Poly(3-hexylthiophene) wrapped carbon nanotube/poly(dimethylsiloxane) composites for use in finger-sensing piezoresistive pressure sensors

We fabricated a piezoresistive composite using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a conductive filler and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a polymer matrix, which operated in the extremely small pressure range required for finger-sensing. To achieve a homogeneous dispersion of MWCNTs in PDMS, the MWCNTs were modified by a polymer wrapping method using poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). The percolation threshold of the composites was significantly lowered by the presence of P3HT. The electrical conductivity and piezoresistive sensitivity of the composite were found to strongly depend on the P3HT concentration. The well-dispersed P3HT-MWCNT/PDMS composite showed good piezoresistive characteristics in the 0–0.12 MPa pressure range.     

基于聚合物的一维光子晶体研究进展

从一维光子晶体组装材料角度出发,总结分析了基于聚合物的有机/有机型和有机/无机杂化型一维光子晶体的结构特点、组装原理和方法、性能及应用。在有机/有机型一维光子晶体中,主要介绍了含有不同亲疏水链段的嵌段共聚物和含有可聚合双键的表面活性剂自组装形成的一维光子晶体。在有机/无机杂化型一维光子晶体中,既论述了基于聚合物、无机材料直接交替组装形成的多层膜,也讨论了基于两种无机材料组装,然后再填充柔性聚合物的一维光子晶体。通过对以上两类光子晶体材料的总结分析可知,基于聚合物材料制备的一维光子晶体可以实现多种功能,在柔性传感器、柔性光电器件、光子晶体纸、电子皮肤、3D打印等方面具有良好的应用前景。但目前基于聚合物的一维光子晶体存在组装均匀性有待提高、组装面积较小等问题,如何大规模制备均匀的功能性一维光子晶体是重要的研究方向,也是影响其实际应用的关键。     

Ag nanocrystal as a promoter for carbon nanotube-based room-temperature gas sensors

We have investigated the room-temperature sensing enhancement of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-based gas sensors using electrical measurements, in situ infrared (IR) microspectroscopy, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Multiple hybrid nanosensors with structures of MWCNTs/SnO(2)/Ag and MWCNTs/Ag have been synthesized using a process that combines a simple mini-arc plasma with electrostatic force directed assembly, and characterized by electron microscopy techniques. Ag NPs were found to enhance the sensing behavior through the "electronic sensitization" mechanism. In contrast to sensors based on bare MWCNTs and MWCNTs/SnO(2), sensors with Ag NPs show not only higher sensitivity and faster response to NO(2) but also significantly enhanced sensitivity to NH(3). Our DFT calculations indicate that the increased sensitivity to NO(2) is attributed to the formation of a NO(3) complex with oxygen on the Ag surface accompanying a charge rearrangement and a net electron transfer from the hybrid to NO(2). The significant response to NH(3) is predicted to arise because NH(3) is attracted to hollow sites on the oxidized Ag surface with the H atoms pointing towards Ag atoms and electron donation from H to the hybrid sensor.     

Piezoresistive effect in spin-coated polyaniline thin films

Polymeric materials have been replacing other materials in various applications, from structural to electronic components. In particular, since the discovery of conducting polymers, the use of these materials is growing up in the manufacture of electronic components, such as organic light-emitting diodes, organic electrodes, energy storage devices and artificial muscles, among others. On the other hand, examples of sensors of conductive polymers based on the piezoresistive effect, with large potential for applications, are not sufficiently investigated. This work reports on the piezoresistive effect of an intrinsically conductive polymer, polyaniline, which was prepared in the form of thin films by spin coating on polyethylene terephthalate substrates. The relationship between electrical response and mechanical solicitations is presented for different preparation conditions. The values of the gauge factor ranges from 10 to 22 for different samples and demonstrates the viability of these materials as piezoresistive sensors.     

The effect of silica nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes on the toughness of a thermosetting epoxy polymer

Silica nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been incorporated into an anhydride‐cured epoxy resin to form “hybrid” nanocomposites. A good dispersion of the silica nanoparticles was found to occur, even at relatively high concentrations of the nanoparticles. However, in contrast, the MWCNTs were not so well dispersed but relatively agglomerated. The glass transition temperature of the epoxy polymer was 145°C and was not significantly affected by the addition of the silica nanoparticles or the MWCNTs. The Young's modulus was increased by the addition of the silica nanoparticles, but the addition of up to 0.18 wt % MWCNTs had no further significant effect. The addition of both MWCNTs and silica nanoparticles led to a significant improvement in the fracture toughness of these polymeric nanocomposites. For example, the fracture toughness was increased from 0.69 MPam^1/2 for the unmodified epoxy polymer to 1.03 MPam^1/2 for the hybrid nanocomposite containing both 0.18 wt % MWCNTs and 6.0 wt % silica nanoparticles; the fracture energy was also increased from 133 to 204 J/m². The mechanisms responsible for the enhancements in the measured toughness were identified by observing the fracture surfaces using field‐emission gun scanning electron microscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and characterization of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) doped Poly-Vinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite film

ABSTRACT

Nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and polymers are widely used nowadays to improve biosensing phenomenon. However, studies considering impact of their combination on biosensor sensitivity are rarely reported. Present work involves synthesis of thin films using different combinations and comparisons of their properties. The metal (silver nanoparticles)-polymer (PVA), MWCNT-polymer and Metal-MWCNT-polymer films were analyzed using optical, UV-visible and DMA studies. Prior Functionalization of MWCNTs to attach DNA was confirmed by FTIR and TEM. Metal-MWCNT-polymer film proved to show best mechanical properties and is expected to be useful in artificial tissues or sensing biological responses without electrodes, though, it requires profound interdisciplinary efforts.     

基于MOFs材料的酸性气体传感器应用研究进展

采用化学气体传感器对有害酸性气体进行实时有效的监测具有重要意义.目前的传统材料在灵敏度、选择性和稳定性等方面仍存在很大问题.金属有机框架材料(MOFs)是一种具有多孔结构的有机-无机杂化材料,具有孔隙率结构丰富、孔结构可调节和比表面积大等特点,已成为当今新功能材料研究的热点.MOFs材料的优良特性为解决上述问题提供了很...     

Synthesis and properties of macromer-grafted polymers for noncovalent functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We prepared macromer-grafted polymers (MGPs) containing suitable polymer side chains for improving solubility and pyrene units for improving adsorption on multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) surfaces, and demonstrated that these MGPs act as MWCNT solubilizers that improve solubility of MWCNTs in typically poor solvents such as alkanes and that improve flowability of polymer/MWCNT composites. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-MGPs, synthesized using PDMS macromers and pyrene-containing monomers, improved solubility of MWCNTs not only in chloroform but also in hexane, which is a poor solvent for MWCNTs. Moreover, the addition of PDMS-MGP-adsorbed MWCNTs (MWCNT/PDMS-MGPs) to epoxy resin monomers or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) drastically reduced the viscosity of the obtained epoxy resin monomer/MWCNT/PDMS-MGP mixtures and PBT/MWCNT/PDMS-MGP composites in comparison to the epoxy resin monomer/MWCNT mixtures and PBT/MWCNT composites, respectively. The viscosity of PBT/MWCNT/PDMS-MGP composites including ?1 vol% of MWCNTs, in particular, was almost equal to that of pristine PBT.     

Revised Manuscript with Corrections: Polyurethane-Based Conductive Composites: From Synthesis to Applications

The purpose of this review article is to outline the extended applications of polyurethane (PU)-based nanocomposites incorporated with conductive polymeric particles as well as to condense an outline on the chemistry and fabrication of polyurethanes (PUs). Additionally, we discuss related research trends of PU-based conducting materials for EMI shielding, sensors, coating, films, and foams, in particular those from the past 10 years. PU is generally an electrical insulator and behaves as a dielectric material. The electrical conductivity of PU is imparted by the addition of metal nanoparticles, and increases with the enhancing aspect ratio and ordering in structure, as happens in the case of conducting polymer fibrils or reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Nanocomposites with good electrical conductivity exhibit noticeable changes based on the remarkable electric properties of nanomaterials such as graphene, RGO, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Recently, conducting polymers, including PANI, PPY, PTh, and their derivatives, have been popularly engaged as incorporated fillers into PU substrates. This review also discusses additional challenges and future-oriented perspectives combined with here-and-now practicableness.     

Versatile poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) films on polydimethylsiloxane substrates having random micro ridges: Study of resistive behaviors of a polymer–polymer laminate

Conductive polymers such as poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) or PEDOT:PSS has become increasingly important in present day organic electronics. PEDOT:PSS being a polymer is more durable than metals used in electronics and thus offers greater mechanical flexibility during operation. This article presents results regarding resistive behaviors of blade coated PEDOT:PSS films on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate having random micro ridges as a function of axial strain and different temperatures. The average resistance of the blade coated PEDOT:PSS films were found to increase by 1.4 times between 35 and 45% axial strain. The resistances of the films were found to change within the temperature range of 25–230°C without any thermal morphological degradations and the polymer–polymer laminate also showed linear thermal actuation behavior. These results suggest that the blade coated PEDOT:PSS films on PDMS substrates with random micro ridges can be potentially useful in versatile applications like stretchable conductors, thermal actuators, thermoelectric generators, and as heating surfaces. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41235.     

Efficient functionalization of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes with p‐aminophenol and their application in the fabrication of poly(amide‐imide)‐matrix composites

The ultrasonically assisted preparation and characterization of poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) composites containing functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are reported. To improve the dispersion in and compatibility with the polymer matrix, the MWCNTs were surface‐modified with p‐aminophenol (p‐AP) under microwave irradiation. The process is fast, one‐pot, easy and results in a high degree of functionalization as well as dispersibility in organic solvents. The p‐AP‐functionalized MWCNTs (MWCNTs‐AP) were analysed by means of field emission and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results consistently confirm the formation of p‐AP functionalities on MWCNTs which are able to undergo additional reactions, while the structure of the MWCNTs remains relatively intact. MWCNTs‐AP/PAI hybrid films were prepared with various MWCNTs‐AP contents (5–15 wt%) using a solution‐casting technique. Microscopic observations show that the dispersion of the MWCNTs‐AP is improved as a result of the organic groups on the MWCNT surface and functional groups in the PAI structure. The properties of the obtained composites were characterized extensively using the aforementioned techniques. TGA results show that the hybrid films exhibit a good thermal stability. Tensile mechanical testing was performed for the prepared composites, the results of which indicate an increase in the elastic modulus and tensile strength with increasing MWCNTs‐AP content. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Morphology of polystyrene/poly(dimethyl siloxane) blends compatibilized with star polymers containing a γ-cyclodextrin core and polystyrene arms

A star polymer with a γ-CD core and PS arms is used to compatibilize blends of the immiscible polymers PS and PDMS. The mechanism of compatibilization is threading of the CD core by PDMS and subsequent solubilization in the PS matrix facilitated by the star arms. Spun-cast films of this blend are examined with optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Blends without CD-star exhibit large-scale phase separation, whereas those containing CD-star exhibit very homogeneous morphologies in the optical microscope and nanometer-sized phase domains in the AFM. The effect of PDMS molecular weight on the blend morphology is insignificant. The morphology of the compatibilized films does not change significantly after annealing at 125 °C for 3 days, indicating that the CD-star polymer effectively stabilizes these blends at temperatures where both polymers are mobile and could otherwise undergo large-scale phase separation. The degree of compatibilization in these blends is correlated with the molar ratio of PDMS repeat units to CD-star molecules.     

Butyl pyrene containing poly(arylene ethynylene)s for highly sensitive and selective sensing of TNT

A series of poly(arylene ethynylene)s (PAEs) containing ^tbutyl pyrene in the main chain were synthesized for nitroaromatic sensors. As control, similar polymers containing unsubstituted pyrene were also synthesized. The sensory properties of the polymers were studied towards various nitroaromatic compounds like trinitrotoluene (TNT), dinitrotoluene (DNT), nitrotoluene (NT), nitrobenzene (NB) and picric acid (PA) in solution as well as vapor state. Interestingly, all the ^tbutyl substituted pyrene containing polymers showed higher sensitivity than the corresponding unsubstituted pyrene containing polymers. Moreover, the polymers showed high sensitivity towards TNT as compared to the other nitroaromatic compounds. The sensitivity of one of the polymer PB was found several folds higher than that of the similar reported polymer containing unsubstituted pyrene ring. In addition, ^tbutyl pyrene containing polymers were found to have improved molecular weight, thermal stability, fluorescence quantum yield, film forming properties and solubility in common organic solvents as compared to the control polymers.     

Heat‐triggered poly(siloxane‐urethane)s based on disulfide bonds for self‐healing application

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the most widely employed silicon‐based polymers for its high flexibility, low usage temperature, excellent water resistance, outstanding electrical insulting property, and physiological inert, etc. However, the covalent‐bonded Si? O bonds are unable to heal automatically when damaged, which would result in the failure of the materials and devices. Disulfide bond based polymers show high healing efficiency at moderate temperature and have been investigated intensively. Herein, we report a PDMS‐based polyurethane self‐healing polymer (PDMS‐PU) modified with disulfide bonds, which exhibited a reinforced thermal stability, excellent stretchability, and satisfactory self‐healing ability. The effect of different ratio of PDMS and disulfide bond contents on the elastomer properties was investigated. With the increase of PDMS content, the decomposition temperature of the PDMS‐PU‐3 (332 °C) elastomer with highest content of PDMS was increased by 34 °C compared to PDMS‐PU‐1 (298 °C) with lowest content of PDMS and exhibited a largest elongation at break of 1204%. PDMS‐PU‐1 with highest content of disulfide bond possessed a highest healing efficiency of 97%. The results indicated the PDMS‐PU elastomers can be used as self‐healing flexible substrate for flexible electronics. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46532.     

Morphology and properties of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐para‐phenylene vinylene]/silica nanoparticle hybrid films

Poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐para‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV)/silica nanoparticle hybrid films were prepared and characterised. Three kinds of materials were compared: parent MEH‐PPV, MEH‐PPV/silica (hybrid A films), and MEH‐PPV/coupling agent MSMA/silica (hybrid B films), in which MSMA is 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate. It was found that the hybrid B films could significantly prevent macrophase separation, as evidenced by scanning electron and fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, the thermal characteristics of the hybrid films were largely improved in comparison with the parent MEH‐PPV. The UV‐visible absorption spectra suggested that the incorporation of MSMA‐modified silica into MEH‐PPV could confine the polymer chain between nanoparticles and thus increase the conjugation length. The photoluminescence (PL) studies also indicated enhancement of the PL intensity and quantum efficiency by incorporating just 2 wt% of MSMA‐modified silica into MEH‐PPV. However, hybrid A films did not show such enhancement of optoelectronic properties as the hybrid B films. The present study suggests the importance of the interface between the luminescent organic polymers and the inorganic silica on morphology and optoelectronic properties. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Formation of metal-polymer hybrid nanostructures during radiation-induced reduction of metal ions in poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylenimine) complexes

The formation of nanoparticles during the radiation-induced chemical reduction of silver ions, copper ions, and nickel ions in films based on poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylenimine) complexes are studied via electron microscopy. This approach allows preparation of composites containing nanoparticles that are randomly distributed in the polymer matrix and materials with a regular spatial distribution of nanoparticles across the film thickness and in subsurface layers. The structure of metal-polymer hybrid materials is dependent on the irradiation conditions, the type of reduced metal ions, and their initial content in polymer matrices. The ratio between the rate of nucleation and the rate of growth of nanoparticles in the matrices of interpolyelectrolyte complexes depends on the intensity of the absorbed dose and on the mechanisms of reduction of metal ions and formation of clusters. The IR spectroscopic studies reveal the effect of nanoparticles on the chemical structure of the polymer matrix.     

Antibacterial activity of natural polymer gels and potential applications without synthetic antibiotics

Antibiotics' use has increased, resulting in disadvantages like patients' drug resistance. Consequently, urgent action is required to develop a new generation of antibacterial agents. Most antibacterial platforms still require a modification with further antibacterial agents (e.g., antibiotics) for adequate antibacterial efficiency. Thus, a nonantibiotic methodology is immediately needed. Furthermore, bactericidal agents used for this purpose are usually based on metal nanoparticles, carbon materials, and polymers. Still, chemicals, antibiotics, and biocides lead to environmental damage. Therefore, the help of biocompatible yet durable materials and polymers is highly appreciated. In addition, if a polymer is not biodegradable, it will remain in the environment for more than one hundred years due to its low degradation rate. Moreover, non-biodegradable polymers are harmful to in vivo applications. Hence, the use of biodegradable and non-toxic materials has received many considerations. Over the last few years, the design and synthesis of new polymer gels have gained increasing attention. A polymer gel, also known as a hydrogel, is a three-dimensional and cross-linked network filled with water or other liquid solvents. Besides, the hydrogels supercritical drying method results in aerogels, and the freeze-drying method generates cryogels, where their porous and sponge-like structures are preserved. Additionally, antibacterial polymer gels are a new generation of polymers considered attractive due to their unique properties. The most recent studies and the latest innovations in polymer gels and hybrid polymers with intrinsic antibacterial properties were discussed in the present review. The reviewed studies from 2015 to April 2022 showed a tremendous revival in research about biopolymer hydrogel, aerogel, and cryogel as antibacterial agents.     

A novel approach for evaluation of polymeric interface materials for chemical sensors using alternate indirect methods

The heart of a chemical sensor based on bulk or surface acoustic wave devices is a polymer‐coated piezoelectric substrate that selectively sorbs and concentrates the target analyte vapors. The development of such sensors often necessitates the screening and evaluation of suitable polymeric interface materials meeting the specified sensitivity and selectivity toward the analytes of interest. The magnitude and dynamics of sorption–desorption of the vapors in the polymer and the extent of polymer–vapor interactions largely determine the performance of a sensor. The standard protocol used for the purpose is rather tedious, involving the generation and calibration of individual analyte vapors, with stringent control on temperature, humidity, and test parameters. This article outlines four different alternative techniques based on mass uptake of the analyte vapors, on its partitioning in polymers, or both, which in combination can determine the characteristics of an interface material used for coating a piezoelectric substrate in acoustic wave‐based chemical sensors. These methods were applied to poly(ethylene maleate), a representative interface material. The analytes ranged from volatile organic chemicals to sarin—a chemical warfare agent—and its simulant, dimethyl methylphosphonate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3428–3432, 2004     

Engineering molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) materials: Developments and challenges for sensing and separation technologies

Molecular imprinting, artificial receptors, plastic antibodies are terms associated with synthetic materials capable of chemical and biological sensing. Through the years, these sensors have advanced greatly not only in analytical chemistry; they have high utility for environmental, health, security, military, etc. monitoring and separations applications. New transduction methods and miniaturization have enabled in-situ and real-time sensing capabilities. On the other hand, they have high utility as matrices for chemical and biological separations. The challenge of employing molecularly imprinted polymers or MIPs as receptors lie in demonstrating high selectivity and sensitivity. Robustness and cost are also important considerations. Traditional methods of monolith polymerization employing free radical polymerization mechanisms have yielded good performance but lack the ability to demonstrate repeatable selectivity and sensitivity. Thin films have been deemed to be more useful in sensing applications, but may not offer the right throughput for separations applications. Engineering optimized materials require not only adapting to new chemistries but also knowing their structure-property relationships.     

Directed inorganic modification of bi-component polymer fibers by selective vapor reaction and atomic layer deposition

Nanocomposite organic/inorganic materials with spatially-controlled composition can be formed using vapor-phase atomic layer deposition (ALD) on bi-component polymer fibers. The ALD process promotes selective precursor infusion into the inner core of a core/shell polymer fiber, yielding nanoparticles encapsulated within the core. Likewise, choosing alternate precursors or reaction conditions yield particles or films on the outer polymer shell. In-situ infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy show that infusion yields selective dispersion of aluminum oxide in different polymer regions, forming fine nanoparticle dispersions or films. Selective inclusion of metal oxide materials during atomic layer deposition on polymers can create unique organic/inorganic composite structures for many advanced uses.