Triple-layer Films Research Articles

Comparing the Effects of Duo-Functional Triple-Layer Films Enriched with Different Sources of Curcumin on the Shelf-Life of Fish.

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of two types of active triple-layer films containing curcumin on the shelf-life of salmon fillets. One film (Film A) contained pure curcumin dissolved in lemongrass essential oil, while the other (Film B) incorporated curcumin from Curcuma longa extract dissolved in citral. The impact of these active films on the preservation of salmon fillets quality and safety was studied by analyzing factors such as color parameters, sensory evaluation, lipid oxidation, and biogenic amines. Despite good active properties measured in vitro, both films harmed the sensory quality and color of salmon. However, the incorporation of active ingredients in biopolymer films has shown the potential to inhibit biogenic amine formation. The findings pave the way for future research to explore the synergistic effects of combining various natural extracts with active packaging films.

Evaluation of X-ray radiation shielding performance of Bi2O3 and BaTiO3 embedded in PVP and PEG polymer nanocomposite

This study addressed the limitations of lead-based radiation shields by developing lead-free, non-toxic, lightweight, and flexible shielding materials with high attenuation efficiency. To achieve this, single and triple layers of Bi2O3-BaTiO3/PVP-PEG nanocomposite films were synthesized. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers (2:1 ratio) were used as the polymeric matrix in which fillers of Bi2O3 and BaTiO3 nanoparticles (NPs) with particle sizes ranging from 90 to 210 nm and <100 nm, respectively, were embedded. Four single-layer samples with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% NP concentrations were prepared; the samples were 1.05, 1.09, 1.27, and 1.42 mm thick, respectively. Two samples of triple-layered films were prepared with 30% and 50% NPs, measuring 3.78 and 4.23 mm in thickness, respectively. The attenuation efficiency of these films was investigated using X-ray tube voltages from 10 to 120 kVp. Further, the flexibility of the synthesized films was tested by manual handling. All single- and triple-layer nanocomposites exhibited effective radiation attenuation and desirable flexibility. Specifically, at the lowest tube voltage, all samples exhibited 100% attenuation, while at the highest tube voltage, the attenuation ranged from 27% to 84%, depending on the NP concentration and number of layers of the sample. The highest attenuation ratio, observed in the 50% triple-layer sample, reached 100% up to approximately 60 kVp and 84% at 120 kVp. Consequently, the most optimal film synthesized in this study had a triple-layer configuration with 50% Bi2O3-BaTiO3 NPs embedded in a PVP-PEG polymer with an average attenuation of 95.5% for all tube voltages (10–120 kVp). Therefore, this shielding is suitable for various diagnostic applications, such as mammography, dental X-rays, computerized tomography, and fluoroscopy. Highlights Single- and triple-layered nanocomposite Bi2O3-BaTiO3/PVP-PEG films were synthesized The attenuation efficiency of the films against X-rays was investigated A triple-layer configuration with 50% Bi2O3-BaTiO3/PVP-PEG was suitable for various diagnostic applications

A layering technique for achieving pinhole-free organic–inorganic halide perovskite thin films through the vapor–solid reaction

A multi-stage vapor–solid reaction technique was introduced to form segmented perovskite thin films. The triple-layer film exhibited a dense, pinhole-free structure. Solar cells made from it achieved a champion power conversion efficiency of 21.09%.

Gellan Gum and Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Triple-Layer Films Enriched with Alhagi sparsifolia Flower Extract: Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Dried Shrimp Preservation.

To meet the demand for biobased packaging and minimize the oxidation of dried aquatic goods during storage, we created a triple-layer film (TF) with antioxidant capacity. The film was produced using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the protective layer, gellan gum (GG)/PVA composite incorporating Alhagi sparsifolia flower extract (AFE) as the anti-oxidative capability layer, and GG as the anti-oxidative capacity slow-release control layer. The TFs with different AFE additions were characterized and compared to a single-layer film (SF) made of the same material. The results demonstrate that adding AFE to films degraded their water vapour and oxygen barrier properties as well as their tensile strength, but increased their light barrier properties, elongation at break, and anti-oxidative capability. The three-layer structure increased the light, water vapour, and oxygen barrier qualities of films, as well as their slow-release anti-oxidative capability. The application experiment revealed that the inclusion of AFE might aid in the preservation of dried prawn quality. Using TF supplemented with 5 (w/v) AFE to package the dried shrimps reduced the TBARS value by 47.5%. Our research indicated that TFs containing AFE have a wide range of possible applications in dried shrimp preservation.

Application possibilities of triple-layer furcellaran film with hazelnut oil microemulsion for packing cod liver oil

Triple-layer films based on furcellaran were successfully produced, where the middle layer was enriched with a hazelnut oil microemulsion. SEM images showed good embedding of the emulsion in the furcellaran layer. The addition of microemulsions significantly decreased the thermal and mechanical properties of the films, where the tensile strength values decreased, while the elasticity values of the film were improved. The presence of the emulsion increased the hydrophilicity of the film surface. The developed films in the form of sachets were used for packaging and storing cod liver oil. Fish oil was stored in refrigerated conditions without access to light and at room temperature (22 °C ± 1 °C) with access to light for 3 months. The acid (AV), iodine (IV) and peroxide values (PV), as well as the profile of fatty acids, were determined for the cod liver oil samples. It was shown that the cod liver oil samples had a similar value of the acid number during storage, however, over time, the IV and PV values increased statistically significantly, which indicates the ongoing process of fat rancidity. Furthermore, 23 compounds were identified in the fatty acid profile. It was shown that the profile of fatty acids in the stored fish oil changed, and the direction of these changes varied and generally, significantly depended on the film type and conditions in which the fat was stored. This study shows the possibility to obtain biodegradable packaging based on furcellaran enriched with a hazelnut oil microemulsion but also underline how important it is to check the presented packaging material in terms of its potential application.

Angle-Insensitive Ultrathin Broadband Visible Absorber Based on Dielectric-Semiconductor-Lossy Metal Film Stacks.

Ultrathin broadband absorbers with high efficiency, wide angular tolerance, and low fabrication cost are in demand for various applications. Here, we present an angle-insensitive ultrathin (<150 nm) broadband absorber with an average 96.88% (experiment) absorptivity in the whole visible range by utilizing a simple dielectric-semiconductor-lossy metal triple-layer film structure. The excellent broadband absorption performance of the device results from the combined action of the enhanced absorptions in the semiconductor and lossy metal layers exploiting strong interference effects and can be maintained over a wide viewing angle up to ±60°. Benefiting from the lossy metal providing additional absorption, our design reduces the requirement for the semiconductor's material dispersion and has great flexibility in the material selection of the metal layer. Additionally, the lithography-free nature of the proposed broadband visible absorber provides a high-throughput fabrication convenience, thus holding great potential for its large-area applications in various fields.

High energy storage performance of triple-layered nanocomposites with aligned conductive nanofillers over a broad electric field range

Simultaneously achieving high energy density (Ue) and charge-discharge efficiency (η) of dielectric materials at the relatively low operating electric field remains a persistent challenge to their practical applications. Herein, a P(VDF-HFP)-based triple-layer film by introducing the core-shell Al2O3@CNT in the middle layer and 0.05 wt.% boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in the outer layers is designed. The experimental and simulated results confirm that the strategy of in-plane aligned Al2O3@CNTs can rapidly improve the dielectric constant of nanocomposites and reduce the probability of forming conductive pathways between neighboring layers. Meanwhile, the outer layers with BNNSs inclusions block the propagation of electric branches and suppress the leakage current, addressing the critical problem of the sacrificed breakdown strength and efficiency in the nanocomposites. Consequently, the as-prepared nanocomposite simultaneously exhibits great Ue and η under various ranges of electric fields. For instance, our results reported its Ue of 20.4 J cm−3 with η of 77 % at 520 V μm−1 and Ue of 27.0 J cm−3 with η of 76 % at 619 V μm−1. Importantly, the operating electric field for these high Ue and η is significantly reduced 20–50 % than the reported ferroelectric nanocomposites. Moreover, benefitting from the ultra-low fraction (<1.0 wt.%) of nanofillers, the nanocomposites demonstrate excellent stability in energy storage performance after 10,000 bending fatigue cycles. This work offers an effective approach to explore scalable and high-performance nanocomposites used as viable electrostatic capacitors.

Sugar-Free, Vegan, Furcellaran Gummy Jellies with Plant-Based Triple-Layer Films.

Increasing consumer awareness of the impact of nutrition on health and the growing popularity of vegan diets are causing a need to look for new plant-based formulations of standard confectionery products with high energy density and low nutritional value, containing gelatin. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop vegan and sugar-free gummy jellies based on an algae-derived polysaccharide-furcellaran (FUR). Until now, FUR has not been used as a gel-forming agent despite the fact that its structure-forming properties show high potential in the production of vegan confectionery. The basic formulation of gummy jellies included the addition of soy protein isolate and/or inulin. The final product was characterized regarding its rheological, antioxidant, mechanical and physicochemical properties. Eco-friendly packaging for the jellies composed of a three-layer polymer film has also been developed. It was observed that the highest values of textural parameters were obtained in jellies containing the addition of soy protein isolate, whose positive effect was also found on antioxidant activity. Before drying, all furcellaran-based gel systems showed G' and G" values characteristic of strong elastic hydrogels. Storing jellies for a week under refrigeration resulted in an increase in hardness, a decrease in moisture content and reduced water activity values. Overall, our study indicates the high potential of furcellaran both as a gelling agent in confectionery products and as a base polymer for their packaging.

Design of triple-layer films with blackseed protein as dispersion or emulsion

The aim of study was to produce the blackseed protein for applications as a protein dispersion alone or an emulsifier to design of multi-layer film based on furcellaran and chitosan. The protein extraction of blackseed by-product resulted in a blackseed by-product protein isolate (BBPI) with a yield of 73% protein. The obtained BBPI resulted in a high polyphenols content (1543 mg/ml), antioxidant property (DPPH, 67%) and emulsification properties (encapsulation up to 96%), leading to a stable emulsions at pH 10 and 12. For the first time, innovative, active triple-layer films have been developed in the 1st furcellaran layer with BBPI stabilised emulsion or BBPI aqueous extract alone, followed by a 2nd layer of furcellaran and citric acid matrix, and a 3rd layer of chitosan and gelatin matrix. Compared to the control, the tested films showed improved the water behaviour, UV–Vis barrier and increased antioxidant activity for the DPPH parameter (>70%).

Development of chitosan/konjac glucomannan/tragacanth gum tri-layer food packaging films incorporated with tannic acid and ε-polylysine based on mussel-inspired strategy

Constructing biodegradable food packaging with good mechanics, gas barrier and antibacterial properties to maintain food quality is still challenge. In this work, mussel-inspired bio-interface emerged as a tool for constructing functional multilayer films. Konjac glucomannan (KGM) and tragacanth gum (TG) with physical entangled network are introduced in the core layer. Cationic polypeptide ε-polylysine (ε-PLL) and chitosan (CS) producing cationic-π interaction with adjacent aromatic residues in tannic acid (TA) are introduced in the two-sided outer layer. The triple-layer film mimics the mussel adhesive bio-interface, where cationic residues in outer layers interact with negatively charged TG in the core layer. Furthermore, a series of physical tests showed excellent performance of triple-layer film with great mechanical properties (tensile strength (TS): 21.4 MPa, elongation at break (EAB): 7.9 %), UV-shielding (almost 0 % UV transmittance), thermal stability, water, and oxygen barrier (oxygen permeability (OP): 1.14 × 10−3 g/m s Pa and water vapor permeability (WVP): 2.15 g mm/m2 day kPa). In addition, the triple-layer film demonstrated advanced degradability, antimicrobial functions, and presented good moisture-proof performance for crackers, which can be potentially applied as dry food packaging.

Effects of nanoscale Sn segregation on corrosion behavior of laser powder bed fusion Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy

Corrosion resistance of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloys is crucial towards its practical application in marine engineering. In this work, corrosion behavior of LPBF Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy was comprehensively investigated. The results suggest that LPBF Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy exhibits superior corrosion resistance than the conventional casting counterpart and their corrosion behavior is highly associated with Sn segregation. Generally, a triple-layer film will be formed on the surface of LPBF Cu-15Ni-8Sn alloy when being exposed to 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. To be more detailed, the abundance of nanoscale Sn-rich precipitates at the molten pool boundaries promotes the initial formation of a thick inner layer, where Ni and Sn tend to be distributed at inner and outer positions of the layer, respectively. In contrast, the inner layer on molten pools is much thinner ascribed to a lower Sn content, facilitating the earlier nucleation and growth of a compact middle layer that is mainly composed of numerous Cu-rich nanoparticles. At the outmost position, CuO, Cu(OH)2 and Ni(OH)2 constitute the major composition of the loose layer. The results of this study could contribute to the optimal design and processing of additively manufactured Cu-Ni-Sn alloys.

Enhancement of Dielectric Breakdown Strength and Its Possible Mechanism in Triple-Layered Films Formed by Stacking Resin Layers with Different Relative Dielectric Constants

Abstract Dielectric properties of co-extruded triple-layered films consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sandwiched between polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) layers were evaluated. The triple-layered films showed a higher dielectric breakdown strength and a higher energy density than each single-layer film, and the enhancement depended on the volume ratio of the PMMA layer, which has a lower relative dielectric constant than PVDF. The simulation of dielectric breakdown paths using the phase-field model revealed that the middle layer with a lower dielectric constant shares a higher voltage until its dielectric breakdown, resulting in an enhancement of the dielectric breakdown strength in the triple-layered film. The simulation results well matched the experimental data, indicating that controlling the volume ratio and relative dielectric constant of each layer in the triple-layered film is an effective approach to enhancing dielectric breakdown strength. This concept is considered promising for developing dielectric materials that enable a size reduction of film capacitors.

Influence of storage conditions on functional properties of multilayer biopolymer films based on chitosan and furcellaran enriched with carp protein hydrolysate

In this paper, the impact of water activity regarding storage environment on mechanical and water properties is presented, as well as the structural and morphological features of triple-layered films. Furcellaran (FUR), chitosan (CHIT) and carp skin gelatin hydrolysates (HGEL) were used for the production of the film. The films were made using a casting method, in which three successive stages were applied. First stage: preparation (pouring onto the mould) of 1st layer – FUR + HGEL, second: 2nd layer preparation (pouring onto 1st layer) – FUR, and third: 3rd layer (pouring onto 1st layer) – CHIT + HGEL. The second and third steps began after gelation of the previously poured layer. The drying process of the film was carried out for 24 h under a fume hood at room temperature. The mechanical properties of control sample was: tensile strength The control sample has tensile strength 7.76 ± 0.35 MPa, elongation at break – 3.69 ± 0.33%, maximum breaking load – 15.86 ± 0.58 N. Water properties of control sample – water absorption a solubility were 25.80 ± 1.14% and 52.91 ± 1.31%, respectively. Reducing the water content in the film increased its tensile strength (from 7.76 ± 0.35 MPa for the control film to 14.36 ± 0.07 MPa) and elongation at break (from 3.69 ± 0.34% for the control film to 8.74 ± 0.69%). Reducing water content in the film also decreased its ability to absorb water, which is crucial in the case of biodegradable films due to their hydrophilic nature. The multimolecular sorption of the films was described using the BET model. Structural and morphological changes observed on the basis of surface and cross-section photographs of the films confirm the negative impact of high water activity on the film and its mechanical parameters.

Incorporation of curcumin extract with lemongrass essential oil into the middle layer of triple-layered films based on furcellaran/chitosan/gelatin hydrolysates – In vitro and in vivo studies on active and intelligent properties

Triple-layered, pH-sensitive and active films based on furcellaran (FUR), chitosan (CHIT) and gelatin hydrolysates (HGEL) were obtained for the first time. Curcumin ethanol extract (CUR) enriched with lemongrass essential oil (LEO) in three concentrations was added to the middle layer of the film. SEM and AFM analysis confirmed the formation of 3 layers, and CUR-LEO was evenly dispersed in the 2nd layer. The addition of CUR-LEO influenced the color of the surface and improved the UV blocking properties of the film. However, the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties remained unchanged. The CUR-LEO demonstrated antibacterial properties against bacteria and fungi. The antioxidant activity of the films increased along with the increasing concentrations of CUR-LEO. The presented films were able to effectively extend the storage life of tomatoes. Moreover, the colored films had the monitoring freshness effect with a distinct color change during carp storage.

Robust, flexible, and stable CuNWs/MXene/ANFs hybrid film constructed by structural assemble strategy for efficient EMI shielding

Hybrid film in nanoscale with high-flexibility, excellent-mechanical properties and outstanding EMI shielding capacity are desirable for telecommunication systems and precision equipment in aerospace, artificial intelligence and military. Herein, copper nanowire/Ti3C2Tx/aramid nanofibers (CuNWs/MXene/ANFs) hybrid film with uniform-blended, twin-layered and triple-layered structure were developed via in steps vacuum-assisted filtration approach. Benefiting from ANFs building blocks and pleasant interface bonding, the uniform-blended structure film with CuNWs/MXene content of 60 wt% exhibited high-flexibility with folding number of ∼ 2000 times and ideal stability in oxidation resistance and sonication treatment. In addition, due to the layered structure and primordial dense substrate, the triple-layered film with CuNWs/MXene content of 60 wt% demonstrated outstanding mechanical properties with tensile strength of 165.72 MPa and toughness of 15.59 MJ/m3, conductivity of 4475 S·cm−1 and specific EMI effectiveness of 9120.6 dB·cm2·g−1 at thickness of 43 μm (over the whole X band). Particularly, the comprehensive performance of three types of film was synthetically evaluated in seven parameters including SSE/t, toughness, strength, conductivity, thickness, flexibility, and stability, which opened up new evaluation for advance EMI shielding film. The experimental results indicated that the uniform-blended film has excellent potential for efficient, robust, flexible, and stable EMI shielding applications in military, smart electronics and aerospace.

Embedded nanopattern for selectively suppressed thermal conductivity and enhanced transparency in a transparent conducting oxide film

Transparent conductive oxide (TCO) thin films are cornerstones in many optoelectronic applications including displays, photovoltaics and touchscreens. In these devices, thin films with simultaneous high optical transparency and electrical conductivity are needed. Ideally, heat generated during normal device operation must ideally be compensated for to achieve optimum functionality. One possible way to address the thermal management problem is adding thermoelectric (TE) properties to TCO films. However, improving TE properties while maintaining optimal electrical conductivity and optical transparency is challenging: thermal and electrical transport properties are deeply intertwined. Here, we demonstrate an approach allowing for independent optimization of optical transparency, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. An embedded nanopattern structure is filled with indium tin oxide (ITO) and sandwiched between two ITO layers. The resulting triple-layered structure exhibits reduced thermal conductivity and excellent electrical conductivity. This is made possible by electron channels in the embedded ITO nanopattern that electrically connect top and bottom layers, while at the same time limiting phonon-mediated heat conduction. The filling fraction and thickness of the nanopattern are adjusted to improve optical transmission, achieving transparency higher than bare ITO film. The result is a transparent TCO triple layer film with simultaneous high TCO and thermoelectric figures of merit.

Thermochromic VO2 based sandwich structure Ag/Al2O3/VO2 with low solar absorption and tunable emittance for spacecraft

The smart radiator device (SRD) with low solar absorption (αs) and large infrared emittance modulation (Δɛ) is desirable to a spacecraft thermal control system. In this work, the SRD was fabricated through depositing the Ag/Al2O3/VO2 triple-layer film on the Si substrate by magnetron sputtering. The properties of the SRD devices were optimized by tuning the thickness of the VO2 layer, and a fantastic SRD device was acquired, which showed low αs, high Δɛ, and intense high-temperature infrared emittance (ɛHT). For the device with a VO2 layer of 50 nm thickness, αs was as low as 29.7% and Δɛ reached 0.53 with ɛHT up to 0.87. The triple-layer film device shows great potential for applications in the spacecraft thermal control system.

Influence to Hardness of Alternating Sequence of Atomic Layer Deposited Harder Alumina and Softer Tantala Nanolaminates

Atomic layer deposited amorphous 70 nm thick Al2O3-Ta2O5 double- and triple-layered films were investigated with the nanoindentation method. The sequence of the oxides from surface to substrate along with the layer thickness had an influence on the hardness causing rises and declines in hardness along the depth yet did not affect the elastic modulus. Hardness varied from 8 to 11 GPa for the laminates having higher dependence on the structure near the surface than at higher depths. Triple-layered Al2O3/Ta2O5/Al2O3 laminate possessed the most even rise of hardness along the depth and possessed the highest hardness out of the laminates (11 GPa at 40 nm). Elastic modulus had steady values along the depth of the films between 145 and 155 GPa.

Characterization of Gafchromic™ film response against radionuclide activity

PurposeIn this study, we used Gafchromic™ film XR-QA2 and RT-QA2 to characterize the film energy response against various radionuclides. We introduce a neutron depletion theoretical model that can describe film response as a function of cumulated activity. The film response was investigated with respect to different backscatter media such as polystyrene, perspex, lead and corrugated fibreboard carton (CFC). The sensitivity of the two types of film to different energies was also studied. Lastly, a film stack method was tested to allow the user to obtain sequential, cumulative doses at different time points. MethodsPieces of Gafchromic™ film XR-QA2 and RT-QA2 were exposed to Am-241, Cs-137, Tc-99m, and I-131 to obtain various cumulative activities. After 24 h, each film piece was digitized by scanning it with an Epson Perfection V330 flatbed scanner to obtain 48-bit RGB TIFF images. Afterwards, each image was processed with the Image J software package. The film response was fitted to a theoretically derived function based on the neutron depletion model and the Beer-Lambert Law and compared with an existing fitting function. Layers of the film were also placed together and irradiated with the above-mentioned radionuclides to investigate the possibility of increasing the sensitivity of the film as a dosimeter. The energy response of the two types of film was investigated by irradiating pieces of film with different photon energies. ResultsThe theoretical response model fits OD vs cumulative activity accurately. XR-QA2 film shows good energy film response by using CFC as a backscatter material when using radionuclides. From the results, it is also evident that XR-QA2 is more sensitive to low energy gamma rays than RT-QA2. Its OD sensitivity can be increased by 2 ± 0.2 when using a double layer film and by 2.8 ± 0.3 when using a triple-layer film. By using a film stack, the experimental time can be decreased by using the second-order polynomial relationship obtained to relate the stacked film data to the single film data. ConclusionsThe neutron depletion theoretical model is accurate and contains less free parameters than higher-order polynomial fits. The Gafchromic™ XR-QA2 film is also better to use in nuclear medicine because of its higher sensitivity. The sensitivity of the film as a dosimeter can also be increased by using multiple layers of film. Experiment times can also be decreased by using the film stack method.

A Novel Technique to Improve Drug Loading Capacity of Fast/Extended Release Orally Dissolving Films with Potential for Paediatric and Geriatric Drug Delivery.

Orally dissolving films (ODFs) have received much attention as potential oral drug delivery systems for paediatric and geriatric patients, particularly those suffering from dysphagia. With their unique properties and advantages, the technology offers improved patient compliance and wider acceptability, eliminates the fear of choking, enables ease of administration and offers dosing convenience, without the requirement of water. However, adequate drug loading remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to mechanistically design and evaluate fast and extended release ODF formulations with high drug loading capacity, displaying good physicochemical and mechanical properties, as a potential dosage form for paediatric and geriatric use employing a slightly soluble model drug-ibuprofen. Different polymers (0.6-10% HPMC, 0.6-1.5% guar gum), plasticisers (0.1-0.5% glycerine, 0.1% sorbitol) and processing conditions (40-60°C drying temperatures, 8-16h drying times) were investigated to produce films using the solvent casting method. Molecular compatibility was assessed using TGA, XRD and FTIR whereas film topography was assessed using SEM. Maximum ibuprofen load in single films was 20.7mg/film (54.4%) and released 100% drug content in 5min, while triple layered ibuprofen-loaded films contained 62.2mg/film and released 100% drug release in 1h. The ODFs demonstrated good disintegration time using low volume artificial saliva media and high dosage from uniformity. This study provides a mechanistic insight to the design and evaluation of fast and extended release ODFs with high drug loading, suitable for administration to paediatric and geriatricpatients.