Polymer Plating Research Articles

Recent Progress in Development and Applications of Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite.

Electroactive polymer (EAP) is a polymer that reacts to electrical stimuli, such as voltage, and can be divided into electronic and ionic EAP by an electrical energy transfer mechanism within the polymer. The mechanism of ionic EAP is the movement of the positive ions inducing voltage change in the polymer membrane. Among the ionic EAPs, an ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) is composed of a metal electrode on the surface of the polymer membrane. A common material for the polymer membrane of IPMC is Nafion containing hydrogen ions, and platinum, gold, and silver are commonly used for the electrode. As a result, IPMC has advantages, such as low voltage requirements, large bending displacement, and bidirectional actuation. Manufacturing of IPMC is composed of preparing the polymer membrane and plating electrode. Preparation methods for the membrane include solution casting, hot pressing, and 3D printing. Meanwhile, electrode formation methods include electroless plating, electroplating, direct assembly process, and sputtering deposition. The manufactured IPMC is widely demonstrated in applications such as grippers, micro-pumps, biomedical, biomimetics, bending sensors, flow sensors, energy harvesters, biosensors, and humidity sensors. This paper will review the overall field of IPMC by demonstrating the categorization, principle, materials, and manufacturing method of IPMC and its applications.

Techniques and Materials for Optical Fiber Sensors Sealing in Dynamic Environments with High Pressure and High Temperature.

We detail a study of the techniques and sealing materials for optical fiber sensors used in dynamic environments with high pressure (>300 bar) and high temperature (>300 °C). The sealing techniques and materials are the key for the robustness of sensors in harsh dynamic environments, such as large combustion engines. The sealing materials and techniques studied in this work are high-temperature epoxies, metallic polymer, metallic solders, glass solder, cement, brazing and electroless nickel plating. Because obtaining high temperature simultaneously with high pressure is very difficult in the same chamber in the laboratory, we developed a new and simple method to test sealed fibers in these conditions in the laboratory. In addition, some sensors using the materials tested in the laboratory were also field tested in real thermoelectric combustion engines. The study also discusses the methods of fabrication and the cost−benefit ratio of each method.

Additively Manufactured Electrochemical Plating Enclosures

Additively manufactured plating enclosures can be used as a cheap alternative to traditional plating tanks and fixturing, which can reduce the volume of chemistry required, allow for complex fluid dynamics across the part surface, and offer the possibility of augmenting and tuning the thermal gradients and electrical fields surrounding the part. Selective tank geometries allow for electrodes that can be integrated or conformally shaped onto the enclosure. By allowing for such diverse electrode geometries, these enclosures create the possibility of near-uniform electric fields for complex parts, unique electrical contact mechanisms that can be integrated into the enclosure itself, as well as accurate and minimally invasive part fittings to maintain part alignment during the plating process. Several commercially-available thermoplastics and photopolymers were analyzed for compatibility with a variety of chemistries commonly used in the electrodeposition processes. Preliminary testing and analysis of custom polymer plating enclosures was performed to demonstrate process viability. Parylene coatings can further increase the chemical resistance of the enclosure, leading to a wider range of chemistries which the custom polymer enclosures are resistant to. Further, polymer metallization and evaporation techniques offer the possibility of directly incorporating electrodes into the fixture itself, as well as for creating thermal contacts with external heat sources. Together, these techniques create the possibility of creating more uniform parts and coatings, while reducing chemical waste, material and equipment cost, and development time for laboratory-scale electroplating processes. Supported by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development program at Sandia National Laboratories, a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525.

Early Surgical Reconstruction of Sternum with Longitudinal Rigid Polymer Plating after Acute Chest Trauma

Purpose: The surgical management of the patients with traumatic sternal fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an early surgical reconstruction of a displaced sternal fracture utilizing longitudinal rigid polymer fixation in the settings of an acute chest trauma.Methods: To perform the sternal fixation, we utilized a longitudinal rigid plating system. The plate is made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK), an organic thermoplastic polymer.Results: We used the entire length of the plate on each side of the fracture, secured in multiple places with 6–8 screws. Once the plates have been fully secured we tighten all the screws with a screwdriver. We demonstrated that the method minimizes pain and prevents the development of pulmonary complications.Conclusion: This technique provides cosmetically acceptable results, minimizing risk of sternal nonunion, and decreases length of hospitalization.

Effect of different liquid–solid contact models on the corrosion resistance of superhydrophobic magnesium surfaces

Superhydrophobic surfaces contacting with liquid in Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel models were prepared on MgMnCe magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation (MAO), phytic acid etching and polymer plating. The corrosion current density of the films in Cassie–Baxter and Wenzel models decreased about four and three orders of magnitude, respectively, in comparison with the substrate. The ratio of corrosion current density of the film in Wenzel model to that in Cassie–Baxter model is approximately equal to the ratio of their actual contact area with liquid.

Preparation of Duplex Film through Microarc Oxidation Coloring and Polymer Plating on Mg-Li Alloy and Its Corrosion Resistance

Preparation of Duplex Film through Microarc Oxidation Coloring and Polymer Plating on Mg-Li Alloy and Its Corrosion Resistance

Preparation and Properties of Polymeric Nano Composite Filmon Surface of Sintered NdFeB Permanent Magnet

A nanofilm(TES-SAMs) was prepared by self-assembly of 6-(3-triethoxysilylpropylamino)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium(TES) on a sintered NdFeB surface.A nano composite film(TES-ATP) was then prepared on the TES-SAMs surface by a self-developed polymer plating technique using 6-(N-allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecylamino)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium(ATP).The surface of the TES-SAMs and TES-ATP were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy,spectroscopic ellipsometry,atomic force microscopy(AFM),and contact angle measurements.A UMT-2 tribometer was used to investigate their micro-tribological properties.The experimental results showed that the thicknesses of TES-SAMs and TES-ATP were 5.08 and 29.78 nm,respectively.The surface free energy of TES-ATP and TES-SAMs decreased from 73.13 mJ·m-2 for the substrate to 10.19 and 63.39 mJ·m-2,respectively.The contact angle of distilled water on TES-ATP was 123.5°,indicating transformation from a hydrophilic surface to a hydrophobic one.The friction coefficient was effectively reduced from 0.71 for the substrate to 0.22 for TES-SAMs and 0.12 for TES-ATP.In addition,the TES-ATP composite film possessed excellent anti-wear ability.Thus,the present TES-ATP composite film provides a novel approach to solving tribological issues in micro-electro-mechaanical system(MEMS).

Fabrication of hydrophobic/super-hydrophobic nanofilms on magnesium alloys by polymer plating

Hydrophobic/super-hydrophobic nanofilms with improved corrosion resistance were fabricated on the surfaces of Mg–Mn–Ce magnesium alloy by a surface modification technique, named as polymer plating, which has been developed to modify superficial characteristics of magnesium alloys with polymeric nanofilms through synthesized organic compounds of triazine dithiol containing functional groups. The nanofilms were prepared by the electrochemical and polymerization reactions during polymer plating analyzed from characteristics of Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The fabricated nanofilms changed the surface wettability of blank magnesium alloy from hydrophilic to hydrophobic with contact angle 119.0° of distilled water with lower surface free energy of 20.59 mJ/m 2 and even super-hydrophobic with contact angle 158.3° with lowest surface free energy of 4.68 mJ/m 2 by different functional nanofilms on their surfaces. Alteration of wettability from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic resulted from their low surface free energy and surface morphology with micro- and nano-rough structures. The corrosion behaviors from potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) show that the super-hydrophobic nanofilm has higher corrosion resistance and stability in 0.1 mol/L NaCl solution and lower corrosion current density ( I corr) with R ct increasing two orders of magnitude of 16,500 Ω·cm 2 compared to that obtained for blank of 485 Ω·cm 2.

Magnetic Nickel–Phosphorus/Polymer Composite and Remotely Driven Three-Dimensional Micromachine Fabricated by Nanoplating and Two-Photon Polymerization

We have prepared and characterized nickel–phosphorus (Ni–P)/polymer composite and demonstrated a method for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) micromachines by combining two-photon polymerization (TPP) of polymer and electroless plating of Ni–P alloy to achieve high mechanical performance and remotely controllable capability. Ni–P electroless plating process has been optimized. The mechanical performance of the Ni–P/polymer composite film, such as the hardness and modulus, was improved to 1.74 and 34.93 GPa with a Ni–P alloy layer, respectively. The Ni–P alloy layer deposited on the surface of the 3D micromachine provides good response capability in the magnetic field. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate that the as-prepared magnetic 3D micromachine was able to be remotely manipulated expeditiously by the external magnetic field. This study would open up a broad prospect for developing remote manipulated 3D micro/nanomachine with excellent mechanical performance.

Effect of Organic Polymer Plating on Corrosion Resistance of Cast Iron

Effect of Organic Polymer Plating on Corrosion Resistance of Cast Iron

Preparation and Characterization of a Polymeric Dielectric Film with a Low Surface Free Energy

A polymeric nanofilm with a low surface free energy and high dielectric constant on the surface of a Mg-Mn-Ce magnesium alloy was prepared by a self-developed technique which was designed as polymer plating. The reaction mechanism during polymer plating was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The film formed on the magnesium alloy surface as determined by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The contact angle of distilled water and the surface free energy of the polymeric film were determined using a contact angle meter. The film thickness was characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry. The dielectric property of the film was evaluated using a precision impedance analyzer. The experimental results show that the nanoscale polymeric film was successfully formed on the magnesium alloy surface after polymer plating. The contact angle of distilled water for the polymer-plated magnesium alloy increased to 150.5 degrees compared with 70.8 degrees for the substrate and the surface free energy of the polymer-plated magnesium alloy decreased to 1.57 mJ . m(-2) from 37.96 mJ . m(-2) for the substrate. Therefore, the functional performance changed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The film mass and thickness increased with the polymer-plating time before 20 min and then decreased slightly. The film mass and thickness after polymer-plating for 20 min increased to 23.5 mu g . cm(-2) and 147.48 nm, respectively. The polymer-plated nanofilm at 20 min possesses a high relative dielectric constant of 24.922 at a frequency of 1 kHz.

Combined use of FBG sensors and SMA actuators for concrete beams repair

The combined use of sensing and actuating systems enables the development of intelligent structures, which can respond in a predetermined manner to changes in the environment or in the structural conditions. In this work, small-scale smart reinforced concrete beams with fibre Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators are designed and tested. SMA wires placed within sleeves are added to the traditional steel reinforcement. The recovery stress developed in the SMA on heating provides the smart beam with a temporary restoring force, which decreases the residual midspan displacement and crack width. As the recovery stress relaxes on cooling of the SMA wires, the proposed method is effective to provide a temporary beam repair, while a long-term strengthening could be achieved by combining the SMA effect of crack closure with other techniques, such as carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) plating or resin injection. FBG sensors are used to monitor the deformation in the SMA wires and to determine the beam critical conditions. The effectiveness of both the sensing and the actuating methods is experimentally demonstrated, while the different factors influencing the amount of repair provided by the SMA actuators still need to be investigated. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Design for Moment Redistribution in RC Beams Retrofitted with Steel Plates

It is now common practice to retrofit reinforced concrete members by adhesively bonding steel or fibre reinforced polymer plates to their surfaces. However, tests have shown that these plated RC structures tend to have less member ductility, or rotational capacity, than the unplated structure because of premature plate debonding. In this paper, structural mechanics approaches are described for both: quantifying the moment rotation capacity, or member ductility, of steel plated RC flexural members; and quantifying the moment redistribution capacity from the moment rotation capacity. It is shown how the moment redistribution structural mechanics model can be used to design for member ductility directly and, furthermore, it is applied to both externally bonded and near surface mounted steel plates. As would be expected, it is shown that steel plating produces more ductile members than fibre reinforced polymer plating.

Corrosion resistance of Mg-Mn-Ce magnesium alloy modified by polymer plating

Polymeric nano-film on the surface of Mg-Mn-Ce magnesium alloy was fabricated by polymer plating of 6-dihexylamino-1, 3, 5-triazine-2, 4-dithiol monosodium (DHN) to improve its corrosion resistance. The electrochemical reaction process was analyzed by cyclic voltammetry and two obvious peaks of oxidation reaction were observed. The static contact angle of distilled water on polymer-plated surface can be up to 106.3° while on the blank surface it is 45.8°. Potentiodynamic polarization results show that the polymeric film can increase the corrosion potential from −1.594 V vs SCE for blank to −0.382 V vs SCE. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that the charge transfer resistances of blank and polymer-plated Mg-Mn-Ce alloy are 485 Ω·cm 2 and 2 717 Ω·cm 2, respectively. The method of polymer plating can provide a novel approach for fabricating hydrophobic film on Mg-Mn-Ce alloy surface and improving its anti-corrosion property.

Fabrication of super-hydrophobic surface on copper surface by polymer plating

The 6-( N-allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydroperfluorodecyl)amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium) (ATP) was used to fabricate polymeric thin film on pure copper plate to achieve super-hydrophobic surface. The copper plates were pretreated to gain rough surfaces by chemical etching before polymer plating. The polymer plating process of ATP on copper in Na 2CO 3 aqueous solution and the growth mechanism of poly(6-( N-allyl-1,1,2,2-tetrahydro-perfluorodecyl) amino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol) (PAT) thin film was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry. The polymeric film was investigated by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the etched surfaces were observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A contact angle meter was applied to measure the contact angles with distilled water drops at ambient temperature. The experimental results indicated that the polymeric film formed on rough copper surface exhibits super-hydrophobic property with a distilled water contact angle of 155°. The wettability of copper surfaces was discussed on the basis of both Wenzel and Cassie theories. The etching and polymer plating processes are time-saving, inexpensive, environmental and fairly convenient to carry out. It is expected that this technique will advance the production of super-hydrophobic materials with new applications in large scale. Moreover, this kind of thin film can be used as a dielectric material due to its insulated feature.

Polymer plating on AZ31 magnesium alloy surface and film evaluation of corrosion property

The polymeric thin film was prepared on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloy by polymer plating of 6-dihexylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (DHN) in order to modify its surface feature and to improve its anti-corrosive property. Cyclic voltammetry was used to study the electrochemical reaction and film growth process of poly(6-dihexylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol) (PDH) film, and the reaction peaks for film formation and growth were affirmed. The polymeric film weight was determined by electronic balance and its insoluble fraction in tetrahydrofuran was also measured. Contact angle meter was applied to test the surface wettability with distilled water drops at ambient temperature. It was found that the polymer-plated AZ31 alloy showed hydrophobic property with its distilled water contact angle up to 117.2°. The performance property of polymeric thin film formed on AZ31 surface was studied by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in the corrosion solution of 3.5% NaCl. The electrochemical experiment results showed that polymer-plated thin film with hydrophobic and insulative characteristics could provide surface modification and an effective anti-corrosive protection to magnesium alloy substrate compared to the blank one.

Direct Joining of Acrylic Rubber to Cast Iron with Functional Nanofilm by Polymer Plating

The nanoscale functional thin film with the affinity to acrylic rubber was formed on the surface of a high ductile spheroidal-graphite cast iron by means of polymer plating of 6-diallylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium salt. The direct joining of acrylic rubber to the cast iron was achieved with the functional nanofilm during curing. High peel strength adherend of the rubber/cast iron was obtained with suitable film thickness and good film quality under curing at 453 K for 18 min. When the film thickness was 8.53 nm, peel strength of the adherend was high to 4.9 kNm-1, and its broken-out section was rubber cohesive failure. The film thickness considerably affected peel strength and rubber coverage. Moreover, the current density of polymer plating had largely influence on mass and quality of thin film, thereby on joining property of acrylic rubber to the cast iron. The good joining property results from chemical bond within interfacial layer of acrylic rubber chain and reactive groups of nanofilm polymer-plated on the surface of cast iron.

Effect of 6-Dioctylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol Concentration on the Polymer Plating on Iron Plates

Effect of 6-Dioctylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol Concentration on the Polymer Plating on Iron Plates

Application of Polymer Plating to Inhibit Corrosion of Magnesium Alloy

An organic compound of dihexyl-contained triazine dithiol was specially synthesized for surface modification of magnesium alloy AZ91 in order to improve its corrosion resistance. The nano-scale polymer film on the surface of AZ91 was created with the synthesized compound by means of electrochemical measuring system called as polymer plating in the electrolytic solution. The modified surface of AZ91 had the peculiar functional characteristic of water repellency to inhibit corrosion. Corrosion tests were carried out with methods of polarization curve and electrochemical impedance. The corrosion resistance was evaluated from corrosive current density and reactive resistance. When concentration of the compound was set on 8 mol/m3, the good corrosion resistance was obtained for low corrosive current density and high reactive resistance in NaCl aqueous solution at 303K.

Surface modification of magnesium alloys using triazine dithiols

Polymer plating of 6-dihexylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (DHN), 6-diallylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (DAN), and 6-mercapto-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol (TTN) groups at 10 °C in 1 mol/dm 3 NaOH aqueous solution on the magnesium alloy AZ91D yielded poly(6-dihexylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-disulfide) (PDH), poly(6-diallylamino-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-disulfide) (PDA), and poly(6-mercapto-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-disulfide) (PTT), respectively. PDH-plated magnesium alloys showed excellent corrosion resistance in air containing moisture and in corrosive water because PDH films have very low critical surface tension, are composed of ordered and closely packed layer structure like the LB-films, and have high crystallinity. An increase in film thickness of the PDH films suppressed the corrosion rate of the magnesium alloys and increased the induction period to initiate the corrosion. PTT-plated magnesium alloys showed outstanding adhesion to poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) compounds during injection molding in 140 °C. This is because PTT films have highly active points, such as SS bonds, and show excellent strength. PTT-film thickness in the range of 20 to 80 nm provided high tensile shear strength for the direct adhesion of PPS to PTT-plated magnesium alloys. PDA-plated magnesium alloys exhibited excellent adhesion to ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) in a peroxide curing system and with acrylic rubber (ACM) under a triazine thiol curing system, although the peel strength was found to depend on film thickness.