution was prepared for dipping tomatoes to coat the fresh surface with an edible film (1.5 μm), thereby providing iodine-rich fruits for daily intake. Characterisation of the thin film was conducted by FTIR and SEM. Stability of the CT-I film was studied via water immersion at various time intervals, and no residual iodide leached out due to intrinsic interactions between the cationic amino group of chitosan and iodide ions. Moreover, the iodide supplement exhibited no effect on the antioxidant activity of tomatoes. The iodine content in the film-coated tomato was determined by ICP-OES. The tomato coating with 1.5% (w/v) CT-I contained approximately 0.4 μg iodide per gram fresh weight. In addition, the freshness and storability of iodine-doped tomatoes were also maintained for shelf-life concerns. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biodegradable plastics derived from micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber and chitosan

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nishiyama, M.; Hosokawa, J.; Yoshihara, K.; Kubo, T.; Kabeya, H.; Endo, T. [Shikoku National Industrial Research Inst., Kagawa (Japan)

1995-12-25

We have been carrying out studies to develop biodegradable plastics from natural polysaccharides. We have found that a combination of micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber and chitosan produces a useful material that can be used to form biodegradable film and moldings. Cellulose-chitosan composite film demonstrate higher strength than general purpose plastic films, and wet strength peaks when chitosan content is 10-20%. The relatively small amount of chitosan needed is economically convenient because chitosan is more expensive than cellulose. This film biodegrade well in soil, completely dissolving and disappearing in two months. Biodegradability is influenced by the temperature used in thermal treatment the film, the quantity of acid groups in the cellulose, and other factors. These characteristics will be used to control decomposition. Since cellulose-chitosan-plastics are not thermoplastics, we have been working on joint research with companies to produce films, nonwoven fabrics and foams. We discuss here the properties and application of these composite moldings. 4 refs., 3 figs., 3 tabs.

Probing the surface swelling in ultra-thin supported polystyrene films during case II diffusion of n-hexane

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ogieglo, Wojciech; Wormeester, Herbert; Wessling, Matthias; Benes, Nieck Edwin

2013-01-01

In situ time-resolved spectroscopic ellipsometry is used to study the dynamics of n-hexane diffusion into, and the corresponding induced swelling of, ultra-thin polystyrene films. The experimental conditions are carefully selected to facilitate the observation of anomalous Case II diffusion in the

2D ultrathin core-shell Pd@Ptmonolayer nanosheets: defect-mediated thin film growth and enhanced oxygen reduction performance

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Wenxin; Zhao, Yunfeng; Ding, Yi

2015-07-01

An operational strategy for the synthesis of atomically smooth Pt skin by a defect-mediated thin film growth method is reported. Extended ultrathin core-shell structured d@Ptmonolayer nanosheets (thickness below 5 nm) exhibit nearly seven-fold enhancement in mass-activity and surprisingly good durability toward oxygen reduction reaction as compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.An operational strategy for the synthesis of atomically smooth Pt skin by a defect-mediated thin film growth method is reported. Extended ultrathin core-shell structured d@Ptmonolayer nanosheets (thickness below 5 nm) exhibit nearly seven-fold enhancement in mass-activity and surprisingly good durability toward oxygen reduction reaction as compared with the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Sample preparation, physical and electrochemical characterization, Fig. S1 to S11. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr02748a

A new electrochemical sensor containing a film of chitosan-supported ruthenium: detection and quantification of sildenafil citrate and acetaminophen

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Delolo, Fabio Godoy; Rodrigues, Claudia; Silva, Monize Martins da; Batista, Alzir Azevedo; Dinelli, Luis Rogerio; Delling, Felix Nicolai; Zukerman-Schpector, Julio

2014-01-01

This work presents the construction of a novel electrochemical sensor for detection of organic analytes, using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a chitosan-supported ruthenium film. The ruthenium-chitosan film was obtained starting from the mer-[RuCl 3 (dppb)(H 2 O)] complex as a [1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane] (dppb) precursor, and chitosan (QT). The structure of the chitosan-supported ruthenium film on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The glassy carbon electrode was modified with a film formed from the evaporation of 5 μL of a solution composed of 5 mg chitosan-supported ruthenium (RuQT) in 10 mL of 0.1 mol L -1 acetic acid. The modified electrode was tested as a sensor for sildenafil citrate (Viagra® 50 mg) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) detection. The technique utilized for these analyses was differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in 0.1 mol L -1 H 2 SO 4 (pH 1.0) and 0.1 mol L -1 CH 3 COOK (pH 6.5) as supporting electrolyte. All analyses were carried out during a month using the same electrode. The electrode was washed only with water in between the analyses, keeping it in the refrigerator when it was not in use. This electrode was stable during the period utilized showing no degradation and presenting a linear response over the evaluated concentration interval (1.25 × 10 -5 to 4.99 × 10 -4 mol L -1 ). (author)

Growth and hydrogenation of ultra-thin Mg films on Mo(111)

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ostenfeld, Christopher Worsøe; Davies, Jonathan Conrad; Vegge, Tejs

2005-01-01

. Hydrogen cannot be adsorbed on magnesium films under UHV conditions. However, when evaporating Mg in a hydrogen background, a hydrogen overlayer is seen to adsorb at the Mg surface, due to the catalytic interaction with the Mo(1 1 1) substrate and subsequent spill-over. We show that two monolayers of Mg......The growth and hydrogenation of ultra-thin magnesium overlayers have been investigated on a Mo(1 1 1) single crystal substrate. For increasing magnesium coverages we observe intermediate stages in the TPD and LEISS profiles, which illustrate the transition from one monolayer to multilayer growth...

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.

XPS study of the ultrathin a-C:H films deposited onto ion beam nitrided AISI 316 steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Meskinis, S.; Andrulevicius, M.; Kopustinskas, V.; Tamulevicius, S.

2005-01-01

Effects of the steel surface treatment by nitrogen ion beam and subsequent deposition of the diamond-like carbon (hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H) and nitrogen doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-CN x :H)) films were investigated by means of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Experimental results show that nitrogen ion beam treatment of the AISI 316 steel surface even at room temperature results in the formation of the Cr and Fe nitrides. Replacement of the respective metal oxides by the nitrides takes place. Formation of the C-N bonds was observed for both ultrathin a-C:H and ultrathin a-CN x :H layers deposited onto the nitrided steel. Some Fe and/or Cr nitrides still were presented at the interface after the film deposition, too. Increased adhesion between the steel substrate and hydrogenated amorphous carbon layer after the ion beam nitridation was explained by three main factors. The first two is steel surface deoxidisation/passivation by nitrogen as a result of the ion beam treatment. The third one is carbon nitride formation at the nitrided steel-hydrogenated amorphous carbon (or a-CN x :H) film interface

High optical transmittance of aluminum ultrathin film with hexagonal nanohole arrays as transparent electrode

KAUST Repository

Du, Qing Guo; Yue, Weisheng; Wang, Zhihong; Lau, Wah Tung; Ren, Hengjiang; Li, Er-Ping

2016-01-01

We fabricate samples of aluminum ultrathin films with hexagonal nanohole arrays and characterize the transmission performance. High optical transmittance larger than 60% over a broad wavelength range from 430 nm to 750 nm is attained experimentally. The Fano-type resonance of the excited surface plasmon plaritons and the directly transmitted light attribute to both of the broadband transmission enhancement and the transmission suppression dips. © 2016 Optical Society of America.

High optical transmittance of aluminum ultrathin film with hexagonal nanohole arrays as transparent electrode

KAUST Repository

Du, Qing Guo

2016-02-24

We fabricate samples of aluminum ultrathin films with hexagonal nanohole arrays and characterize the transmission performance. High optical transmittance larger than 60% over a broad wavelength range from 430 nm to 750 nm is attained experimentally. The Fano-type resonance of the excited surface plasmon plaritons and the directly transmitted light attribute to both of the broadband transmission enhancement and the transmission suppression dips. © 2016 Optical Society of America.

Characterization of chitosan-magnesium aluminum silicate nanocomposite films for buccal delivery of nicotine

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Pongjanyakul, Thaned; Khunawattanakul, Wanwisa; Strachan, Clare J

2013-01-01

The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize chitosan-magnesium aluminum silicate (CS-MAS) nanocomposite films as a buccal delivery system for nicotine (NCT). The effects of the CS-MAS ratio on the physicochemical properties, release and permeation, as well as on the mucoadhesive...

Combined ellipsometry and X-ray related techniques for studies of ultrathin organic nanocomposite films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kraemer, Markus, E-mail: axo@standing-waves.d [Leibniz-Institut fuer Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund (Germany); AXO DRESDEN GmbH, Siegfried-Raedel-Str. 31, 01809 Heidenau (Germany); Roodenko, Katy [Leibniz-Institut fuer Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V.-Department Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 12489 Berlin (Germany); Laboratory for Surface and Nanostructure Modification, University of Texas at Dallas-NSERL, 800W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080 (United States); Pollakowski, Beatrix [Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Abbestr. 2-12, 10587 Berlin (Germany); Hinrichs, Karsten [Leibniz-Institut fuer Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V.-Department Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 12489 Berlin (Germany); Rappich, Joerg [Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin fuer Materialien und Energie GmbH, Abteilung Silizium-Photovoltaik, Kekulestr. 5, 12489 Berlin (Germany); Esser, Norbert [Leibniz-Institut fuer Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V.-Department Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 12489 Berlin (Germany); Bohlen, Alex von; Hergenroeder, Roland [Leibniz-Institut fuer Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139 Dortmund (Germany)

2010-07-30

Ultrathin nanocomposite films of nitrobenzene on silicon were analyzed by Infrared Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (IRSE), X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and X-ray standing waves (XSW) before and after evaporation of gold. Infrared Spectroscopic Ellipsometry measurements were performed for identification of adsorbates and for investigation of the molecular orientation. Results for film thickness were correlated with XRR measurements. Further, XSW measurements of elements incorporated in nitrobenzene (C, N, and O) were performed with soft X-rays. The combination of the different methods allowed to confirm a model for the electrochemically deposited nitrobenzene films before and after gold evaporation. The characterization by XRR and XSW scans using hard X-rays showed that gold had penetrated into the nitrobenzene film and thus changed density and optical properties of this layer significantly. A depth profile correlated to the electron density is deduced from the XRR measurements. This profile allows to localize-in vertical direction-gold islands within the composite film.

Low-field magnetoresistance anisotropy in strained ultrathin Pr0.67Sr0.33MnO3 films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, H.S.; Li, Q.

1999-01-01

The authors have studied the anisotropic low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) in ultrathin Pr 0.67 sr 0.33 MnO 3 (PSMO) films epitaxially grown on LaAlO 3 (LAO), STiO 3 (STO), and NdGaO 3 (NGO) substrates which impose compressive, tensile, and nearly-zero strains in the films. The compressively-strained films show a very large negative LFMR in a perpendicular magnetic field and a much smaller MR in a parallel field, while the tensile-strain films show positive LFMR in a perpendicular field and negative MR in a parallel field. The results are interpreted based on the strain-induced magnetic anisotropy

Comment on 'Extrinsic versus intrinsic ferroelectric switching: experimental investigations using ultra-thin PVDF Langmuir-Blodgett films'

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Naber, R C G; Blom, P W M; Leeuw, D M de

2006-01-01

Previous work on ultra-thin P(VDF-TrFE) Langmuir-Blodgett films has indicated a transition from extrinsic to intrinsic ferroelectric switching. The lack of several key features of intrinsic switching in the experimental work reported by Kliem et al argues against intrinsic switching. In this Comment we discuss two published papers and new experimental results that support a lack of intrinsic switching and point to the conclusion that the thickness dependence of the Langmuir-Blodgett films is due to the influence of the electrode interfaces. (comment)

Morphology and structure of polymers in ultrathin films and constrained geometries

Science.gov (United States)

Gullerud, Steven Olaf

We have explored the organization of polycaprolactone (PCL) constrained in ultrathin films and nanometer-scale domains. Specifically, PCL functionalized with triethoxysilane functional groups was used to create tethered ultrathin films on silicon (100) substrates through silanization, and a sol-gel reaction was used to produce PCL/silsesquioxane composites with nanoscale phase-separated domains. In the first case, analysis by AFM and ellipsometry showed the existence of an amorphous sublayer up to 4 nm thick. Above this, physisorbed PCL formed heterogeneous surface features, up to 7 nm thick, with the morphology dependent on the polymer solution concentration during the deposition process. Low PCL solution concentration produced amorphous globular domains, while higher polymer concentrations allowed the growth of dendritic crystalline features. We report the results of in situ thermal analysis of grafted PCL by AFM, which show the melting of the surface structures at the film surface as well as growth of new dendritic structures upon recrystallization. High tapping forces applied by the AFM tip revealed the presence of crystalline lamellae buried below an amorphous layer in the dendritic structures, as well as in the PCL sublayer when the film was cooled below room temperature. PCL phase separation behavior and morphology in sol-gel organic/inorganic nanocomposites with methylsilsesquioxane (MSSQ) or phenylsilsesquioxane (PSSQ) was probed using TEM, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy of dansyl and pyrene-labeled PCL. Star-like and linear PCL were used to study the effects of molecular weight, endgroup functionality, and polymer geometry on the phase separation behavior in these materials. PCL crystallinity, as detected through FTIR, served to detect the presence of macroscopic phase separation, as well as the critical PCL loading amount at which this occurs, for a given PCL/SSQ system. Fluorescence spectroscopy of dansyl-labeled PCL detected the presence of an

Simultaneous determination of the residual stress, elastic modulus, density and thickness of ultrathin film utilizing vibrating doubly clamped micro-/nanobeams

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stachiv, Ivo; Kuo, Chih-Yun; Fang, Te-Hua; Mortet, Vincent

2016-01-01

Measurement of ultrathin film thickness and its basic properties can be highly challenging and time consuming due to necessity of using several very sophisticated devices. Here, we report an easy accessible resonant based method capable to simultaneously determinate the residual stress, elastic modulus, density and thickness of ultrathin film coated on doubly clamped micro-/nanobeam. We show that a general dependency of the resonant frequencies on the axial load is also valid for in-plane vibrations, and the one depends only on the considered vibrational mode. As a result, we found that the film elastic modulus, density and thickness can be evaluated from two measured in-plane and out-plane fundamental resonant frequencies of micro-/nanobeam with and without film under different prestress forces. Whereas, the residual stress can be determined from two out-plane (in-plane) measured consecutive resonant frequencies of beam with film under different prestress forces without necessity of knowing film and substrate properties and dimensions. Moreover, we also reveal that the common uncertainties in force (and thickness) determination have a negligible (and minor) impact on the determined film properties. The application potential of the present method is illustrated on the beam made of silicon and SiO_2 with deposited 20 nm thick AlN and 40 nm thick Au thin films, respectively.

X-ray diffraction studies of chitosan acetate-based polymer electrolytes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Osman, Z.; Ibrahim, Z.A.; Abdul Kariem Arof

2002-01-01

Chitosan is the product when partially deacetylated chitin dissolves in dilute acetic acid. This paper presents the x-ray diffraction patterns of chitosan acetate, plasticised chitosan acetate and plasticised-salted chitosan acetate films. The results show that the chitosan acetate based polymer electrolyte films are not completely amorphous but it is partially crystalline. X-ray diffraction study also confirms the occurrence of the complexation between chitosan and the salt and the interaction between salt and plasticizer. The salt-chitosan interaction is clearly justified by infrared spectroscopy. (Author)

Supramolecular architectures in layer-by-layer films of single-walled carbon nanotubes, chitosan and cobalt (II) phthalocyanine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sousa Luz, Roberto A. de; Martins, Marccus Victor A.; Magalhaes, Janildo L.; Siqueira, Jose R.; Zucolotto, Valtencir; Oliveira, Osvaldo N.; Crespilho, Frank N.; Cantanhede da Silva, Welter

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Platforms were assembled from cobalt phthalocyanine, chitosan and carbon nanotubes. → Supramolecular organization of multilayer films was investigated. → Increase of the supramolecular charge transfer after carbon nanotube incorporation. → Functional modulation based on constitutional dynamic chemistry was achieved. - Abstract: The building of supramolecular structures in nanostructured films has been exploited for a number of applications, with the film properties being controlled at the molecular level. In this study, we report on the layer-by-layer (LbL) films combining cobalt (II) tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (CoTsPc), chitosan (Chit) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in two architectures, {Chit/CoTsPc} n and {Chit-SWCNTs/CoTsPc} n (n = 1-10). The physicochemical properties of the films were evaluated and the multilayer formation was monitored with microgravimetry measurements using a quartz microbalance crystal and an electrochemical technique. According to atomic force microscopy (AFM) results, the incorporation of SWCNTs caused the films to be thicker, with a thickness ca. 3 fold that of a 2-bilayer LbL film with no SWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a quasi-reversible, one electron process with E 1/2 at -0.65 V (vs SCE) and an irreversible oxidation process at 0.80 V in a physiological medium for both systems, which can be attributed to [CoTsPc(I)] 5- /[CoTsPc(II)] 4- and CoTsPc(II) to CoTsPc(III), respectively. The {Chit-SWCNTs/CoTsPc} 5 multilayer film exhibited an increased faradaic current, probably associated with the supramolecular charge transfer interaction between cobalt phthalocyanine and SWCNTs. The results demonstrate that an intimate contact at the supramolecular level between functional SWCNTs immobilized into biocompatible chitosan polymer and CoTsPc improves the electron flow from CoTsPc redox sites to the electrode surface.

The synthesis and characterization of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and the investigation of the fluorescence properties of its 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin-chitosan films

Science.gov (United States)

Wahyuningrum, Deana; Zulqarnaen, Muhammad; Suendo, Veinardi

2014-03-01

Chitosan fluorescent films containing 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (7H4MC) have been successfully prepared. Used chitosan was obtained from chitin isolated from skin of tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) through the deproteination, demineralization, and deacetylation process. The yields of chitin and chitosan are 10.66% and 23.83%, respectively. The chitosan has 55.00% degree of deacetylation based on FTIR spectroscopy. Average molecular mass of chitosan which was determined by Ostwald viscometry method is 8.55 × 106 g/mol. The 7H4MC was synthesized from resorcinol and ethyl acetoacetate using amberlyst-15 as catalyst based on Pechmann reaction with chemical yields of 90.01% and the melting point of 189-190°C. The FTIR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopies confirmed the structure which corresponds to the structure of 7H4MC. The films of chitosan containing 7H4MC were prepared by solvent evaporation method in 2% (v/v) acetic acid. The 7H4MC content in each film was 0% (blank), 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% (w/w). The UV-Vis spectrum of 7H4MC in methanol showed λmax at 235 and 337 nm. The observed fluorescence is the fluorescence color of cyan. The excitation wavelengths are 200, 235, 275, 337, and 365 nm. The highest intensity of cyan color fluorescence of chitosan containing 7H4MC films was obtained at the concentration of 0.2% of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin at the excitation wavelength of 275 nm.

Films of chitin, chitosan and cellulose obtained from aqueous suspension treated by irradiation of high intensity ultrasound; Filmes de quitina, quitosana e celullose de sisal obtidos a partir de suspensoes aquosas tratadas com irradiacao de ultrassom de alta intensidade

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Almeida, Erika V.R.; Mariano, Mario S.; Campana-Filho, Sergio P., E-mail: erikavi@iqsc.usp.br [Universidade de Sao Paulo (IQSC/USP), Instituto de Quimica de Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil)

2011-07-01

Films of chitin, chitin/chitosan and chitin/sisal cellulose were obtained by casting their aqueous suspensions previously treated with irradiation of high intensity ultrasound. The films were characterized for surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and it is possible notice that the films containing chitosan are much more homogeneous. The thermal behavior of the films was evaluated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis and revealing similarity in comparison with the thermal behavior of polysaccharide isolated. The tensile strength was determined and the film containing chitosan showed the best result when compared to other films. The crystallinity index of the films analyzed by X-ray diffraction showed that the films are amorphous material. The analysis by infrared spectroscopy showed that treatment of aqueous suspensions of polysaccharides with irradiation of high intensity ultrasound did not change the chemical structure of polymers. The crystallinity index was determined by X-ray diffraction, revealing that the films are amorphous materials. The results of this study indicate the possibility of processing of chitin, chitosan and cellulose, polysaccharides whose solubilities are limited to a few solvent systems, by treating their aqueous suspensions with high intensity ultrasound. (author)

Observation of second spin reorientation transition within ultrathin region in Fe films on Ag(001) surface

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Khim, T.-Y.; Shin, M.; Lee, H.; Park, B.-G.; Park, J.-H.

2014-01-01

We acquired direct measurements for in-plane and perpendicular-to-plane magnetic moments of Fe films using an x-ray magnetic circular dichroism technique with increase of the Fe thickness (up to 40 Å) on the Ag(001) surface. Epitaxial Fe/Ag(001) films were grown in situ with the thickness varying from 2 Å to 40 Å, and the magnetic anisotropy was carefully investigated as a function of the film thickness. We found re-entrance of the in-plane magnetic anisotropy of the Fe film in ultrathin region. The results manifest that the epitaxial Fe/Ag(001) film undergoes two distinct spin reorientation transitions from in-plane to out-of-plane at the film thickness t ≈ 9 Å and back to in-plane at t ≈ 18 Å as t increases.

Effect of the Fish Oil Fortified Chitosan Edible Film on Microbiological, Chemical Composition and Sensory Properties of Göbek Kashar Cheese during Ripening Time.

Science.gov (United States)

Yangilar, Filiz

2016-01-01

Objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of coated edible films with chitosan solutions enriched with essential oil (EO) on the chemical, microbial and sensory properties of Kashar cheese during ripening time. Generally, no differences were found in total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, streptococci and lactoccocci counts among cheeses but these microorganism counts increased during 60 and 90 d storage especially in C1 (uncoated sample) as compared with coated samples. Antimicrobial effectiveness of the films against moulds was measured on 30, 60, and 90 d of storage. In addition of fish EO into chitosan edible films samples were showed to affect significantly decreased the moulds (poil (1% w/v) fortified chitosan film) on the 90(th) d, while in C1 as 3.89 Log CFU/g on the 90(th) d of ripening. Compared to other cheese samples, C2 (coated with chitosan film) and C4 coated cheese samples revealed higher levels of water-soluble nitrogen and ripening index at the end of storage. C2 coated cheese samples were preferred more by the panellists while C4 coated cheese samples received the lowest scores.

Effects of Aloe Vera and Chitosan Nanoparticle Thin-Film Membranes on Wound Healing in Full Thickness Infected Wounds with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.

Science.gov (United States)

Ranjbar, Reza; Yousefi, Alireza

2018-01-01

To assess effect of Aleo vera with chitosan nanoparticle biofilm on wound healing in full thickness infected wounds with antibiotic resistant gram positive bacteria. Thirty rats were randomized into five groups of six rats each. Group I: Animals with uninfected wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution. Group II: Animals with infected wounds treated with saline. Group III: Animals with infected wounds were dressed with chitosan nanoparticle thin-film membranes. Group IV: Animals with infected wounds were treated topically with Aloe vera and Group V: Animals with infected wounds were treated topically with Aloe vera and dressed with chitosan nanoparticle thin-film membranes. Wound size was measured on 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21days after surgery. Microbiology, reduction in wound area and hydroxyproline contents indicated that there was significant difference ( p vera with chitosan nanoparticle thin-film membranes had a reproducible wound healing potential and hereby justified its use in practice.

Chitosan films incorporated with nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extract-loaded nanoliposomes: I. Physicochemical characterisation and antimicrobial properties.

Science.gov (United States)

Haghju, Sara; Beigzadeh, Sara; Almasi, Hadi; Hamishehkar, Hamed

2016-07-17

The objective of this study was to characterise and compare physical, mechanical and antimicrobial properties of chitosan-based films, containing free or nanoencapsulated nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extract (NE) at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% w/w. Nanoliposomes were prepared using soy-lecithin by thin-film hydration and sonication method to generate an average size of 107-136 nm with 70% encapsulation efficiency. The information on FT-IR reflected that some new interaction have occurred between chitosan and nanoliposomes. Despite the increasing yellowness and decreasing whiteness indexes, the nanoliposomes incorporation improved the thermal properties and mechanical stiffness and caused to decrease water vapour permeability (WVP), moisture uptake and water solubility. The possible antimicrobial activity of the films containing NE-loaded nanoliposomes against Staphylococcus aureus was decreased in comparison to free NE-incorporated films, which could be due to the inhibition effect of the encapsulation that prevents the release of NE from the matrix.

Ultrathin free-standing close-packed gold nanoparticle films: Conductivity and Raman scattering enhancement

Science.gov (United States)

Yu, Qing; Huang, Hongwen; Peng, Xinsheng; Ye, Zhizhen

2011-09-01

A simple filtration technique was developed to prepare large scale free-standing close-packed gold nanoparticle ultrathin films using metal hydroxide nanostrands as both barrier layer and sacrificial layer. As thin as 70 nm, centimeter scale robust free-standing gold nanoparticle thin film was obtained. The thickness of the films could be easily tuned by the filtration volumes. The electronic conductivities of these films varied with the size of the gold nanoparticles, post-treatment temperature, and thickness, respectively. The conductivity of the film prepared from 20 nm gold nanoparticles is higher than that of the film prepared from 40 nm gold nanoparticle by filtering the same filtration volume of their solution, respectively. Their conductivities are comparable to that of the 220 nm thick ITO film. Furthermore, these films demonstrated an average surface Raman scattering enhancement up to 6.59 × 105 for Rhodamine 6 G molecules on the film prepared from 40 nm gold nanoparticles. Due to a lot of nano interspaces generated from the close-packed structures, two abnormal enhancements and relative stronger intensities of the asymmetrical vibrations at 1534 and 1594 cm-1 of R6G were observed, respectively. These robust free-standing gold nanoparticle films could be easily transferred onto various solid substrates and hold the potential application for electrodes and surface enhanced Raman detectors. This method is applicable for preparation of other nanoparticle free-standing thin films.A simple filtration technique was developed to prepare large scale free-standing close-packed gold nanoparticle ultrathin films using metal hydroxide nanostrands as both barrier layer and sacrificial layer. As thin as 70 nm, centimeter scale robust free-standing gold nanoparticle thin film was obtained. The thickness of the films could be easily tuned by the filtration volumes. The electronic conductivities of these films varied with the size of the gold nanoparticles, post

A new electrochemical sensor containing a film of chitosan-supported ruthenium: detection and quantification of sildenafil citrate and acetaminophen

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Delolo, Fabio Godoy; Rodrigues, Claudia; Silva, Monize Martins da; Batista, Alzir Azevedo, E-mail: fabiodelolo@hotmail.com, E-mail: daab@power.ufscar.br [Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos (UFSCar), SP (Brazil). Departamento de Quimica. Lab. de Estrutura e Reatividade de Compostos Inorganicos; Dinelli, Luis Rogerio [Universidade Federal de Uberlandia (UFU), Ituiutaba, MG (Brazil). Faculdade de Ciencias Integradas do Pontal; Delling, Felix Nicolai; Zukerman-Schpector, Julio [Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos (UFSCar), SP (Brazil). Departamento de Quimica. Lab. de Cristalografia Estereodinamica e Modelagem Molecular

2014-03-15

This work presents the construction of a novel electrochemical sensor for detection of organic analytes, using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a chitosan-supported ruthenium film. The ruthenium-chitosan film was obtained starting from the mer-[RuCl{sub 3}(dppb)(H{sub 2}O)] complex as a [1,4-bis(diphenylphosphine)butane] (dppb) precursor, and chitosan (QT). The structure of the chitosan-supported ruthenium film on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode was characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) techniques. The glassy carbon electrode was modified with a film formed from the evaporation of 5 μL of a solution composed of 5 mg chitosan-supported ruthenium (RuQT) in 10 mL of 0.1 mol L{sup -1} acetic acid. The modified electrode was tested as a sensor for sildenafil citrate (Viagra® 50 mg) and acetaminophen (Tylenol®) detection. The technique utilized for these analyses was differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in 0.1 mol L{sup -1} H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} (pH 1.0) and 0.1 mol L{sup -1} CH{sub 3}COOK (pH 6.5) as supporting electrolyte. All analyses were carried out during a month using the same electrode. The electrode was washed only with water in between the analyses, keeping it in the refrigerator when it was not in use. This electrode was stable during the period utilized showing no degradation and presenting a linear response over the evaluated concentration interval (1.25 × 10{sup -5} to 4.99 × 10{sup -4} mol L{sup -1}). (author)

Direct structural and spectroscopic investigation of ultrathin films of tetragonal CuO: Six-fold coordinated copper

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Samal, D.; Tan, H.; Takamura, Y.; Siemons, W.; Verbeeck, J.; van Tendeloo, G.; Arenholz, E.; Jenkins, A.; Rijnders, Augustinus J.H.M.; Koster, Gertjan

2014-01-01

Unlike other 3d transition metal monoxides (MnO, FeO, CoO, and NiO), CuO is found in a low-symmetry distorted monoclinic structure rather than the rocksalt structure. We report here of the growth of ultrathin CuO films on SrTiO3 substrates; scanning transmission electron microscopy was used to show

Ultrathin (Nanocellulose Paper

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Jingda; Lin, Lih Y.

2017-03-01

Conventional approaches to flexible optoelectronic devices typically require depositing the active materials on external substrates. This is mostly due to the weak bonding between individual molecules or nanocrystals in the active materials, which prevents sustaining a freestanding thin film. Herein we demonstrate an ultrathin freestanding ZnO quantum dot (QD) active layer with nanocellulose structuring, and its corresponding device fabrication method to achieve substrate-free flexible optoelectronic devices. The ultrathin ZnO QD-nanocellulose composite is obtained by hydrogel transfer printing and solvent-exchange processes to overcome the water capillary force which is detrimental to achieving freestanding thin films. We achieved an active nanocellulose paper with ~550 nm thickness, and >91% transparency in the visible wavelength range. The film retains the photoconductive and photoluminescent properties of ZnO QDs and is applied towards substrate-free Schottky photodetector applications. The device has an overall thickness of ~670 nm, which is the thinnest freestanding optoelectronic device to date, to the best of our knowledge, and functions as a self-powered visible-blind ultraviolet photodetector. This platform can be readily applied to other nano materials as well as other optoelectronic device applications.

The synthesis and characterization of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and the investigation of the fluorescence properties of its 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin-chitosan films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Wahyuningrum, Deana, E-mail: deana@chem.itb.ac.id [Organic Chemistry Research Division, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132 (Indonesia); Zulqarnaen, Muhammad [Chemistry Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132 (Indonesia); Suendo, Veinardi [Inorganic and Physical Chemistry Research Division, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha 10, Bandung 40132 (Indonesia)

2014-03-24

Chitosan fluorescent films containing 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin (7H4MC) have been successfully prepared. Used chitosan was obtained from chitin isolated from skin of tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) through the deproteination, demineralization, and deacetylation process. The yields of chitin and chitosan are 10.66% and 23.83%, respectively. The chitosan has 55.00% degree of deacetylation based on FTIR spectroscopy. Average molecular mass of chitosan which was determined by Ostwald viscometry method is 8.55 × 10{sup 6} g/mol. The 7H4MC was synthesized from resorcinol and ethyl acetoacetate using amberlyst-15 as catalyst based on Pechmann reaction with chemical yields of 90.01% and the melting point of 189–190°C. The FTIR, {sup 1}H–NMR, and {sup 13}C–NMR spectroscopies confirmed the structure which corresponds to the structure of 7H4MC. The films of chitosan containing 7H4MC were prepared by solvent evaporation method in 2% (v/v) acetic acid. The 7H4MC content in each film was 0% (blank), 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8% (w/w). The UV-Vis spectrum of 7H4MC in methanol showed λ{sub max} at 235 and 337 nm. The observed fluorescence is the fluorescence color of cyan. The excitation wavelengths are 200, 235, 275, 337, and 365 nm. The highest intensity of cyan color fluorescence of chitosan containing 7H4MC films was obtained at the concentration of 0.2% of 7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin at the excitation wavelength of 275 nm.

Quantum capacitance of an ultrathin topological insulator film in a magnetic field

KAUST Repository

Tahir, M.; Sabeeh, K.; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

2013-01-01

We present a theoretical study of the quantum magnetocapacitance of an ultrathin topological insulator film in an external magnetic field. The study is undertaken to investigate the interplay of the Zeeman interaction with the hybridization between the upper and lower surfaces of the thin film. Determining the density of states, we find that the electron-hole symmetry is broken when the Zeeman and hybridization energies are varied relative to each other. This leads to a change in the character of the magnetocapacitance at the charge neutrality point. We further show that in the presence of both Zeeman interaction and hybridization the magnetocapacitance exhibits beating at low and splitting of the Shubnikov de Haas oscillations at high perpendicular magnetic field. In addition, we address the crossover from perpendicular to parallel magnetic field and find consistency with recent experimental data.

Quantum capacitance of an ultrathin topological insulator film in a magnetic field

KAUST Repository

Tahir, M.

2013-02-12

We present a theoretical study of the quantum magnetocapacitance of an ultrathin topological insulator film in an external magnetic field. The study is undertaken to investigate the interplay of the Zeeman interaction with the hybridization between the upper and lower surfaces of the thin film. Determining the density of states, we find that the electron-hole symmetry is broken when the Zeeman and hybridization energies are varied relative to each other. This leads to a change in the character of the magnetocapacitance at the charge neutrality point. We further show that in the presence of both Zeeman interaction and hybridization the magnetocapacitance exhibits beating at low and splitting of the Shubnikov de Haas oscillations at high perpendicular magnetic field. In addition, we address the crossover from perpendicular to parallel magnetic field and find consistency with recent experimental data.

In situ surface X-ray diffraction study of ultrathin epitaxial Co films on Au(111) in alkaline solution

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Reikowski, Finn; Maroun, Fouad; Di, Nan; Allongue, Philippe; Ruge, Martin; Stettner, Jochim; Magnussen, Olaf M.

2016-01-01

The oxidation behavior of ultrathin electrodeposited Co films on Au(111) in alkaline electrolyte was studied using in situ surface X-ray scattering techniques employing synchrotron radiation and complementary optical reflectivity and electrochemical measurements. The films are formed at pH 4 and consist of (001)-oriented hcp Co crystallites that are several nm high, a few ten nm in diameter, and remain largely unchanged after electrolyte exchange to pH 12 solution. In the pre-oxidation peak only minor changes were observed in the diffraction studies, excluding the formation of Co(OH)_2 layers. In the potential regime of Co hydroxide formation a rapid reduction of the amount of Co is observed, while the characteristic height of the islands decreases only slightly. On longer times scales, growth of 3D crystals of Co(OH)_2 occurs as well as irreversible Co dissolution into the electrolyte is found. On the basis of the structural observations oxidation of the Co film is proposed to proceed via fast formation of an ultrathin passivating layer, followed by nucleation and growth of 3D hydroxide crystals at the grain boundaries in the Co deposit.

In situ monitoring of thermal crystallization of ultrathin tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum films using surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Science.gov (United States)

Muraki, Naoki

2014-01-01

Thermal crystallization of 3, 10, and 60 nm-thick tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) films is studied using surface-enhanced Raman scattering with a constant heating rate. An abrupt higher frequency shift of the quinoline-stretching mode is found to be an indication of a phase transition of Alq3 molecules from amorphous to crystalline. While the 60 nm-thick film shows the same crystallization temperature as a bulk sample, the thinner films were found to have a lower crystallization temperature and slower rate of crystallization. Non-isothermal kinetics analysis is performed to quantify kinetic properties such as the Avrami exponent constants and crystallization rates of ultrathin Alq3 films.

Elasticity, biodegradability and cell adhesive properties of chitosan/hyaluronan multilayer films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Schneider, Aurore; Richert, Ludovic; Francius, Gregory; Voegel, Jean-Claude; Picart, Catherine [Present address: Universite de Montpellier II, CNRS-UMR 5539, cc107, Place Eugene Bataillon, 34 095 Montpellier Cedex 5 (France)

2007-03-01

In the bioengineering field, a recent and promising approach to modifying biomaterial surfaces is the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique used to build thin polyelectrolyte multilayer films. In this work, we focused on polyelectrolyte multilayer films made of two polysaccharides, chitosan (CHI) and hyaluronan (HA), and on the control of their physico-chemical and cell adhesive properties by chemical cross-linking. CHI/HA films were cross-linked using a water soluble carbodiimide and observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) with a fluorescently labeled CHI. Film thicknesses were similar for native and cross-linked films. The film nanometer roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy and was found to be higher for cross-linked films. Cross-linking the films also leads to a drastic change in film stiffness. The elastic modulus of the films (Young's modulus) as measured by AFM nano-indentation was about tenfold increased for cross-linked films as compared to native ones. From a biological point of view, cross-liked films are more resistant to enzymatic degradation by hyaluronidase. Furthermore, the increase in film stiffness has a favorable effect on the adhesion and spreading of chondrosarcoma cells. Thus, the CHI/HA cross-linked films could be used for various applications due to their adhesive properties and to their mechanical properties (including stability in enzymatic media)

Highly Response and Sensitivity Chitosan-Polyvinyl alcohol Based Hexanal Sensors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Abd Wahab Nur Zuraihan

2016-01-01

Full Text Available This work is to study the sensing properties of chitosanpolyvinyl alcohol film sensors upon hexanal gas exposure using vapour sensing technique. The sensor fabrication process was done using electrochemical deposition method by deposit the sensing materials on the gold patterned electrode with chitosan/PVA. The response value of chitosan-PVA film sensors towards hexanal was taken as an output voltage using electrical testing method. In this study, 1.75% of chitosan with 5% of PVA were mixed with the ratio of (95:5 was tested upon exposure to hexanal gas. The concentration of the hexanal was varied as 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm. It was found that the chitosan-PVA film sensors showed fast response, stable, good stability, good recovery, repeatable and good sensitivity towards hexanal exposure. The morphology of the pure chitosan and chitosan-PVA was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM and the interaction between chitosan and PVA was examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR. The FTIR results indicate the changes in characteristics of the spectral peaks due to the formation of the intermolecular bonds between chitosan and PVA. The SEM morphology of the composites showed flat smooth surface that be a sign of uniform distribution of chitosan and PVA mixture throughout the films.

Phase diagram of Fe{sub 1-x}Co{sub x} ultrathin film

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fridman, Yu.A. [V.I. Vernadskiy Taurida National University, Vernadskiy Avenue 4, Simferopol, Crimea 95007 (Ukraine)], E-mail: frid@tnu.crimea.ua; Klevets, Ph.N.; Voytenko, A.P. [V.I. Vernadskiy Taurida National University, Vernadskiy Avenue 4, Simferopol, Crimea 95007 (Ukraine)

2008-12-15

Concentration-driven reorientation phase transitions in ultrathin magnetic films of FeCo alloy have been studied. It is established that, in addition to the easy-axis and easy-plane phases, a spatially inhomogeneous phase (domain structure), a canted phase, and also an 'in-plane easy-axis' phase can exist in the system. The realization of the last phase is associated with the competition between the single-ion anisotropy and the magnetoelastic interaction. The critical values of Co concentration corresponding to the phase transitions are evaluated, the types of phase transitions are determined, and the phase diagrams are constructed.

Characterization of ultra-thin TiO2 films grown on Mo(112)

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kumar, D.; Chen, M.S.; Goodman, D.W.

2006-01-01

Ultra-thin TiO 2 films were grown on a Mo(112) substrate by stepwise vapor depositing of Ti onto the sample surface followed by oxidation at 850 K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the Ti 2p peak position shifts from lower to higher binding energy with an increase in the Ti coverage from sub- to multilayer. The Ti 2p peak of a TiO 2 film with more than a monolayer coverage can be resolved into two peaks, one at 458.1 eV corresponding to the first layer, where Ti atoms bind to the substrate Mo atoms through Ti-O-Mo linkages, and a second feature at 458.8 eV corresponding to multilayer TiO 2 where the Ti atoms are connected via Ti-O-Ti linkages. Based on these assignments, the single Ti 2p 3/2 peak at 455.75 eV observed for the Mo(112)-(8 x 2)-TiO x monolayer film can be assigned to Ti 3+ , consistent with our previous results obtained with high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy

Characterization of surface charge and mechanical properties of chitosan/alginate based biomaterials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Verma, Devendra; Desai, Malav S.; Kulkarni, Namrata; Langrana, Noshir

2011-01-01

This study aims to examine mechanical properties and surface charge characteristics of chitosan/alginate-based films for biomedical applications. By varying the concentrations of chitosan and alginate, we have developed films with varying surface charge densities and mechanical characteristics. The surface charge densities of these films were determined by applying an analytical model on force curves derived from an atomic force microscope (AFM). The average surface charge densities of films containing 60% chitosan and 80% chitosan were found to be - 0.46 mC/m 2 and - 0.32 mC/m 2 , respectively. The surface charge density of 90% chitosan containing films was found to be neutral. The elastic moduli and the water content were found to be decreasing with increasing chitosan concentration. The films with 60%, 80% and 90% chitosan gained 93.5 ± 6.6%, 217.1 ± 22.1% and 396.8 ± 67.5% of their initial weight, respectively. Their elastic moduli were found to be 2.6 ± 0.14 MPa, 1.9 ± 0.27 MPa and 0.93 ± 0.12 MPa, respectively. The trend observed in the mechanical response of these films has been attributed to the combined effect of the concentration of polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) and the amount of water absorbed. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy experiments indicate the presence of higher alginate on the surface of the films compared to the bulk in all films. The presence of higher alginate on surface is consistent with negative surface charge densities of these films, determined from AFM experiments. Highlights: → Chitosan/alginate based fibrous polyelectrolyte complex films were developed. → The average surface charge density of the films was determined using AFM. → Elastic modulus of the films increased with increase in PEC content. → FTIR analysis indicated higher alginate content on surface compared to bulk.

Characterization​ and ​analysis of ​m​otion ​m​echanism​ of electroactive​ chitosan-based actuator.

Science.gov (United States)

Altınkaya, Emine; Seki, Yoldaş; Çetin, Levent; Gürses, Barış Oğuz; Özdemir, Okan; Sever, Kutlay; Sarıkanat, Mehmet

2018-02-01

In order to analyze the bending mechanism of the electroactive​ chitosan-based actuator, different amounts of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAD) were incorporated in chitosan solution. The effects of PDAD concentration on electromechanical performance of chitosan actuator were investigated under various excitation voltages. With the incorporation of PDAD into chitosan solution, crosslinked chitosan film acts as an actuator showing a considerable displacement behavior. However it can be noted that higher incorporation of PDAD into chitosan solution decreased the performance of the actuators. Thermal, viscoelastic, and crystallographic properties of the chitosan films were examined by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. The effect of incorporation of PDAD in chitosan-based film on morphological properties of chitosan film was determined by scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that the films involving PDAD have larger pore size than the PDAD free film. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of structure on the tribology of ultrathin graphene and graphene oxide films.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Hang; Filleter, Tobin

2015-03-27

The friction and wear properties of graphene and graphene oxide (GO) with varying C/O ratio were investigated using friction force microscopy. When applied as solid lubricants between a sliding contact of a silicon (Si) tip and a SiO2/Si substrate, graphene and ultrathin GO films (as thin as 1-2 atomic layers) were found to reduce friction by ∼6 times and ∼2 times respectively as compared to the unlubricated contact. The differences in measured friction were attributed to different interfacial shear strengths. Ultrathin films of GO with a low C/O ratio of ∼2 were found to wear easily under small normal load. The onset of wear, and the location of wear initiation, is attributed to differences in the local shear strength of the sliding interface as a result of the non-homogeneous surface structure of GO. While the exhibited low friction of GO as compared to SiO2 makes it an economically viable coating for micro/nano-electro-mechanical systems with the potential to extend the lifetime of devices, its higher propensity for wear may limit its usefulness. To address this limitation, the wear resistance of GO samples with a higher C/O ratio (∼4) was also studied. The higher C/O ratio GO was found to exhibit much improved wear resistance which approached that of the graphene samples. This demonstrates the potential of tailoring the structure of GO to achieve graphene-like tribological properties.

Robust ultra-thin RuMo alloy film as a seedless Cu diffusion barrier

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hsu, Kuo-Chung; Perng, Dung-Ching; Wang, Yi-Chun

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► A 5 nm-thick Mo added Ru film has been investigated as a Cu diffusion barrier layer. ► RuMo film provides over 175 °C improvement in thermal stability than that of pure Ru layer. ► The 5 nm-thick RuMo film shows excellent barrier performance against Cu diffusion upon 725 °C. - Abstract: This study investigated the properties of 5 nm-thick RuMo film as a Cu diffusion barrier. The sheet resistance variation and X-ray diffraction patterns show that the RuMo alloy film has excellent barrier performance and that it is stable upon annealing at 725 °C against Cu. The transmission electron microscopy micrograph and diffraction patterns show that the RuMo film is an amorphous-like structure, whereas pure Ru film is a nano-crystalline structure. The elements’ depth profiles, analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, indicate no inter-diffusion behavior between the Cu and Si layer, even annealing at 700 °C. Lower leakage current has been achieved from the Cu/barrier/insulator/Si test structure using RuMo film as the barrier layer. A 5 nm ultrathin RuMo film provided two orders of magnitude improvement in leakage current and also exhibited a 175 °C improvement in thermal stability than that of the pure Ru film. It is a potential candidate as a seedless Cu diffusion barrier for advanced Cu interconnects.

Biodegradable gelatin-chitosan films incorporated with essential oils as antimicrobial agents for fish preservation.

Science.gov (United States)

Gómez-Estaca, J; López de Lacey, A; López-Caballero, M E; Gómez-Guillén, M C; Montero, P

2010-10-01

Essential oils of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), herb-of-the-cross (Verbena officinalis L.), pine (Pinus sylvestris) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were tested for their antimicrobial activity on 18 genera of bacteria, which included some important food pathogen and spoilage bacteria. Clove essential oil showed the highest inhibitory effect, followed by rosemary and lavender. In an attempt to evaluate the usefulness of these essential oils as food preservatives, they were also tested on an extract made of fish, where clove and thyme essential oils were the most effective. Then, gelatin-chitosan-based edible films incorporated with clove essential oil were elaborated and their antimicrobial activity tested against six selected microorganisms: Pseudomonas fluorescens, Shewanella putrefaciens, Photobacterium phosphoreum, Listeria innocua, Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The clove-containing films inhibited all these microorganisms irrespectively of the film matrix or type of microorganism. In a further experiment, when the complex gelatin-chitosan film incorporating clove essential oil was applied to fish during chilled storage, the growth of microorganisms was drastically reduced in gram-negative bacteria, especially enterobacteria, while lactic acid bacteria remained practically constant for much of the storage period. The effect on the microorganisms during this period was in accordance with biochemical indexes of quality, indicating the viability of these films for fish preservation. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface structure of ultrathin metal films deposited on copper single crystals

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Butterfield, M.T.

2000-04-01

Ultrathin films of Cobalt, Iron and Manganese have been thermally evaporated onto an fcc Copper (111) single crystal substrate and investigated using a variety of surface structural techniques. The small lattice mismatch between these metals and the Cu (111) substrate make them an ideal candidate for the study of the phenomena of pseudomorphic film growth. This is important for the understanding of the close relationship between film structure and magnetic properties. Growing films with the structure of their substrate rather than their bulk phase may provide an opportunity to grow materials with novel physical and magnetic properties, and hence new technological applications. Both Cobalt and Iron have been found to initially maintain a registry with the fcc Cu (111) surface in a manner consistent with pseudomorphic growth. This growth is complicated by island rather than layer by layer growth in the initials stages of the film. In both cases a change in the structure of the film seems to occur at a point where the coalescence of islands in the film may be expected to occur. When the film does change structure they do not form a perfect overlayer with the structure of their bulk counterpart. The films do contain a number of features representative of the bulk phase but also contain considerable disorder and possibly remnants of fcc (111) structure. The order present in these films can be greatly improved by annealing. Manganese appears to grow with an fcc Mn (111) lattice spacing and there is no sign of a change in structure in films of up to 4.61 ML thick. The gradual deposition and annealing of a film to 300 deg. C, with a total deposition time the same as that for a 1 ML thick film, causes a surface reconstruction to occur that is apparent in a R30 deg. (√3 x √3) LEED pattern. This is attributed to the formation of a surface alloy, which is also supported by the local expansion of the Cu lattice in the (111) direction. (author)

The effects of thermal annealing on the structure and the electrical transport properties of ultrathin gadolinia-doped ceria films grown by pulsed laser deposition

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rodrigo, K.; Pryds, N.; Theil Kuhn, L.; Esposito, V.; Linderoth, S. [Technical University of Denmark, Fuel Cells and Solid State Chemistry Division, Risoe DTU, Roskilde (Denmark); Heiroth, S.; Lippert, T. [Paul Scherrer Institute, General Energy Research Department, Villigen PSI (Switzerland); Schou, J. [Technical University of Denmark, Department of Photonics Engineering, Roskilde (Denmark)

2011-09-15

Ultrathin crystalline films of 10 mol% gadolinia-doped ceria (CGO10) are grown on MgO (100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition at a moderate temperature of 400 C. As-deposited CGO10 layers of approximately 4 nm, 14 nm, and 22 nm thickness consist of fine grains with dimensions {<=}{proportional_to}11 nm. The films show high density within the thickness probed in the X-ray reflectivity experiments. Thermally activated grain growth, density decrease, and film surface roughening, which may result in the formation of incoherent CGO10 islands by dewetting below a critical film thickness, are observed upon heat treatment at 400 C and 800 C. The effect of the grain coarsening on the electrical characteristics of the layers is investigated and discussed in the context of a variation of the number density of grain boundaries. The results are evaluated with regard to the use of ultrathin CGO10 films as seeding templates for the moderate temperature growth of thick solid electrolyte films with improved oxygen transport properties. (orig.)

Supramolecular architectures in layer-by-layer films of single-walled carbon nanotubes, chitosan and cobalt (II) phthalocyanine

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sousa Luz, Roberto A. de; Martins, Marccus Victor A.; Magalhaes, Janildo L. [Departamento de Quimica, Centro de Ciencias da Natureza, Universidade Federal do Piaui, Teresina - PI, CEP 64049-550 (Brazil); Siqueira, Jose R. [Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Naturais e Educacao, Universidade Federal do Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba - MG, CEP 38025-180, Brazil (Brazil); Zucolotto, Valtencir; Oliveira, Osvaldo N. [Instituto de Fisica de Sao Carlos, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos - SP, CEP 13560-970 (Brazil); Crespilho, Frank N. [Centro de Ciencias Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo Andre - SP, CEP 09210-170 (Brazil); Cantanhede da Silva, Welter, E-mail: welter@ufpi.edu.br [Departamento de Quimica, Centro de Ciencias da Natureza, Universidade Federal do Piaui, Teresina - PI, CEP 64049-550 (Brazil)

2011-11-01

Highlights: {yields} Platforms were assembled from cobalt phthalocyanine, chitosan and carbon nanotubes. {yields} Supramolecular organization of multilayer films was investigated. {yields} Increase of the supramolecular charge transfer after carbon nanotube incorporation. {yields} Functional modulation based on constitutional dynamic chemistry was achieved. - Abstract: The building of supramolecular structures in nanostructured films has been exploited for a number of applications, with the film properties being controlled at the molecular level. In this study, we report on the layer-by-layer (LbL) films combining cobalt (II) tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (CoTsPc), chitosan (Chit) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in two architectures, {l_brace}Chit/CoTsPc{r_brace}{sub n} and {l_brace}Chit-SWCNTs/CoTsPc{r_brace}{sub n} (n = 1-10). The physicochemical properties of the films were evaluated and the multilayer formation was monitored with microgravimetry measurements using a quartz microbalance crystal and an electrochemical technique. According to atomic force microscopy (AFM) results, the incorporation of SWCNTs caused the films to be thicker, with a thickness ca. 3 fold that of a 2-bilayer LbL film with no SWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry revealed a quasi-reversible, one electron process with E{sub 1/2} at -0.65 V (vs SCE) and an irreversible oxidation process at 0.80 V in a physiological medium for both systems, which can be attributed to [CoTsPc(I)]{sup 5-}/[CoTsPc(II)]{sup 4-} and CoTsPc(II) to CoTsPc(III), respectively. The {l_brace}Chit-SWCNTs/CoTsPc{r_brace}{sub 5} multilayer film exhibited an increased faradaic current, probably associated with the supramolecular charge transfer interaction between cobalt phthalocyanine and SWCNTs. The results demonstrate that an intimate contact at the supramolecular level between functional SWCNTs immobilized into biocompatible chitosan polymer and CoTsPc improves the electron flow from CoTsPc redox sites to the

Multilayered Films Produced by Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Chitosan and Alginate as a Potential Platform for the Formation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cell aggregates

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Javad Hatami

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The construction of multilayered films with tunable properties could offer new routes to produce biomaterials as a platform for 3D cell cultivation. In this study, multilayered films produced with five bilayers of chitosan and alginate (CHT/ALG were built using water-soluble modified mesyl and tosyl–CHT via layer-by-layer (LbL self-assembly. NMR results demonstrated the presences of mesyl (2.83 ppm and tosyl groups (2.39, 7.37 and 7.70 ppm in the chemical structure of modified chitosans. The buildup of multilayered films was monitored by quartz-crystal-microbalance (QCM-D and film thickness was estimated using the Voigt-based viscoelastic model. QCM-D results demonstrated that CHT/ALG films constructed using mesyl or tosyl modifications (mCHT/ALG were significantly thinner in comparison to the CHT/ALG films constructed with unmodified chitosan (p < 0.05. Adhesion analysis demonstrated that human adipose stem cells (hASCs did not adhere to the mCHT/ALG multilayered films and formed aggregates with sizes between ca. 100–200 µm. In vitro studies on cell metabolic activity and live/dead staining suggested that mCHT/ALG multilayered films are nontoxic toward hACSs. Multilayered films produced via LbL assembly of ALG and off-the-shelf, water-soluble modified chitosans could be used as a scaffold for the 3D aggregates formation of hASCs in vitro.

Effect of chitosan nanoparticles and pectin content on mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of banana puree films.

Science.gov (United States)

Martelli, Milena R; Barros, Taís T; de Moura, Márcia R; Mattoso, Luiz H C; Assis, Odilio B G

2013-01-01

Puree prepared from over-ripe peeled bananas was used as raw material for films processing in a laboratory padder. Pectin and glycerol as plasticizer were added in small concentrations and chitosan nanoparticles (88.79 ± 0.42 nm medium size) incorporated at 0.2% (dry weight basis) as reinforcement material. The mechanical properties, water vapor transmission, thermal stability, and scanning electron microscopy of fractured film surfaces were characterized. Both pectin and glycerol demonstrated an important role in promoting elongation and film handability as was expected. The incorporation of nanoparticles promoted noticeable improvement of the mechanical properties and acted in reducing the water vapor permeation rate, by 21% for films processed with pectin and up to 38% for films processed without pectin, when compared to the control (puree films with no pectin and nanoparticles additions). Microscopic observation revealed a denser matrix when nanoparticles are incorporated into the films. The development of films from fruit purees head to a new strategy for plastic processing from natural resources. The over-ripe or even waste banana can be adequately prepared for batch films processed with reasonable mechanical and barrier properties, suitable for applications in the food segment. The addition of small fractions of chitosan nanoparticles, form nanocomposites enhancing mechanical and thermal stability broadening potential film applications. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

Structure of a zinc oxide ultra-thin film on Rh(100)

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yuhara, J.; Kato, D.; Matsui, T. [Department of Materials, Physics and Energy Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8603 (Japan); Mizuno, S. [Department of Molecular and Material Sciences, Kyushu University, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816–8580 (Japan)

2015-11-07

The structural parameters of ultra-thin zinc oxide films on Rh(100) are investigated using low-energy electron diffraction intensity (LEED I–V) curves, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations. From the analysis of LEED I–V curves and DFT calculations, two optimized models A and B are determined. Their structures are basically similar to the planer h-BN ZnO(0001) structure, although some oxygen atoms protrude from the surface, associated with an in-plane shift of Zn atoms. From a comparison of experimental STM images and simulated STM images, majority and minority structures observed in the STM images represent the two optimized models A and B, respectively.

Characterization of nano-powder grown ultra-thin film p-CuO/n-Si hetero-junctions by employing vapour-liquid-solid method for photovoltaic applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sultana, Jenifar; Das, Anindita [Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CRNN), Kolkata 700098 (India); Das, Avishek [Department of Electronic Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009 (India); Saha, Nayan Ranjan [Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009 (India); Karmakar, Anupam [Department of Electronic Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009 (India); Chattopadhyay, Sanatan, E-mail: scelc@caluniv.ac.in [Department of Electronic Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009 (India)

2016-08-01

In this work, the CuO nano-powder has been synthesized by employing chemical bath deposition technique for its subsequent use to grow ultrathin film (20 nm) of p-CuO on n-Si substrate for the fabrication of p-CuO/n-Si hetero-junction diodes. The thin CuO film has been grown by employing vapour-liquid-solid method. The crystalline structure and chemical phase of the film are characterized by employing field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Chemical stoichiometry of the film has been confirmed by using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The potential for photovoltaic applications of such films is investigated by measuring the junction current-voltage characteristics and by extracting the relevant parameters such as open circuit photo-generated voltage, short circuit current density, fill-factor and energy conversion efficiency. - Highlights: • Synthesis of CuO nano-powder by CBD method • Growth of ultra-thin film of CuO by employing VLS method for the first time • Physical and electrical characterization of such films for photovoltaic applications • Estimation of energy conversion efficiency of the p-CuO/n-Si p-n junction solar cell.

Development and characterization of bilayer films of FucoPol and chitosan.

Science.gov (United States)

Ferreira, Ana R V; Torres, Cristiana A V; Freitas, Filomena; Sevrin, Chantal; Grandfils, Christian; Reis, Maria A M; Alves, Vítor D; Coelhoso, Isabel M

2016-08-20

Bilayer films of FucoPol and chitosan were prepared and characterized in terms of optical, morphologic, hygroscopic, mechanical and barrier properties, to evaluate their potential application in food packaging. Bilayer films have shown dense and homogeneous layers, and presented enhanced properties when comparing to monolayer FucoPol films. Though, a high swelling degree in contact with liquid water (263.3%) and a high water vapour permeability (0.75×10(-11)mol/msPa), typical of polysaccharide films, was still observed. However, they presented a low permeability to O2 and CO2 (0.47×10(-16)molm/m(2)sPa and 5.8×10(-16)molm/m(2)sPa, respectively). Tensile tests revealed a flexible and resistant film with an elongation at break of 38% and an elastic modulus of 137MPa. The studied properties, in particular the excellent barrier to gases, impart these bilayer films potential to be used in packaging of low moisture content products, as well as in multilayered hydrophobic/hydrophilic/hydrophobic barriers for food products with a broader range of water content. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Properties of two-dimensional insulators: A DFT study of bimetallic oxide CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters adsorption on MgO ultrathin films

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhu, Jia, E-mail: jia_zhu@jxnu.edu.cn [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022 (China); Zhang, Hui; Zhao, Ling; Xiong, Wei [College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330022 (China); Huang, Xin; Wang, Bin [Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108 (China); Zhang, Yongfan, E-mail: zhangyf@fzu.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108 (China); State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002 (China)

2016-08-30

Highlights: • Completely different properties of CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} on films compared with that on surface. • The first example of CT by electron tunneling from film to bimetallic oxide cluster. • A progressive Lewis acid site, better catalytic activities for adsorbed CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9}. - Abstract: Periodic density functional theory calculations have been performed to study the electronic properties of bimetallic oxide CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters adsorbed on MgO/Ag(001) ultrathin films (<1 nm). Our results show that after deposition completely different structures, electronic properties and chemical reactivity of dispersed CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters on ultrathin films are observed compared with that on the thick MgO surface. On the thick MgO(001) surface, adsorbed CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters are distorted significantly and just a little electron transfer occurs from oxide surface to clusters, which originates from the formation of adsorption dative bonds at interface. Whereas on the MgO/Ag(001) ultrathin films, the resulting CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters keep the cyclic structures and the geometries are similar to that of gas-phase [CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9}]{sup −}. Interestingly, we predicted the occurrence of a net transfer of one electron by direct electron tunneling from the MgO/Ag(001) films to CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters through the thin MgO dielectric barrier. Furthermore, our work reveals a progressive Lewis acid site where spin density preferentially localizes around the Cr atom not the W atoms for CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9}/MgO/Ag(001) system, indicating a potentially good bimetallic oxide for better catalytic activities with respect to that of pure W{sub 3}O{sub 9} clusters. As a consequence, present results reveal that the adsorption of bimetallic oxide CrW{sub 2}O{sub 9} clusters on the MgO/Ag(001) ultrathin films provide a new perspective to tune and modify the properties and chemical reactivity of bimetallic oxide adsorbates as a function of the thickness

Thermal and antimicrobial properties of chitosan-nanocellulose films for extending shelf life of ground meat.

Science.gov (United States)

Dehnad, Danial; Mirzaei, Habibollah; Emam-Djomeh, Zahra; Jafari, Seid-Mahdi; Dadashi, Saeed

2014-08-30

Chitosan-nanocellulose biocomposites were prepared from chitosan having molecular weight of 600-800 kDa, nanocellulose with 20-50 nm diameters and various levels of 30, 60 and 90% (v/wCHT) for glycerol. Agitation and sonication were used to facilitate even dispersion of particles in the polymer matrix. The nanocomposites were examined by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and agar disc diffusion tests; finally, the film was applied on the surface of ground meat to evaluate its performance in real terms. Chitosan-nanocellulose nanocomposites showed high Tg range of 115-124°C and were able to keep their solid state until the temperature (Tm) range of 97-99°C. XRD photographs revealed that nanocellulose peak completely disappeared after their addition to chitosan context. Agar disc diffusion method proved that the nancomposite had inhibitory effects against both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli and S. enteritidis) bacteria through its contact area. Application of chitosan-nanocellulose nanocomposite on the ground meat decreased lactic acid bacteria population compared with nylon packaged samples up to 1.3 and 3.1 logarithmic cycles at 3 and 25°C after 6 days of storage, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.