Composite Films Research Articles

Antimicrobial Properties of Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Starch/N'N Methylenebisacrylamide Membranes Endowed by Ultrasound and Their Potential Application in Antimicrobial Packaging.

Cellulose is used widely in antimicrobial packaging due to its abundance in nature, biodegradability, renewability, non-toxicity, and low cost. However, how efficiently and rapidly it imparts high antimicrobial activity to cellulose-based packaging materials remains a challenge. In this work, Ag NPs were deposited on the surface of carboxymethyl cellulose/starch/N'N Methylenebisacrylamide film using ultrasonic radiation. Morphology and structure analysis of as-prepared films were conducted, and the antibacterial effects under different ultrasonic times and reductant contents were investigated. These results showed that Ag NPs were distributed uniformly on the film surface under an ultrasonic time of 45 min. The size of Ag NPs changes as the reducing agent content decreases. The composite film demonstrated a slightly better antibacterial effect against E. coli than against S. aureus. Therefore, this work can provide valuable insights for the research on antimicrobial packaging.

PH‐responsivity and photoconductivity for the organic mixed ionic electronic conductor of PANI/PSS composite films

AbstractThe influence of ionic‐electronic coupling on the electrical conductivity and the photoconductivity of organic mixed ionic electronic conductor (OMIECs) of polyaniline/poly (4‐styrene sulfonic acid) (PANI/PSS) composite films. PANI/PSS composite films are connected by blending the carbon atoms within the aromatic ring in PANI with sulfonate groups in PSS. The electrical conductivity of PANI/PSS composite film increases from to as the pH value increases from 3 to 9. The electrical conductivity of PANI/PSS composite films for all pH values increases continuously as the temperature increases. Additionally, the PANI/PSS composite films exhibit photo responses at UV light since the band structure can absorb the light in this region. The photoconductivity curves of PANI/PSS composite films for different pH values exhibit good consistency and repeatability. Modeling raising photoconductivity and decaying conductivity after light off leads us to understand the underlying physics of the ionic‐electronic coupling and other parameters on the photoconductivity of OMIECs, consequently building OMIEC devices for different photoconductivity applications.

Adjustable effective electromechanical coupling of Lamb wave resonator using AlN/Sc0.096Al0.904N composite films

Abstract With the rapid development of fifth-generation communication technology, there are more and more 5G frequency bands and their bandwidths are different. Therefore, many researchers devote themselves to the study of resonators with adjustable electromechanical coupling coefficient. In this paper, we apply composite films to the Lamb wave resonator with a double-IDT configuration to achieve adjustable effective electromechanical coupling coefficient (Keff2) of the first symmetric mode. The experimental results show that the Keff2 is adjusted from 3.82% to 6.32% and the Δf is adjusted from 41MHz to 63MHz by using the AlN/Sc0.096Al0.904N composite films with different thickness ratios. This method may be an efficient way to adjust the bandwidth of the filter to meet the needs of different frequency bands.

Second harmonic generation in structures with inhomogeneous magnetization distribution

The study of the interaction of laser radiation with ferromagnetic materials is not only an inexhaustible source of new effects, but also provides an opportunity to study magnetic media at the micro- and macroscale. This is especially important for the development of modern technologies to produce structures with fundamentally new magnetic and optical properties that can’t be observed in natural materials. The review presents the results of studies of nonlinear optical effects in ferromagnetic nano- and microstructures, as well as films of different compositions. The unique capabilities of nonlinear-optical diagnostics of anisotropic, vortex, exchange-biased magnetic structures, visualization of the micromagnetic structure of the surface layers of ferrite garnets, based both on the high sensitivity of the optical second harmonic generation method to the magnetic state of nanostructures and interfaces, and on the symmetry properties of high-order magnetizationinduced susceptibility tensor have been demonstrated.

Enhancement of Upconversion Luminescence through Three-Dimensional Design of Plasma Ti3O5-Coupled Structural Domain-Limiting Effects.

Upconversion luminescence plays a crucial role in various technological applications, and among the various valence states of lanthanide elements, Ln3+ has the highest stability. The 4f orbitals of these elements are in a fully empty, semifull, or full state. This special 4f electron configuration allows them to exhibit rich discrete energy levels. However, the 4f-4f transition of Ln3+ rare earth ions itself is prohibited, resulting in a lower luminescence efficiency. This limitation greatly hinders the practical application of upconversion luminescence. In this study, we report nanostructured luminescence-enhanced substrate platforms with both semiconductive local surface plasmons and spatially confined domain effects on a single defect semiconductor substrate. By coupling NaYF4:Yb-Er nanoparticle emitters to the surface of Ti3O5 NC-arrays plasmonic nanostructures, an ultrabright luminescence with a 32-fold increase in green emission and a 40-fold increase in red emission was achieved. Furthermore, the fluorescence resonance energy transfer characteristics observed in the R6G/NaYF4/Ti3O5 NC-array composite film enable accurate detection of fluorescent molecules. The results provide an innovative and intelligent approach to enhance the upconversion luminescence intensity of rare-doped nanoparticles and develop highly sensitive molecular detection systems based on the above luminescence enhancement.

3D printed curcumin-based composite film for monitoring fish freshness

Curcumin/oregano oil Pickering emulsion (COPE) stabilized by pumpkin seed protein/pectin complex was prepared. COPE has excellent stability in 50 d storage period. Using COPE/ potato starch (PS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based gel as ink, pH-sensitive indicator film was developed by 3D printing technology. The morphology, mechanical strength, water resistance, oxidation resistance and bacteriostasis of different COPE/PS/PVA films were discussed. The nozzle size had a significant impact on the thickness of 3D printed PS/PVA membranes, with the average thickness of the membranes produced using 0.26 and 0.41 mm nozzles being about 0.12 and 0.18 mm, respectively. COPE can obviously improve the antioxidant and antibacterial performance of PS/PVA membranes. The membrane containing 5%, 7% and 10% COPE had a scavenging rate of ABTS free radicals of over 90% and an inhibitory rate of over 10% on S. aureus and E. coli. The prepared 3D printed two-color label realized the color change process of 4D printing under the stimulation of moisture and TVBN during storage of grass carp. In a word, 3D printing has great potential in online production of food indication labels with different shapes, sizes and functional characteristics, and is suitable for the manufacture of smart food packaging.

Effect of Keratin Waste on Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Films: Structural Characterization, Thermal Properties, and Keratinocytes Viability and Proliferation Studies

Keratin extracted (KE) from chicken feathers was used for the production of composite films comprising poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and keratin (PCL/KE films). The process involved the extraction of keratin from chicken feathers using a 0.1 M NaOH solution, followed by characterization via sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The PCL was synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ԑ-CL) with Sn(Oct)2 as a catalyst. Films were prepared via solvent casting, including pure PCL films and those enriched with different weight percentages of KE (10%, 15%, 25%, and 30%). The films were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM analysis revealed a more uniform incorporation of KE within the PCL matrix in the case of the 15% keratin-enriched film (PCL/KE15) as compared to other keratin percentages. The thermal analysis showed a positive influence of keratin on the thermal stability of the films. Keratinocytes viability and proliferation tests on the PCL/KE15 film demonstrated compatibility with cells. Collectively, these results hold relevance for potential biomedical applications of PCL/KE films.

Enhanced chalcopyrite leaching by mechanical activation: New insights from microstructure

Bioleaching is an effective technique for treating low-grade copper sulfide ore, but low leaching rate limit its industrial application of chalcopyrite bioleaching. Many passivation film compositions have been hypothesized to explain the difficulty of chalcopyrite leaching, but the essential reason remain unclear. Mechanical activation can not only reduce the solid particle size, but also result in lattice defects and induce redox reactions, and even affect the electronic structure of the solid. Therefore, the mechanical activation enhanced chalcopyrite leaching and its influence mechanism was investigated. The main conclusions are as follows: mechanical activation can significantly reduce chalcopyrite particle size, simultaneously, microscopic strain and cell volume increased; the mechanical activation changed the energy band structure of chalcopyrite—the positions of the conduction band and the valence band were positively shifted, implying that Fe3+ could more easily capture electrons from the chalcopyrite surface to be reduced, thus the leaching rate of chalcopyrite increased significantly in in Fe3+ solution. The results show that the passivation film may affect the leaching of chalcopyrite, but the structural characteristics of chalcopyrite is the essential reason for the difficulty of chalcopyrite leaching.

A novel biopolymeric composite edible film based on sunnhemp protein isolate and potato starch incorporated with clove oil: Fabrication, characterization, and amino acid composition

Composite edible films were developed by casting method using sunnhemp protein isolate (SHPI) and potato starch (PS) at various proportions (100:0, 90:10, 80:20; 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50) containing glycerol as a plasticizer and clove oil. All the edible films were evaluated for thickness, moisture content, solubility, swelling ratio, water activity. Further characterization of edible films was done on the basis of mechanical, optical, thermal and structural attributes along with morphology. Among all the films, composite film containing 50 % SHPI, 50 % PS and 1 % clove oil were having better characteristics. The solubility and WVP decreased, while the tensile strength and elongation at break of composite film increased with the inclusion of potato starch and clove oil. Intermolecular interactions in the composite film matrix were confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. SEM images confirmed the structural compactness and integrity of all the developed films. The amino acid composition of edible films indicated presence of most of the essential amino acids. The present finding of this research work shows that the utilization of sunnhemp protein in the development of biocomposite edible films represents an alternative opportunity of sustainable edible food packaging.

Triboelectric haptic sensors based on fluorinated cellulose/PDMS composite porous films for monitoring joint flexion and smart writing

The surge in interest for wearable electronics has sparked a significant demand for self-powered sensors. This necessitates the development of triboelectric materials that align with the requirements of self-powered sensors for high stability, efficiency, and broad application. Herein, we developed a single-electrode triboelectric sensor (SE-PFCPS) utilizing porous F-CNW/PDMS composite films. The SE-PFCPS demonstrated impressive output performance (VOC of 189.70V, ISC of 0.88 μA and QSC of 42.81 μC/m2), while retaining this high level of performance consistently over 12000 repetitive contact separation motions. Notably, the SE-PFCPS proves its versatility by accurately monitoring human joint flexion, including the palms, wrists, elbows, and knees, as well as human walking, without the need for additional power sources. In addition, the SE-PFCPS's utility extends to tactile sensing applications, enabling functionalities such as direct writing intelligence and the composition of messages in Morse code. The sensor stands out for its stability, efficiency, and applicability across various fields, offering promising prospects for innovations in areas such as digital writing without paper or pens, monitoring of writing habits, and cryptographic transmission of information.

Novel cellulose-based films with highly efficient photothermal performance for sustainable solar evaporation and solar-thermal power generation

Solar-driven interfacial evaporation has received substantial attention in a variety of applications, including water purification, seawater desalination, and energy production. However, creating a straightforward, adaptable, and scalable method for correctly integrating hybrid solar-thermal systems continues to be a challenging task. Herein, we propose an economical, scalable, and environmentally friendly approach for achieving synergistic coupling of interfacial solar energy conversion for evaporation and low-grade thermal energy conversion to electricity by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle-modified MXene (ZNM- MXene) into cellulose nanofiber (CNF) films. The vacuum filtering approach produces CNF@ZNM-MXene composite films with enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency, capillary hydrophilicity, and thermal localization. Because of its rapid water transport capability, excellent sunlight absorption, and efficient solar-thermal conversion under 1 kW m−2 irradiance, the CNF@ZNM-MXene solar evaporator's evaporation rate reaches 1.27 kg m−2 h−1, and the solar-vapor conversion efficiency is as high as 82.15%, outperforming most previously reported solar evaporators. Moreover, when compared to a standalone thermoelectric (TE) module, the output power of the solar thermal conversion system coupled with a CNF@ZNM-MXene composite films and a TE module is boosted by 15.32 times. This work offers a practical and effective method for simultaneously capturing solar energy and desalinating saltwater.

Nanocomposite films of polycaprolactone and amorphous/sintered wollastonite nanoparticles for potential biomedical applications

Precipitation of an apatite layer on the surface of bioactive materials is considered an important step in the bone healing procedure. Wollastonite (CaSiO3) bioglass has been recently employed as a bone replacement material and also, a carrier for targeted drug delivery. Regarding the impact of a material structure on its biological activity, to achieve the 100 % clinical success, realizing the material crystallinity and bone bonding potential can be important. Therefore, this study tried to prepare pure wollastonite (WS) nano-powders (<20 nm) via an easy and fast hydrothermal process. Different quantities (5, 10 and 15 wt%) of the amorphous and crystalline particles have been added to polycaprolactone (PCL) to obtain composite films via a simple solvent casting technique. The in-vitro bioactivity of the prepared particles as well as composite films was studied by placing the samples in the simulated body fluid (SBF) for 21 days. The physicochemical and microstructural properties of the products were then characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDS and TEM. Moreover, the influence of the crystallinity on the bioactivity of the synthesized nanoparticles and also the obtained composite films was investigated for the first time. The results indicated that the amorphous bioglass and the surface of composite containing 15 wt% WS were completely covered by a thick bone-like apatite layer Therefore, these findings revealed that the prepared composite films composed of amorphous WS could be regarded as promising bioactive candidates for bone filling applications.

Reconfigurable intelligent surface and switchable electromagnetic interference shield based on dynamically adjustable composite film of cellulose nanofibers and VO2 nanoparticles

The emerging fields of 5G and 6G telecommunication networks, Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence have intensified the demand for green nanostructured materials with adjustable and intelligent features that respond to external stimuli. By leveraging the insulator-to-metal transition of VO2 nanoparticles, responsive composite films were developed by integrating these nanoparticles within a biopolymeric network of cationic cellulose nanofibers (CNF+). These films exhibit a reversible change in GHz permittivity upon exposure to thermal or optical stimuli, facilitating dynamic control of their electrical properties. The layered structure of the films further enhances their robustness, featuring a VO2 nanoparticle core encased within CNF+ layers. This design not only strengthens the structure but also significantly boosts light-induced conductivity, particularly in layered variant, underscoring its potential in optoelectronic applications. Simulation studies reveal that the nonuniform, reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) of the developed mixed film adeptly manipulates incident electromagnetic waves, making it suitable for 5G/6G wireless signals. Conversely, the layered film serves as a switchable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield, demonstrating notable differences in shielding efficiency between its hot and cold states. Consequently, CNF+/VO2 composite films designed in this work emerge as a versatile, adaptable platform for intelligent electronics, particularly in the realm of 5G/6G wireless communications.

Nanocrystalline cellulose as a reinforcing agent for poly (vinyl alcohol)/ gellan-gum-based composite film for moxifloxacin ocular delivery

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is a star material in drug delivery applications due to its good biocompatibility, large specific surface area, high tensile strength (TS), and high hydrophilicity. Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Gellan-gum-based innovative composite film has been prepared using nanocrystalline cellulose (PVA/GG/NCC) as a strengthening agent for ocular delivery of moxifloxacin (MOX) via solvent casting method. Impedance analysis was studied using the capacitive sensing technique for examining new capacitance nature of the nanocomposite MOX film. Antimicrobial properties of films were evaluated using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria respectively by disc diffusion technique. XRD revealed the characteristic peak of NCC and the amorphous form of the drug. Sustained in vitro release and enhanced corneal permeation of drug were noticed in the presence of NCC. Polymer matrix enhanced the mechanical properties (tensile strength 22.05 to 28.41 MPa) and impedance behavior (resistance 59.23 to 213.23 Ω) in the film due to the presence of NCC rather than its absence (16.78 MPa and 39.03 Ω respectively). Occurrence of NCC brought about good antimicrobial behavior (both gram-positive and gram-negative) of the film. NCC incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol)/gellan-gum-based composite film exhibited increased mechanical properties and impedance behavior for improved ocular delivery of moxifloxacin.

Palladium enhanced electrochemical supercapacitive performance of Chromium oxide thin films synthesized by sputtering process

Recently, the use of transition metal oxide electrodes for supercapacitor applications has increased due to the possibility of variable mixed valence states. The present study has established the use of Pd-Cr2O3 composite thin films as a working electrode for high-performance supercapacitors. The reactive dc magnetron co-sputtering method has been used for the fabrication of thin film of Cr2O3 and Pd-Cr2O3 on SS-304 substrate. X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy techniques were used to examine the surface chemistry and phase purity of chromium oxide and Pd-Cr2O3 composite thin films. The incorporation of Pd in Cr2O3 delivers a drastic change in the surface morphology. Due to the modified morphology and electronic properties, a noticeable improvement in the electrochemical properties of Pd-Cr2O3 electrode is observed. The obtained value of specific capacitance for this electrode is 401 Fg−1 at 0.1 mAcm−2 scan rate and within the potential window range 0 to +1.2 V. This value of specific capacitance is almost twice in comparison to the Cr2O3 based electrode. The Pd-Cr2O3 composite thin film shows a good cycle retention capability of 8000 cycles with 87.5% retention. The obtained value of energy density and power density for Pd-Cr2O3 electrode was 80.2 Whkg−1 and 3.23 kWkg−1, respectively at 0.1 mAcm−2. Consequently, this composite material electrode can be seen as a promising advancement for electrodes in supercapacitor devices.

Highly stable, antibacterial, antiviral, textile composites via improved non-solvent induced phase separation

Textile composites are ubiquitous in daily life and are one of the main ways in which bacteria and viruses spread. Highly effective antibacterial and antiviral flexible composites are effective for reducing microbe transmission. Herein, we reported an improved nonsolvent-induced phase separation method for the fabrication of flexible textile composites. A Cu2O/polyurethane (Cu2OPU) composite films containing antibacterial and antiviral coatings were constructed using a Cu2O-polyvinyl butyral coagulation bath and binary solvent mixtures, yielding a composite that had excellent mechanical properties and stability and the components did not leach out. The as-prepared Cu2OPU composite films exhibited strong antibacterial and antiviral activity against Staphylococcus aureus and the H1N1 virus (above 99.99 % inactivation ratio). What’s more, Cu2OPU has excellent mechanical and environmental stability owing to the strong interfacial adhesion of Cu2O with the polymer matrix. Furthermore, it can withstand multiple washes and be suitable for daily use. Cu2OPU may be sustainably produced with great scalability, which may meet public, home, and textile applications.

Preparation, characterization, and application of pH-responsive biodegradable intelligent indicator film based on rose anthocyanins

An intelligent pH-responsive indicator film (CA/CMC/RA) was fabricated by blending carrageenan (CA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and rose anthocyanin (RA). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of hydrogen bonds between CA/CMC and RA. X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the addition of RA enhanced the crystallinity of CA/CMC films. The incorporation of RA altered the microstructure of CA/CMC composite films, resulting in a roughened surface. RA improved the a*, b*, thickness, opacity, and water vapor permeability of CA/CMC/RA films. Moreover, the addition of RA increased the elongation at break, while decreasing the tensile strength. RA significantly increased the antioxidant capacity of CA/CMC films. Furthermore, CA/CMC/RA films exhibited pH-responsiveness, showcasing distinct color changes in different buffer solutions. In the application test, the CA/CMC/RA indicator film was used as a label to monitor the freshness of the ribbon fish stored at 4 °C. The results indicated that the film's color changed from pink to yellow upon spoilage. The observations were consistent with the TVB-N value, which exceeded the set limit (30 mg/100g). Hence, the novel indicator film can serve as a food freshness indicator material.

Ultra-fast fabrication of MXene/PVA composite films through glutaraldehyde induced microgel framework

In this study, Ti3C2Tx/PVA microgels were assembled through the introduction of glutaraldehyde and PVA into Ti3C2Tx colloids. Subsequently, the microgels underwent vacuum-assisted filtration (VAF) and drying processes to fabricate Ti3C2Tx/PVA self-assembled films (MPGF). This research effectively reduced VAF time by introducing a small amount of glutaraldehyde. The findings demonstrate that glutaraldehyde's chemical crosslinking prompts the formation of temporary microgel frameworks between Ti3C2Tx and PVA, enhancing water molecule transfer during VAF and improving film formation efficiency. Further analysis links VAF time is related to the particle size distribution of the microgels. Adjusting crosslinking and PVA quantity alters microgel crystalline structure and –OH hydrogen bonds, affecting particle size and VAF time. Additionally, films produced via rapid VAF exhibit promising mechanical properties for practical applications.

Phosphorus and nitrogen supramolecule for fabricating flame-retardant, transparent and robust polyvinyl alcohol film

Supramolecular flame retardants have attracted increasing attention recently due to their simple and eco-friendly preparation process. In this study, a novel flame retardant HEPFR was prepared using supramolecular self-assembly technology between piperazine and 1-hydroxy ethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP). It was introduced into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to form PVA/HEPFR composite film. Subsequently, the transparency, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of PVA/HEPFR films were studied. Due to the hydrogen bonded cross-linked network structure between PVA and HEPFR, the mechanical properties of PVA/HEPFR films have been improved, while maintaining good transparency. With 10 wt% addition of HEPFR, PVA films can reach the VTM-0 level in UL-94 testing. And the limiting oxygen index can be increased from 18.5% of pure PVA to 26.5%. The peak heat release rate was reduced by 61.5%. The flame retardancy and thermal stability of PVA/HEPFR films have been greatly improved. This study provides a “one stone, three birds” strategy for preparing flame-retardant, transparent, and robust PVA film.

Transparent Cellulose/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrids with Improved Ultraviolet-Shielding Properties Prepared from Cotton Textile Waste.

Plastics offer many advantages and are widely used in various fields. Nevertheless, most plastics derived from petroleum are slow to degrade due to their stable polymer structure, posing serious threats to organisms and ecosystems. Thus, developing environmentally friendly and biodegradable plastics is imperative. In this study, biodegradable cellulose/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MCNT) hybrid gels and films with improved ultraviolet-shielding properties were successfully prepared using cotton textile waste as a resource. It was proven that MCNTs can be dispersed evenly in cellulose without any chemical or physical pretreatment. It was found that the contents of MCNTs had obvious effects on the structures and properties of hybrid films. Particularly, the averaged transmittance of cellulose/MCNT composite films in the range of 320-400 nm (T320-400) and 290-320 nm (T290-320) can be as low as 19.91% and 16.09%, when the content of MCNTs was 4.0%, much lower than those of pure cellulose films (T320-400: 84.12% and T290-320: 80.03%). Meanwhile, the water contact angles of the cellulose/MCNT films were increased by increasing the content of MCNTs. Most importantly, the mechanical performance of cellulose/MCNT films could be controlled by the additives of glycerol and MCNTs. The tensile strength of the cellulose/MCNT films was able to reach as high as 20.58 MPa, while the elongation at break was about 31.35%. To summarize, transparent cellulose/MCNT composites with enhanced ultraviolet-shielding properties can be manufactured successfully from low-cost cotton textile waste, which is beneficial not only in terms of environmental protection, but also the utilization of natural resources.