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Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications

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A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Functional Polymer Coatings and Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2023) | Viewed by 26449

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Dr. Mohor Mihelčič

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Laboratory of Experimental Mechanics, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva ulica 6, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: thin films; multifunctional coatings and polymers; rheological characterization of various materials; degradation of materials; recycling of polymers
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Research on polymer thin films is an ongoing process, where basic knowledge about the preparation of coatings formulation and/or complex interactions between the substrate and the coating are the key factors for producing a quality and durable product.

This Special Issue on “Polymer Thin Films: from Fundamentals to Applications” of the Coatings journal aims to assess the recent basic and advanced theoretical and experimental progress made on polymer thin coating films used in various applications.

The use of polymer thin films is currently implemented in almost every aspect of modern life, due to their cost-efficiency, lightness, flexibility, and unique physical and chemical properties. The reason for focusing research into polymer thin films is to understand the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms, such as interfacial interactions, flow behavior, film formation, relationships between deposition process parameters and the film structure, and other advanced functional properties.

Polymer thin films are used as coatings that modify and/or increase the functionality of bulk surface or substrate. Today, many techniques exist for the deposition of thin polymer films, including physical, chemical, laser and wet deposition, etc. New deposition processes are being developed to achieve new compositions and physical properties. Research on polymer thin films is focused on many industrial applications, such as energy technologies, optics, sensors, microelectronics, medicine, biotechnology, etc.

The topics of interest for this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

Synthesis of novel polymer thin films;
Correlations and predictions of rheological and mechanical properties of polymer thin films;
Novel polymer thin films;
Novel materials with functional properties, e.g., conductive, optical, tribological, barrier, protective, antifouling coatings;
Relationships between deposition process parameters and polymer thin film microstructure;
Preparation of sustainable polymer thin films;
New trends in polymer thin films and coatings.

Dr. Mohor Mihelčič
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Multifunctional thin film coating
Novel materials for polymer thin films
Characterization
Industrial applications
Life cycle assessment of polymer thin films

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

20 pages, 11258 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Thickness, Adhesion and Microscopic Analysis of the Surface Structure of Single-Layer and Multi-Layer Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Coatings

by Martin Jaskevic, Jan Novotny, Filip Mamon, Jakub Mares and Angelos Markopoulos

Coatings 2023, 13(10), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13101731 - 04 Oct 2023

Viewed by 850

Abstract

This work is focused on creating coating layers made of a metakaolin-based geopolymer suspensions (GP)-formed Al matrix modified using H₃PO₄ acid with Al(OH)₃ in isopropyl alcohol, named GP suspension I, and H₃PO₄ acid with nano Al₂O₃ in isopropyl alcohol, named GP suspension J. The selected GP suspensions were applied on aluminum and steel underlying substrates as single-layer coatings and multi-layer coatings, where multi-layer coatings included three and five layers that were polymerized by a curing process. Curing was divided into two types with every layer curing process and final layer curing process. For both GP suspensions I and J, the effect of the number of layers and the type of substrate on adhesion was investigated. The prepared samples on underlying substrates were characterized on the microscopy analysis including SEM for high-resolution images and 3D laser confocal microscopy (CLSM) for the 3D visualization of the coatings structure. Microscopy analysis showed structural defects such as porosity, cracks and peeling, which increase with a greater number of applied layers. However, these defects were only evident on a micro scale and did not seem to be fatal for the performance of the surface stability. The EDS mapping of the prepared layer showed inhomogeneity in the distribution of elements caused by the brush application. A grid test and thickness measurement were performed to complete the microscopy analysis. The grid test confirmed a very high adhesion of GP coatings on the aluminum substrate with a rating of one (only in one case was there a rating of two) and a lower adhesion on the steel substrate with the most frequent rating of three (in one case, there were ratings of two and one). The thickness measurement proved a noticeably thicker thickness of the prepared layer on the Fe substrate compared to the Al substrate by 20%–30% in the case of suspension I and by 70%–10% in the case of suspension J. The thickness of the layer also showed a dependence on the method of application and curing, as a thicker layer was always achieved when curing after the final layer of the GP suspension, compared to curing after each applied layer. The resulting single-layer and multi-layer thicknesses ranged from approx. 7 to 30 µm for suspension I and from approx. 3 to 11 µm for suspension J. A non-linear increase in thickness was also evident from the thickness measurement data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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12 pages, 4572 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanostructures and Thin Films of Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Based Surfactants and Polystyrene Nanocolloid Particles on Mica: An Atomic Force Microscopy Study

by John Walker, Andrew B. Schofield and Vasileios Koutsos

Coatings 2023, 13(7), 1187; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13071187 - 01 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 905

Abstract

We studied the nanostructures and ultrathin films resulting from the deposition and adsorption of polystyrene nanocolloidal particles and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate surfactants on mica surfaces from mixed suspensions in water. The samples were prepared by droplet evaporation and dip coating and imaged with atomic force microscopy. Topography and phase imaging revealed a significant richness in morphological features of the deposited/adsorbed films. We observed uniform ultrathin films and extended islands of the surfactant oligomers indicating their self-assembly in monolayers and multilayers, while the polystyrene nanocolloids were embedded within the surfactant structures. Droplet evaporation resulted in the migration of particles towards the edges of the droplet leaving an intricate network of imprints within the surfactant film. Dip coating induced the formation of extended nanocolloid clusters with colloidal crystalline structuring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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15 pages, 3510 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crystallization of Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Triblock Copolymers in Films Swollen-Rich in Solvent Vapors

by Iulia Babutan, Otto Todor-Boer, Leonard Ionut Atanase, Adriana Vulpoi and Ioan Botiz

Coatings 2023, 13(5), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13050918 - 14 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

In this study, we employed a polymer processing method based on solvent vapor annealing in a confined environment to swell-rich thin films of polybutadiene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers and to promote their crystallization. As revealed by optical and atomic force microscopy, thin films of triblock copolymers containing a rather short crystalline poly(ethylene oxide) block that was massively obstructed by the other two blocks were unable to crystallize following the spin-casting process, and their further swelling in solvent vapors was necessary in order to produce polymeric crystals displaying a dendritic morphology. In comparison, thin films of triblock copolymers containing a much longer poly(ethylene oxide) block that was less obstructed by the other two blocks were shown to crystallize into dendritic structures right after the spin-casting procedure, as well as upon rich swelling in solvent vapors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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15 pages, 3660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microscale Templating of Materials across Electrospray Deposition Regimes

by Michael J. Grzenda, Maria Atzampou, Alfusainey Samateh, Andrei Jitianu, Jeffrey D. Zahn and Jonathan P. Singer

Coatings 2023, 13(3), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13030599 - 11 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1385

Abstract

Electrospray deposition (ESD) uses strong electric fields to produce generations of monodisperse droplets from solutions and dispersions that are driven toward grounded substrates. When soft materials are delivered, the behavior of the growing film depends on the film’s ability to dissipate charge, which is strongly tied to its mobility for dielectric materials. Accordingly, there exist three regimes of electrospray: electrowetting, charged melt, and self-limiting. In the self-limiting regime, it has been recently shown that the targeted nature of these sprays allows for corona-free 3D coating. While ESD patterning on the micron-scale has been studied for decades, most typically through the use of insulating masks, there has been no comparative study of this phenomenon across spray regimes. Here, we used test-patterns composed of gratings that range in both feature size (30–240 μm) and spacing (⅓x–9x) to compare materials across regimes. The sprayed patterns were scanned using a profilometer, and the density, average height, and specificity were extracted. From these results, it was demonstrated that material deposited in the self-limiting regime showed the highest uniformity and specificity on small features as compared to electrowetting and charged melt sprays. Self-limiting electrospray deposition is, therefore, the best suited for modification of prefabricated electrode patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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17 pages, 3556 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

How do Graphene Composite Surfaces Affect the Development and Structure of Marine Cyanobacterial Biofilms?

by Maria J. Romeu, Luciana C. Gomes, Francisca Sousa-Cardoso, João Morais, Vítor Vasconcelos, Kathryn A. Whitehead, Manuel F. R. Pereira, Olívia S. G. P. Soares and Filipe J. Mergulhão

Coatings 2022, 12(11), 1775; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12111775 - 20 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2558

Abstract

The progress of nanotechnology has prompted the development of novel marine antifouling coatings. In this study, the influence of a pristine graphene nanoplatelet (GNP)-modified surface in cyanobacterial biofilm formation was evaluated over a long-term assay using an in vitro platform which mimics the hydrodynamic conditions that prevail in real marine environments. Surface characterization by Optical Profilometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy has shown that the main difference between GNP incorporated into a commercially used epoxy resin (GNP composite) and both control surfaces (glass and epoxy resin) was related to roughness and topography, where the GNP composite had a roughness value about 1000 times higher than control surfaces. The results showed that, after 7 weeks, the GNP composite reduced the biofilm wet weight (by 44%), biofilm thickness (by 54%), biovolume (by 82%), and surface coverage (by 64%) of cyanobacterial biofilms compared to the epoxy resin. Likewise, the GNP-modified surface delayed cyanobacterial biofilm development, modulated biofilm structure to a less porous arrangement over time, and showed a higher antifouling effect at the biofilm maturation stage. Overall, this nanocomposite seems to have the potential to be used as a long-term antifouling material in marine applications. Moreover, this multifactorial study was crucial to understanding the interactions between surface properties and cyanobacterial biofilm development and architecture over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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10 pages, 2756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of PVP on Thermal, Mechanical, and Dielectric Properties in PVDF-HFP/PVP Thin Film

by Urška Gradišar Centa, Mohor Mihelčič, Vid Bobnar, Maja Remškar and Lidija Slemenik Perše

Coatings 2022, 12(9), 1241; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12091241 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2566

Abstract

In this research, the influences of the addition of PVP to PVDF-HFP polymers and the preparation of thin films using a solvent casting method were studied. The PVDF-HFP and polymer blend PVDF-HFP/PVP thin films with a nanostructured surface were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, nanoindentation, and dielectric spectroscopy. The results showed that the PVP formed a dispersed phase (the poorer conductive islands) in the PVDF-HFP polymer matrix, which reduced its mechanical properties. The crystallinity of PVDF-HFP polymer decreased with the addition of PVP by 7.4%, but the PVP induced the formation of the polar β-phase of PVDF-HFP. Therefore, an improved dielectric response is expected, but it was not significantly improved even though the polar β-phase was detected. The contrasting effect was attributed to less conductive PVP islands on the surface of the PVDF-HFP/PVP polymer blend, which decreased its conductivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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15 pages, 4292 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rheological Behavior of Spectrally Selective Coatings for Polymeric Solar Absorbers

by Mohor Mihelčič, Marta Klanjšek Gunde and Lidija Slemenik Perše

Coatings 2022, 12(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12030388 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1799

Abstract

Since the world’s energy demands are growing rapidly, there is a constant need for new energy systems. One of the cleanest, most abundant, and renewable natural resources available is solar energy; therefore, the development of surfaces with high absorption of solar radiation is increasing. To achieve the best efficiency, such surfaces are coated with spectrally selective coatings, which are strongly influenced by the pigments and resin binders. Spectrally selective paints have a very specific formulation, and since the applied dry coatings should exhibit high spectral selectivity, i.e., high solar absorptivity and low thermal emissivity, the rheological properties of liquid paints are of great importance. In the present work, we studied the effect of the rheological properties of liquid thickness-insensitive spectrally selective (TISS) paints on the spectral selectivity and adhesion of dry coatings on a polymeric substrate. The results showed that the functional and adhesion properties of dry coating on polymeric substrates is strongly dependent on the rheological properties of the binder and catalyst used for the preparation of the liquid paints. It was shown that the paints with good spectral selective properties (thermal emissivity e_T < 0.36 and solar absorptivity a_S > 0.92) and good adhesion (5B) can be prepared for polymer substrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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15 pages, 18820 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Depth Rheological Characterization of Tungsten Sol-Gel Inks for Inkjet Printing

by Urša Opara Krašovec, Tjaša Vidmar, Marta Klanjšek Gunde, Romana Cerc Korošec and Lidija Slemenik Perše

Coatings 2022, 12(2), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12020112 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1437

Abstract

The inkjet printing of the functional materials prepared by the sol-gel route is gaining the attention for the production of the variety of the applications not limited to the printed boards, displays, smart labels, smart packaging, sensors and solar cells. However, due to the gelation process associated with the changes from Newtonian to non-Newtonian fluid the inkjet printing of the sol-gel inks is extremely complex. In this study we reveal in-depth rheological characterization of the WO₃ sols in which we simulate the conditions of the inkjet printing process at different temperature of the cartridge (20–60 °C) by analyzing the structural and rheological changes taking place during the gelation of the tungsten oxide (WO₃) ink. The results provide the information on the stability of the sol and a better insight on the effects of the temperature on the gelation time. Moreover, the information on the temperature and the time window at which the inkjet printing of the sol-gel inks could be performed without clogging were obtained. The WO₃ ink was stable in a beaker and exhibited Newtonian flow behavior at room temperature over 3 weeks, while the gelation time decreased exponentially with increasing temperature down to 0.55 h at 60 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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13 pages, 2892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Short-Branched Fluorinated Polyurethane Coating Exhibiting Good Comprehensive Performance and Potential UV Degradation in Leather Waterproofing Modification

by Shouhua Su, Juan Wang, Chao Li, Jinfeng Yuan, Zhicheng Pan and Mingwang Pan

Coatings 2021, 11(4), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11040395 - 30 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2563

Abstract

In the current leather market, waterproof leather occupies a large proportion, where waterproofness has become one of the important standards for leather selection. However, the most advanced fluorine-containing waterproofing agents on the market always have long chains of over eight carbons (C8), whose use has been restricted due to their bioaccumulation and recalcitrance in natural environment. Consequently, creating waterproof materials characterized by their environmentally friendly qualities and high performance is of great significance. Herein, we report a novel strategy for preparation of the fluorinated polyurethanes containing short branched fluorocarbon chains, and apply it in leather waterproofing. Because the fluorine-containing chain segments are enriched on the coating surface, the waterproof agent coating shows good hydrophobicity, low water absorption, high wear resistance and potential photodegradation of performances. Additionally, the water and oil proof performances of the coating are comparable to that of the marketed C8 waterproofing agent. Its solvent-resistant and antifouling performances are also outstanding. Therefore, the coating can meet the property requirements for daily use and has broad application prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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22 pages, 4456 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integration of Antifouling and Anti-Cavitation Coatings on Propellers: A Review

by Jingying Zhang, Weihua Qin, Wenrui Chen, Zenghui Feng, Dongheng Wu, Lanxuan Liu and Yang Wang

Coatings 2023, 13(9), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13091619 - 15 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1266

Abstract

The performance of an entire ship is increasingly impacted by propellers, which are the essential components of a ship’s propulsion system that have growing significance in a variety of aspects. Consequently, it has been a hot research topic and a challenge to develop high-performance antifouling and anti-cavitation coatings due to the issue of marine biofouling and cavitation faced by propellers in high-intensity service. While there is an overwhelming number of publications on antifouling and anti-cavitation coatings, a limited number of papers focus on integrated protective coatings on propellers. In this paper, we evaluated the development of antifouling and anti-cavitation coatings for ship propellers in the marine environment as well as their current status of research. These coatings include self-polishing antifouling coatings, fouling-releasing antifouling coatings, and biomimetic antifouling coatings for static seawater anti-biofouling, as well as anti-cavitation organic coatings and anti-cavitation inorganic coatings for dynamic seawater anti-cavitation. This review also focuses both on the domestic and international research progress status of integrated antifouling and anti-cavitation coatings for propellers. It also provides research directions for the future development of integrated antifouling and anti-cavitation coatings on propellers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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30 pages, 4660 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Polymer Waveguide-Based Optical Sensors—Interest in Bio, Gas, Temperature, and Mechanical Sensing Applications

by Svetlana N. Khonina, Grigory S. Voronkov, Elizaveta P. Grakhova, Nikolay L. Kazanskiy, Ruslan V. Kutluyarov and Muhammad A. Butt

Coatings 2023, 13(3), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13030549 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4664

Abstract

In the realization of photonic integrated devices, materials such as polymers are crucial. Polymers have shown compatibility with several patterning techniques, are generally affordable, and may be functionalized to obtain desired optical, electrical, or mechanical characteristics. Polymer waveguides are a viable platform for optical connectivity since they are easily adaptable to on-chip and on-board integration and promise low propagation losses <1 dB/cm. Furthermore, polymer waveguides can be made to be extremely flexible, able to withstand bending, twisting, and even stretching. Optical sensing is an interesting field of research that is gaining popularity in polymer photonics. Due to its huge potential for use in several industries, polymer waveguide-based sensors have attracted a lot of attention. Due to their resilience to electromagnetic fields, optical sensors operate better in difficult situations, such as those found in electrical power generating and conversion facilities. In this review, the most widely used polymer materials are discussed for integrated photonics. Moreover, four significant sensing applications of polymer-waveguide based sensors which include biosensing, gas sensing, temperature sensing and mechanical sensing have been debated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Thin Films: From Fundamentals to Applications)

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