Bilayer Films Research Articles

Improved Energy Storage Performance of Composite Films Based on Linear/Ferroelectric Polarization Characteristics.

The development and integration of high-performance electronic devices are critical in advancing energy storage with dielectric capacitors. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) (PVTC), as an energy storage polymer, exhibits high-intensity polarization in low electric strength fields. However, a hysteresis effect can result in significant residual polarization, leading to a severe energy loss, which impacts the resultant energy storage density and charge/discharge efficiency. In order to modify the polarization properties of the polymer, a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film with linear characteristics has been selected as an insulating layer and combined with the PVTC ferroelectric polarization layer to construct PVTC/BOPP bilayer films. The hetero-structure and polarization characteristics of the bilayer film have been systematically studied. Adjusting the BOPP volume content to 67% resulted in a discharge energy density of 10.1 J/cm3 and an energy storage efficiency of 80.9%. The results of this study have established the mechanism for a composite structure regulation of macroscopic energy storage performance. These findings can provide a basis for the effective application of ferroelectric polymer-based composites in dielectric energy storage.

Large unidirectional magnetoresistance from the dual functionality of copper oxide in naturally oxidized light-metal Al/Cu bilayer films

Large unidirectional magnetoresistance from the dual functionality of copper oxide in naturally oxidized light-metal Al/Cu bilayer films

Enhanced Functional Properties for Packaging Applications Using Sodium Alginate/Starch Bilayer and Multilayer Films

Enhanced Functional Properties for Packaging Applications Using Sodium Alginate/Starch Bilayer and Multilayer Films

Multi-level phase-change behaviors of Ge2Sb2Te5/Sb7Se3 bilayer films and a design rule of multi-level phase-change films

Multi-level phase-change (MLPC) memory can not only further raise the storage density of high-density phase-change memory, but also have significant applications in neuromorphic computing. However, acquisitions of MLPC materials are very challenging. MLPC is only observed in a small number of phase-change materials and can’t be designed determinately because the mechanism of MLPC emergence has been understood incompletely. Here, we investigate phase-change behaviors of six Ge2Sb2Te5(x nm)/Sb7Se3 (60-x nm) bilayer films with x = 5, 10, 15, 20, 35, and 50. Three-level phase-change memory is observed for five bilayer films with x < 50, but not for one with x = 50, revealing the dependence of MLPC memory on the thickness ratio of two constituent layers composing bilayer films. A parallel resistance model is proposed to describe the measured sheet resistance of bilayer films and can be used to explain the thickness-ratio dependence of three-level phase-change memory very well. Subsequently, a design rule for MLPC memory films is given out unambiguously. Based on the parallel resistance model, MLPC memories are simulated for bilayer and trilayer films. Three-level memory indeed appears in bilayer films only when the design rule is met, confirming the validity of our design rule. Four-level memory is predicted in trilayer films as the design rule is obeyed.

Flaxseed Mucilage/Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Sodium Alginate/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Bilayer Film as a Promising Drug Carrier for Periodontal Treatment.

The present study focused on the formulation of mucoadhesive bilayer composite films for the treatment of periodontitis and evaluation of their physicochemical properties. The solvent casting technique was used to prepare films. The primary layer (D) was prepared with flaxseed and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose composite to sustain the release of doxycycline hyclate. The second layer (S) comprised sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol composite for faster release of clove oil. Both layers were combined to generate the bilayer film (B). All formulations were characterized further to obtain an optimized formulation. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared radiation results showed intactness of drug and clove oil in the presence of excipients. The pH of the films was compatible with the periodontal cavity and the thickness was suitable for inserting into the cavity. The immediate release layer showed faster disintegration and swelling. The content of clove oil was above 80%. The rate of swelling of the primary layer was slow and drug content complied with the United States Pharmacopoeia. Scanning electron microscope analysis revealed intact, non-porous and smooth films. Films exhibited better mechanical strength and bioadhesiveness. Clove oil was released from the immediate release layer within 10 min, and doxycycline hyclate release was retarded to a minimum of up to 8 h in the primary layer as well as the bilayer. Formulation also had a significant effect on both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In the current study, bilayers were successfully prepared and characterized. The optimized formulation can be effectively used for the treatment of periodontitis.

Study on field emission performance of SrTiO3 film enhanced by LiF film

A series of monolayer SrTiO3 films and LiF/SrTiO3 bilayer films were prepared on n-Si substrates by using vacuum electron beam vapor deposition (EBVD) technology. The morphologies and thicknesses of the SrTiO3 film and LiF film were controlled through adjustments and optimization of the growth conditions as well as deposition time. The experimental results show that the field emission performance of SrTiO3 film is significantly improved after LiF film is added. Under the research conditions in our laboratory, a large number of LiF/SrTiO3 bilayer film field emission devices have been tested and analyzed in the wide range of LiF film thickness (10–300 nm), and the effective field emission LiF film thickness (50–90 nm) was initially determined. Further study shows that the LiF/SrTiO3 bilayer film has the best field emission performance when the optimal LiF film thickness is 70 nm, and its maximum field emission current density can reach 305.48 μA/cm2. The field emission current density of the LiF/SrTiO3 bilayer thin film device is nearly 4 times compared to that of the monolayer SrTiO3 film when the applied electric field intensity reaches 9.05 V/μm. All the field emission devices exhibit excellent functioning stability and experimental reproducibility.

Effects of thickness ratio on phase structures, mechanical properties, and wear behaviors of CrN/ZrB2 bilayer films

CrN/ZrB2 bilayer films leveraging the wear resistance of CrN and the mechanical properties of ZrB2 were successfully produced and characterized. DC magnetron sputtering was used to deposit CrN/ZrB2 bilayer films with a thickness of approximately 1 μm and various ZrB2/CrN sublayer thickness ratios (TZrB2/TCrN = 10.85, 5.78, 4.50, 2.29, and 1.04). The thickness ratio was controlled by adjusting the deposition times of the individual sublayers. The effects of thickness ratio on the films' phase structures, mechanical properties, and wear resistance were investigated. The ZrB2 sublayer initially formed with a nanocrystalline structure; as its thickness increased, its texture became (001). As the thickness of the CrN sublayer increased, the CrN (111) reflection became more dominant, and the hardness of the CrN/ZrB2 bilayer films decreased from 19.8 to 11.6 GPa. In the CrN/ZrB2 bilayer films, the CrN sublayer was softer than the harder ZrB2 sublayer; specifically, the wear rate of the monolithic ZrB2 film was 6.45 × 10−5 mm3/N·m. This hardness enabled the bilayer films to exhibit excellent wear resistance with wear rates of 1.04–1.68 × 10−6 mm3/N·m. The wear behaviors of the CrN/ZrB2 bilayer films were classified into two tribological mechanisms in accordance with wear track observations. For the samples with high TZrB2/TCrN ratios, the shear mechanism dominated the wear behavior and resulted in the formation of a transfer layer on the worn surface. By contrast, the samples with low TZrB2/TCrN ratios had a ploughing mechanism in which a deformed track was generated on the surface.

Texturing to Dramatically Increase Thermal Deformation of Bilayer Film and Application to Actuator

The effect of adding texture to increase the deformation of a bilayer actuator by a factor of over 100 was demonstrated. A bilayer actuator is driven by the difference in thermal deformation. Therefore, two films or plates with a large difference in thermal expansion coefficient are required. The newly developed textured film actuator (TFA) obtained large deformation even in a case involving a combination of two films with a small difference in thermal expansion coefficient. The TFA was fabricated by transferring the texture when laminating two PI films with different coefficients of thermal expansion. A TFA with thin‐film electrodes was heated by applying electric power. Thereby, it unfolded from a curled state. The maximum generated force and curvature of the TFA were 7.4 mN and 0.19 mm−1, respectively, at 0.38 W. The manufacturing process for the TFA is simple and convenient, as it does not require adhesives or special materials. In thermal drive bilayer actuator fabrication, the range of material selection is expanded substantially. In addition, large deformations are generated with less energy. Therefore, the energy consumption is likely to be reduced. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Revalorization of Yerba Mate Residues: Biopolymers-Based Films of Dual Wettability as Potential Mulching Materials.

Biodegradable mulching films are a very attractive solution to agronomical practices intended to achieve more successful crop results. And, in this context, the employment of agricultural and industrial food residues as starting material for their production is an alternative with economic and environmental advantages. This work reports the preparation of bilayer films having two different wettability characteristics from three bio-derived biopolymers: TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers isolated from infused Yerba Mate residues, Chitosan and Polylactic acid. The infused Yerba Mate residues, the isolated and oxidized cellulose nanofibers, and the films were characterized. Nanofibrillation yield, optical transmittance, cationic demand, carboxyl content, intrinsic viscosity, degree of polymerization, specific surface area and length were studied for the (ligno)cellulose nanofibers. Textural and chemical analysis, thermal and mechanical properties studies, as well as water and light interactions were included in the characterization of the films. The bilayer films are promising materials to be used as mulching films.

Dry synthesis of bi-layer nanoporous metal films as plasmonic metamaterial

Abstract Nanoporous metals are a class of nanostructured materials finding extensive applications in multiple fields thanks to their unique properties attributed to their high surface area and interconnected nanoscale ligaments. They can be prepared following different strategies, but the deposition of an arbitrary pure porous metal is still challenging. Recently, a dry synthesis of nanoporous films based on the plasma treatment of metal thin layers deposited by physical vapour deposition has been demonstrated, as a general route to form pure nanoporous films from a large set of metals. An interesting aspect related to this approach is the possibility to apply the same methodology to deposit the porous films as a multilayer. In this way, it is possible to explore the properties of different porous metals in close contact. As demonstrated in this paper, interesting plasmonic properties emerge in a nanoporous Au–Ag bi-layer. The versatility of the method coupled with the possibility to include many different metals, provides an opportunity to tailor their optical resonances and to exploit the chemical and mechanical properties of components, which is of great interest to applications ranging from sensing, to photochemistry and photocatalysis.

Storage stability of Asian seabass oil-in-water Pickering emulsion packed in pouches made from electrospun and solvent casted bilayer films from poly lactic acid/chitosan-gelatin blend containing epigallocatechin gallate

Bilayer pouches were fabricated with chitosan (CS)-fish gelatin (FG) mixture containing epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) deposited over the poly lactic acid (PLA) film through solvent casting and electrospinning techniques. Pickering emulsions (PE) of Asian seabass depot fat oil stabilized by zein colloidal particles were packed in bilayer pouches and stored at 28 ± 2 °C. The PE packed in pouch containing EGCG had higher emulsion and oxidative stability after 30 days of storage as witnessed by the smaller droplet size and lower values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, peroxide, conjugated diene and volatile compounds in comparison with control (PE packed in monolayer PLA pouch) (P < 0.05). EGCG incorporated pouch retained more linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and linolenic acid (C18:3 n-9) in emulsion than PLA pouch. Therefore, pouch from bilayer PLA/CS-FG films comprising EGCG could serve as active packaging and extended the shelf life of Pickering emulsion.

Tailoring Pectin-PLA Bilayer Film for Optimal Properties as a Food Pouch Material.

This study focuses on developing a biodegradable film using a novel hybrid citrus peel pectin. A bilayer approach with PLA was proposed and optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to complement pectin films' mechanical and barrier property limitations. The optimized film composition (2.90 g PLA and 1.96 g pectin) showed enhanced mechanical strength with a tensile strength (TS) of 7.04 MPa and an elongation at break (EAB) of 462.63%. In addition, it demonstrated lower water vapor (1.45 × 10-10 g/msPa), oxygen (2.79 × 10-7 g/ms) permeability, and solubility (23.53%). Compared to single-layer pectin films, the optimized bilayer film had a 25% increased thickness, significantly improved water barrier (3806 times lower) and oxygen barrier (3.68 times lower) properties, and 22.38 times higher stretchability, attributed to hydrogen bond formation, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. The bilayer film, effectively protected against UV and visible light, could be a barrier against light-induced lipid oxidation. Moreover, it demonstrated superior seal efficiency, ensuring secure sealing in practical applications. The bilayer pouch containing mustard dressing exhibited stable sealing with no leakage after immersion in hot water and ethanol, making it suitable for secure food pouch packaging.

Development of CO2-sensitive antimicrobial bilayer films based on gellan gum and sodium alginate/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and its application in strawberries

To effectively extend the shelf life of fruits meanwhile facilitating consumers to judge their freshness, in this work, a double-layer multifunctional film combining CO2 sensitivity and antibacterial properties was successfully prepared by adding methyl red (MR), bromothymol blue (BTB) into gellan gum (GG) as the sensing inner layer, and doping tannic acid (TA) into sodium alginate with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as the antimicrobial outer layer, which was applied to the freshness indication of strawberries. Microscopic morphology and spectral analysis demonstrated that the bi-layer films were fabricated successfully. The mechanical characteristics, thermal stability, water vapor resistance, and antibacterial capabilities of the bilayer films improved as TA concentration rose. They exhibited noticeable color changes at pH = 2–10 and different concentrations of CO2. Application of the prepared films to strawberries revealed that the GG-MB@SC-6%TA film performed most favorably under 4 °C storage conditions, not only monitoring strawberry freshness but also retaining high soluble solids and titratable acidity, resulting in a slight decrease in hardness and weight loss. Therefore, taking into account all of the physical-functional characteristics, the GG-MB@6%TA film has a broad application prospect for intelligent food packaging.

Irradiation of Mo–Cu Superconducting Bilayer Films with MeV Protons

Irradiation of Mo–Cu Superconducting Bilayer Films with MeV Protons

Bi-path color tunable plasmonic micro-nano hybrid structures for encrypted printing.

Colored information is crucial for humans to perceive the world. Plasmonic spectra modulation can serve as an effective means to create different colors. Although several solutions for plasmonic color-printing have been proposed, further information encryption has not received any attention. Herein, we exhibit a fine color modulation strategy to construct noble-metal-based micro-nano hybrid structures in the bi-path of photo-thermal deformation and liquid-phase-chemical reaction. Ag/Ta2O5 bi-layer films are ablated at the center of the machined lines of nanosecond pulsed laser, while silver nanoparticles are formed in other regions by thermal radiation of the infrared laser, which can be further dissolved and shape-modulated in KCl solution under different periods. The variation of size and spacing of nano-Ag particles results in a precise shift of plasmonic spectra in visible region. Colored information can be hidden by adjusting the scan number and the energy density during laser processing, and will emerge after the subsequent chemical dissolution reactions. The bi-path color adjustment strategy is easy to operate and can play a role in key information protection and color image switching.

Effect of TiN thin films deposited by oblique angle sputter deposition on sol-gel coated TiO2 layers for photocatalytic applications

TiO2 monolayer and TiN/TiO2 bilayer coatings were deposited on soda-lime glass prepared by mixing two techniques, TiO2 was deposited by sol-gel dip-coating and TiN film was deposited by oblique angle deposition using reactive magnetron sputtering at α=45° Structural analysis showed typical peaks of TiO2 anatase phase and cubic (Na-Cl type) structure of TiN. Roughness value of 3 nm was obtained for the TiN/TiO2 bilayer film with a rise and elongated grains size. It was found that the optical band gap energy decreases after coupling the TiN sub-layer which is explained by the incorporation of N atoms into TiO2 structure. At constant UV irradiation time, the photo-degradation of methylene blue rate increased for TiN/TiO2 film by 4 % compared to TiO2 film.

Aligned and unaligned single-walled carbon nanotube bilayer films for uncooled infrared sensors

Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film fabrication using the dip-coating method has successfully produced a unique film with two layers of different morphologies, an upper layer of aligned SWCNT film and a lower layer of non-aligned SWCNT network film. In the upper layer, SWCNTs form SWCNT bundles of several SWCNT thicknesses, and the bundles form thin aligned SWCNT films of 2–7 nm in thickness with parallel and equally spaced bundles of SWCNTs. When a bolometer device with this bilayer film was fabricated on electrodes, the upper aligned SWCNT film was the main conductive path with a low resistivity of about 0.2 Ωcm around room temperature. The alignment film also achieved a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) of more than −5%/K due to its thin thickness, which is hardly affected by the slight metallic SWCNT presence. These excellent properties of a high TCR and low resistance are advantageous for the development of innovative sensor elements.

An Inhibitor-Loaded LDH- and MOF-Based Bilayer Hybrid System for Active Corrosion Protection of Aluminum Alloys.

A novel inhibitor-loaded bilayer hybrid system based on the LDH inner layer and MOF outer layer is designed on an aluminum alloy 2A12 surface to improve corrosion performance. The hybrid film system covers the inherent cavities and intercrystalline defects of the LDH film using the affinity between the LDH and the MOF compounds. The results demonstrate that the LDH-inhI precursor film is entirely covered by new Zn-based MOF microrods. The LDH-inhI precursor film is partially dissolved and recrystallized in favor of MOF crystal growth to strengthen the binding adhesion between LDH and MOF films. The LDH-inhI/MOF-inhII bilayer film shows significantly enhanced corrosion resistance through the synergistic action of LDH and MOF nanocontainers doped with different corrosion inhibitors (vanadates, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, and benzotriazoles). Due to the multiple loadings of the MOF film and the sustained-release of the LDH film, this method provides an effective approach to developing new anticorrosion systems and enhancing both the barrier ability and active corrosion protection performance of LDH-based conversion treatments.

Optical band structure with enhanced plasmonic effect of SiO2/rGO bilayer deposited by spray pyrolysis

Reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been extensively studied as an alternative plasmonic material which offers activity at broad wavelength region. A bilayer film combining SiO2 and rGO was successfully deposited on a glass substrate by spray pyrolysis. For a comparative review, the rGO from commercial product (rGO-com) and from our samples (rGO-csc) derived from biomass (coconut shell) are used in this study. X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize these materials. The existence of plasmonic state was clarified by investigating the real component of the dielectric function and by applying the base layer correction of optical conductivity, derived from UV–Vis spectra at wavelength of 300–1000 nm. The real part of the dielectric constant was approximately −20 and −10 for SiO2/rGO-csc and SiO2/rGO-com films respectively. Meanwhile, the optical conductivity for both samples has confirmed a peak of around ∼3.5 eV, indicating the presence of correlated plasmon. Broadly speaking, the rGO can be employed to generate the plasmon effect in term of either conventional or correlated plasmons. This result also offers the groundwork for the development of potentially far-reaching discipline of graphene plasmonics, where the usage of biomass-derived rGO-like compounds leading to increasing optical characteristics is interestingly superior to that of the commercial rGO.

Development and Application of Bioactive Bi-Layer Edible Films Based on Starch and LAB-Fermented Whey and/or Mango Solution

This study aimed to develop bioactive bi-layer edible films based on starch (primary layer) and LAB-fermented whey and/or mango pulp powder solutions (secondary layer). Bioactive bi-layer edible films were evaluated for their physical properties, mechanical properties, antioxidant capacity, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus availability for 28 days (4 and 20 °C). Selected bioactive bi-layer edible film was applied to sushi to evaluate its sensory acceptance. The results indicated that bi-layer edible films based on LAB-fermented whey/mango solutions presented a higher quantity of phenolic compounds (95.87–107.67 mg GAE/100 g) and higher antioxidant capacity (74.84–77.64%). In addition, the higher viability (106–107 CFU/g) of L. rhamnosus after edible film production was obtained in those formulated with whey. After the storage period, the antioxidant capacity of all edible films was significantly affected by the storage time, while edible films containing whey in their formulation and stored at 4 °C had a L. rhamnosus count higher than 6 log cycles, which is the minimum required threshold to exert its beneficial effects in humans. The sushi covered with the selected bi-layer edible film was well accepted by the consumers, showing acceptance values between “I like it” and “I like it much”. Therefore, the developed bi-layer edible films can serve as an alternative for adding health-promoting compounds to sushi with an adequate sensory acceptance of the consumers.