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Ward J, Dunne E, Schoen I, Boyd AR, Kenny D, Meenan BJ. Nanotopography of Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) for the Promotion of Patient Specific Von Willebrand Factor Entrapment and Platelet Adhesion in a Whole Blood Microfluidic Assay. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15061580. [PMID: 36987359 PMCID: PMC10054393 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet function testing is essential for the diagnosis of patients with bleeding disorders. Specifically, there is a need for a whole blood assay that is capable of analysing platelet behaviour in contact with a patient-specific autologous von Willebrand factor (vWF), under physiologically relevant conditions. The creation of surface topography capable of entrapping and uncoiling vWF for the support of subsequent platelet adhesion within the same blood sample offers a potential basis for such an assay. In this study, spin coating of polystyrene/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) demixed solutions onto glass substrates in air has been used to attain surfaces with well-defined topographical features. The effect of augmenting the PS/PMMA solution with uniform 50 µm PS microspheres that can moderate the demixing process on the resultant surface features has also been investigated. The topographical features created here by spin coating under ambient air pressure conditions, rather than in nitrogen, which previous work reports, produces substrate surfaces with the ability to entrap vWF from flowing blood and facilitate platelet adhesion. The direct optical visualisation of fluorescently-labelled platelets indicates that topography resulting from inclusion of PS microspheres in the PS/PMMA spin coating solution increases the total number of platelets that adhere to the substrate surface over the period of the microfluidic assay. However, a detailed analysis of the adhesion rate, mean translocating velocity, mean translocation distance, and fraction of the stably adhered platelets measured during blood flow under arterial equivalent mechanical shear conditions indicates no significant difference for topographies created with or without inclusion of the PS microspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Ward
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
| | - Eimear Dunne
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ingmar Schoen
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Adrian R Boyd
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
| | - Dermot Kenny
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen's Green, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian J Meenan
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of Engineering, Ulster University, York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, UK
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Inguva PK, Walker PJ, Yew HW, Zhu K, Haslam AJ, Matar OK. Continuum-scale modelling of polymer blends using the Cahn-Hilliard equation: transport and thermodynamics. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:5645-5665. [PMID: 34095939 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00272d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Cahn-Hilliard equation is commonly used to study multi-component soft systems such as polymer blends at continuum scales. We first systematically explore various features of the equation system, which give rise to a deep connection between transport and thermodynamics-specifically that the Gibbs free energy of mixing function is central to formulating a well-posed model. Accordingly, we explore how thermodynamic models from three broad classes of approach (lattice-based, activity-based and perturbation methods) can be incorporated within the Cahn-Hilliard equation and examine how they impact the numerical solution for two model polymer blends, noting that although the analysis presented here is focused on binary mixtures, it is readily extensible to multi-component mixtures. It is observed that, although the predicted liquid-liquid interfacial tension is quite strongly affected, the choice of thermodynamic model has little influence on the development of the morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan K Inguva
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 25 Ames Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA and Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Pierre J Walker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Hon Wa Yew
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Kezheng Zhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Andrew J Haslam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
| | - Omar K Matar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
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Zhang R, Yan Y, Zhang Q, Liang Q, Zhang J, Yu X, Liu J, Han Y. To Reveal the Importance of the Crystallization Sequence on Micro-Morphological Structures of All-Crystalline Polymer Blends by In Situ Investigation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:21756-21764. [PMID: 33908242 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c02984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In crystalline/crystalline polymer blend systems, complex competition and coupling of crystallization and morphology usually happen due to the different crystal nucleation and growth processes of polymers, making the morphology and crystallization behavior difficult to control. Herein, we probe the crystallization sequence during the film formation process (crystallize simultaneously, component A crystallizes prior to B or inverse) to illustrate the micro-morphology evolution process in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly[[N,N-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-napthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]- alt-5, 5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)] (N2200) blend using in situ UV-vis absorption spectra and in situ two-dimensional grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (2D GIXRD). When P3HT and N2200 crystallize simultaneously, a large-sized morphology structure is formed. When strengthening the solution aggregation of P3HT by increasing the solvent-polymer interaction, P3HT crystallizes prior to N2200. A P3HT-based micro-morphology structure is obtained. As the molecular weight of N2200 increases to a critical value (72.0 kDa), the crystallization of N2200 dominates the film formation process. A N2200-based micro-morphology is formed guided by N2200 domains. The results confirm that the crystallization sequence is one of the most important factors to determine the micro-morphology structure in all-crystalline polymer blends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM), Linköping University, Linköping 581 83, Sweden
| | - Ye Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Qiuju Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jidong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Xinhong Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Jiangang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
| | - Yanchun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, China
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Bushell M, Ianoul A. Selective embedment of silver nanocrystals into spatially segregated domains in thin polymer films for controlled fabrication of functional nanocomposites. RSC Adv 2019; 9:19131-19141. [PMID: 35516877 PMCID: PMC9065126 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02490e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of polymer-nanoparticle nanocomposites typically relies on mixing nanoparticle and polymer solutions, which renders little control over nanoparticle incorporation, and homogeneity of the resulting composite material. This work focuses on the thermally induced embedment of monocrystalline silver nanocubes (AgNCs) into polymer surfaces. The AgNCs are initially deposited through a Langmuir approach onto films of immiscible blended polymer films, which allows fine control over nanoparticle density and aggregation state. This nanoparticle/polymer composite is then heated above the glass transition temperature (T g) of a polymer, which initiates the irreversible embedding of the AgNCs. The immiscible ternary polymer films featured discrete domains (with different T gs), which were altered by changing the amount of polystyrene, poly(2-vinylpyridine) and poly(methyl methacrylate) within the polymer solution. The T g dependence of the embedding process allowed the selective embedment of AgNCs into discrete polymer domains. The process was monitored in real time by using spatially separated hybrid plasmon modes, through peak shifts observed in a UV-vis spectrum. Enhanced surface confinement was observed for certain tripolymer films when compared to polystyrene-AgNC nanocomposites, due to changes in the surface energy within the blend. This work brings interesting insight on nanoparticle-blended polymer interactions and provides a fairly universal approach for the fabrication of these polymer-metal nanoparticle nanocomposites, which is of particular interest in fields that require fine control over nanoparticle incorporation within segregated polymer domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Bushell
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Dr Ottawa ON Canada +1-613-520-3749 +1-613-520-2600 ext. 6043
| | - Anatoli Ianoul
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University 1125 Colonel By Dr Ottawa ON Canada +1-613-520-3749 +1-613-520-2600 ext. 6043
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Guo S, Lu Y, Wang B, Shen C, Chen J, Reiter G, Zhang B. Controlling the pore size in conjugated polymer films via crystallization-driven phase separation. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:2981-2989. [PMID: 30912567 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00370c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A wide range of possible applications in sensors and optoelectronic devices have focused considerable attention on porous membranes made of semi-conducting polymers. In this study, porous films of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were conveniently constructed through spin-coating of solutions of a blend of P3HT and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Pores were formed by phase separation driven simultaneously by incompatibility and crystallization. The influence of the polymer concentration (c), molecular weight (Mn) and spin-coating temperature (Tsp) on the pore size and structure was investigated. With increasing c from 0.5 to 5.0 wt%, the pore diameter (d) varied from ≈1.3 μm to ≈38 μm. Similarly, we observed a substantial increase of d with increasing Mn of PEG, while changing Mn of P3HT did not affect d. Micron- and nano-scale pores coexisted in porous P3HT films. While incompatibility of P3HT and PEG caused the formation of nano-pores, micron-scale pores resulted from crystallization in the PEG-rich domains by forcing PEG molecules to diffuse from the surrounding PEG-P3HT blend region to the crystal growth front.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Guo
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Henan Province Industrial Technology Research Institute of Resources and Materials, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450002, People's Republic of China.
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Lee J, Yoo J, Kim J, Jang Y, Shin K, Ha E, Ryu S, Kim BG, Wooh S, Char K. Development of Multimodal Antibacterial Surfaces Using Porous Amine-Reactive Films Incorporating Lubricant and Silver Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:6550-6560. [PMID: 30640431 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b20092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Anti-biofouling has been improved by passive or active ways. Passive antifouling strategies aim to prevent the initial adsorption of foulants, while active strategies aim to eliminate proliferative fouling by destruction of the chemical structure and inactivation of the cells. However, neither passive antifouling strategies nor active antifouling strategies can solely resist biofouling due to their inherent limitations. Herein, we successfully developed multimodal antibacterial surfaces for waterborne and airborne bacteria with the benefit of a combination of antiadhesion (passive) and bactericidal (active) properties of the surfaces. We elaborated multifunctionalizable porous amine-reactive (PAR) polymer films from poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) (PPFPA). Pentafluorophenyl ester groups in the PAR films facilitate creation of multiple functionalities through a simple postmodification under mild condition, based on their high reactivity toward various primary amines. We introduced amine-containing poly(dimethylsiloxane) (amine-PDMS) and dopamine into the PAR films, resulting in infusion of antifouling silicone oil lubricants and formation of bactericidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), respectively. As a result, the PAR film-based lubricant-infused AgNPs-incorporated surfaces demonstrate outstanding antibacterial effects toward both waterborne and airborne Escherichia coli, suggesting a new door for development of an effective multimodal anti-biofouling surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- The National Creative Research Initiative Center for Intelligent Hybrids, School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Yoo
- The National Creative Research Initiative Center for Intelligent Hybrids, School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Joonwon Kim
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongseon Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida 32611 , United States
| | - Kwangsoo Shin
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsu Ha
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sangryeol Ryu
- Department of Food and Animal Biotechnology, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, and Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Gee Kim
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyuk Wooh
- School of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science , Chung-Ang University , Seoul , 06974 , Republic of Korea
| | - Kookheon Char
- The National Creative Research Initiative Center for Intelligent Hybrids, School of Chemical and Biological Engineering , Seoul National University , Seoul 08826 , Republic of Korea
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Li W, Guo F, Ling H, Liu H, Yi M, Zhang P, Wang W, Xie L, Huang W. Solution-Processed Wide-Bandgap Organic Semiconductor Nanostructures Arrays for Nonvolatile Organic Field-Effect Transistor Memory. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:1701437. [PMID: 29165914 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201701437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, the development of organic field-effect transistor (OFET) memory device based on isolated and ordered nanostructures (NSs) arrays of wide-bandgap (WBG) small-molecule organic semiconductor material [2-(9-(4-(octyloxy)phenyl)-9H-fluoren-2-yl)thiophene]3 (WG3 ) is reported. The WG3 NSs are prepared from phase separation by spin-coating blend solutions of WG3 /trimethylolpropane (TMP), and then introduced as charge storage elements for nonvolatile OFET memory devices. Compared to the OFET memory device with smooth WG3 film, the device based on WG3 NSs arrays exhibits significant improvements in memory performance including larger memory window (≈45 V), faster switching speed (≈1 s), stable retention capability (>104 s), and reliable switching properties. A quantitative study of the WG3 NSs morphology reveals that enhanced memory performance is attributed to the improved charge trapping/charge-exciton annihilation efficiency induced by increased contact area between the WG3 NSs and pentacene layer. This versatile solution-processing approach to preparing WG3 NSs arrays as charge trapping sites allows for fabrication of high-performance nonvolatile OFET memory devices, which could be applicable to a wide range of WBG organic semiconductor materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Fengning Guo
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Haifeng Ling
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mingdong Yi
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Physical Science and Information Technology, Liaocheng University, 1 Hunan Road, Liaocheng, 252059, China
| | - Linghai Xie
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays and Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi
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Ward J, Dunne E, Bishop D, Boyd A, Kenny D, Meenan BJ. Entrapment of Autologous von Willebrand Factor on Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Demixed Surfaces. Polymers (Basel) 2017; 9:polym9120700. [PMID: 30966006 PMCID: PMC6419233 DOI: 10.3390/polym9120700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Human platelets play a vital role in haemostasis, pathological bleeding and thrombosis. The haemostatic mechanism is concerned with the control of bleeding from injured blood vessels, whereby platelets interact with the damaged inner vessel wall to form a clot (thrombus) at the site of injury. This adhesion of platelets and their subsequent aggregation is dependent on the presence of the blood protein von Willebrand Factor (vWF). It is proposed here that the entrapment of vWF on a substrate surface offers the opportunity to assess an individual’s platelet function in a clinical diagnostic context. Spin coating from demixed solutions of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) onto glass slides has been shown previously to support platelet adhesion but the mechanism by which this interaction occurs, including the role of vWF, is not fully understood. In this work, we report a study of the interaction of platelets in whole blood with surfaces produced by spin coating from a solution of a weight/weight mixture of a 25% PS and 75% PMMA (25PS/75PMMA) in chloroform in the context of the properties required for their use as a Dynamic Platelet Function Assay (DPFA) substrate. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indicates the presence of topographical features on the polymer demixed surfaces in the sub-micron to nanometer range. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms that the uppermost surface chemistry of the coatings is solely that of PMMA. The deliberate addition of various amounts of 50 μm diameter PS microspheres to the 25PS/75PMMA system has been shown to maintain the PMMA chemistry, but to significantly change the surface topography and to subsequently effect the scale of the resultant platelet interactions. By blocking specific platelet binding sites, it has been shown that their interaction with these surfaces is a consequence of the entrapment and build-up of vWF from the same whole blood sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Ward
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK.
| | - Eimear Dunne
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - David Bishop
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK.
| | - Adrian Boyd
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK.
| | - Dermot Kenny
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Brian J Meenan
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown BT37 0QB, UK.
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Kaji M, Takeyama Y, Nioh A, Tsuyuki M, Akatsuka H, Fujiwara S, Sakai K, Sakai H. Surface Morphology of Cosmetic Film Consisting of PEG-Diisostearate Amphiphilic Random Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, and Solvents. J Oleo Sci 2017; 66:1239-1245. [PMID: 29021489 DOI: 10.5650/jos.ess17102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The surface morphology of a cosmetic film consisting of an amphiphilic random copolymer (methoxy polyethylene glycol-23 methacrylate/glyceryl diisostearate methacrylate copolymer, MPM-GDM) and solvents has been studied. The cosmetic film was prepared through the evaporation of water from a homogeneous aqueous mixture of MPM-GDM, xanthan gum, and solvents. MPM-GDM was soluble in water, monohydric alcohols, and 1,3-butylene glycol (1,3-BG), whereas it hardly dissolved in glycerin. The surface morphology was examined by changing the solvent composition of 1,3-BG (good solvent) and glycerin (poor solvent). Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images of the cosmetic film showed that MPM-GDM spread through the whole film in the absence of glycerin, whereas the addition of glycerin led to the formation of a sea-island structure. It was assumed that the size of the MPM-GDM domain was determined by the balance between two factors: the miscibility (or the interfacial tension) of MPM-GDM against the solvents and the viscosity of the continuous phase. We also demonstrated that the concentration of both MPM-GDM and xanthan gum affected the surface morphology. Control of the surface morphology by changing the solubility of MPM-GDM is expected to be useful for improving the functionality and feel of cosmetic films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Kaji
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science.,POLA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, INC
| | | | | | | | | | - Sari Fujiwara
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Kenichi Sakai
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science.,Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
| | - Hideki Sakai
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science.,Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science
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10
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Patiño-Herrera R, Catarino-Centeno R, González-Alatorre G, Gama Goicochea A, Pérez E. Enhancement of the hydrophobicity of recycled polystyrene films using a spin coating unit. J Appl Polym Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/app.45365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Patiño-Herrera
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Instituto Tecnológico de Celaya; Av. Tecnológico y Antonio García Cubas s/n. Celaya Gto 38010 México
- Doctorado en Ingeniería y Ciencia de Materiales de la UASLP; Sierra Leona 530 San Luis Potosí S.L.P. 78210 México
| | - R. Catarino-Centeno
- Facultad de Ciencias; UASLP; Álvaro Obregón 64 San Luis Potosí S.L.P. 78000 México
| | - Guillermo González-Alatorre
- Departamento de Ingeniería Química; Instituto Tecnológico de Celaya; Av. Tecnológico y Antonio García Cubas s/n. Celaya Gto 38010 México
| | - Armando Gama Goicochea
- División de Ingeniería Química y Bioquímica; Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Ecatepec; Av. Tecnológico s/n Ecatepec Estado de México 55210 México
| | - Elías Pérez
- Instituto de Física, UASLP; Álvaro Obregón 64 San Luis Potosí S.L.P. 78000 México
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11
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Li Y, Hao Y, Huang C, Chen X, Chen X, Cui Y, Yuan C, Qiu K, Ge H, Chen Y. Wafer Scale Fabrication of Dense and High Aspect Ratio Sub-50 nm Nanopillars from Phase Separation of Cross-Linkable Polysiloxane/Polystyrene Blend. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:13685-13693. [PMID: 28361542 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrated a simple and effective approach to fabricate dense and high aspect ratio sub-50 nm pillars based on phase separation of a polymer blend composed of a cross-linkable polysiloxane and polystyrene (PS). In order to obtain the phase-separated domains with nanoscale size, a liquid prepolymer of cross-linkable polysiloxane was employed as one moiety for increasing the miscibility of the polymer blend. After phase separation via spin-coating, the dispersed domains of liquid polysiloxane with sub-50 nm size could be solidified by UV exposure. The solidified polysiloxane domains took the role of etching mask for formation of high aspect ratio nanopillars by O2 reactive ion etching (RIE). The aspect ratio of the nanopillars could be further amplified by introduction of a polymer transfer layer underneath the polymer blend film. The effects of spin speeds, the weight ratio of the polysiloxane/PS blend, and the concentration of polysiloxane/PS blend in toluene on the characters of the nanopillars were investigated. The gold-coated nanopillar arrays exhibited a high Raman scattering enhancement factor in the range of 108-109 with high uniformity across over the wafer scale sample. A superhydrophobic surface could be realized by coating a self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of fluoroalkyltrichlorosilane on the nanopillar arrays. Sub-50 nm silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with high aspect ratio of about 1000 were achieved by using the nanopillars as etching mask through a metal-assisted chemical etching process. They showed an ultralow reflectance of approximately 0.1% for wavelengths ranging from 200 to 800 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yuli Hao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xingyao Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yushuang Cui
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Changsheng Yuan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Kai Qiu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Haixiong Ge
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanfeng Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing 210093, China
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12
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Nouh SA, Benthami K, Elfadl AA, El-Nabarawy HA. Modification Induced by Gamma Irradiation in Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends. INT POLYM PROC 2017. [DOI: 10.3139/217.3342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The influence of gamma irradiation on the structural and optical properties of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA = 50/50 w/w %) blend films have been investigated. A dose range of 20 kGy to 400 kGy is covered. Applying the viscometry technique, the dose dependence of the intrinsic viscosity was investigated. In addition, the variation of refractive index with gamma dose was studied. The observed increase in the intrinsic viscosity from 0.45 up to 0.69 and the refractive index in the high dose range indicates that the predominant induced process by gamma irradiation is crosslinking, which reduces the free volume and increases the average molecular weight leading to a more compact structure of PS/PMMA samples. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopies were applied to identify the chemical structure and to investigate the major process that is induced by irradiation. Moreover, using UV-vis spectroscopy, optical energy gap, Urbach energy and color changes were evaluated. The results reveal that the optical energy gap has arisen from direct transitions. The color intensity ΔE was significantly decreased with increasing the dose up to 400 kGy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. A. Nouh
- Physics Department , Faculty of Science, Taibah University, Al-Madina al Munawarah , Saudi Arabia
- Physics Department , Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo , Egypt
| | - K. Benthami
- Physics Department , College of Sciences and Arts Al-Asyah, Qassim University , Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Abou Elfadl
- Physics Department , Preparatory Year, Deanship of Educational Services, Taibah University, Al-Madina al Munawarah , Saudi Arabia
- Physics Department , Faculty of Science, Fayoum University, Fayoum , Egypt
| | - Huda A. El-Nabarawy
- Clothes and Jewelry Design Department , College of Family Science, Taibah University, Al-Madina al Munawarah , Saudi Arabia
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13
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14
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Aviv H, Berezin S, Agai O, Sinwani M, Tischler YR. Deposition and Characterization of Roughened Surfaces. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:1810-1815. [PMID: 28157325 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b04392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation occurs whenever a solvent leaves a solution of strongly incompatible polymers. This can happen in bulk and in films. Films can be tailored as substrates for multiple applications such as solar cells, surface catalysis, and antireflection coatings. In this study, polystyrene (PS) was dissolved with polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) in different ratios using chlorobenzene as the solvent. Thin films of different ratios of PS and PVAc were deposited on glass via spin coating. The deposited films were investigated for their morphology, strain, surface area, and Raman scattering. The incompatibility between the two polymers leads to the growth of roughened PVAc islands supported by the PS matrix. A down shift in the Raman PVAc signal was observed in the combined film as compared with a 100% PVAc film, which was attributed to the high strain of PVAc that grew as tips. As the PVAc concentration in the polymer blend increases, the porous regions in the film expand and the amount and height of PVAc tips increase as well, up to the point where the pores merge to create a uniform surface. The optimal ratio for the deposition of a uniformly roughened surface is 75% PVAc and 25% PS. For demonstrating a possible application, we applied the partially roughened surface as a substrate for surface-enhanced Raman scattering and demonstrated at least 500% increase in the signal intensity measured in roughened areas. This is explained by the rod effect from the PVAc tips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagit Aviv
- Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, ‡Department of Chemistry, and §Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Shirly Berezin
- Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, ‡Department of Chemistry, and §Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ortal Agai
- Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, ‡Department of Chemistry, and §Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Miri Sinwani
- Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, ‡Department of Chemistry, and §Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Yaakov R Tischler
- Bar-Ilan Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, ‡Department of Chemistry, and §Department of Physics, Bar-Ilan University , Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
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15
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Zhang H, Xu L, Xu Y, Huang G, Zhao X, Lai Y, Shi T. Enhanced Self-Organized Dewetting of Ultrathin Polymer Blend Film for Large-Area Fabrication of SERS Substrate. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38337. [PMID: 27922062 PMCID: PMC5138605 DOI: 10.1038/srep38337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
We study the enhanced dewetting of ultrathin Polystyrene (PS)/Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blend films in a mixed solution, and reveal the dewetting can act as a simple and effective method to fabricate large-area surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. A bilayer structure consisting of under PMMA layer and upper PS layer forms due to vertical phase separation of immiscible PS/PMMA during the spin-coating process. The thicker layer of the bilayer structure dominates the dewetting structures of PS/PMMA blend films. The diameter and diameter distribution of droplets, and the average separation spacing between the droplets can be precisely controlled via the change of blend ratio and film thickness. The dewetting structure of 8 nm PS/PMMA (1:1 wt%) blend film is proved to successfully fabricate large-area (3.5 cm × 3.5 cm) universal SERS substrate via deposited a silver layer on the dewetting structure. The SERS substrate shows good SERS-signal reproducibility (RSD < 7.2%) and high enhancement factor (2.5 × 107). The enhanced dewetting of polymer blend films broadens the application of dewetting of polymer films, especially in the nanotechnology, and may open a new approach for the fabrication of large-area SERS substrate to promote the application of SERS substrate in the rapid sensitive detection of trace molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.,Laboratory of Surface Physics and Chemistry, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lin Xu
- Laboratory of Surface Physics and Chemistry, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, P. R. China
| | - Yabo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Gang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xueyu Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Guizhou Education University, Guiyang 550018, P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
| | - Tongfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China
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16
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Niegelhell K, Süßenbacher M, Jammernegg K, Ganner T, Schwendenwein D, Schwab H, Stelzer F, Plank H, Spirk S. Enzymes as Biodevelopers for Nano- And Micropatterned Bicomponent Biopolymer Thin Films. Biomacromolecules 2016; 17:3743-3749. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Niegelhell
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Süßenbacher
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Katrin Jammernegg
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Ganner
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis, Steyrergasse 17, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel Schwendenwein
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Molecular Biotechnology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut Schwab
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Molecular Biotechnology, Petersgasse 14, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Franz Stelzer
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Harald Plank
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis, Steyrergasse 17, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Stefan Spirk
- Graz University of Technology, Institute for
Chemistry and Technology of Materials, Stremayrgasse 9, 8010 Graz, Austria
- University of Maribor, Institute for Engineering and
Design of Materials, Smetanova
Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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17
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Al-Majid AM, Shamsan WS, Al-Odayn ABM, Nahra F, Aouak T, Nolan SP. A new initiating system based on [(SiMes)Ru(PPh 3)(Ind)Cl 2] combined with azo-bis-isobutyronitrile in the polymerization and copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate. Des Monomers Polym 2016; 20:167-176. [PMID: 29491790 PMCID: PMC5812117 DOI: 10.1080/15685551.2016.1231049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The homopolymerization and copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate, initiated for the first time by the combination of azo-bis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) with [(SiMes)Ru(PPh3)(Ind)Cl2] complex. The reactions were successfully carried out, on a large scale, in presence this complex at 80 °C. It was concluded from the data obtained that the association of AIBN with the ruthenium complex reduces considerably the transfer reactions and leads to the controlled radical polymerization and the well-defined polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M. Al-Majid
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waseem Sharaf Shamsan
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Fady Nahra
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Taieb Aouak
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Steven P. Nolan
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Orsi D, Früh AE, Giannetto M, Cristofolini L, Dalcanale E. Electrochemical decompatibilisation leads to morphology rearrangements in host-guest polymer blend films. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:5353-5358. [PMID: 27203360 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm00808a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Controlled phase separation in a polymer film, with subsequent morphology rearrangement on the micro-scale, provides novel perspectives in smart materials. Based on our experience on supramolecularly compatibilised polymer blends consisting of polystyrene and poly(butyl methacrylate), we demonstrate here physical segregation of the blend in the solid state by the application of an electrochemical stimulus. The thereby occurring changes in film morphology, namely the appearance of voids and grains, have been characterised by atomic force microscopy in spin coated and in Langmuir-Schaefer deposited films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Orsi
- Department of Physics and Earth Sciences "Macedonio Melloni", University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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19
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Teng CY, Sheng YJ, Tsao HK. Boundary-induced segregation in nanoscale thin films of athermal polymer blends. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:4603-4610. [PMID: 27108653 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm00559d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The surface segregation of binary athermal polymer blends confined in a nanoscale thin film was investigated by dissipative particle dynamics. The polymer blend included linear/linear, star/linear, bottlebrush/linear, and rod-like/linear polymer systems. The segregation was driven by purely entropic effects and two different mechanisms were found. For the linear/linear and star/linear polymer blends, the smaller sized polymers were preferentially segregated to the boundary because their excluded volumes were smaller than those of the matrix polymers. For the bottlebrush/linear and rod-like/linear polymer blends, the polymers with a larger persistent length were preferentially segregated to the boundary because they favored staying in the depletion zone by alignment with the wall. Our simulation outcome was consistent with experimental results and also agreed with theoretical predictions - that is, a surface excess dictated by the chain ends for the branch/linear system. These consequences are of great importance in controlling the homogeneity and surface properties of polymer blend thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yu Teng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Jane Sheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Heng-Kwong Tsao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan. and Department of Physics, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
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20
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Zhang R, Lee B, Bockstaller MR, Douglas JF, Stafford CM, Kumar SK, Raghavan D, Karim A. Confined Pattern-Directed Assembly of Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles in a Phase Separating Blend with a Homopolymer Matrix. Macromolecules 2016; 49:3965-3974. [PMID: 27524836 PMCID: PMC4979748 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The controlled organization of nanoparticle (NP) constituents into superstructures of well-defined shape, composition and connectivity represents a continuing challenge in the development of novel hybrid materials for many technological applications. We show that the phase separation of polymer-tethered nanoparticles immersed in a chemically different polymer matrix provides an effective and scalable method for fabricating defined submicron-sized amorphous NP domains in melt polymer thin films. We investigate this phenomenon with a view towards understanding and controlling the phase separation process through directed nanoparticle assembly. In particular, we consider isothermally annealed thin films of polystyrene-grafted gold nanoparticles (AuPS) dispersed in a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. Classic binary polymer blend phase separation related morphology transitions, from discrete AuPS domains to bicontinuous to inverse domain structure with increasing nanoparticle composition is observed, yet the kinetics of the AuPS/PMMA polymer blends system exhibit unique features compared to the parent PS/PMMA homopolymer blend. We further illustrate how to pattern-align the phase-separated AuPS nanoparticle domain shape, size and location through the imposition of a simple and novel external symmetry-breaking perturbation via soft-lithography. Specifically, submicron-sized topographically patterned elastomer confinement is introduced to direct the nanoparticles into kinetically controlled long-range ordered domains, having a dense yet well-dispersed distribution of non-crystallizing nanoparticles. The simplicity, versatility and roll-to-roll adaptability of this novel method for controlled nanoparticle assembly should make it useful in creating desirable patterned nanoparticle domains for a variety of functional materials and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Zhang
- Department of Polymer Engineering, the University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325
| | - Bongjoon Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Michael R. Bockstaller
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Jack F. Douglas
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20889
| | | | - Sanat K. Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 116th St & Broadway, New York, NY 10027
| | | | - Alamgir Karim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, the University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325
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21
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Changes in the phase morphology of miktoarm PS-b-PMMA copolymer induced by a monolayer surface. Colloid Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-015-3686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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Self-organized morphological evolution and dewetting in solvent vapor annealing of spin coated polymer blend nanostructures. J Colloid Interface Sci 2015; 449:215-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2014.12.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Revised: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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23
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Rodríguez-Hernández J. Wrinkled interfaces: Taking advantage of surface instabilities to pattern polymer surfaces. Prog Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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24
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Luo C, Chen W, Gao Y. Feather-like morphology of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(ethylene oxide) blends: The effect of cooling rate and poly(methyl methacrylate) content. J Appl Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/app.41705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Luo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials and Devices; School of Materials and Chemical Engineering; Xi'an Technological University; Xi'an 710021 China
| | - Weixing Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials and Devices; School of Materials and Chemical Engineering; Xi'an Technological University; Xi'an 710021 China
| | - Ying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry; Changchun 130022 China
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25
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Surface phase separation, dewetting feature size, and crystal morphology in thin films of polystyrene/poly(ε-caprolactone) blend. J Colloid Interface Sci 2012; 387:262-9. [PMID: 22964091 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2012.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Thin films of polystyrene (PS)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends were prepared by spin-coating and characterized by tapping mode force microscopy (AFM). Effects of the relative concentration of PS in polymer solution on the surface phase separation and dewetting feature size of the blend films were systematically studied. Due to the coupling of phase separation, dewetting, and crystallization of the blend films with the evaporation of solvent during spin-coating, different size of PS islands decorated with various PCL crystal structures including spherulite-like, flat-on individual lamellae, and flat-on dendritic crystal were obtained in the blend films by changing the film composition. The average distance of PS islands was shown to increase with the relative concentration of PS in casting solution. For a given ratio of PS/PCL, the feature size of PS appeared to increase linearly with the square of PS concentration while the PCL concentration only determined the crystal morphology of the blend films with no influence on the upper PS domain features. This is explained in terms of vertical phase separation and spinodal dewetting of the PS rich layer from the underlying PCL rich layer, leading to the upper PS dewetting process and the underlying PCL crystalline process to be mutually independent.
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26
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Harirchian-Saei S, Wang MCP, Gates BD, Moffitt MG. Directed polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) phase separation and nanoparticle ordering on transparent chemically patterned substrates. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2012; 28:10838-10848. [PMID: 22738388 DOI: 10.1021/la301298p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the surface-directed phase separation of spin-coated polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) blends on prepatterned octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS)-glass substrates under various experimental conditions. As a result of tandem processes of spinodal decomposition and selective wetting of polymer components during spin-coating, low-energy OTS stripes and high-energy glass surfaces laterally arrange the phase-separated polymers according to the chemical pattern on the substrate. Optimal pattern replication was achieved when the length scale of phase separation, controlled via the polymer concentration of the spin-coating solution, matched the smallest feature dimension in a striped chemical pattern possessing two alternating distances between stripes. It was also shown that polymer blend patterns were most closely registered with the underlying substrate when the PS/PMMA composition ratio (30/70, w/w) matched the areal fraction of OTS on the glass surface (∼30%). The influence of solvents demonstrated that a solvent with a relatively low volatility, such toluene, was required for patterning so that domain feature sizes were able to coarsen to the size of the patterned features before film vitrification. As well, we showed that the technique and optimized conditions developed in this study could be applied to pattern photoluminescent CdS quantum dots into microscale arrays of parallel lines via spin-coating onto transparent OTS-glass substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Harirchian-Saei
- Department of Chemistry, University of Victoria, P.O. Box 3065, Victoria, BC V8W 3V6, Canada
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27
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Mu D, Li JQ, Wang S. MesoDyn simulation study on the phase morphologies of miktoarm PS-b-PMMA copolymer doped by nanoparticles. J Appl Polym Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/app.37510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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28
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29
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Mu D, Li JQ, Wang S. Mesoscopic simulation of the surface inducing effects on the compatibility of PS-b-PMMA copolymers. J Appl Polym Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/app.35121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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30
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Sohn EH, Kim BG, Chung JS, Kang H, Lee JC. Wettability of the morphologically and compositionally varied surfaces prepared from blends of well ordered comb-like polymer and polystyrene. J Colloid Interface Sci 2011; 354:650-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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31
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Ma M, He Z, Yang J, Wang Q, Chen F, Wang K, Zhang Q, Deng H, Fu Q. Vertical phase separation and liquid-liquid dewetting of thin PS/PCL blend films during spin coating. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2011; 27:1056-1063. [PMID: 21214211 DOI: 10.1021/la104003p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Thin films of an amorphous polymer, polystyrene (PS), and a crystalline polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), blend were prepared by spin coating a toluene solution. Surface chemical compositions of the blend films were measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the surface and interface topographical changes were followed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). By changing the PS concentration and keeping the PCL concentration of the solution at 1 wt %, a great variety of morphologies were constructed. The results show that the morphology of the blend films can be divided into three regions with increasing PS concentration. In region I, PS island domains are embedded in PCL crystals when the PS concentration is lower than 0.3 wt % and the size of the PS island increases with increasing PS concentration. In region II, holes with different sizes surrounded by a low rim are obtained when the concentration of PS is between 0.35 and 0.5 wt %. After selectively washing the PS domains, we studied the interface morphology of PS/PCL and found that the upper PS-rich layer extended into the bottom PCL layer, forming a trench surrounding the holes. In region III, an enriched two-layer structure with the PS-rich layer on top of the blend films and the PCL-rich crystal layer underneath is obtained when the concentration of PS is higher than 0.5 wt %. Last, the formation mechanism of the different surface and interface morphologies is further discussed in terms of the vertical phase separation to a layered structure, followed by liquid-liquid dewetting and crystallization processes during spin coating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Ma
- College of Polymer Science & Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
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32
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Liu Y, Liu X, Wang X. Porous copolymer film materials by using free radical copolymerization and its side reaction product, homopolymer, as template. Eur Polym J 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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33
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Mu D, Li JQ, Wang S. Computer modeling study on the phase morphology of PS-b-PMMA copolymers. J Appl Polym Sci 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/app.32538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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34
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Mu D, Li JQ, Zhou YH. Modeling and analysis of the compatibility of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends with four inducing effects. J Mol Model 2010; 17:607-19. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-010-0755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Dunbar ADF, Mokarian-Tabari P, Parnell AJ, Martin SJ, Skoda MWA, Jones RAL. A solution concentration dependent transition from self-stratification to lateral phase separation in spin-cast PS:d-PMMA thin films. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2010; 31:369-375. [PMID: 20407801 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2010-10592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Thin films with a rich variety of different nano-scale morphologies have been produced by spin casting solutions of various concentrations of PS:d-PMMA blends from toluene solutions. During the spin casting process specular reflectivity and off-specular scattering data were recorded and ex situ optical and atomic force microscopy, neutron reflectivity and ellipsometry have all been used to characterise the film morphologies. We show that it is possible to selectively control the film morphology by altering the solution concentration used. Low polymer concentration solutions favour the formation of flat in-plane phase-separated bi-layers, with a d-PMMA-rich layer underneath a PS-rich layer. At intermediate concentrations the films formed consist of an in-plane phase-separated bi-layer with an undulating interface and also have some secondary phase-separated pockets rich in d-PMMA in the PS-rich layer and vice versa. Using high concentration solutions results in laterally phase-separated regions with sharp interfaces. As with the intermediate concentrations, secondary phase separation was also observed, especially at the top surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D F Dunbar
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, S1 3JD, Loughborough, UK.
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Yim KH, Doherty WJ, Salaneck WR, Murphy CE, Friend RH, Kim JS. Phase-separated thin film structures for efficient polymer blend light-emitting diodes. NANO LETTERS 2010; 10:385-392. [PMID: 20102212 DOI: 10.1021/nl9025105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We report laterally and vertically phase-separated thin film structures in conjugated polymer blends created by polymer molecular weight variation. We find that micrometer-scale lateral phase separation is critical in achieving high initial device efficiency of light-emitting diodes, whereas improved balance of charge carrier mobilities and film thickness uniformity are important in maintaining high efficiency at high voltages. The optoelectronic properties of these blend thin films and devices are strongly influenced by the polymer chain order/disorder and the interface state formed at polymer/polymer heterojunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keng-Hoong Yim
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
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Xue L, Hu B, Han Y. Effect of interfacial roughness on dewetting behavior of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) bilayer film. J Chem Phys 2008; 129:214902. [DOI: 10.1063/1.3009250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Dekeyser CM, Zuyderhoff E, Giuliano RE, Federoff HJ, Dupont-Gillain CC, Rouxhet PG. A rough morphology of the adsorbed fibronectin layer favors adhesion of neuronal cells. J Biomed Mater Res A 2008; 87:116-28. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.31739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Xue L, Cheng Z, Fu J, Han Y. Dewetting behavior of polystyrene film filled with (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4. J Chem Phys 2008; 129:054905. [DOI: 10.1063/1.2957899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Ma Y, Cao X, Feng X, Ma Y, Zou H. Fabrication of super-hydrophobic film from PMMA with intrinsic water contact angle below 90°. POLYMER 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2007.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Li X, Peng J, Wen Y, Kim DH, Knoll W. Morphology change of asymmetric diblock copolymer micellar films during solvent annealing. POLYMER 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2007.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Heriot SY, Jones RAL. An interfacial instability in a transient wetting layer leads to lateral phase separation in thin spin-cast polymer-blend films. NATURE MATERIALS 2005; 4:782-6. [PMID: 16142241 DOI: 10.1038/nmat1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2004] [Accepted: 08/02/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Spin-coating is a very widely used technique for making uniform thin polymer films. For example, the active layers in most experimental semiconducting polymer-based devices, such as light-emitting diodes and photovoltaics, are made this way. The efficiency of such devices can be improved by using blends of polymers; these phase separate during the spin-coating process, creating the complex morphology that leads to performance improvements. We have used time-resolved small-angle light scattering and light reflectivity during the spin-coating process to study the development of structure directly. Our results provide evidence that a blend of two polymers first undergoes vertical stratification; the interface between the stratified layers then becomes unstable, leading to the final phase-separated thin film. This has given us the basis for establishing a full mechanistic understanding of the development of morphology in thin mixed polymer films, allowing a route to the rational design of processing conditions so as to achieve desirable morphologies by self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha Y Heriot
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield, UK.
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Fekete E, Földes E, Pukánszky B. Effect of molecular interactions on the miscibility and structure of polymer blends. Eur Polym J 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2004.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Norrman K, Ghanbari-Siahkali A, Larsen NB. 6 Studies of spin-coated polymer films. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1039/b408857n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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