Manufacture Of Films Research Articles

Solution Processing Silicon Heterojunction Photocathode for Efficient and Stable Hydrogen Production.

Efficient and stable photocathodes are crucial for the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting devices. Silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell is one of the most advanced photovoltaic cells. However, due to the instability of its outermost indium tin oxide (ITO) layers in the electrolyte, a protective layer needs to be introduced on its surface. Previously reported high-quality protective layers almost all involved the use of expensive thin film manufacturing techniques such as atomic layer deposition (ALD). In this work, for the first time, a new strategy is proposed of modifying SHJ-based photocathode with yttrium hydroxide (Y(OH)3) through two-step solution methods to simultaneously improve the stability and activity. The optimized SHJ photocathode exhibits a high applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) of 8.4% under simulated 100mWcm-2 (1 Sun) with an AM 1.5G filter in 0.5m KOH. Furthermore, the obtained SHJ photocathode demonstrates excellent stability of at least 110h at 0.3V versus RHE. In this work, combining facile direct current magnetron sputtering with a solution treatment technique provides a novel design strategy, which lowers the threshold for preparing high-quality protective layer, and paves the way for developing economic, efficient, and stable SHJ-based PEC devices.

Nondestructive measurement of terahertz optical thin films by machine learning based on physical consistency

Optical scattering measurement is one of the most commonly used methods for non-contact online measurement of film properties in industrial film manufacturing. Terahertz photons have low energy and are non-ionizing when measuring objects, so combining these two methods can enable online nondestructive testing of thin films. In the visible light band, some materials are transparent, and their thickness and material properties cannot be measured. Therefore, a method based on physical consistency modeling and machine learning is proposed in this paper, which realizes the method of obtaining high-precision thin film parameters through single-frequency terahertz wave measurement, and shows good performance. Through the experimental measurement of organic material thin films, it is proved that the proposed method is an effective terahertz online detection technology with high precision and high throughput.

Manufacturing process and annealing influence on the dynamic mechanical properties and physical structure of LLDPE thin films

Thin films of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene are used for stratospheric balloon applications. They undergo tensile mechanical stress on a wide range of temperatures [-95; 55]°C. The aim of this study is to compare the influence of blown film and double-bubble manufacturing processes on the crystalline phase and mechanical properties of the films through their operating temperatures (flight, storage, and transportation temperatures). Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry have been used to monitor the dynamic mechanical properties in tension mode and the crystalline phase of the films respectively. The films mechanical properties are dependent on their manufacturing process. The double-bubble process allows isotropic tensile mechanical properties regarding stretching direction, whereas the blown film process favors only transversal direction. To simulate different storage conditions, annealing has been performed. The influence of annealing on the tensile mechanical properties of the films depends mainly on the internal stress stored during manufacturing. The double-bubble process produces a biaxially stretched film with a higher stretching ratio than blown films. The dissipated internal stress can be associated with thermal shrinkage and goes up to 10 % for the biaxially stretched film. The more internal stress is stored, the more E′ and E″ increases. Annealing also favors the formation of a secondary crystalline phase that is dependent on annealing temperature and time, and exhibits αc relaxation. After annealing, the amorphous phase is less stretched, and the crystalline phase keeps its orientation.

Bio-Based Copolyester PEIFT: Enhanced Hydrophilicity, Rigidity, and Applications in Nanofibers.

The raw materials of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are derived from petroleum-based resources, which are no sustainable. Therefore, previous researchers introduced biomass-derived 2,5-tetrahydrofurfuryl dimethanol (THFDM) into PET. However, its heat resistance has decreased compared to PET. In this paper, a novel bio-based copolyester, poly(ethylene glycol-co-2,5-tetrahydrofuran dimethanol-co-isosorbide terephthalate) (PEIFT), is prepared by introducing biomass-derived isosorbide (ISB) and THFDM into the PET chains through melting copolymerization process. With the introduction of ISB content, copolyesters' hydrophilicity and rigidity improve. Compared to PET, glass transition temperature (Tg) increases by over 5°C. In addition, the toughness and spinning performance of PEIFT have also been improved as a result of the addition of THFDM components. The hydrophobicity of PEIFTs electrospinning is greatly improved, with a contact angle exceeding 135°. Finally, due to the good hydrophobicity of PEIFTs nanofibers, they have potential application value in the manufacture of hydrophobic nanofiber and filter films. Given its biomass source and excellent performance, they make it easier to replace materials derived from petroleum.

Coalescence as a key process in wafer-scale diamond heteroepitaxy

Due to fascinating physical properties powered by remarkable progress in chemical vapor deposition of high-quality epilayers, diamond thin films attract great attention for fabrication of nitrogen-vacancy-based solid-state spin systems capable of operating in ambient conditions. To date, diamond heteroepitaxy via bias-enhanced nucleation is an unavoidable method for reliable wafer-scale film manufacturing. In this work, we analyze the coalescence phenomena in nitrogen doped, heteroepitaxial diamond epilayers, with a particular focus on their specific role in the annihilation of macroscopic crystal irregularities such as grain boundaries, non-oriented grains, and twinned segments. Here, we also report on the growth mechanism for the “primary” crystal orientation along with a predominant formation of two different types of boundaries highlighting the {011}-type as a main source of the crystal lattice irregularities.

Biodegradable polymer films: processability, technological properties and their viability for flexible packaging applications

AbstractNowadays, there is a rising interest in the packaging industry regarding more environment‐friendly (i.e. biodegradable and/or compostable) polymer‐based solutions, especially for film blowing applications. However, replacing traditional, fossil resource‐based polymers typically used for such applications is not an easy task, since the more environment‐friendly solutions must have adequate features in terms of processability and final properties. In this work, three commercial biodegradable (and, at least partially, biobased) polymers were investigated by a preliminary rheological and mechanical analysis, in order to perform film manufacturing experiments in laboratory equipment. Furthermore, oxygen and water vapour barrier properties were studied by permeability measurements. The investigation was ultimately performed on films produced in industrial equipment, and the results were compared to those for a typical, standard polypropylene (PP) film used in flexible packaging applications. It was found that the mechanical properties were adequate (in some cases, even up to 25–30% higher than for the PP counterpart), as well as oxygen permeability. On the other hand, water permeability was significantly higher than that of PP films, and this should be taken into account in cases where high water vapour barrier properties are required. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.

Noncovalent Functionalization of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Their Applications in Supercapacitors.

We demonstrate a simple noncovalent functionalization technique, which involves graphite exfoliation and subsequent coating of the resulting graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with trimellitic anhydride (TMA), using a thermomechanical exfoliation process. TMA adsorbs on the surface of the GNPs, resulting in a reduction of the specific surface area to 312 ± 9 m2/g compared to 410 ± 12 m2/g for the unmodified GNPs. Detailed imaging, thermogravimetric, and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the modified GNPs (TMA-GNPs) maintain similar structure to the unmodified GNPs. The presence of functional groups, confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, caused an increase in the surface energy from 45.6 mJ/m2 for the GNPs to 57.9 mJ/m2 for TMA-GNPs. The resulting coated TMA-GNPs form stable dispersions in water while maintaining their inherent conductive properties, thus enabling applications, such as the manufacture of conductive films and supercapacitors. As a proof-of-concept, electrodes for supercapacitors are prepared from concentrated aqueous dispersions of the functionalized GNPs. Electrochemical characterization of the supercapacitors using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests showed a specific capacitance of 22.2 F/cm3 at a scan rate of 1 mV/s from cyclic voltammetry and 17.3 F/cm3 at a current density of 1 A/g from galvanostatic charge/discharge tests, with a 90% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles.

Closed-Loop Polymer-to-Polymer Upcycling of Waste Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) into Biodegradable and Programmable Materials.

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), extensively employed in bottles, film, and fiber manufacture, has generated persistent environmental contamination due to its non-degradable nature. The resolution of this issue requires the conversion of waste PET into valuable products, often achieved through depolymerization into monomers. However, the laborious purification procedures involved in the extraction of monomers pose challenges and constraints on the complete utilization of PET. Herein, a strategy is demonstrated for the polymer-to-polymer upcycling of waste PET into high-value biodegradable and programmable materials named PEXT. This process involves reversible transesterifications dependent on ester bonds, wherein commercially available X-monomers from aliphatic diacids and diols are introduced, utilizing existing industrial equipment for complete PET utilization. PEXT features a programmable molecular structure, delivering tailored mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation performance. Notably, PEXT exhibits superior mechanical performance, with a maximal elongation at break of 3419.2 % and a toughness of 270.79 MJ m-3. These characteristics make PEXT suitable for numerous applications, including shape-memory materials, transparent films, and fracture-resistant stretchable components. Significantly, PEXT allows closed-loop recycling within specific biodegradable analogs by reprograming PET or X-monomers. This strategy not only offers cost-effective advantages in large-scale upcycling of waste PET into advanced materials but also demonstrates its enormous prospect in environmental conservation.

The Potent Antimicrobial Spectrum of Patchouli: Systematic Review of Its Antifungal, Antibacterial, and Antiviral Properties

ntention towards natural essential oils from medicinal plants has increased rapidly over the past decade as these oils have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties against various chronic diseases. One essential oil source with antimicrobial properties is the essential oil from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. This review aims to provide information on using patchouli oil as an antimicrobial against bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens in the last five years. There were 37 articles found in the PUBMED database by June 15, 2023. After searching, 6 of them were duplicates. A total of 2 papers were inaccessible, 4 were not research articles, and five were excluded because they were irrelevant to the scope of this study. This review shows that research related to patchouli as an antimicrobial in the last five years involves Pogostemon cablin leaf samples as silver nanoparticle bioreductors. Patchouli oil is used in membrane, nanocomposite film, and starch hydrogel manufacturing. Patchouli oil is a prestigious antimicrobial agent because it can fight numerous pathogenic microbes from bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Green Additives in Chitosan-based Bioplastic Films: Long-term Stability Assessment and Aging Effects.

Although biomass-based alternatives for the manufacturing of bioplastic films are an important aspect of a more sustainable future, their physicochemical properties need to be able to compete with the existing market to establish them as a viable alternative. One important factor that is often neglected is the long-term stability of renewables-based functional materials, as they should neither degrade after a day or week, nor last forever. One material showing high potential in this regard, also due to its intrinsic biodegradability and antibacterial properties, is chitosan, which can form stable, self-standing films. We previously showed that green additives introduce a broad tunability of the chitosan-based material properties. In this work, we investigate the long-term stability and related degradation processes of chitosan-based bioplastics by assessing their physicochemical properties over 400 days. It was found that the film properties change similarly for samples stored in the fridge (4 °C, dark) as at ambient conditions (20 °C, light/dark cycles of the day). Additives with high vapor pressure, such as glycerol, evaporate and degrade, causing both brittleness and discoloration. In contrast, films with the addition of crosslinking additives, such as citric acid, show high stability also over a long time, bearing great preconditions for practical applications. This knowledge serves as a stepping-stone to utilizing chitosan as an alternative material for renewable-resourced bioplastic products.

Enhancing the solar hydrogen generation performance of nickel-oxide nanostructured thin films doped with molybdenum

Using technology to store solar energy as hydrogen fuel (H2) on a scale corresponding to global energy use is a viable way to alleviate the energy crisis and environmental deterioration. This research deals with the manufacture of thin films prepared from nickel oxide (NiO) and their use in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting process to produce green H2 as a clean energy fuel. Herein, pure and Mo-doped NiO thin films were successfully prepared using a straightforward sputtering method at different radio frequency (RF) power for the Mo target from 0 to 50 watt. x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and UV–vis spectroscopy techniques were used to analyze the structural, morphological, chemical composition, and optical characterization of the prepared films. The PEC behaviours for green H2 production and the impedance spectroscopy measurements were also investigated for all samples. In PEC measurements, the 50 W sample showed the highest PEC performance. At −0.4V versus RHE, the 50 W sample verified the highest value for the photocurrent density of about 1.7 mA cm−2 which was approximately four times more than the pure NiO sample. The applied biased photon-to-current conversion efficiency and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency were also estimated. This research provided a fresh viewpoint on the design of highly active NiO-based photo-catalysts for the production of green H2 powered by solar light.

Spider Silk/Hemin Biobased Electrets for Organic Phototransistor Memory: A Comprehensive Study on Solution Process Engineering

AbstractThe escalating environmental impact of pollution and the imperative to reduce carbon emissions have heightened the significance of developing biobased materials from natural biomass for electronic devices. This study investigates the utilization of biofermentation‐produced recombinant spider silk and animal‐derived hemin to create a novel biobased electret for field‐effect transistor memory. A critical challenge arises from the incompatibility between natural photoresponsive molecules and insulating biomaterials, resulting in severe phase separation that compromises film quality and morphology uniformity. This study systematically examines the effects of various film deposition and manufacturing techniques on the biobased electret's morphology, phase separation, and performance. Different methods demonstrate distinct advantages in terms of molecular aggregation/segregation, morphological homogeneity, and device performance. Phototransistor memory devices fabricated using spin coating and spray coating techniques exhibit robust aggregations and high memory windows of ≈30 V. Conversely, devices produced through solution shearing and electrospinning methods display enhanced smooth morphologies and high photoresponsivity. The phototransistor memory comprising electrospun fibers holds the potential to achieve the highest memory ratio, reaching ≈105. These findings not only highlight the applications of biobased materials through scalable film deposition processes but also underscore the importance of refining their morphology, phase separation, and performance in optoelectronic devices.

Oregano, thyme, and lemongrass essential oils as antimicrobial agents in gelatin for photographic films

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of selected essential oils as more environmentally friendly, sustainable antimicrobial agents in photographic films for long‐term data storage. For this purpose, essential oils of oregano, thyme, and lemongrass were added in concentrations ranging from 0.4% to 4% to the gelatin comprising a protective layer for photographic microfilms. The emulsions were analyzed via UV‐Vis for their optical transparency, then tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus hominis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thin coatings generated by spreading and drying the emulsions onto photographic film substrates were then characterized morphologically via SEM before and after standardized artificial aging procedures. It was found that oregano oil at a concentration of 0.4% maintained the optical and physical properties of the emulsion and proved highly effective against all tested bacteria. Thyme and lemongrass oil also exhibited some antimicrobial activity, however, were not able to inhibit the bacterial growth completely. At higher concentrations of the oils, the gelatin coatings cracked after artificial aging, which makes them unsuitable for the application. To conclude, selected essential oils like oregano oil can be used as an effective antimicrobial agent without compromising the quality of the photographic films.Practical Applications: The results of our research can be applied directly to the manufacturing of photographic films, specifically ones intended for long‐term data storage. Furthermore, many applications of gelatin or related materials which require antimicrobial activity, such as food packaging, could be enhanced by the addition of essential oils.

Marvel Movies: Film Manufacturing in the Digital Agecomic

As technology continues to develop and innovate, the movie manufacturing industry is also evolving. Through the use of digital technology, film production has become more efficient, precise and realistic. Movie production, because of technological innovations should develop a new vitality. This thesis will explore how technological innovation has helped movie manufacturing and the application of digital technology in Marvel movies. Firstly, this paper will introduce the concept and development history of special effects in film and television, including traditional special effects techniques in film and television and special effects techniques in the digital era. Then, this paper will focus on the application of digital technology in Marvel movies, including the application of technology in artificial intelligence, special effects technology and marketing and promotion. Finally, this paper will summarize the impact of technological innovation on film manufacturing and look forward to future trends.

A review of the chemical modification and applications of starch

The modification of starch using esterification, etherification, oxidation, and Schiff base formation has garnered significant interest owing to its wide-ranging applications in different sectors. This overview delves into the various techniques utilized for modifying starch molecules and examines their utilization in adsorption, adhesive formulations, pharmaceuticals, nanoparticle synthesis, and film manufacturing. The article delves into the synthesis pathways associated with esterification, etherification, oxidation, and Schiff base formation, underscoring their influence on the physicochemical characteristics of starch. Furthermore, it thoroughly examines the application of modified starch in pollutant adsorption processes, as adhesive agents in industries, as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations, and as crucial elements in the creation of starch-based nanoparticles and films.

Wafer-scale synthesis of two-dimensional ultrathin films.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, consisting of atomically thin layered crystals, have attracted tremendous interest due to their outstanding intrinsic properties and diverse applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis. The large-scale growth of high-quality ultrathin 2D films and their utilization in the facile fabrication of devices, easily adoptable in industrial applications, have been extensively sought after during the last decade; however, it remains a challenge to achieve these goals. Herein, we introduce three key concepts: (i) the microwave assisted quick (∼1 min) synthesis of wafer-scale (6-inch) anisotropic conducting ultrathin (∼1 nm) amorphous carbon and 2D semiconducting metal chalcogenide atomically thin films, (ii) a polymer-assisted deposition process for the synthesis of wafer-scale (6-inch) 2D metal chalcogenide and pyrolyzed carbon thin films, and (iii) the surface diffusion and epitaxial self-planarization induced synthesis of wafer-scale (2-inch) single crystal 2D binary and large-grain 2D ferromagnetic ternary metal chalcogenide thin films. The proposed synthesis concepts can pave a new way for the manufacture of wafer-scale high quality 2D ultrathin films and their utilization in the facile fabrication of devices.

Tailoring the temperature coefficient of resistance of flame-formed carbon nanoparticle thin films by electric field-assisted deposition

The electric-field assisted deposition is successfully proposed as a method for the manufacturing of carbon nanostructured films with tunable properties, benefiting from the superimposition of electric fields on the thermophoretic deposition. Morphology, optical, and thermo-resistive properties of the carbon nanoparticle (CNP) films have been studied by UV–vis Absorption Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Current-Voltage analysis. In comparison to thermophoresis alone, the introduction of an electric field results in a six-fold increase in the deposition rate characterized by a non-linear film growth influenced by a three-fold augmentation in surface roughness and polarization effects. Notably, the surface morphology of the CNP films undergoes modification, exhibiting larger grains and a reduced optical band gap energy. Moreover, while maintaining a non-ohmic behaviour, the electric field plays a crucial role in increasing by about two orders of magnitude the electrical conductance of CNP films at ambient temperature. This effect is accompanied by a decrease in temperature sensitivity, attributed to the low and nearly temperature-independent activation energy for the tunneling of electrons in the percolative network. In summary, electric-field assisted deposition is a promising approach to tailor the thermal response of CNP films, which could be beneficial for the development of next-generation sensors.

Role of Varieties of Starch in the Development of Edible Films—A Review

AbstractStarch, a stored form of energy in plants, plays an important role in the human diet as it is a vital source of carbohydrate. The classification of starch based on its botanical origin as cereal starch, tuber starch, and millet starch gives a new dimension to starch classification. The starches generally have an amylose (AM) content of 20–30%, amylopectin (AP) of 70–80% and gelatinization temperature of 60–95°C. Conventionally, starch is used in the food industry as a thickening agent and flavor enhancer in soups, sauces, bakery, and confectionery products. But, the less explored area is its utilization in the manufacture of edible films. Starch, due to its plasticizing effect, gelatinization, and pasting property produces film with desirable tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), and water vapor permeability (WVP). Starch films are not only biodegradable and renewable, but also possess excellent barrier properties. These films produced by wet and dry processing techniques can be used to package confectioneries, meat, sea foods, fruits, and vegetables. In the recent times, superhydrophobic, active, and agro‐waste based edible films have gained industrial importance.

Rapid Manufacturing of Thin Films for Perovskite Solar Cells

The perovskite solar technology has shown impressive improvements in just over a decade with efficiencies rivalling traditional devices. However, much of this work is done using spin coating and long annealing times. In this work we demonstrate the deposition of several thin films (NiO, perovskite and SnO2) using a blade coating technique and annealed using an intense pulsed light technique. These processes allow for the complete deposition and post-process to be completed in just seconds, yielding quality devices at high manufacturing speeds. The talk will discuss the formulation of the individual inks, deposition and annealing. Results from I-V, UV-Vis, XRD and SEM will establish the working principals of the rapid manufacturing technique.

Multi-Functionalized High Ionic Conductive Soft Matter for Separator-Free All Solid-State Lithium-Ion Battery

Solid state battery (SSB) with its promising advantages such as extreme light weight, thin film manufacturing, and compact structure, which leads to a possibility of high energy density design (up to 400-500 Wh/kg). The most important key for the development of SSB is the solid electrolyte (SE). Nowadays, there are several SEs been studied to overcome many drawbacks that are being investigated. Those problems are low ionic conductivity at room temperature, low electrochemical stability, low interfacial compatibility, and low mechanical property, respectively. Although several SEs like sulfide, halide, oxide, and polymer-based materials are developed, but there are still big challenges for further commercialization.In this research, multi-functionalized high ionic soft matters have been synthesized successfully. These soft matters are siloxane polyelectrolytes that contains two functions of single ion transfer and lithium-ion compensation. With the single ion transfer design, the ionic conductivity of siloxane polyelectrolyte is achieved to 4*10-4 S/cm at room temperature and the electrochemical stability is illustrated to a window of 0-5.5V. This soft matter provides outstanding interfacial compatibility to solid-solid interface owing to its unique function of lithium-ion compensation by directly coverage on cathode active materials. According to the results, the impedance of SSB with siloxane polyelectrolytes is decreased by 50% as well as the initial capacity on NMC811 cathode is 213.3 mAh/g (CE: 91.4%). The cycle ability on this separator-free polymer based SSB shows almost no fading in 50 cycles (at 60oC) without any assistances, the SSB only has NMC811 cathode, SE, and lithium metal anode. Fig. 1 shows the SEM images of pristine and siloxane polyelectrolyte covered NMC811. According to the results, the NMC811 is homogeneously covered by thin film siloxane polyelectrolyte, which is used to transfer lithium ions.This research demonstrates a separator-free all SSB by multi-functionalized siloxane polyelectrolyte. High ionic conductivity, high interfacial compatibility, lithium-ion compensation, and high mechanical property are provided to a future high energy density battery. Figure 1