Fabrication of a distributed-feedback dye laser with a grating structure in its plastic waveguide

Two approaches of fabricating grating structures for waveguided plastic dye lasers are described and compared for lasing performance. Rhodamine6G-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film on a PMMA substrate was used for the waveguide, and a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser operation with a single-propagation mode was demonstrated. The performances of both types of permanent grating structured DFB dye laser were better than those of a DFB dye laser on a plain waveguide with a dynamic grating formed by the interference of two pump beams. Wide tuning range is expected by use of a multistripe DFB laser with different grating pitches.     

Polymer microfluidic chips with integrated waveguides for reading microarrays

A microfluidic chip with an integrated planar waveguide was fabricated in poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, using a single-step, double-sided hot-embossing approach. The waveguide was embedded in air on three sides, the solution being interrogated on the fourth. DNA probes were covalently attached to the waveguide surface by plasma activating the PMMA and the use of carbodiimide coupling chemistry. Successful hybridization events were read using evanescent excitation monitored by an imaging microscope, which offered high spatial resolution (2 microm) and a large field-of-view (20 mm diameter field-of-view), providing imaging of the entire array without scanning. The application of the microfluidic/waveguide assembly was demonstrated by detecting low abundant point mutations; insertion C mutations in BRCA1 genes associated with breast cancer were analyzed using a universal array coupled to an allele-specific ligation assay. DNA probes consisting of amine-terminated oligonucleotides were printed inside the microfluidic channel using a noncontact microspotter. Mutant and wild-type genomic DNAs of BRCA1 were PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplified, with the amplicons subjected to ligation detection reactions (LDRs). LDR solutions were allowed to flow over the microarray positioned on the polymer waveguide with successful ligation events discerned through fluorescence signatures present at certain locations of the array. The microfluidic/waveguide assembly could detect polymorphisms present at <1% of the total DNA content.     

Soft X-ray contact microscopy of polyethylene microstructures

A new technique of high resolution soft X-ray contact microscopy has been used to produce images of polyethylene microstructures. Both single crystals and spherulitic cast films have been imaged using this method which has previously been used in the examination of biological materials. A soft X-ray sensitive thin film of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used to record the image of the polyethylene specimens. The exposed PMMA was then developed in a solvent and the resultant topographic image was examined in an electron microscope. It was found that direct observation of the lightly coated PMMA surface in the scanning electron microscope resulted in significant loss of resolution due to radiation damage. A method of obtaining a transmission electron microscope replica specimen is described, and the images so obtained are presented.     

Micro-deformation mechanisms in thermoformed alumina trihydrate reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate)

Micro-deformation mechanisms involved in thermoforming of alumina trihydrate (ATH) reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was investigated in a new experimental method replicating industrial heavy-gage thermoforming procedure. Uniaxial tension tests under non-steady thermal conditions were carried out at different forming rates and forming temperatures. Stress–strain curves and load–displacement histories of thermoformed samples were studied in terms of specimen temperature at different forming conditions. Neat PMMA samples were stretched to 50% strain under identical thermoforming conditions as PMMA/ATH for comparison purposes. Stress whitening in thermoformed PMMA/ATH samples was monitored with optical microscope and degree of stress whitening was characterized by an index obtained from optical image histograms. Micro-deformation features on the surface of PMMA and PMMA/ATH samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Micro-deformation in neat PMMA was in the form of homogenous drawing and did not include any type of void formation. SEM images of PMMA/ATH samples showed that particle cracking is the dominant deformation mechanism at low-forming temperatures, while at high-forming temperatures, combined particle disintegration and interfacial failure are dominant mechanisms. Stress whitening was not observed in neat PMMA which was attributed to absence of micro-voids or craze-like structures. On the other hand, PMMA/ATH samples displayed different levels of stress whitening depending on density, size and type of micro-deformation features.     

HA改性短切碳纤维/PMMA生物复合材料力学性能的研究

采用原位合成与溶液共混的方法,制备了纳米羟基磷灰石(HA)-短切碳纤维（C_f）/聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)生物复合材料, 研究了HA对HA-C_f/PMMA复合材料的力学性能和微观结构的影响. 采用万能材料试验机测试了HA-C_f/PMMA复合材料的力学性能,用X射线衍射仪（XRD）、透射电镜（TEM）、场发射扫描电子显微镜（FESEM）和红外吸收光谱仪(FT-IR)分析测试手段对材料的组成结构及断面的微观形貌等进行了测试和表征. 结果表明,采用卵磷脂改性后的HA纳米片与PMMA基体的界面结合性能得到了有效改善,显著提高了复合材料的力学性能;随着HA含量的增加,HA-C_f/PMMA复合材料的弯曲强度、拉伸强度、压缩强度、弯曲模量和拉伸模量均呈先增大后减小的趋势. 当HA含量在8wt%时,复合材料的力学性能最佳.     

C60-PMMA复合膜的纳米结构研究

采用化学有机沉积法，在Si(100)、KBr压片及微栅衬底上分别制备了C60／PMMA重量比不同的C60－PMMA复合膜、红外光谱分析表明，C60分子已均匀地分布在C60－PMMA复合膜中，利用X射线衍射（XRD）谱和透射电子显微镜（TEM）研究了该复合膜的结构，结果显示原来均匀分布在PMMA中的C60分子经过扩散趋向于形成非晶或晶化的C60颗粒，经过退火，以面心立方结构单晶形式存在的C60颗粒的尺寸为30－100nm，且以规则的几何形体分散在PMMA连续相中，玻耳兹曼能量分布规律能够较好地解释，提高C60含量或退火温度，晶化C60颗粒尺寸增大的现象。     

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

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

C60-PMMA复合膜的纳米结构研究

采用化学有机沉积法,在Ｓｉ（１００）、ＫＢｒ压片及微栅衬底上分别制备了 Ｃ_６０／ＰＭＭＡ重量比不同的Ｃ_６０－ＰＭＭＡ复合膜．红外光谱分析表明,Ｃ_６０分子已均匀地分布在Ｃ_６０－ＰＭＭＡ复合膜中．利用Ｘ射线衍射（ＸＲＤ）谱和透射电子显微镜（ＴＥＭ）研究了该复合膜的结构,结果显示原来均匀分布在ＰＭＭＡ中的Ｃ_６０分子经过扩散趋向于形成非晶或晶化的Ｃ_６０颗粒．经过退火,以面心立方结构单晶形式存在的Ｃ_６０颗粒的尺寸为３０～１００ｎｍ,且以规则的几何形体分散在ＰＭＭＡ连续相中．玻耳兹曼能量分布规律能够较好地解释,提高Ｃ_６０含量或退火温度,晶化Ｃ_６０颗粒尺寸增大的现象．     

乳液插层法制备PMMA/Nd(OH)3/MMT三相纳米复合材料及表征

利用表面活性剂乳液自组装产生模板,以甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)为油相,稀土离子水溶液为水相,混合形成稀土纳米粒子的反胶束微乳液,使稀土粒子均匀分散于油相中,形成热力学稳定的乳液体系,将该乳液插层于有机蒙脱土(O-MMT)的片层间,加入引发剂单体直接进行原位聚合,即制备得产物.通过红外光谱(IR)、扫描电镜(SEM)、透射电镜(TEM)、X射线衍射(XRD)和差热-热重(TG-DTA)对该复合材料进表征和分析.研究结果表明,利用乳液法制备出热稳定性良好的新型PMMA/Nd(OH)3/ MMT三相纳米复合材料.     

嵌段共聚物增容共混聚合物的相形貌及胶束迁移行为研究

主要研究了对称性的聚苯乙烯-聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯嵌段共聚物(PS-b-PMMA,简称SM)对聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯/聚甲基丙烯酸环己酯(PMMA/PCHMA)熔融共混体系的增容。采用透射电子显微镜(TEM)表征了SM和PMMA分子量对共混体系微观相形态和胶束迁移行为的影响。研究表明,SM分别在PMMA与PCHMA均聚物中形成不同结构的胶束,当SM在PMMA/PCHMA界面上形成"湿刷"时,SM在PCHMA相中形成的胶束才能迁移到PMMA相中。SM的加入改善了PMMA与PCHMA之间的相容性,但其增容效果取决于SM的分子量。随着分散相PMMA分子量从19kg/mol增加到39kg/mol,PMMA粒子的平均粒径逐渐增加。     

One-dimensional optical materials of microfibers by electrospinning

Optical microfibers of PMMA were fabricated by electrospinning. The fibers with the diameter ranging from 300 nm to 1000 nm were obtained by electrospinning the solutions such as PMMA/DMF, PMMA/DMF/formic acid and PMMA/formic acid. The morphology and the diameter of the fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the sidewalls of the fibers were smooth and the diameters were uniform. The light with the wavelength of 488 nm, 532 nm and 650 nm could be launched into the fibers and guide along them. The simulation and experimental results showed that the fibers exhibited excellent optical properties. This method provided an effective and convenient way to fabricate highly uniform micro/nano scale optical waveguide neither using expensive equipments nor involving complex procedures.     

Transparent poly(methyl methacrylate)/ZnO nanocomposites based on KH570 surface modified ZnO quantum dots

Transparent luminescent ZnO embedded PMMA polymer has been synthesized by means of grafting poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) onto the surface of ZnO QDs after g-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) modification. The resulting ZnO/PMMA nanocomposites with KH570-modified nanoparticles have better dispersibility and preserve the superior luminescence of ZnO nanoparticles in the nanocomposites. The obtained PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films show high transparency, high UV-shielding efficiency and improved thermal stability. The obtained nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy.     

超细玻璃纤维改性PMMA骨水泥力学性能研究

为了提高PMMA骨水泥的机械力学强度,用超细玻璃纤维对其进行改性.采用扫描电子显微镜等手段研究了超细玻璃纤维的含量以及处理方式对骨水泥拉伸强度和冲击韧性等力学性能的影响.研究表明,玻璃纤维含量(质量分数)为10%左右时材料的抗冲及抗拉性能好,同时此含量时材料的弹性模量低.用硅烷偶联剂偶联过的玻璃纤维其改性效果要优于没有偶联过的,球磨混合玻璃纤维与PMMA粉料比手工混合玻璃纤维在PMMA基体中的分散性要好,其力学性能也较手工混合的要好.     

纳米多孔光波导漏模共振传感器的折射率灵敏度分析(英文)

在玻璃基片上射频溅射50 nm厚的金膜,然后利用TiO2胶体溶液在金膜表面制备了厚度约为320 nm的TiO2纳米多孔薄膜.以此双层膜为漏模光波导芯片,构建了基于Kretschmann结构的波长调制型光波导漏模共振(LMR)传感器.利用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)观测了TiO2纳米多孔薄膜的表面和横截面形貌.实验研究了在纳米多孔光波导中给定漏模的共振波长及折射率灵敏度与入射角的依赖关系.结果表明,随着入射角的增大,共振波长逐渐蓝移,折射率灵敏度随之下降.此外,与传统的表面等离子体共振(SPR)传感器进行了对比,结果表明在相同的共振波长下,纳米多孔光波导LMR传感器折射率灵敏度大于SPR传感器.     

Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted titanate nanotubes by in situ atom transfer radical polymerization

This paper reports the successful preparation of core-shell hybrid nanocomposites by a 'grafting from' approach based on in?situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from titanate nanotubes (TNTs). Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images of the products provide direct evidence for the formation of a core-shell structure, possessing a hard core of TNTs and a soft shell of poly-MMA (PMMA). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to determine the chemical structure, morphology, and the grafted PMMA quantities of the resulting products. The grafted PMMA content was well controlled and increased with increasing monomer/initiator ratio. Further copolymerization of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with PMMA-coated TNTs as initiators was realized, illustrating the 'living' characteristics of the ATRP method used in this paper.     

Mechanical and three-body abrasive wear behaviour of PMMA/TPU blends

The blends of poly(methyl methacrlate) (PMMA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were prepared by a Brabender co-twin screw extruder. The mechanical and three-body abrasive wear behaviour of PMMA/TPU blends has been studied. Three-body abrasive wear tests were conducted using rubber wheel abrasion tester (RWAT) under different abrading distances at 200 rpm and 22 N load. A significant reduction in tensile strength and tensile modulus with an increase in TPU content in the blend formulation was observed. Three-body abrasive wear results indicate that the wear volume increases with increase in abrading distance for all the samples studied. However, neat PMMA showed better wear resistance as compared to PMMA/TPU blends. The worn surface features, as examined through scanning electron microscope (SEM), show matrix cracking and deep furrows in PMMA/TPU blends.     

Study of the sensitivity of the acoustic waveguide sensor

The sensitivity of the acoustic waveguide sensor to mass deposition in the presence of liquid was optimized as a function of the over-layer thickness. The waveguide geometry consisted of a 0.2-2.2-microm poly(methyl)methacrylate (PMMA) over-layer deposited on the surface of a shear acoustic wave device and supported a Love wave. The response of each polymer-coated waveguide was initially assessed by monitoring the frequency and insertion loss of the device in the presence of air. Sensitivity to viscous and mass loading was studied by recording the amplitude and phase of the wave during the application of water and of a supported lipid bilayer, respectively, on the device surface. Supported bilayers are a versatile system for mass calibration in the presence of liquid because they can be formed spontaneously on a hydrophilic surface, resulting in a layer of reproducible mass density. Results clearly showed that the response of both amplitude and phase depends on the over-layer thickness and increases with the thickness of the polymer layer. Phase was generally found to be more sensitive than amplitude to both viscous water and mass loading. The maximum sensitivity to vesicles deposition was measured at 250 cm2 g(-1) and was detected when 1.3 microm of PMMA was used as a waveguide layer. Results showed that the sensitivity of the acoustic wave sensor can be improved by simply increasing the thickness of the PMMA and that supported phospholipid layers can form an ideal system for both mass calibration and interfacial modification.     

PMMA/CaCO3纳米复合材料的制备与性能

用硅烷偶联剂KH-570对纳米CaCO3表面进行改性处理,采用原位聚合法制备了聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)/CaCO3纳米复合材料,用溶解实验、扫描电镜(SEM)、红外光谱(FT-IR)等方法对纳米CaCO3粒子和PMMA基体之间的界面相容性进行了表征,考察了复合材料的力学性能.结果表明,纳米CaCO3在基体中可能起到...     

Monochromatization of characteristic X-rays using stepped X-ray waveguide

Depending on the X-ray energy, the structure of an X-ray waveguide needs to be varied for greater efficiency. Therefore, a Si/PMMA(polymethyl methacrylate)/Si thin-film structure, whose top Si layer was steplike, was designed as a planar X-ray waveguide on the basis of calculations, and it was fabricated by spin-coating and sputtering. By irradiating white X-rays on two selected areas of a stepped waveguide, the top-layer thicknesses of which were different, W Lβ and Mo Kα lines were effectively guided and monochromatized.     

Characterization of antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide devices by scanning near-field optical microscopy

Silicon-based antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) devices were studied by means of a scanning near-field optical microscope. Various structures such as a Y junction of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and a directional optical coupler were characterized, showing the propagation of the light inside the devices simultaneously with the topography. Scattering on the splitting point of the Y junction was shown, as well as a partial coupling of the light between the two branches of the coupler. Measurements on the decay length of the evanescent field were also performed to study the use of the ARROW waveguide for sensor purposes.