The design methodology and realization of nanocomposite films aiming for mechanical (superhardness, toughness) and functional (optical, microelectronic) properties were discussed in this paper. Superhard TiCrCN and nc-TiN/a-SiNx films and super-tough nc-TiC/a-C(Al) films were prepared through co-sputtering method by optimal design of microstructure. The nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si) passivate...

A series of bacterial cellulose-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanocomposite films was prepared by in situ radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), using variable amounts of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) as cross-linker. Thin films were obtained, and their physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties were evaluated. The films showed improved transluc...

The functional silica/polyamide-imide composite films were prepared via simple ultrasonic blending, after the silica nanoparticles were modified by cationic surfactant-cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The composite films were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA). CTAB-modified silica nanoparticles were ...

We investigated the electrical and mechanical stability of flexible 6,13-bis (triisopropylsilylehtynyl)pentacene (TIPS-pentacene) thin-film transistors (TFTs) that were fabricated on polyimide (PI) substrates using cross-linked poly(4-vinylphenol) (c-PVP) and c-PVP/yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanocomposite films as gate insulators. Compared with the electrical characteristics of TIPS-pentacene TFTs wi...

We demonstrate that optical extinction spectroscopy can be used to determine the effective shape of Cu nanocrystals ~NCs! embedded in a transparent amorphous Al2O3 host both produced by pulsed laser deposition. The axial ratio of the NCs was extracted from the positions of the surface plasmon modes of the optical extinction spectra of the nanocomposite film. Comparison to the results obtained b...

UNLABELLED Chitosan is a biopolymer obtained by N-deacetylation of chitin, produced from shellfish waste, which may be employed to elaborate edible films or coatings to enhance shelf life of food products. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of nanofiller (cellulose nanofibers, CNF) and plasticizer (glycerol) on tensile properties (tensile strength-TS, el...

The compositions and the multi phase structures of bio-nanocomposite hydrogels made from silicate cross-linked PEO and chitosan are related to some of their physical and biological properties. The gels are injectable and self-healing because the cross-linking is physical and reversible under deformation. The presence of chitosan aggregates affects the viscoelastic properties and reinforces the ...

Nanocomposites of a polymer and carbon nanotubes exhibit high electrical and thermal conductivity and enhanced mechanical properties in comparison to the polymer alone. Film formation from latex dispersions is an ideal way to create nanocomposite coatings with the advantages of solvent-free processing and a high uniformity of dispersion. It is shown here that carbon nanotubes functionalised wit...

The morphology and magnetic properties of diblock copolymer templated ferrimagnetic cobalt oxide nanoparticles are reported. Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was used to synthesize a novel cobalt diblock copolymer, where cobalt is directly attached to the polymer chain. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was performed to determine molecular weight distribution. Transmission electr...

Nanocomposite systems and nanoparticle (NP) films are crucial for many applications and research fields. The structure-properties correlation raises complex questions due to the collective structure of these systems, often granular and porous, a crucial factor impacting their effectiveness and performance. In this framework, we investigate the optical and morphological properties of Ag nanopart...