Research

13 pages, 31475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of a Novel Fluorine-Containing Polyether Waterborne Polyurethane with POSS as a Cross-Linking Agent

by Yajun Deng, Changan Zhang, Tao Zhang, Bo Wu, Yanmei Zhang and Jianhua Wu

Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15081936 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1368

Waterborne polyurethane are more eco-friendly materials due to lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs, mainly isocyanates) content than the alternative materials. However, these rich hydrophilic groups polymers have not yet reached good mechanical properties, durability and hydrophobicity behaviors. Therefore, hydrophobic waterborne polyurethane has become [...] Read more.

Waterborne polyurethane are more eco-friendly materials due to lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs, mainly isocyanates) content than the alternative materials. However, these rich hydrophilic groups polymers have not yet reached good mechanical properties, durability and hydrophobicity behaviors. Therefore, hydrophobic waterborne polyurethane has become a research hotspot, attracting significant attention. In this work, firstly, a novel fluorine-containing polyether P(FPO/THF) was synthesized by cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-propoxymethyl)-oxirane (FPO) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). Secondly, fluorinated polymer P(FPO/THF), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and hydroxy-terminated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-(OH)₈) were used to prepare a new fluorinated waterborne polyurethane (FWPU). Hydroxy-terminated POSS-(OH)₈ was used as a cross-linking agent, while dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) and triethylamine (TEA) were used as a catalyst. Four kinds of waterborne polyurethanes (FWPU0, FWPU1, FWPU3, FWPU5) were obtained by adding different contents of POSS-(OH)₈ (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%). The structures of the monomers and polymers were verified by ¹H NMR and FT-IR, and the thermal stabilities of various waterborne polyurethanes were analyzed by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). As the results, the thermal analysis showed that the FWPU performed the good thermal stability and the glass transition temperature could reach at about −50 °C. The FWPU1 film exhibited that the elongation at break was 594.4 ± 3.6% and the tensile strength at break was 13.4 ± 0.7 MPa, elucidating that the FWPU1 film developed the excellent mechanical properties relative to the alternative FWPUs. Further, the FWPU5 film performed the promising properties, including the higher surface roughness of FWPU5 film (8.41 nm) obtained by the atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis, and the higher value of water contact angle (WCA) at 104.3 ± 2.7°. Those results illustrated that the novel POSS-based waterborne polyurethane FWPU containing a fluorine element could develop the excellent hydrophobicity and mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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30 pages, 9529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polymer Blends Based on 1-Hexadecyl-3-methyl Imidazolium 1,3-Dimethyl 5-Sulfoisophthalate Ionic Liquid: Thermo-Mechanical, Surface Morphology and Antibacterial Properties

by Daniela C. Zampino, Filippo Samperi, Monique Mancuso, Tiziana Ferreri, Loredana Ferreri, Sandro Dattilo, Emanuele F. Mirabella, Domenico C. Carbone, Giuseppe Recca, Andrea A. Scamporrino, Elisabetta Novello and Concetto Puglisi

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 970; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15040970 - 16 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1649

Abstract

In this study, antibacterial polymer blends based on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS), loaded with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-hexadecyl-3-methyl imidazolium 1,3-dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate (HdmimDMSIP) at three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%), were produced. The IL/blends were characterized by their thermo-mechanical properties, [...] Read more.

In this study, antibacterial polymer blends based on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS), loaded with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-hexadecyl-3-methyl imidazolium 1,3-dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate (HdmimDMSIP) at three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%), were produced. The IL/blends were characterized by their thermo-mechanical properties, surface morphology, and wettability. IL release from the blends was also evaluated. The agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of the blends against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Results from thermal analyses showed compatibility between the IL and the PVC matrix, while phase separation in the SEBS/IL blends was observed. These results were confirmed using PY-GC MS data. SEM analyses highlighted abundant IL deposition on PVC blend film surfaces containing the IL at 5–10% concentrations, whereas the SEBS blend film surfaces showed irregular structures similar to islands of different sizes. Data on water contact angle proved that the loading of the IL into both polymer matrices induced higher wettability of the blends’ surfaces, mostly in the SEBS films. The mechanical analyses evidenced a lowering of Young’s Modulus, Tensile Stress, and Strain at Break in the SEBS blends, according to IL concentration. The PVC/IL blends showed a similar trend, but with an increase in the Strain at Break as IL concentration in the blends increased. Both PVC/IL and SEBS/IL blends displayed the best performance against Staphylococcus epidermidis, being active at low concentration (1%), whereas the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli was lower than that of S. epidermidis. Release data highlighted an IL dose-dependent release. These results are promising for a versatile use of these antimicrobial polymers in a variety of fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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20 pages, 4682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Sustained Euler Buckling of an Optically Responsive Rod with Different Boundary Constraints

by Dali Ge, Yuntong Dai and Kai Li

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020316 - 07 Jan 2023

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Self-sustained oscillations can directly absorb energy from the constant environment to maintain its periodic motion by self-regulating. As a classical mechanical instability phenomenon, the Euler compression rod can rapidly release elastic strain energy and undergo large displacement during buckling. In addition, its boundary [...] Read more.

Self-sustained oscillations can directly absorb energy from the constant environment to maintain its periodic motion by self-regulating. As a classical mechanical instability phenomenon, the Euler compression rod can rapidly release elastic strain energy and undergo large displacement during buckling. In addition, its boundary configuration is usually easy to be modulated. In this paper, we develop a self-sustained Euler buckling system based on optically responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) rod with different boundary constraints. The buckling of LCE rod results from the light-induced expansion and compressive force, and the self-buckling is maintained by the energy competition between the damping dissipation and the net work done by the effective elastic force. Based on the dynamic LCE model, the governing equations for dynamic Euler buckling of the LCE rod is formulated, and the approximate admissible trigonometric functions and Runge-Kutta method are used to solve the dynamic Euler buckling. Under different illumination parameters, there exists two motion modes of the Euler rod: the static mode and the self-buckling mode, including alternating and unilateral self-buckling modes. The triggering conditions, frequency, and amplitude of the self-sustained Euler buckling can be modulated by several system parameters and boundary constraints. Results indicate that strengthening the boundary constraint can increase the frequency and reduce the amplitude. It is anticipated that this system may open new avenues for energy harvesters, signal sensors, mechano-logistic devices, and autonomous robots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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12 pages, 3824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dewetting Process of Silver Thin Films and Its Application on Percolative Pressure Sensors with High Sensitivity

by Chia-Yu Cho, Jui-Chen Chang, Min-Xian Cai, Pei-Ting Lin and Yao-Joe Yang

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 180; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010180 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

This work reports on an innovative dewetting process of silver thin films to realize percolative nanoparticle arrays (NPAs) and demonstrates its application on highly sensitive pressure sensors. The dewetting process, which is a simple and promising technique, synthesizes NPAs by breaking the as-deposited [...] Read more.

This work reports on an innovative dewetting process of silver thin films to realize percolative nanoparticle arrays (NPAs) and demonstrates its application on highly sensitive pressure sensors. The dewetting process, which is a simple and promising technique, synthesizes NPAs by breaking the as-deposited metal film into randomly distributed islands. The NPA properties, such as the mean particle size and the spacing between adjacent particles, can be easily tailored by controlling the dewetting temperature, as well as the as-deposited metal-film thickness. The fabricated NPAs were employed to develop gauge pressure sensors with high sensitivity. The proposed sensor consists of a sealed reference-pressure cavity, a polyimide (PI) membrane patterned with an interdigital electrode pair (IEP), and a silver NPA deposited on the IEP and the PI membrane. The operational principle of the device is based on the NPA percolation effect with deformation-dependence. The fabricated sensors exhibit rapid responses and excellent linearity at around 1 atm. The maximum sensitivity is about 0.1 kPa⁻¹. The advantages of the proposed devices include ultrahigh sensitivity, a reduced thermal disturbance, and a decreased power consumption. A practical application of this pressure sensor with high resolution was demonstrated by using it to measure the relative floor height of a building. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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15 pages, 5048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Performance and Kinetic Studies of a Wood Surface Loaded with Bi₂O₃-Doped Silicon–Titanium Composite Film

by Zhigao Liu, Jinchi Xu, Si Cheng, Zhiyong Qin and Yunlin Fu

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010025 - 21 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

In this paper, a surface self-cleaning wood was obtained by loading Bi₂O₃-doped silica–titanium composite film on the surface of wood by the sol–gel method. The effects of different Bi doping amounts on the structure and photocatalytic properties of the [...] Read more.

In this paper, a surface self-cleaning wood was obtained by loading Bi₂O₃-doped silica–titanium composite film on the surface of wood by the sol–gel method. The effects of different Bi doping amounts on the structure and photocatalytic properties of the modified wood were investigated. The doping of Bi₂O₃ inhibited the growth of TiO₂ crystals and the phase transition from anatase to rutile. In addition, Bi₂O₃ could improve the photocatalytic activity of the composite film by appropriately reducing the grain size of TiO₂ and increasing the crystallinity of TiO₂. Furthermore, doping with Bi₂O₃ shifted the absorption wavelength of the wood samples back into the visible range, indicating that the increase in Bi content favoured light absorption. The wood samples loaded with Bi₂O₃-doped Si–Ti composite membranes had the best photocatalytic activity and the highest reaction rate when n (Ti):n (Bi) = 1:0.015. Degradation rates of 96.0% and 94.0% could be achieved for rhodamine B and gaseous formaldehyde, respectively. It can be seen that wood samples loaded with Bi₂O₃-doped Si–Ti composite films on the surface exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity against both gaseous and liquid pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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15 pages, 8259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights into the Mechanical Behavior of Thin-Film Composite Polymeric Membranes

by Fatima Ghassan Alabtah, Abedalkader Alkhouzaam and Marwan Khraisheh

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4657; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214657 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1223

Abstract

Limited predictions of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes’ behavior and functional life exist due to the lack of accurate data on their mechanical behavior under different operational conditions. A comprehensive investigation of the mechanical behavior of TFC membranes addressing deformation and failure, temperature and [...] Read more.

Limited predictions of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes’ behavior and functional life exist due to the lack of accurate data on their mechanical behavior under different operational conditions. A comprehensive investigation of the mechanical behavior of TFC membranes addressing deformation and failure, temperature and strain rate sensitivity, and anisotropy is presented. Tensile tests were conducted on commercial membranes as well as on individual membrane layers prepared in our laboratories. The results reveal the overall mechanical strength of the membrane is provided by the polyester layer (bottom layer), while the rupture stress for the middle and top layers is at least 10 times smaller than that of the polyester layer. High anisotropic behavior was observed and is attributed to the nonwoven structure of the polyester layer. Rupture stress in the transverse (90°) direction was one-third of the rupture stress in the casting direction. Limited temperature and strain rate dependence was observed in the temperature range that exists during operation. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured surfaces were also analyzed and correlated with the mechanical behavior. The presented results provide new insights into the mechanical behavior of thin-film composite membranes and can be used to inform novel membrane designs and fabrication techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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17 pages, 6809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Methyldopa–Tin Complexes and Their Applicability as Photostabilizers for the Protection of Polyvinyl Chloride against Photolysis

by Noor Naoom, Emad Yousif, Dina S. Ahmed, Benson M. Kariuki and Gamal A. El-Hiti

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4590; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214590 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1504

Abstract

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a ubiquitous thermoplastic that is produced on an enormous industrial scale to meet growing global demand. PVC has many favorable properties and is used in various applications. However, photodecomposition occurs when harsh conditions, such as high temperatures in the [...] Read more.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a ubiquitous thermoplastic that is produced on an enormous industrial scale to meet growing global demand. PVC has many favorable properties and is used in various applications. However, photodecomposition occurs when harsh conditions, such as high temperatures in the presence of oxygen and moisture, are encountered. Thus, PVC is blended with additives to increase its resistance to deterioration caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. In the current research, five methyldopa–tin complexes were synthesized and characterized. The methyldopa–tin complexes were mixed with PVC at a concentration of 0.5% by weight, and thin films were produced. The capability of the complexes to protect PVC from irradiation was shown by a reduction in the formation of small residues containing alcohols, ketones, and alkenes, as well as in weight loss and in the molecular weight of irradiated polymeric blends. In addition, the use of the new additives significantly reduced the roughness factor of the irradiated films. The additives containing aromatic substituents (phenyl rings) were more effective compared to those comprising aliphatic substituents (butyl and methyl groups). Methyldopa–tin complexes have the ability to absorb radiation, coordinate with polymeric chains, and act as radical, peroxide, and hydrogen chloride scavengers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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17 pages, 6245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing an Effective and Durable Film for Marine Fouling Prevention from PDMS/SiO₂ and PDMS/PU with SiO₂ Composites

by Jirasuta Chungprempree, Jitima Preechawong and Manit Nithitanakul

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4252; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204252 - 11 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Polymer film coating with a highly hydrophobic surface property is a practical approach to prevent fouling of any structures in the marine environment without affecting marine microorganisms. The preparation of a polymer coating, from a simple and easy method of solution blending of [...] Read more.

Polymer film coating with a highly hydrophobic surface property is a practical approach to prevent fouling of any structures in the marine environment without affecting marine microorganisms. The preparation of a polymer coating, from a simple and easy method of solution blending of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane elastomer and hydrophilic polyurethane with SiO₂, was carried out in this study, with the aim of improving characteristics, and the coating demonstrated economic feasibility for antifouling application. Incorporation of SiO₂ particles into PDMS and PDMS/PU polymer film improved mechanical properties of the film and the support fabrication of micropatterns by means of a soft lithography process. Observations from field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) of the PDMS/SiO₂ composite film revealed a homogeneous morphology and even dispersion of the SiO₂ disperse phase between 1–5 wt.%. Moreover, the PDMS film with 3 wt.% loading of SiO₂ considerably increased WCA to 115.7° ± 2.5° and improved mechanical properties by increasing Young’s modulus by 128%, compared with neat PDMS film. Additionally, bonding strength between barnacles and the PDMS film with 3 wt.% of SiO₂ loading was 0.16 MPa, which was much lower than the bonding strength between barnacles and the reference carbon steel of 1.16 MPa. When compared to the previous study using PDMS/PU blend (95:5), the count of barnacles of PDMS with 3 wt.% SiO₂ loading was lower by 77% in the two-week field tests and up to 97% in the eight-week field tests. Subsequently, when PDMS with 3 wt.% SiO₂ was further blended with PU, and the surface modified by the soft lithography process, it was found that PDMS/PU (95:5) with 3 wt.% SiO₂ composite film with micropatterns increased WCA to 122.1° ± 2.9° and OCA 90.8 ± 3.6°, suggesting that the PDMS/PU (95:5) with 3 wt.% SiO₂ composite film with surface modified by the soft lithography process could be employed for antifouling application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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17 pages, 854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Water Balloon as an Innovative Energy Storage Medium

by Chun-Ti Chang and Pin Tuan Huang

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3396; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163396 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2524

Abstract

Soft rubbery materials are capable of withstanding large deformation, and stretched rubber contracts when heated. Additionally, rubber balloons exhibit non-monotonic pressure–volume curves. These unique properties have inspired numerous ingenious inventions based on rubber balloons. To the authors’ knowledge, however, it is surprising that [...] Read more.

Soft rubbery materials are capable of withstanding large deformation, and stretched rubber contracts when heated. Additionally, rubber balloons exhibit non-monotonic pressure–volume curves. These unique properties have inspired numerous ingenious inventions based on rubber balloons. To the authors’ knowledge, however, it is surprising that these properties have not inspired any study that exploits the elasticity of rubber balloons for energy storage. Motivated by these, this study examines the performance of water balloons as energy storage media. In each experiment, a single water balloon is implemented using a flat membrane, and it is subject to repeated inflation, heating, deflation, and cooling. Inflating the balloon deposits energy into it. The heating simulates the recycling of waste heat. The balloon delivers work during its deflation. Finally, the cooling completes the energy-storage cycle. The performance is evaluated in terms of the balloon’s transferred energies, efficiencies, and service life. Simple as it is, a water balloon is actually an impressively efficient energy storage medium. The efficiency is 85–90% when a water balloon stores and releases energy at room temperature. Recycling waste heat can boost a balloon’s efficiency beyond 100%, provided that the cost of the heat is negligible so that the heat is not taken as part of the input energy. However, heating shortens the service life of a balloon and reduces the total energy it can accommodate. By running fatigue tests on balloons, this study reveals the trade-off between a water balloon’s efficiency and its longevity. These results shall serve as a useful guide for implementing balloon-based mechanical devices not limited to energy-storage applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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13 pages, 19405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Polysulfone Membranes Reinforced with Cellulose Nanofibers

by Reema H. Alasfar, Viktor Kochkodan, Said Ahzi, Nicolas Barth and Muammer Koç

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3317; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163317 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2163

Abstract

The mechanical properties of polymeric membranes are very important in water treatment applications. In this study, polysulfone (PSF) membranes with different loadings of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared via the phase inversion method. CNF was characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning [...] Read more.

The mechanical properties of polymeric membranes are very important in water treatment applications. In this study, polysulfone (PSF) membranes with different loadings of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared via the phase inversion method. CNF was characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pore morphology, mechanical properties, membrane performance and hydrophilicity of pure PSF membranes and PSF/CNF membranes were investigated. The changes in membrane pore structure with the addition of different CNF contents were observed using SEM images. It was shown that the calculated membrane pore sizes correlate with the membrane water fluxes. The pure water flux (PWF) of fabricated membranes increased with the addition of CNFs into the PSF matrix. It was shown that the optimal CNF loading of 0.3 wt.% CNF improved both the elastic modulus and yield stress of the PSF/CNF membranes by 34% and 32%, respectively (corresponds to values of 234.5 MPa and 5.03 MPa, respectively). This result indicates a strong interfacial interaction between the PSF matrix and the reinforced nanofibers. The calculated compaction factor (CF) showed that the membrane resistance to compaction could be improved with CNF reinforcement. Compared to pure PSF membrane, the hydrophilicity was significantly enhanced with the incorporation of 0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.% and 0.3 wt.% CNF, as shown by the water contact angle (WCA) results. It can be concluded that CNFs are homogeneously dispersed within the PSF matrix at CNF loading less than 0.5 wt.%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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14 pages, 8576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Glass Fiber Content of a Polybutylene Terephthalate Reinforced Composite Structure on Physical and Mechanical Characteristics

by Oumayma Hamlaoui, Olga Klinkova, Riadh Elleuch and Imad Tawfiq

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010017 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3222

Abstract

This work presents the influences of glass fiber content on the mechanical and physical characteristics of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) reinforced with glass fibers (GF). For the mechanical characterization of the composites depending on the GF reinforcement rate, tensile tests are carried out. The [...] Read more.

This work presents the influences of glass fiber content on the mechanical and physical characteristics of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) reinforced with glass fibers (GF). For the mechanical characterization of the composites depending on the GF reinforcement rate, tensile tests are carried out. The results show that increasing the GF content in the polymer matrix leads to an increase in the stiffness of the composite but also to an increase in its brittleness. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis is performed, highlighting the multi-scale dependency on types of damage and macroscopic behavior of the composites. Furthermore, flammability tests were performed. They permit certifying the flame retardancy capacity of the electrical composite part. Additionally, fluidity tests are carried out to identify the flow behavior of the melted composite during the polymer injection process. Finally, the cracking resistance is assessed by riveting tests performed on the considered electrical parts produced from composites with different GF reinforcement. The riveting test stems directly from the manufacturing process. Therefore, its results accurately reflect the fragility of the material used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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13 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recording, Storage, and Reproduction of Information on Polyvinyl Chloride Films Using Shape Memory Effects

by Alexander P. Kondratov, Egor P. Cherkasov, Vladislav Paley and Alex A. Volinsky

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1802; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111802 - 30 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2608

Abstract

Partial dissolution and plasticization are used for recording, storing, and reproducing information with modified industrial screen-printing equipment and aqueous solutions of colorless organic liquids on small surface area shape memory polymer films. To justify the choice of “ink” and evaluate the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

Partial dissolution and plasticization are used for recording, storing, and reproducing information with modified industrial screen-printing equipment and aqueous solutions of colorless organic liquids on small surface area shape memory polymer films. To justify the choice of “ink” and evaluate the effectiveness of using organic liquids as high-speed polymer solvents, the new method for recording hidden information uses the calculation of the solubility parameter, differential scanning calorimetry, and the method of one-sided swelling of films under isometric conditions. Using the example of tactile marking of shrink labels made of polyvinyl chloride, the optimal conditions for recording hidden information on a film are established in terms of the concentration of an aqueous solution of tetrahydrofuran, the contact time, and the processing temperature of the polymer using screen printing equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Processing of Thin Film Materials and Characterization of Their Mechanical Properties)

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