Abstract
This paper presents a continuous single-step route that permits preparation of a thermostable polymer/metal nanocomposite film and to combine different functional properties in a unique material. More precisely, palladium nanoparticles are in situ generated in a polyimide matrix thanks to a designed curing cycle which is applied to a polyamic acid/metal precursor solution cast on a glass plate. A metal-rich surface layer which is strongly bonded to the bulk film is formed in addition to homogeneously dispersed metal nanoparticles. This specific morphology leads to obtaining an optically reflective film. The metal nanoparticles act as gas diffusion barriers for helium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide; they induce a tortuosity effect which allows dividing the gas permeation coefficients by a factor near to 2 with respect to the neat polyimide matrix. Moreover, the ability of the in situ synthesized palladium nanoparticles to entrap hydrogen is evidenced. The nanocomposite film properties can be modulated as a function of the location of the film metal-rich surface with respect to the hydrogen feed. The synthesized nanocomposite could represent a major interest for a wide variety of applications, from specific coatings for aerospace or automotive industry, to catalysis applications or sensors.
Highlights
Palladium nanoparticles are in situ generated in a polyimide matrix thanks to a designed curing cycle which is applied to a polyamic acid/metal precursor solution cast on a glass plate
The combination of polymers with metal particles is of great interest for a large range of applications going from sensors to catalysis, barrier applications, antimicrobial applications, conductive materials, or reflective materials [1,2,3,4,5]
The formation of a silver surface layer has been obtained by a photochemical reaction performed on a soluNtainoonmatoerfialtsh20e16s, 6i,lv18e8r precursor deposited on the polymer substrate [10]
Summary
The combination of polymers with metal particles is of great interest for a large range of applications going from sensors to catalysis, barrier applications, antimicrobial applications, conductive materials, or reflective materials [1,2,3,4,5]. The lack of adhesion between the polymer substrates and the deposits as well as the differences in mechanical properties between polymers and inorganic coatings are considered to be the weak points of these multilayer materials They can be at the origin of dramatic problems especially for flexible samples such as thin films or for maintaining functional properties over time [7,8]. Several works reported in the literature have described alternative ways to obtain thin deposits made of silver on various polymer substrates In these works, silver salts have been used as precursors of silver nanoparticles and different routes have been developed to obtain the metal nanoparticles and the intended specific location of these nanoparticles [9,10,11,12].
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