1
|
Paghi A, Corsi M, Corso S, Mariani S, Barillaro G. In situ controlled and conformal coating of polydimethylsiloxane foams with silver nanoparticle networks with tunable piezo-resistive properties. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:425-436. [PMID: 35244124 DOI: 10.1039/d1nh00648g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-polymer composites hold promise in enabling material functionalities that are difficult to achieve otherwise, yet are hampered to date by the scarce control and tunability of the nanoparticle collective properties on the polymer surface, especially for polymer foams featuring a complex three-dimensional pore network. Here we report on the controlled and conformal in situ coating of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) foams with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with surface coverage finely tunable over a large range, from 0 to 75%, via the one-step room temperature reduction of AgF directly on the PDMS surface. This enables the design of AgNP electrical networks on the PDMS foam surface with piezo-resistive properties tunable up to a factor of 1000. We leveraged the control of the piezoresistive properties of the AgNP electrical network formed on PDMS foams to fabricate flexible and wearable pressure sensors with sensitivity of 0.41 kPa-1, an operation range >120 kPa, and a detection limit of 25 Pa. As a proof-of-concept application in wearable biomedical electronics, we successfully used the sensors to monitor the real-time radial artery pulse wave on the human wrist of a young male with high resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Paghi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Martina Corsi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Samuele Corso
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Barillaro
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zubair M, Ferrari R, Alagha O, Mu’azu ND, Blaisi NI, Ateeq IS, Manzar MS. Microwave Foaming of Materials: An Emerging Field. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2477. [PMID: 33113873 PMCID: PMC7692174 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the application of microwave heating to the processing of materials has to become increasingly widespread. Microwave-assisted foaming processes show promise for industrial commercialization due to the potential advantages that microwaves have shown compared to conventional methods. These include reducing process time, improved energy efficiency, solvent-free foaming, reduced processing steps, and improved product quality. However, the interaction of microwave energy with foaming materials, the effects of critical processing factors on microwave foaming behavior, and the foamed product's final properties are still not well-explored. This article reviews the mechanism and principles of microwave foaming of different materials. The article critically evaluates the impact of influential foaming parameters such as blowing agent, viscosity, precursor properties, microwave conditions, additives, and filler on the interaction of microwave, foaming material, physical (expansion, cellular structure, and density), mechanical, and thermal properties of the resultant foamed product. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for developing industrial microwave foaming processes are identified, and areas for potential future research works are highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukarram Zubair
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (N.D.M.); (N.I.B.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Rebecca Ferrari
- Food, Water, Waste Research Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Omar Alagha
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (N.D.M.); (N.I.B.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Nuhu Dalhat Mu’azu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (N.D.M.); (N.I.B.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Nawaf I. Blaisi
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (N.D.M.); (N.I.B.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Ijlal Shahrukh Ateeq
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammad Saood Manzar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31451, Saudi Arabia; (M.Z.); (N.D.M.); (N.I.B.); (M.S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|