Transparent Barrier Films Research Articles

Transparent SiOxCyHz Barrier Film Prepared by PECVD with Upper and Lower Pair Electrode Rolls Structure

Flexible and transparent barrier film is demanded in the fields of organic solar thin-film cells, flexible organic light-emitting diodes, electronic paper and vacuum insulation boards. To prepare films with high water resistance, flexible SiOxCyHz films were prepared on PET using HMDSO as monomer and Oxygen (O2) as reaction gas. SiOxCyHz films were prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with upper and lower pair electrode rolls structure, with the width of electrode rolls up to 600 mm. The influences of oxygen content, film thickness, oxygen/monomer ratio, reaction vacuum degree on water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were studied. This coating method of oxide high barrier film has great application potential in the development of barrier film industry.

印刷用基材「透明バリアフィルム」の最新動向

印刷用基材「透明バリアフィルム」の最新動向

Flexible Transparent Barrier Applications of Oxide Thin Films Prepared by Photochemical Conversion at Low Temperature and Ambient Pressure

Photoconversion of metal-organic precursors to thin film metal oxides using ultraviolet (UV) radiation in oxidative atmosphere is an attractive technology because it can be applied at temperatures < 80 °C and at ambient pressure. Thus, it enables preparing this class of thin films in a cost-efficient manner on temperature sensitive substrates such as polymer films. In this article, various aspects of research and development in the field of photochemical thin-film fabrication, with particular focus to the application of the produced films as gas permeation barriers for the encapsulation of optoelectronic devices are reviewed. Thereby, it covers investigations on fundamental photochemically initiated reactions for precursor classes containing metal-oxygen and metal-nitrogen bonds, and emphazises the relevance of that understanding for applicative considerations like integration of the single-layer barrier films into relevant encapsulation films. Further perspectives are given concerning integration of additional functionalities like electrical conductivity to the flexible and transparent barrier films.

EVA Film Reinforced with Acid Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets as a Transparent Barrier Layer to Enhance the Durability of Solar Cells

This research work concerns the development of transparent barrier films based on ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) reinforced with the acid functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). GNP was melt-compounded with EVA in a micro-compounder via two types of mixing schemes. The effect of concentration of GNP on the barrier, thermo-mechanical and optical properties of the EVA composite films were investigated. Water vapour transmission rate of the EVA film decreased by more than 70% after 0.001-0.01 wt% of the GNP was applied. The visible light transmittance in the range of 84-91% was maintained. SEM images showed a random distribution of GNP in the EVA matrix with intimate contact between phases. FTIR spectra imply a polar-polar interaction between the two materials. Tensile toughness of the composite films increased with the concentration of GNP. These demonstrated that the acid functionalized GNP is compatible with EVA. The degree of swelling of the cured EVA films also decreased with the GNP content. The above effects were less obvious when the mixing scheme was changed to the master-batch method. Finally, by applying the EVA/GNP film to encapsulate dye-sensitised solar cells, the lifetime of the device was prolonged by at least three weeks, with the normalised PCE value of 0.74.

Conversion of aluminium oxide coated films for food packaging applications—From a single layer material to a complete pouch

Abstract Transparent barrier films based on vacuum deposited aluminium oxide (AlOₓ) layers are continuing to create large interest in the market with regards to their use as food and healthcare packaging materials. Nevertheless, their post-metalliser conversion to the final packaging material still presents challenges to current AlOₓ producers and the wider converting industry. In this work, AlOₓ coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films have been converted in long duration industrial-scale trials via topcoating, printing, lamination and finally pouch making. Throughout this process, each conversion step has been investigated for its effects on the barrier performance. It was found that the printing processes, especially, induce significant damage to the ceramic barrier layer. However, by the use of a protective topcoat prior to any conversion step, the barrier properties of the AlOₓ coated film were preserved, or could even be significantly enhanced, depending on the topcoat material. Furthermore, for a barrier topcoat, remarkable stretch- and flex-durability properties were achieved in the final laminate.

Scaling Atomic Layer Deposition to Astronomical Optic Sizes: Low-Temperature Aluminum Oxide in a Meter-Sized Chamber.

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is very attractive for producing optical quality thin films, including transparent barrier films on metal-coated astronomical mirrors. To date, ALD of mirror coatings has been limited to relatively small-sized substrates. A new ALD tool has been designed, constructed, and tested to apply uniform protective coatings over a 0.9 m diameter substrate in a 1 m diameter scale deposition plane. The new tool, which we have named the meter scale ALD system (MSAS), employs a unique chamber design that isolates a large substrate surface to be coated by utilizing the substrate as a wall of the reaction chamber. The MSAS is mechanically designed to be rapidly reconfigurable for selective area coating of custom substrates with arbitrary shape, size, and permanent backside hardware attachments. The design, implementation, results, and future applications of this new tool are discussed for coating large-area optical substrates, specifically protective coatings for silver mirrors, and other future large astronomical optics. To demonstrate the potential of this new design, aluminum oxide was deposited by thermal ALD using trimethylaluminum and water at a low reaction temperature of 60 °C. Growth rate and uniformity, which are dependent on precursor pulse times and chamber purge times, show that the two half-reactions occur in a saturated regime, matching typical characteristics of ideal ALD behavior. Aluminum oxide deposition process parameters of the MSAS are compared with those of a conventional 100 mm wafer-scale ALD tool, and saturated ALD growth over the 0.9 m substrate is realized with a simple scaling factor applied to precursor pulse and purge times. This initial test shows that lateral thickness uniformity across a 0.9 m substrate is within 2.5% of the average film thickness, and simple steps to realize 1% uniformity have been identified for next growths. Results show promising application of transparent robust dielectric films as uniform coatings across large optical components scaled to meter-sized substrates.

Caring for and cleansing a baby's skin.

British Journal of NursingVol. 27, No. 3 ClinicalCaring for and cleansing a baby's skinMelanie LumbersMelanie LumbersSearch for more papers by this authorMelanie LumbersPublished Online:7 Feb 2018https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2018.27.3.148AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Blume-Peytavi U, Hauser M, Stamatas GN, Pathirana D, Garcia Bartels N. Skin care practices for newborns and infants: review of the clinical evidence for best practices. Pediatr Dermatol. 2012; 29(1):1–14. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1470.2011.01594.x Crossref, Medline, Google ScholarDeakin A, Stapleton M, Chadwick K. Evaluating a skin barrier film in faecal and urinary incontinence. Wounds UK. 2010; 6(2): 107–110 Google ScholarDepartment of Health and Social Care, Department of Education. 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Large Scale Self-Assembly of Smectic Nanocomposite Films by Doctor Blading versus Spray Coating: Impact of Crystal Quality on Barrier Properties

Flexible transparent barrier films are required in various fields of application ranging from flexible, transparent food packaging to display encapsulation. Environmentally friendly, waterborne polymer–clay nanocomposites would be preferred but fail to meet in particular requirements for ultra high water vapor barriers. Here we show that self-assembly of nanocomposite films into one-dimensional crystalline (smectic) polymer–clay domains is a so-far overlooked key-factor capable of suppressing water vapor diffusivity despite appreciable swelling at elevated temperatures and relative humidity (R.H.). Moreover, barrier performance was shown to improve with quality of the crystalline order. In this respect, spray coating is superior to doctor blading because it yields significantly better ordered structures. For spray-coated waterborne nanocomposite films (21.4 μm) ultra high barrier specifications are met at 23 °C and 50% R.H. with oxygen transmission rates (OTR) < 0.0005 cm3 m–2 day–1 bar–1 and water vapor ...

Transparent Barrier Films for Medical and Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials

Transparent Barrier Films for Medical and Pharmaceutical Packaging Materials

Bio-inspired cross-linking with borate for enhancing gas-barrier properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide composite films

The demand for flexible and transparent barrier films in industries has been increasing. Learning from nature, borate ions were used to cross-link poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and graphene oxide (GO) to produce flexible, transparent high-barrier composite films with a bio-inspired structure. PVA/GO films with only 0.1wt% GO and 1wt% cross-linker exhibited an O2 transmission rate <0.005ccm−2day−1, an O2 permeability <5.0×10−20cm3cmcm−2Pa−1s−1, and a transmittance at 550nm >85%; thus, they can be used for flexible electronics. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the outstanding barrier properties are attributed to the formation of chemical cross-linking involving borate ions, GO sheets, and PVA, similar to the borate cross-links in high-order plants. Comparing our experimental data with the Cussler model, we found that the effective aspect ratio was significantly increased after cross-linking, suggesting that cross-linking networks connected GO with each other to form ultra-large impermeable regions. A feasible green technique, with potential for commercial production of barrier films for flexible electronics was presented.

Modelling water vapour permeability through atomic layer deposition coated photovoltaic barrier defects

Transparent barrier films such as Al2O3 used for prevention of oxygen and/or water vapour permeation are the subject of increasing research interest when used for the encapsulation of flexible photovoltaic modules. However, the existence of micro-scale defects in the barrier surface topography has been shown to have the potential to facilitate water vapour ingress, thereby reducing cell efficiency and causing internal electrical shorts. Previous work has shown that small defects (≤3μm lateral dimension) were less significant in determining water vapour ingress. In contrast, larger defects (≥3μm lateral dimension) seem to be more detrimental to the barrier functionality. Experimental results based on surface topography segmentation analysis and a model presented in this paper will be used to test the hypothesis that the major contributing defects to water vapour transmission rate are small numbers of large defects. The model highlighted in this study has the potential to be used for gaining a better understanding of photovoltaic module efficiency and performance.

Aluminum oxide barrier coatings on polymer films for food packaging applications

In the field of packaging, barrier layers are functional films, which can be applied to polymeric substrates with the objective of enhancing their end-use properties. For food packaging applications, the packaging material is required to preserve packaged food stuffs and protect them from a variety of environmental influences, particularly moisture and oxygen ingress and UV radiation. Aluminum metallized films are widely used for this purpose. More recently, transparent barrier coatings based on aluminum oxide or silicon oxide have been introduced in order to fulfill requirements such as product visibility, microwaveability or retortability. With the demand for transparent barrier films for low-cost packaging applications growing, the use of high-speed vacuum deposition techniques, such as roll-to-roll metallizers, has become a favorable and powerful tool. In this study, aluminum oxide barrier coatings have been deposited onto biaxially oriented polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate film substrates via reactive evaporation using an industrial ‘boat-type’ roll-to-roll metallizer. The coated films have been investigated and compared to uncoated films in terms of barrier properties, surface topography, roughness and surface energy using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and contact angle measurement. Coating to substrate adhesion and coating thickness have been examined via peel tests and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.

Thiol‐ene/clay nanocomposite thin film as novel transparent barrier

AbstractThiol‐ene/clay (TE/clay) nanocomposite thin films were prepared by a simple photocuring process for use as transparent barrier films. In this work, tetrafunctional thiol and triene monomer were employed and organic clay surface modified with octadecylamine was mixed by sonication and a mechanical method as a reinforcing filler. The successful formation of the TE structure was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. The homogeneous dispersion (intercalation and exfoliation) of clay into the TE polymer matrix was observed with transmission electron microscopy. Atomic force microscopy images displayed the surface properties of the TE/clay nanocomposite thin films. The thermal expansion behavior of the resulting hybrid film was monitored by thermomechanical analysis. In addition, gas permeation properties as well as light transmittance of the TE/clay films were measured for potential applications in various fields as dimensionally stable films under heating and as a transparent barrier. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Clinical and economic evidence supporting a transparent barrier film dressing in incontinence-associated dermatitis and peri-wound skin protection

To summarise the clinical and economic literature relating to the effect of Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film on the incidence of incontinence-associated dermatitis, which is a risk factor for pressure ulceration and exudate-related peri-wound skin damage. A systematic literature search was performed using available computerised databases for publications on Cavilon barrier film and other relevant terms. Six clinical studies were identified providing data on 1,563 patients treated with the barrier film or a comparator. The publications comprised prospective studies, randomised and non-randomised studies, multicentre trials, single-centre reports and a volunteer study. Due to the nature of the comparators, five studies were open-label. Differences in methodology and outcomes made a qualitative review the most appropriate analysis. The barrier film was at least as effective as petroleum ointments and more effective than zinc oxide formulations in preventing incontinence-associated dermatitis. The barrier film was also effective in peri-wound skin protection, although its clinical efficacy was not significantly different to that of petroleum ointments and zinc oxide formulations. Nevertheless, the barrier film was more cost-effective than either petroleum ointments or zinc oxide formulations in managing incontinence-associated dermatitis and peri-wound skin protection, largely due to savings in nursing time. The barrier film is at least as clinically effective and potentially more cost-effective in incontinence-associated dermatitis prophylaxis and peri-wound skin protection than petroleum ointments or zinc oxide formulations, releasing health care resources for alternative use. Further studies are required to quantify the relative efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the barrier film and other barrier formulations in different clinical settings and enhance the quality of the evidence base.

RF 마그네트론 스퍼터링으로 증착된 AlOx봉지 박막을 갖는 OLED 소자의 수명 특성

We investigated the life time characteristics of OLED device with aluminium oxide (<TEX>$AlO_x$</TEX>) passivation film on glass substrate and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate by RF magnetron sputtering for the transparent barrier film applied to flexible OLED device. Basic buffer layer was determined as <TEX>$Alq_3$</TEX>(500 nm)-LiF(300 nm)-Al(1200 nm), and the most suitable aluminium oxide (<TEX>$AlO_x$</TEX>) film have been formed when the partial volume ratio of oxygen was 20% and the sputtering power was 100 watt and the minimum thickness of buffer was <TEX>$2\;{\mu}m$</TEX>. <TEX>$AlO_x$</TEX>/epoxy hybrid film was also used as a effective passivation layer for the purpose of improving life time characteristics of OLED devices with the glass substrate and the plastic substrate. Besides, the simultaneous deposition of <TEX>$AlO_x$</TEX>/epoxy film on back side of PET could result in better improvement of life time.

A study of defects in ultra-thin transparent coatings on polymers

We describe new techniques, based mainly on reactive ion etching (RIE) in oxygen plasma, to render visible micrometer- or sub-micrometer-sized defects in transparent barrier films on transparent polymers. These techniques can be used to characterize and better understand the origins of defects in these coatings on a microscopic scale, as well as for mapping and counting defect density on a macroscopic scale (tens of cm 2 or more).