Liquid Water Uptake Research Articles

Hydrophobic and hygroscopic properties of cellulose treated with silicone agents

The effects of various cellulose treatments on the hydrophobic properties and sorption behavior with respect to liquid water uptake and water vapor sorption were examined within the study. Different hydrophobic agents based on silicon compounds were applied to improve the properties of cellulose-based sheets. The 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane treatment increased hydrophobicity significantly, while N-octyltriethoxysilane and inorganic sodium silicate solution treatments only slightly affected the properties. Silicone-cellulose interaction varied, influencing the fiber saturation and moisture content of the material. The swelling differences between untreated and treated cellulose and, consequently, the uncovering of new active sorption sites during a swelling process and the increase in the content of bound water were confirmed by the T2 relaxation times analysis. The GDW sorption model estimated maximum water content but lacked activation dynamics. The blocking phenomenon of active sorption sites together with silicone improved hydrophobicity had different mechanisms for applied agents. The 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane additionally cross-linked silane structure and restricted cellulose swelling.

Evaluating the versatility of stainless steel flakes and magnetite powder as polyvalent additives for wood paints

The objective of this study is to evaluate how various fillers, specifically stainless steel flakes and magnetite powder, affect the visual attributes, durability and versatility of a water-based wood paint. To examine the influence of these two specific pigments on the overall look of the coatings, colorimetric measurements were carried out. The impact of these distinct fillers on the durability of the layers was assessed by subjecting the samples to xenon arc light exposure and cyclic thermal shocks, followed by colorimetric inspections and adhesion tests. Furthermore, the fillers' impact on the coating's ability to act as a barrier was assessed through liquid resistance and water uptake tests. Additionally, the Buchholz hardness indentation test and the Taber test were conducted to quantify how these functional additives affect the mechanical properties of the coatings, such as hardness and resistance to abrasion. Lastly, two specific tests revealed the fillers' role in introducing unique electrical conductivity and magnetic attractive properties to the paint. In conclusion, this study underscores the intriguing influence of stainless steel flakes and magnetite powder, which not only impart vibrant colors and distinct visual characteristics to the paint but also maintain the coating's protective barrier properties, enhance the mechanical properties of the composite layer, and introduce specific multifunctional features to the coating.

The impact of stainless steel flakes as a novel multifunctional pigment for wood coatings

The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of three different amounts of stainless steel flakes on the aesthetic features and durability of a waterborne wood paint. Colorimetric measurements and optical microscope observations were employed to assess the impact of this novel pigment on the overall appearance of the coatings. The effect of the different amounts of metallic flakes on the durability of the layers was evaluated by subjecting the samples to UV-B radiation and cyclic thermal shocks, performing infrared spectroscopy analysis, colorimetric inspections, and adhesion test. In addition, the influence of the filler concentration on the coating barrier efficiency was assessed through the liquid resistance and water uptake tests. Moreover, Buchholz hardness indentation test and the scrub test were conducted to quantify the impact of the flakes on the mechanical characteristics of the coatings, such as hardness and abrasion resistance. Finally, the thermal test evidenced a specific role of the flake amount in altering the thermal behavior of the coatings. Ultimately, this work highlights the attractive effect of stainless steel flakes, which are capable of providing an intense coloring and specific aesthetic features to the paint, preserving the surface's barrier-protective properties, increasing the abrasion resistance of the composite layer, and influencing the thermal behavior of the coating.

Eco-Friendly Multilayer Coating Harnessing the Functional Features of Curcuma-Based Pigment and Rice Bran Wax as a Hydrophobic Filler.

This work aims to highlight the multiple features shown by curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax, which can be selectively employed as bio-based additives for the realization of multilayer wood coatings with multiple functionalities, harnessing the capabilities of the two environmentally friendly fillers, in line with current environmental sustainability trends. The role of the two green materials on the morphology of the composite layers was examined through observations employing scanning electron and optical microscopy, revealing a strong alteration of the film's appearance, both its color and reflectivity. Additionally, their influence on the paint's resilience was assessed by exposing the samples to UV-B radiation and consecutive thermal shocks. The coating displayed a clear and uniform change in color because of substantial curcuma powder photo-degradation but it remained exceptionally stable when subjected to thermal stresses. Moreover, the protective properties of the coatings were evaluated by conducting liquid resistance tests and water uptake tests, while the hardness and the abrasion resistance of the coatings were assessed to evaluate the effect of the additives on the mechanical properties of the coatings. In conclusion, this study showcases the promising joint action of curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax in multilayer coatings. This combination offers vibrant yellow tones and an appealing appearance to the paint, enhances the surface's water-repellent properties, and improves the mechanical resistance of the coatings.

Molecular Weight Dependent Ionomer Volume Expansion and Its Effect on the Performance of PEM Fuel Cell Electrodes

Within the past years, proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells have become more and more attractive due to their potential for the transition towards an environmentally friendly hydrogen economy. Especially by reducing the platinum catalyst loading, significant system cost reductions could be achieved, but low Pt loadings still lead to unassigned voltage losses during operation.[1,2] In order to overcome those losses, well-designed catalyst layers with optimized ionomer content and distribution are indispensable. The used perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomers for PEM fuel cells are commonly characterized by the chemical structure of the ionomer and the equivalent weight (EW), which strongly affects the proton conductivity.[3,4] Current research focusses on the synthesis of modified ionomers with higher oxygen permeability to reduce mass transport losses, but also investigates the influence of the ionomer’s molecular weight (MW).[1,5,6] A high MW minimizes the water uptake of the ionomer/membrane in liquid water, which is desired for the use in PEM fuel cells to reduce mechanical stress during relative humidity (RH) cycling.[5] The exact MW of an ionomer is not easily accessible, but can be estimated by measuring the melt flow index (MFI), whereas a high MW is commonly reflected by a lower MFI if the ionomer chemistry and EW are the same.Within this study, a 3M ionomer modified to have a high MFI of 156 g/10 min (measured at 265 °C with a mass of 5 kg) is investigated and compared to a 3M standard ionomer with a low MFI of 6 g/10 min. Both PFSA ionomers have the same chemical structure and a similar EW of ~800. The significantly higher MFI of the modified ionomer (i.e., comprising a lower MW) is clearly reflected by a ~2 times higher water uptake compared to the 3M standard ionomer (measured for solution-cast membranes in liquid water at 80 °C). To evaluate the impact of the MFI within the cathode electrode, 5 cm² active area membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with these two ionomers at various ionomer/carbon (I/C) mass ratios in the cathode electrode (based on a 40 wt.% Pt/Vulcan catalyst at loadings of 0.11 mgPt/cm²) are manufactured and electrochemically characterized. At sufficiently high I/C ratios and under humid operation (i.e., I/C = 0.90 and 90 % RH), differential flow H2/air polarization curves of the MEAs reveal that the higher liquid water uptake of the 3M high-MFI ionomer can be correlated with a lower cell voltage (see Figure 1). Contrary to the MEAs with the 3M low-MFI standard ionomer, the larger ionomer swelling in MEAs with the 3M high-MFI ionomer reduces the void volume fraction in the electrode structure during operation. Most pronounced at high current densities, where oxygen mass transport plays an important role, the MEAs containing the 3M high-MFI ionomer show a significant voltage loss of ~50 mV at 2.5 A/cm² compared to the MEAs with the 3M low-MFI ionomer. This study demonstrates that the effect of ionomer volume expansion upon changes in the MFI and thus the MW might not be crucial for the MEA performance when using electrodes with a low I/C ratio, but is critical when aiming for electrode compositions with a high ionomer content, in which case a low-MFI (i.e., a high MW) ionomer should be favorable.

Antibacterial efficiency over time and barrier properties of wood coatings with colloidal silver

This work aims to represent a standard application for understanding the extent of the antibacterial efficacy of coatings with different amounts of colloidal silver on wooden surfaces over time. The key variable that was intended to be evaluated in this study was the “time efficiency,” with concerns about the possible efficacy in the durability of the surfaces. By highlighting the “expiry date” of the agents, as in the case with other products, the study aimed to confirm the validity of the simulation tests conducted in the laboratory with degradation tests. Furthermore, the role of the silver amount on the barrier performance of the coatings was assessed by liquid resistance, water uptake, and perspiration tests, evaluating the aesthetic durability of the coatings by means of colorimetric analyses. Ultimately, this work demonstrates that these coatings may represent alternatives in terms of prolonged antimicrobial activity when compared with the biocide agents currently in use, capable to offer good resistance to detergent solutions and to water. Nevertheless, due to silver’s susceptibility to extended exposure to acidic solutions, the findings of the research discourage the utilization of colloidal silver in wood paints intended for use in public settings.Key points• Colloidal silver does not alter the deposition process and does not introduce defects in the wood paint.• Coatings containing silver show high antimicrobial activity over time, against both E.coli and S.aureus.• The silver-based filler resists contact with detergents and aqueous solutions but suffers oxidation processes in acidic environments.

Comparative Analysis of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Utilizing Spirulina-Derived Pigment as a Bio-Based Colorant for Wood Impregnator

The aim of this work was to examine the advantages and disadvantages of using spirulina-derived pigment as a bio-based colorant for wood impregnators. It investigated the effects of three different quantities of spirulina granules on the aesthetic properties and durability of a water-based wood impregnator. The impact of this environmental friendly pigment on the overall appearance of the coatings was estimated through colorimetric measurements and observations using an optical microscope. The durability of the coatings with varying amounts of spirulina was assessed by subjecting the samples to UV-B radiation and cyclic thermal shocks and analyzing them using infrared spectroscopy and colorimetric inspections. Furthermore, the influence of additive concentration on the coating’s barrier efficiency was examined through liquid resistance and water uptake tests. Finally, the scrub test was carried out to assess the effect of the spirulina pigment on the abrasion resistance properties of the protective layers. Ultimately, this study emphasized the remarkable coloration achieved through the use of the spirulina-based additive. However, the pigment derived from natural sources exhibited significant concerns associated with deterioration caused by UV-B radiation or the fading of the phycocyanin component found in spirulina. Thus, the work underscores the importance of implementing appropriate measures to safeguard the bio-based pigment from external factors such as temperature, solar radiation, and liquids.

SIMULATION OF ANOMALOUS LIQUID WATER UPTAKE IN OPC MORTAR WITH DYNAMIC MICROSTRUCTURAL CHANGE MODEL

This study aims to develop the numerical method for the anomalous liquid water uptake on OPC mortar. The dynamic microstructural change diffusion model with the consideration of the saturation-dependent was proposed to represent the anomalous behavior. The microstructural change, an origin of anomalous behavior, was considered with the pore relaxation that reflects the rearrangement of C-S-H layers during the liquid water uptake process. An Interfacial transitional Zone （ITZ）, which represents the impact of microcracks inevitably occurring in mortar and concrete, was included in the microstructure system. The good agreement of liquid water uptake characteristics （e.g., moisture distribution, penetration depth, and absorbed water amount） with the reference experiment shows the potential of the proposed method for an application on concrete.

Elucidating the impact of the ionomer equivalent weight on a platinum group metal‐free PEMFC cathode via oxygen limiting current

AbstractLeveraging the interactions between ionomer and catalyst can increase the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The impacts of the equivalent weight (EW) of perfluorosulfonic acid–based ionomers on the platinum group metal‐free electrode structure and fuel cell performance have not been fully explored. Four membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were prepared by using a commercial Fe–N–C catalyst, two perfluorosulfonic acid ionomers with different EWs, that is, Aquivion 720 (A720) and Nafion 1100 (N1100), and two ionomer‐to‐catalyst (I/C) ratios. The four MEAs were characterized to understand the impact of the ionomer EW and content on the capacitance, proton conductivity, and mass transport on the cathode. The mass transport resistance was measured for the first time using a new oxygen reduction reaction limiting current method enabling to couple the effects of oxygen diffusion with liquid water generation. Low EW ionomer combined with a moderate I/C results in improved performance due to its enhanced proton conductivity. However, when used at high I/C, it can cause severe water flooding at high current density due to the enhanced liquid water uptake, especially at high relative humidity, resulting in lower catalyst utilization and higher mass transport resistance.

Thermal and chemical modification of wood – a combined approach for exclusive, high-demanding performance products

ABSTRACT Chemical and thermo-chemical modification processes were applied to European beech wood to make it applicable for interior applications which place high demands on aesthetics, hygrothermal and water resistance performance. In particular, the use of modified wood in kitchen tools was foreseen. Impregnation modification with a 20% DMDHEU solution, thermal modification and a combined approach of thermo-chemical modification were compared. All modification processes caused a darkening that for the high modification intensities became close to the aesthetics of some of the most renowned tropical hardwood species. The higher the modification intensity, the higher the improvement. In particular, chemical and thermo-chemical modification processes significantly decreased the liquid water uptake. As regards the mechanical performances while stiffness and strength did not change abruptly and hardness increased, the resistance towards dynamic impacts significantly decreased with every kind of modification process. Thermo-chemical modifications resulted to be an interesting way to improve most of the physical properties of wood with outstanding behaviour in terms of colour appearance and reduction of water uptake in wet environments. An increased brittleness is the weakest point for foreseen fields of application.

Dynamic effect of water penetration on steel corrosion in carbonated mortar: A neutron imaging, electrochemical, and modeling study

Carbonation may potentially lead to corrosion of steel bars in reinforced concrete. This concern presents a major barrier against the implementation of sustainable low-clinker cementitious materials in the design of reinforced concrete structures. Various studies have documented the relationship between different equilibrium moisture states in carbonated concrete and the corrosion rate of the embedded steel. However, limited attempts were focused on visually observing the dynamic (time-dependent) behavior of moisture penetration into concrete and the related corrosion state and rate. Moreover, there is a lack of data on the local moisture state in the cementitious matrix in the steel-concrete interfacial zone. In this study, liquid water uptake in carbonated mortar was in-situ and over time monitored by neutron imaging. The corrosion state of embedded steel was monitored by means of electrochemical measurements. This combined experiment revealed that the arrival of the waterfront at the steel surface led to a sharp decrease of the steel potential. The corrosion rate increased from negligibly low values (<1 µm/year) to about 31 µm/year within a couple of minutes. Based on the neutron images, it is concluded that the moisture ingress through the concrete cover is locally affected by the heterogeneity of projected (depth-averaged) porosity distribution, and that large obstacles such as entrapped air have an effect. These observations were further confirmed by numerical simulation results of water transport, which also showed that liquid water permeability of the studied carbonated mortar determined by the inverse analysis is much higher than reported values in the literature. Overall, this study highlights the importance of considering the dynamic and coupled corrosion and moisture transport behavior during the periods which active corrosion can occur in carbonated concrete exposed to cyclic wetting/drying conditions.

Hydrophobization of Monolithic Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Xerogels by Means of Silylation.

In materials research, the control of wettability is important for many applications. Since they are typically based on phenolics, organic aerogels, and xerogels are intrinsically hydrophilic in nature, and examples of the chemical functionalization of such gels are scarce and often limited to powders. This study reports on the silylation of monolithic resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) xerogels using solutions of silyl chlorides and triflates, respectively, in combination with an amine base. The resulting gels are structurally characterized by means of elemental analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, pycnometry, sorption analysis, and scanning electron microscopy with electron-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The wetting behavior of the silylated gels was studied by the determination of the contact angle to water after exposure of the gels to ambient air. Additionally, the uptake of liquid water and aqueous acids and bases was investigated. As a result, processes for the functionalization of RF xerogels with sterically demanding silyl moieties have been established. Although the analyses indicate that silylation occurred to a rather small extent, highly hydrophobic gels resulted which retained the wetting behavior over the course of several months with contact angles of >130°. Monoliths bearing sterically demanding silyl groups showed higher stability towards aqueous acid than trimethylsilylated RF gels.

Properties of Mexican bloodwood (Haematoxylum campechianum L.). Part 2: moisture performance and biological durability

Abstract Haematoxylum campechianum is most prevalently used as dyewood; its use for furniture, flooring, or fencing is only of regional importance, which might be due to lacking data about its technological properties. Therefore, small specimens were cut from H. campechianum stems from plantations in the lowlands of the Usumacinta delta in Mexico. The latter were subjected to laboratory decay and moisture studies. Water vapour sorption, liquid water uptake, and swelling of H. campechianum appeared much lower in comparison with most European grown wood species and similar to tropical hardwoods such as Tectona grandis. After removal of water-soluble ingredients, water vapour sorption of H. campechianum specimens further decreased, which assigned such ingredients a somewhat hydrophilic character. Mean mass losses (ML) due to decay by white, brown, and soft rot fungi in laboratory tests were &lt;5%. On the basis of a dose-response model, wetting ability factors and ML values from decay tests predicted an outdoor performance similar to T. grandis and Intsia bijuga. Based on this preliminary property profile, H. campechianum can be recommended for both outdoor (e.g. fencing, outdoor decking, railing) and indoor applications (e.g. flooring, manufacturing of furniture, wall and ceiling panels, decoration artwork).

Microstructural properties and water penetration resistance of cementitious binder combined with water-dispersible polyurethane

To avoid the re-degradation of repaired regions and ensure the service lives of infrastructures, cementitious materials used for repair applications should possess excellent water penetration resistance. Organic polymers are widely used to enhance water resistance. In this study, the microstructural properties and water uptake of a cementitious material containing a newly developed water-dispersible polyurethane (PU) polymer were investigated. The results showed that the water uptake decreased significantly in the presence of PU. Microscopic observations and gas sorption isotherms indicated that submillimeter and capillary pores and the surfaces of calcium silicate hydrate were partially hydrophobized and/or blocked upon PU addition, which could contribute to the prevention of liquid water uptake. Nevertheless, based on a drying procedure performed prior to the water penetration tests, the specimens with and without PU exhibited similar water vapor uptakes owing to the eliminated difference in the volumes of their micro- and mesopores.

Enhanced water uptake in the longitudinal direction by shiitake mycelium in shiitake cultivation logs: increase in effective diffusion coefficient based on mass of liquid water uptake.

In the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), the farmer needs to know the time needed to water in order to adjust the water content of the logs. In this study, six test logs (Quercus serrata, diameter of 38–48 mm, length of 110–118 mm) were used, of which some were dried, some had shiitake mycelia grown on them, and some had mold generated on them. Liquid water was supplied to the test logs by placing the longitudinal direction of the test logs along the line of gravity and immersing the bottom of the test logs in water. Water uptake mass of the test logs was measured for 20 h. The effective diffusion coefficient, Deff, was calculated from the change in time of the water uptake mass using Fick's diffusion law. The Deff of test logs in which shiitake mycelium grew were 1.5–3.4 × 10–8 m2/s, and the values were 2.4–4.7 times higher than that for the dried log. On the other hand, the Deff of the moldy logs were 6.7–9.7 × 10–10 m2/s, which was 0.058–0.081 times that of dry test logs. Based on observation of water penetration into logs by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an optical microscope, it is believed that the driving force behind liquid water rising in the longitudinal direction in the test log is the capillary force acting on a three-phase interface consisting of the inner wall surface of the vessel, liquid water and air.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00226-021-01313-6.

Effectiveness of finishes in protecting wood from liquid water and water vapor

Wood is increasingly used in the bathrooms for furniture due to its beauty, warm and organic look, but also for floors, walls, and even for wooden sinks and bathtubs. Wood in the bathroom is exposed to changes in temperature and humidity as well as spillage and splashing of water and should therefore be properly finished with an effective coating to protect it from extreme changes in moisture content. In this research ash and larch wood were finished with penetrating and film-forming coatings and subsequently were exposed to liquid water and water vapor. During exposure to liquid water and water vapor, the mass of the samples and the moisture content in the samples were measured. Results showed that penetrating coatings provided some protection against liquid water absorption but very little protection against water vapor, especially on ash wood. Moreover, the moisture excluding effectiveness reduced rapidly during exposure to high humidity and depending on the wood species and coating systems. • Wood species did not affect liquid water uptake of wood finished with an alkyd film-forming system. • Penetrating coatings should be used in the bathroom only on durable wood species. • Penetrating coatings provided some protection against liquid water absorption, but they provide very little protection against water vapor. • Moisture excluding effectiveness reduced rapidly during exposure to high humidity and depending on the wood species and coating systems.

Effect of a Combination of Moderate-Temperature Heat Treatment and Subsequent Wax Impregnation on Wood Hygroscopicity, Dimensional Stability, and Mechanical Properties

Wood is an environmentally friendly material, but some natural properties limit its wide application. To study the effect of a combination of heat treatment (HT) and wax impregnation (WI) on wood hygroscopicity, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties, samples of Pterocarpus macrocarpus Kurz wood were subjected to HT at a moderate temperature of 120 °C and a high temperature of 180 °C, for a 4 h duration. Subsequently, half of the 120 °C HT samples were treated with WI at 90 °C. The results showed that 180 °C HT and WI decreased the capacity of adsorption and liquid water uptake and swelled the wood significantly, while WI had the biggest reduction. The effect of 120 °C HT was significant only on decreasing the capacity of adsorption and the swelling of liquid water uptake. The bending strength (MOR) of wood decreased only after 180 °C HT, and 120 °C/4h HT and WI had no significant influence on MOR. The bending stiffness (MOE) increased significantly after 180 °C HT and WI, while 120 °C/4h HT had no significant influence on MOE. Therefore, the combination of moderate-temperature HT can act synergistically in the improvement of certain aspects of wood properties such as capacity of water adsorption and liquid water uptake. WI effectively improved wood hygroscopicity, dimensional stability, and mechanical properties.

Poly (ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) ionomers with enhanced liquid water sorption and oxidative degradation

Aliphatic-sulfonated polyesters based on 2,5 FDCA, such as poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-co-(ethylene sodiosulfonate succinate) or 2,5-PEF-co-PESs were prepared by a melt step-growth polymerization of 2,5-FDCA and Na-DMSS with ethylene glycol. These copolyesters were characterized by 1H-NMR, DSC and TGA. The degree of randomness determined by 1H-NMR is less than one, thus indicating that these copolyesters have a character to block. All copolyesters were amorphous, having glass transition temperatures decreasing with the content of ionic units. The thermal stability of 2,5-PEF-co-PESs was slightly reduced by the incorporation of these units. The liquid water sorption mechanism was also discussed as a function of the composition of the copolymer and the predominant role of the content of sulfonated groups on liquid water uptake was highlighted. Finally, oxidative degradation has again supported the role of sulfonated units, whereas hydrolytic degradation was not influenced by the concentration of sulfonated groups. By leveraging on their characteristics, 2,5-PEF-co-PESs copolyesters may be can serve as attractive and innovative bio-polymers for practical applications such as textile and membrane…

Sol-gel route: An original strategy to chemically stabilize proton exchange membranes for fuel cell

We present the elaboration, via a Sol-Gel (SG) route, of a new generation of hybrid membranes for PEMFC applications, in order to improve their performances and durability. The strategy was to create, within a commercial sPEEK membrane, a reactive SG phase able to reduce the oxidative species generated during FC operation and to improve the proton conductivity. The SG content is adjusted by tuning the SG precursors/sPEEK ratio used for the impregnation step. Raman analyses show that a uniform distribution of the SG phase in the membrane section is obtained when NMR analyses demonstrate its high extent of condensation, and reveal the structuring effect of the sPEEK membrane on the SG phase at the nanoscale. The membranes exhibit a better liquid water uptake and proton conductivity than pristine sPEEK membrane up to a SG uptake of 18%, with a gas permeability slightly higher than sPEEK but still lower than the benchmark Nafion. H2O2 accelerated aging tests evidenced the ability of the SG phase to prevent the oxidative degradation of sPEEK. Finally, the FC operability tests showed better and more durable performances for the hybrid membranes, without any increase of the gas permeability during operation.

Utilizing a Tunable Triblock Copolymer for Design of Model Systems to Study Interactions at the Anion Exchange Polymer-Catalyst Interface

The heterogeneous microstructure of the electrode in polymer electrolyte-based electrochemical devices is not well understood. Due to its complex nature, it is challenging to investigate in a meaningful way. Model systems need to be designed to study controlled interfaces between polymer electrolytes and catalyst particles or surfaces. It is known from studies on proton exchange membranes that restructuring can occur at the polymer-catalyst interface and propagate into the bulk morphology of the material. This is potentially to the detriment of reactant and product species transport in the electrode, and ultimately affects device performance. There is currently little to no work reported on interactions between anion exchange polymers and non-precious metal catalysts more relevant to alkaline systems, such as silver or nickel. This research utilizes a highly tunable ABA triblock copolymer (polychloromethylstyrene-b-polycyclooctene-b-polychloromethylstyrene) to investigate different parameters within the chemistry space and how they influence interactions between the polymer and a catalyst surface. The synthesis route for the triblock copolymer has been optimized to achieve a variety of block lengths and A:B ratios, which ultimately lead to a range of characteristics (ionic conductivity, water uptake, mechanical properties) and morphologies when they are post-quaternized to produce AEMs. Additionally, the polycyclooctene (PCOE) midblock contains C=C double bonds that allow for a variety of post-modifications, such as radical crosslinking and hydrogenation. This system has given us a way to make changes to the chemistry and morphology of the polymer and investigate the effect on interactions at a silver surface. The polymer-catalyst interface has been fabricated for study in two different model systems – as a thin film on a flat surface of silver and in a constrained environment of silver nanoparticles. The structure and properties of the anion exchange polymer in these systems will be representative of any changes that occur due to interactions with the catalyst. In the thin film geometry, the properties of the polymer are studied by comparing the ‘bulk’ properties (represented as a thin film on atomically flat silicon where there are no interactions) with those of a thin film on a silver surface. Samples of varying thickness and chemistry have been prepared and the morphology of each system has been investigated using grazing incidence small angle and wide angle x-ray scattering (GISWAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Clear differences were found between the bulk properties and those at the silver interface that indicate a strong interaction between the anion exchange polymer and a silver catalyst surface. These change as a function of the various parameters under investigation, including A:B block ratios, molecular weight, chemistry of the polymer backbone, and chemistry of the quaternary ammonia cation group. For AEMs in silver nanoparticle constrained environments, properties under investigation are compared to those of the bulk polymer. Areas of current work include studying changes in thermal characteristics (using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry), morphology (using transmission electron spectroscopy and small angle x-ray scattering), backbone crystallinity (using wide angle x-ray scattering), ionic and electrical conductivity, alkaline stability, vapor and liquid water uptake, and mechanical properties. Interactions between specific chemical groups are also being investigated with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthering the understanding of interactions and morphological changes at the polymer-catalyst interfaces will provide a framework for rational design of anion exchange polymers. Ultimately, improvements in polymer design can have significant impacts on the transport of species in the electrode layer and overall device performance.