Demulsification‐Induced Fast Solidification: A Novel Strategy for the Preparation of Polymer Films Based on Inorganic Salt Solutions and Organic Solvents

Abstract

AbstractThe development of a novel film fabrication strategy, named demulsification‐induced fast solidification (DIFS), for the rapid fabrication of large‐area polymer films is reported in this study. The polymer films are fabricated through dialysis and dipping processes using emulsions and a demulsifier based on the DIFS method. Furthermore, robust and flexible free‐standing films with controllable thicknesses and functionalities, such as tunable mechanical properties (elongation at break of 350–980% and ultimate tensile strength of 0.21–1.88 MPa); excellent optical properties (optical transmittance greater than 52.03% in the visible region, refractive index of 1.4888 ± 0.0001, and Abbe number of 52.1 ± 1.1); and luminescence properties, are rapidly and easily prepared by mechanical exfoliation based on the DIFS method. The results show that this academic concept and fabrication method will provide support for the design and preparation of functional polymer films that are highly desirable for optical, flexible device, and wearable material applications.