Physical Properties Of Films Research Articles

Effect of insulating glass substrate and conductive on SnS thin films physical properties grown by spray syringe pump method

Effect of insulating glass substrate and conductive on SnS thin films physical properties grown by spray syringe pump method

Comparative efficacy of citric acid/tartaric acid/malic acid additive-based polyvinyl alcohol-starch composite films

To ascertain upon the ideal configuration of physico-mechanical qualities, efficient processing techniques, and network stability of the prepared bio-composite films in real-world applications, the polymeric materials shall be subjected to a careful manipulation. Such bio-composite films have outstanding combinations of biocompatibility and toxicity-associated safety qualities. Such research interventions will be beneficial for the packaging, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries that wish to target and adopt them for commercial applications. In this article, three alternate organic acids, i.e., citric acid (CA), tartaric acid (TA), and malic acid (MA), are blended separately into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-starch (St)-glycerol (Gl) composite films and for the targeted purpose of enhanced crosslinking, plasticizing, and antibacterial capability of the polymer network. The organic acid-based bio-composite polymeric films were assessed in terms of swelling index (SI), in vitro degradation, tensile strength (TS), percentage elongation (%E), antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity attributes. Among these, the MA-based PVA composite films outperformed the CA-based PVA composite film in terms of absorbency (SI 739.29%), mechanical strength (TS 4.88 MPa), and elasticity (%E 103.68%). Furthermore, following a 24-h incubation period, the MA-based films exhibited the highest proliferative effect of 215.59% for the HEK cells. In conclusion, the MA has been inferred to be the most relevant organic acid for the desired optimality of film composition, physical and biological properties, and cost.

Investigation of film Physical properties under various starch thermal treatments with emphasis on Retrogradation effects

This study investigated the changes in the physical properties of cornstarch-based films as they were retrogradely aged at different temperatures. Using a casting method, the films were fabricated, and their effects on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, barrier properties, and essential properties were analyzed. With prolonged aging and retrogradation periods, reductions in film thickness, solubility, water content, and water vapor permeability of 5.35%, 9.92%, 29.61%, and 20.94%, respectively, were observed. In addition, the surface roughness decreased by 44.46% for Rq (root-mean-square roughness) and 45.61% for Ra (arithmetic average roughness), while the elongation at break decreased by 72.64%. Conversely, the tensile strength, maximum degradation rate, and maximum degradation temperature increased by 116.98%, 99.5%, and 3.21%, respectively. These results provide a fundamental understanding of the changes that occur in the properties of cornstarch-based films during aging and retrogradation.

Characteristics of soy films as affected by transglutaminase cross-linking and inclusions of pectin and protein enhancers.

Previously, we showed that water extract (soymilk, except pH was increased to 8 from 6.5) of whole soybean could be used directly as a raw material for producing edible soy films by deposition of the film-forming solution (soy extract with enhancers). However, the strength of such soy films needed improvement because they were weak. The purpose of this study was to investigate how transglutaminase (TG) cross-linking reactions and film enhancers, including pectin (low- and high-methoxyl pectin), whey protein isolate (WPI), and soy protein isolate (SPI), improve the physical properties of soy films. Soy films prepared with TG had tensile strength (TS) of 3.01MPa and puncture strength (PS) of 0.78MPa, which were higher by as much as 51% and 30% than that of soy films without TG treatment, respectively. Pectin showed significant effects on the mechanical properties of TG-added soy films in terms of TS, PS, and % elongation. On the other hand, only TS and PS were increased by the addition of WPI or SPI. Heat curing had a significant effect on soy film's physical properties. TG treatment significantly reduced film solubility when soaked in water and various levels of acid (vinegar) and base (baking soda) solutions. Under the experimental conditions of 35 unit TG and 28min of reaction, the degrees of cross-linking were evidenced by the disappearance of individual protein subunits, except the basic subunit of glycinin, and the reduction of 21% of lysine residues of the proteins. HIGHLIGHTS: Edible soy films were made with transglutaminase and about 21% lysine cross-linked. The mechanical strength of soy films was increased by incorporating film enhancers. Transglutaminase enhanced the mechanical properties of soy films.

Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Biofilms Using Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvents towards Innovative Color-Stabilizing Systems for Anthocyanins.

Anthocyanins are amazing plant-derived colorants with highly valuable properties; however, their chemical and color instability issues limit their wide application in different food industry-related products such as active and intelligent packaging. In a previous study, it was demonstrated that anthocyanins could be stabilized into green plasticizers namely deep eutectic solvents (DESs). In this work, the fabrication of edible films by integrating anthocyanins along with DESs into biocompatible chitosan (CHT)-based formulations enriched with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA nanoparticles was investigated. CHT/PVA-DES films' physical properties were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, water vapor permeability, swelling index, moisture sorption isotherm, and thermogravimetry analysis. Innovative red-to-blue formulation films were achieved for CHT/PVA nanoparticles (for 5 min of sonication) at a molar ratio 1:1, and with 10% of ternary DES (TDES)-containing malvidin-3-glucoside (0.1%) where the physical properties of films were enhanced. After immersion in solutions at different pH values, films submitted to pHs 5-8 were revealed to be more color stable and resistant with time than at acidic pH values.

The preparation of edible water-soluble films comprising κ-carrageenan/carboxymethyl starch/gum ghatti and their application in instant coffee powder packaging

This study successfully prepared an edible packaging film that rapidly dissolves in water by utilizing a combination of κ-carrageenan, carboxymethyl starch, and gum ghatti. We investigated the influence of these three materials on the microstructure and physical properties of the film, as well as the impact of the film's dissolution on the stability of beverages. SEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses revealed that the κ-carrageenan, carboxymethyl starch, and gum ghatti primarily interacted through hydrogen bonding, resulting in a more uniform and dense film structure. Surface hydrophilicity and swelling tests indicated an increased presence of hydrophilic groups in the composite film. The inclusion of carboxymethyl starch and gum ghatti significantly improves the film's physical properties, resulting in a notable reduction in water solubility time, an increase in elongation at break from 19.5 % to 26.0 %, a rise in the contact angle from 49.1° to 67.0°, and a decrease in water vapor permeability from 7.5 × 10–10 to 6.2 × 10–10 g/m·s·Pa. Furthermore, coffee packaging bags made from this composite film dissolved entirely in hot water in just 40 s. Dissolving these bags significantly improved the stability of instant coffee, reducing centrifugal sedimentation from 3.8 % to 1.7 %. This study highlights the substantial potential of the κ-carrageenan/carboxymethyl starch/gum ghatti composite film as a packaging material for solid beverages.

Demonstration of Two Multi‐Component Target Ablation Approaches and Their Application in Combinatorial Pulsed Laser Deposition

AbstractCombinatorial pulsed laser deposition (C‐PLD) based on segmented targets has led to new possibilities in the pace of discovery of novel advanced materials with significantly reduced deposition time and material consumption. However, fabrication of established segmented targets may be complex or not even possible for certain material combinations. In this article, two alternative C‐PLD techniques based on easy‐to‐fabricate segmented targets are presented. One approach uses two semi‐circular segments A and B with a systematic adjustable lateral shift of the target rotation axis from the target center. The other approach is based on a new target design defined by an ABA‐segmentation where B is a horizontal bar between two semi‐circular segments of A. Both approaches enable growth of discrete composition libraries. The concepts and important parameters are introduced and computer simulations as function of the geometric parameters are made to yield the expected thin film compositions. As proof‐of‐concept, the techniques are employed on the transparent, semiconducting ternary alloy zinc‐tin‐oxide. The simulations are in very good agreement with the experimental data. Physical properties of films grown by the demonstrated approaches are compared with those obtained by established PLD processes.

Comparative study on the effect of substrates on electrical properties of tin and chromium thin films

In thin film technology, substrate materials happen to be one of the deposition parameters that determine the physical properties of films. Hence, soda-lime glass and quartz continue to be the widely utilized substrate materials because of their high-frequency performance, price, and surface quality. For certain applications, various substrate materials that provide an acceptable compromise for the work at hand are required. Soda-lime glass and quartz have been chosen as the substrates for the tin and chromium thin films that will be produced via thermal evaporation in a vacuum. A comparative study on the electrical properties of chromium films was made in the light of Fuchs–Sondheimer and Mayadas–Shatzkes theories. Numerous physical properties, including resistivity of infinitely thick film, sticking coefficient, conduction electron mean free, etc., may be determined from resistivity-thickness data.

Synthesis of Zn2SnO4 particles and the influence of annealing temperature on the structural and optical properties of Zn2SnO4 films deposited by spraying nanoinks

This work presents the results of the study of structural, substructural and optical properties of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles (NPs) and films. NPs synthesized by the hydrothermal method during 28 h were chosen to form a nanoink from which films were obtained by spraying the solution it on glass substrates. Obtained Zn2SnO4 films were annealed in Argon atmosphere at Ta = (250–500) °C for 30 min and 60 min to remove organic impurities and optimize the film's physical properties. Since the choice of mineralizer determines a number of important characteristics of nanoparticles, a comprehensive study of the obtained samples grown using KOH as a mineralizer was conducted. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, high-resolution transmission (HRTEM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy, Raman and optical spectroscopy. Analysis of morphology showed that synthesized films have a [220] growth texture with inverse spinel structure and consist of NPs, the size of which increases with the annealing temperature (Ta). It was identified that the size of the coherent scattering domain (CSD) in the sample increases with increasing Ta, while the level of microdeformations decreases. Raman spectra showed F2g(2), F2g(3) and A1g modes corresponding to the structure of inverse spinel Zn2SnO4. It is found, that the optical bandgap Eg of NPs decreases from 4.02 eV to 3.85 eV with an increase in growth time. On another hand, the optical bandgap Eg of films decreases with an increase in annealing temperature, Ta, from 4.04 eV to 3.63 eV.

The effect of carrageenan-gluten ratio and garlic essential oil concentration on physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of edible film

Edible film can be made from natural polymers, such as fats, proteins, and polysaccharides. The combination of polysaccharides and proteins has the potential to form a film, it can improve the mechanical properties and physical properties of the film based on the complex structure formed. Furthermore, to improve the barrier properties by obstructing water vapour transmission and preventing the proliferation of spoilage microorganisms in food, it is important to present both hydrophobic substances and active compounds extracted from essential oils. This research aimed to find out the best formulation of gluten and garlic essential oil on the physical, mechanical, and bacteria-inhibitory properties of edible film. The method used in this research is the edible film made by combining carrageenan and gluten in several concentrations (7,5%; 10%; and 12,5%) and the addition of garlic essential oil at different concentrations (0%, 2%, and 4%), then observations were made on several test parameters such as solubility in water, thickness, water vapor transmission rate, tensile strength, and antibacterial properties of the film. Results obtained in the research demonstrated that the finest edible film treatment was found in addition of 12.5% gluten and addition of 4% garlic essential oil with the results of solubility parameter of 40.57% thickness of 0.73 mm tensile strength of 0.0009 N/mm2 and WVTR of 21.856 g/h/m2 and antibacterial properties against E. coli bacteria of 26.93 mm and against S. aurerus bacteria of 33.76 mm. This research concluded the addition of gluten and garlic oil could improve physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties edible film.

The highly stable indicator film incorporating roselle anthocyanin co-pigmented with oxalic acid: Preparation, characterization and freshness monitoring application

A novel stable PVA/HPMC/roselle anthocyanin (RAE) indicator film co-pigmented with oxalic acid (OA) was prepared, its properties, application effects and stability enhancement mechanism were investigated correspondingly. The structural characterization revealed that more stable network was formed due to the co-pigmentation facilitated generation of molecular interactions. Meanwhile, the co-pigmentation improved film mechanical and hydrophobic properties compared to both PVA/HPMC/RAE newly prepared (PHRN) or stored (PHRS) film, expressing as higher tensile strength values (12.25% and 14.44% higher than PHRN and PHRS), lower water solubility (7.22% and 10.09% lower than PHRN and PHRS) and water vapor permeability values (33.20% and 21.05% lower than PHRN and PHRS) of PVA/HPMC/RAE/OA newly prepared (PHON) or stored (PHOS) film. Compared with the PHRS film, the PHOS film still presented more distinguishable color variations when being applied to monitor shrimp freshness, owing to the stabilization behaviors of co-pigmentation in anthocyanin conformation. Hence, the co-pigmentation was an effective strategy to enhance film stability, physical and pH-responsive properties after long term storage, leading to better film monitoring effects when applied in real-time freshness monitoring.

Physical Properties of Tapioca Starch-based Film Indicators with Anthocyanin Extract from Purple Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas L.) and Response to pH Changes

Intelligent packaging comes in the form of interactive film indicator using a natural pigment compound sensitive to pH changes. The development of intelligent packaging as an indicator film by utilizing natural pigment compounds that are related to pH change and food safety is motivated by increased consumer awareness of food safety. Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is the source of anthocyanin flavonoid compounds sensitive to pH changes, demonstrated by color changes in film indicators. This research aims to determine physical properties and the pH response of tapioca starch-based film indicators with anthocyanin extract variation from purple sweet potato. Purple sweet potato anthocyanin (PSPA) indicator film was made using tapioca starch as biopolymer by casting method with the addition of anthocyanin extract at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g. Furthermore, this research is conducted to analyze the physical properties of the film, and response to pH changes of fresh cow milk, Gindara fish fillet and chicken sausage stored at 7 °C and 25 °C under 48-hour observation. The results showed that the film indicator thickness was 0.72-0.74 mm, tensile strength was 1.23-9.86 MPa, elongation was 14.83-55.74%, and water vapor permeability (WVP) was 1.32-1.78 × 10-14 kg.m/m2.s.Pa. The results of this study indicated that the PSPA indicator films have the potential to be used as smart packaging to monitor food freshness and quality for safe consumption. That was supported by the good physical properties of PSPA indicator films.

Іnfluence of finishing on the material performances

The complex of polyacrylic and polyurethane films physical and mechanical properties and the operational properties of leather decorated with them has been studied. The polyacrylate and polyurethane protective coatings formation is performed on the grain face of the semi-finished leather. 
 150–200 µm thick films are formed from the polymer solutions and aqueous dispersions. Acrylic films are obtained from a dispersion of methylbutylacrylate and a dispersion modified by acrylic lcarboxyethanolamine of kerosene-gas-oil fraction natural naphthenic acids. Polyurethane films are formed by the method of condensation structure formation in the presence of water vapor based on 4,4’-diphenylmethanediisocyanate, polyethylene glycol and polyester. Polyacrylurethane films are obtained from an aqueous dispersion of polyurethane and acrylate Lepton SPC.
 The coating is applied to the semi-finished leather by watering and spraying the polymer composition. The complex of physical-mechanical and sorption-diffusion properties of polymer films has been studied. It was found that the films obtained from the polyacrylurethane composition outperform polyurethane and polyacrylic by 1.9 and 6.7 times, respectively. Modification of the polyurethane composition with a polyacrylic polymer makes it possible to obtain films with higher sorption-diffusion properties.
 Polyurethane coated leather is superior to polyacrylic in the complex of physical and mechanical parameters, in particular in terms of adhesive strength in 3.4-4.4 times, and polyacrylurethane coated leather - in 5 times. Such leather has the highest sorbino-diffusion capacity, which is 1.4 times higher in vapor permeability compared to skins with polyacrylic coating. The acrylurethane polymer-based composition is promising formation of eco-coatings based on them in the technology of manufacturing leather materials. The studied polymeric film formers can be used for the formation of various kind protective coatings on a wide range of semi-finished leather products.

Realization of an autonomously controllable process for atomic layer deposition and its encapsulation application in flexible organic light-emitting diodes.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD), an emerging method of thin film fabrication, has recently witnessed a surge of applications in the optoelectronics field. However, reliable processes capable of controlling film composition have yet to be developed. In this work, the effect of precursor partial pressure and steric hindrance on the surface activity was presented and analyzed in detail, which led to the development of a component tailoring process for ALD composition control in intralayer for the first time. Further, a homogeneous organic/inorganic hybrid film was successfully grown. The component unit of the hybrid film under the joint action of EG and O plasma could achieve arbitrary ratios by controlling the EG/O plasma surface reaction ratio via varied partial pressures. Film growth parameters (growth rate per cycle and mass gain per cycle) and physical properties (density, refractive index, residual stress, transmission, and surface morphology) could be modulated as desired. Moreover, the hybrid film with low residual stress was effectively used in the encapsulation of flexible organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Such a component tailoring process is an important step forward in ALD technology, and allowing for in-situ control of thin film components at the atomic level in intralayer.

Development and Characterization of Biosorbent Film from Eggshell/Orange Waste Enriched with Banana Starch.

The conversion of waste into a valuable product is regarded as a promising alternative to relieving the burden of solid waste management and could be beneficial to the environment and humans. This study is focused on utilizing eggshell and orange peel enriched with banana starch to fabricate biofilm via the casting technique. The developed film is further characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The physical properties of films, including thickness, density, color, porosity, moisture content, water solubility, water absorption, and water vapor permeability, were also characterized. The removal efficiency of the metal ions onto film at different contact times, pH, biosorbent dosages, and initial concentration of Cd(II) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The film's surface was found to have a porous and rough structure with no cracks, which can enhance the target analytes interactions. EDX and XRD analyses confirmed that eggshell particles were made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and the appearance of the main peak at 2θ = 29.65° and 2θ = 29.49° proves the presence of calcite in eggshells. The FTIR indicated that the films contain various functional groups, such as alkane (C-H), hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), carbonate (CO32-), and carboxylic acid (-COOH) that can act as biosorption materials. According to the findings, the developed film exhibits a notable enhancement in its water barrier properties, thereby leading to improved adsorption capacity. The batch experiments showed that the film obtained the maximum removal percentage at pH = 8 and 6 g of biosorbent dose. Notably, the developed film could reach sorption equilibrium within 120 min at the initial concentration of 80 mg/L and remove 99.95% of Cd(II) in the aqueous solutions. This outcome presents potential opportunities for the application of these films in the food industry as both biosorbents and packaging materials. Such utilization can significantly enhance the overall quality of food products.

Regulating the fretting behavior of diamond-like carbon films by changing the composition and structure

Reducing or eliminating the slip regime and mix regime is an effective way to reduce the fretting wear, while the diamond-like carbon (DLC) film, as a self-lubricating solid lubricant, can reduce friction coefficient while improving the surface strength. The most valuable thing is that DLC film can change the film's composition, structure, and physical and chemical properties by controlling its deposition process. This regularability can realize the reduction or elimination of slip regime and mix regime under different fretting conditions, so it is important to explore the changing regulation law of the fretting regime by changing the sp2/sp3 hybrid bond content ratio and microstructure of DLC film. Here, DLC films with different sp2/sp3 hybrid carbon content ratios were obtained by annealing; the fretting performance was studied under different normal loads and amplitudes. The following rules are obtained by drawing the running conditions fretting map and analyzing the tangential stiffness, friction coefficient and dissipation energy: with increasing the sp2/sp3 hybrid carbon content of DLC film, the fretting regime moves towards the slip regime, while the friction coefficient and dissipated energy will increase. In addition, the short-range ordered microstructure, such as onion-like carbon structure, will facilitate the fretting regime towards the partial slip regime. This work demonstrates the controllability and potential of DLC films in fretting.

Heat–Moisture Treatment on Pinhão Starch Impacts the Properties of the Biodegradable Films

AbstractUsing non‐conventional starch can benefit the industry since it can present different properties. It also can lead to new properties upon physical modification, which improves its derivate film properties. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate the heat–moisture treatment (HMT) on pinhão starch and its effectiveness in film properties. After isolation using water as a solvent, the pinhão starch is treated by HMT for 16 h at 110 °C. Native and HMTed starches are used to produce biodegradable films. Pinhão starch and starch films chemical and physical properties are properly characterized. The HMT causes some changes in short‐range ordered structures, reduces the relative crystallinity, and shifts the pinhão starch from C‐type to A‐type. Also, HMT decreases the peak viscosity and the breakdown, and improves thermal stability. These starch changes upon HMT reduces water vapor permeability, increases tensile strength, and elongation at the break of pinhão starch films. Desirable changes in starch and film properties are achieved by physically modifying pinhão starch using HMT, which is a promising alternative to chemical modifications.

Structural, electrical and magnetic properties of evaporated FexNi1-x thin films

Polycrystalline FexNi1-x thin films were successfully synthesized via physical vapor deposition under vacuum. The iron atomic content is ranging from 20 to 45%. The thin films physical properties are studied and the impact of Fe percentage on their structural, electrical and magnetic properties is examined. To determine their structure, microstructure, surface morphology, chemical compositions, electrical and magnetic properties, the deposited films were analyzed by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Hall Effect measurement system (HMS-5300) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer tools. The achieved X-ray diffraction spectra exhibited face centered cubic structure with<111> preferred orientation. The crystallite size and lattice parameter increase with increasing iron content. Both of electrical resistivity and magnetoresistance decrease with increasing film thickness, whereas mobility increases. Magnetization curves infer an in-plane easy axis without any preferential direction. It is also found that Ms increases and Hc decreases with iron content increase.

Cross-linked films based on N-hydrophobic-O-hydrophilic chitosan derivatives: Preparation, properties and application in banana storage

Two kinds of N -hydrophobic-O-hydrophilic chitosan derivatives, N-2-hydroxypropyl-3-butyl ether-O-carboxymethyl chitosan (HBCC) and N-2-hydroxypropyl-3-(2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether)-O-carboxymethyl chitosan (H2ECC) were synthesized and cross-linked with glutaraldehyde to prepare HBCC and H2ECC films. The properties of the cross-linked films, including microstructure, mechanical properties, water vapor permeability, swelling property, light transmission, wettability, thermal stability, antibacterial property, and biocompatibility were characterized. The uncross-linked HBCC and H2ECC films were used as controls. The results showed that the cross-linked films had tight structures, low water vapor permeability, strong water resistance, high UV light resistance, a slight decrease in visible light transmittance, and a small contact angle. The cross-linked films showed strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli , non-toxicity to endothelial cells, and good biodegradability. Also, the cross-linked films can effectively prolong the fresh-keeping time of bananas by delaying the formation of soluble polysaccharides and malondialdehyde (MDA) in bananas. These results indicate that HBCC and H2ECC cross-linked filmsare potential biodegradable materials for fruit preservation. • The 3D internal structure improves Glu cross-linked film physical properties. • The films show nontoxicity, strong antibacterial properties. • The degradation degrees of the films are more than 63% at 35th day. • The films extend fresh life of bananas by 6 days at room temperature.

Ab-initio study and atomistic spin model simulations of Cr2O3 thin films

Magnetoelectric random access memory (MERAM) is the next generation technology of data storage with high-density and low power. Magnetoelectric material can be controlled by voltage such as an electric field to transform spin domain directions for storing data. One of the most promising materials that possess such properties near room temperature is Cr2O3. Although, the bulk has perfect properties for MERAM, it is necessary to fabricate thin films for applicable spintronic devices, i.e., reducing the required external control voltage; however, the film magnetic and physical properties might be different from bulk. In this work, we propose that the film properties might be induced by surface effects and are confirmed with Ab-initio calculation and atomistic spin simulation. The main simulation processes are the density functional theory (DFT) calculating, mapped with the classical Heisenberg model for exchange interaction constants up to the fifth nearest neighbour (J 1-J 5). The atomistic spin model was then used to approximate the Néel temperature (T N), comparing two methods i.e., Monte Carlo simulation and the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert (LLG) equation. The Néel temperatures of the film were found to be slightly lower than the bulk, which is in good agreement with previous experiments. Furthermore, the spin dynamic model gives more correct result comparing to the Monte Carlo method.