Villafiorita Monteleone F.
Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies @ UNILE, IIT, IT
Keywords: layer-by-layer deposition, thin films, TiO2/PS nanocomposites, wettability control
We propose an original method to modify and control the surface wettability properties of a specific material, by creating nanocomposite films on substrates with different surface properties, where the number of the deposited layers defines the final hydrophilicity of the coating. In particular, we prepared samples with one, two, or more successive layers of photopolymerized nanocomposite films containing TiO2 NRs as nanofillers and polystyrene as polymeric matrix, while the substrates used were glass slides and silicon wafers. The chosen substrates exhibit different chemical affinity with the NRs affecting their distribution in the matrix, and thus, the surface properties of the resulting material. In this scenario, the hydrophilic glass substrates attract the hydrophilic nanofillers, leading to a decreased number of NRs exposed onto the surface, and thus, to a quite hydrophobic surface. On the other hand, the more hydrophobic silicon surfaces show better affinity with the monomer, leading to samples with exposed NRs onto their surfaces, and thus with a higher degree of hydrophilicity.Adding one more layer of the same nanocomposite, the produced films show opposite characteristics. With each added layer the wetting characteristics of the samples swop.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 616 - 619
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3