Ingenieurwissenschaften und zugeordnete Tätigkeiten
Filtern
Dokumenttyp
- Vortrag (609)
- Posterpräsentation (210)
- Forschungsdatensatz (73)
- Zeitschriftenartikel (60)
- Beitrag zu einem Tagungsband (25)
- Forschungsbericht (14)
- Sonstiges (12)
- Buchkapitel (7)
- Zeitschriftenheft (Herausgeberschaft für das komplette Heft) (7)
- Video (5)
Sprache
- Englisch (926)
- Deutsch (112)
- Spanisch (2)
- Mehrsprachig (1)
Referierte Publikation
- nein (1041) (entfernen)
Schlagworte
- Nanoparticles (92)
- Automation (50)
- Mechanochemistry (49)
- SAXS (42)
- XPS (41)
- Electron microscopy (40)
- SEM (40)
- Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) (38)
- X-ray scattering (35)
- VAMAS (33)
Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 6 Materialchemie (1041) (entfernen)
The paper addresses “WHITE LIGHT INTERFERENCE MICROSCOPY, ELLIPSOMETRY, AND INSTRUMENTED INDENTATION TESTING AS REFERENCE PROCEDURES“ and is subdivided in the following sections: 1. Measurement vs. testing vs. reference procedures, 2. White light interference microscopy (WLIM) for determination of step height h, 3. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) for determination of layer thickness d and 4. Instrumented indentation testing (IIT) for determination of indentation hardness HIT. The following points are discussed in more detail: methodology of measurement and testing, uncertainty budgets for direct (WLIM), model-based (SE) and formula-based (IIT) reference procedures by means of specific examples. It is shown that standardization efforts are connected to reference procedures.
The polymer matrix region near a filler surface, termed as the interface, witnessed increasing interest, due to its possible influence on the macroscopic properties of the nanocomposite. The interphase is expecting to have different segmental dynamic, as compared to the pure matrix, which can percolate into the entire system. Here, the segmental dynamics of epoxy/Boehmite nanocomposite was studied by Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy. It was found that an artificial relaxation process is present in the nanocomposite, on the contrary to the pure epoxy system. It was assigned to constrained fluctuations of polymer chains in the interfacial region, due to the nanofiller. However, the overall dynamic Tg of the system decreased with increasing filler concentration, indicating higher segmental mobility. This was in accordance with Temperature Modulated DSC investigations of specific heat capacity of the system, which was found to increase with increasing filler concentration, up to 10 wt%, indicating increasing mobility of the polymer matrix segments. Surprisingly, for the highest filler content, the heat capacity decreases, implying a formation of an immobilized rigid amorphous phase in the interfacial region.
For the first time, the molecular mobility of two linear-shaped tetramethylated guanidinium triflates ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) having different length of alkyl chains was investigated by a combination of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and specific heat spectroscopy (SHS). SHS was carried out by differential AC-chip calorimetry at higher frequencies and temperature modulated DSC at lower frequencies. These ILCs can form a hexagonal ordered columnar mesophase. Two relaxation processes were found by BDS for both samples. At low temperatures, a γ-processes is observed which is assigned to specific localized fluctuations. At higher temperatures, α1-processes take place. α2 processes were also detected by SHS but with a completely different temperature dependence of the relaxation times. Different molecular assignments of α1- and α2-processes are suggested. At even higher temperatures, conductivity was detected by BDS.
Collective Orientational Order and Phase Behavior of a Discotic Liquid Crystal under Confinement
(2018)
Discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) are a promising class of soft matter for electronic applications. This is due to their ability to self-organize into columns in a hexagonal columnar mesophase, driven by the overlapping of the π orbitals of their aromatic cores. This leads to a high charge-carrier mobility along the column axis. Previous studies on DLCs showed that their properties, such as phase transition temperatures and enthalpies, are susceptible to nanoconfinement. In this study, 2,3,6,7,10,11 hexakis[hexyloxy] triphenylene (HAT6) was confined into parallel aligned cylindrical nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes by melt infiltration. Furthermore, the pore surfaces of a series of membranes were chemically modified, resulting in a more hydrophobic pore surface than the unmodified ones. Collective orientational order and phase behavior of HAT6 confined into modified and unmodified nanopores of AAO were investigated by broadband dielectric spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry respectively.
In this presentation, we report on the Determination of the glass transition temperature of thin layers of Polyvinylmethylether (PVME) depending on the thickness of the polymer layer. The glass Transition of thin polymer layers is currently under much investigation due to the nano-confinement effects proposed to appear in dependence on the layer thicknesses in the nm range. The properties of the polymer, the temperature range, as well as the thicknesses range of the polymer layers pose a serious challenge to the investigation by means of
spectroscopic ellipsometry. By careful choice of experimental parameters, we were able to investigate the thickness change by temperature of PVME layers in the range between 2 and 300 nm and in the temperature range between 200 K and 340 K. By optimizing the analysis process, we were able to determine Tg values within this parameter range with sufficient accuracy to investigate the Tg change due to confinement effects.
Alongside the change of position of the glass transition with thickness, we discuss the details of the ellipsometric analysis and its implications for the resulting thermal properties of the thin polymer layers as well as the accuracy of the Tg value with respect to the method used in the analysis process.
Ellipsometry is well known as a highly sensitive and reproducible surface analysis technique. However, in a context of metrological applications, the most important property of a measurement process is accuracy, relying on statistical precision, (reproducibility) and trueness (in an absolute sense versus a given standard). The latter is much more difficult to achieve. In this presentation, we discuss the possibility of establishing ellipsometry in a diverse metrological landscape by means of defining standard procedures and best practice methodologies for the measurement and for calibration purposes. The most important task of this approach is to determine the model-inherent uncertainty, originating from parameter coupling. We achieve this by means of sensitivity analysis of the parameters resulting from the fit process. We discuss the definition of reference materials by which accuracy can be made available for ellipsometry, passed along between ellipsometry laboratories and for other measurement techniques. The determination of uncertainty is presented in this work for a number of examples involving difficult analysis models employed for samples from different production environments. We present a standardization initiative with the goal to disseminate this work into an international standard alongside an inter-laboratory study comparing the results for complex samples gained by laboratories with different instrumentation. We also present the results gained within EURAMET projects focused on the metrology of materials with strong non-idealities used in photovoltaics and other energy technology.
In Glasfasern eingeschriebene Bragg-Gitter (FBG: fibre-based Bragg gratings) sind über die Verschiebung der Bragg-Wellenlänge in der Lage, Stauchungen und Dehnungen von Glasfasern hochgenau zu erfassen. In Kompositwerkstoffe eingebettete faseroptische Sensoren können Bauteile bezüglich ihrer mechanischen Integrität überwachen und früh-zeitig Informationen über Materialveränderungen gewinnen.
Um die Zuverlässigkeit eines solchen Sensors zu gewährleisten, ist es wichtig, die korrekte Funktion des Sensors im Verbund mit der Werkstoff-Matrix on-line und in-situ sicherzu-stellen. Im Rahmen des DFG-Projekts FAMOS² (FAser-basierter Magneto-Optischer SchichtSensor) wurde ein selbstdiagnosefähiger Schichtsensor entwickelt, der mit Hilfe von magnetostriktiven Aktorschichten aus Nickel bzw. Eisen-Nickel validiert werden kann.
Der FAMOS²-Schichtsensor wird durch ein PVD (physical vapour deposition)/ECD (electro-chemical deposition) Hybridschichtsystem realisiert, das auf dem Fasermantel im Bereich des FBG haftfest, homogen und langzeitfunktional abzuscheiden ist. Dabei wird in einem ersten Schritt ein etwa 100 Nanometer dünnes PVD-Schichtsystem aus Chrom und Kupfer als Haftvermittler auf der Glasfaser bzw. als leitfähige Startschicht für den nachfolgenden ECD-Prozess abgeschieden. Um eine rotationssymmetrische Schich-tabscheidung zu gewährleisten, erfolgt während der PVD-Beschichtung eine Rotation der Glasfasern. In einem zweiten Schritt wird dann unter Verwendung eines klassischen Watts-Elektrolyten in einer speziell entwickelten ebenfalls rotationssymmetrisch aufgebau-ten ECD-Durchströmungszelle dann die etwa 30 Mikrometer dicke, magnetostriktive Ak-torschicht auf dem PVD-Schichtsystem abgeschieden, im Vergleich sowohl reine Nickel-Schichten als auch Nickel-Eisen-Schichten.
Ein äußeres Magnetfeld dehnt die magnetostriktive Aktorschicht und damit auch die Faser reversibel. Diese Dehnung führt zu einer Verschiebung der Bragg-Wellenlänge, welche direkt mit der Stärke eines zu messenden oder zu Validierungszwecken vorgegebenen Magnetfeldes korreliert. Die Anpassung der Beschichtungsverfahren an die Fasergeome-trie und die mechanischen Eigenschaften der Hybridschichten werden hinsichtlich der me-chanischen Integrität des faseroptischen Sensors diskutiert und der Nachweis der Selbst-diagnosefähigkeit erbracht.
One of the holy grails in chemistry is to reconstruct some of life’s functions within synthetic materials. In this contribution, we demonstrate that “simple” macromolecular architectures such as dendritic amphiphiles, Janus dendrimers, thermoresponsive and hybrid organic-inorganic (co)polymers enable to mimic some of the functions of proteins for biomineralization, natural bactericides, biological membranes or the stimuli-responsive cytoskeleton.
The application of PVD-coatings ranges from mechanical engineering, i.e. thicker tribological coatings, to precision optics, i.e. thinner optical coatings. For physical vapor deposition (PVD) technologies such as evaporation, sputtering, ion beam assisted/driven deposition, vacuum is a prerequisite for two reasons: at first process-related ones (evaporation source, plasma discharge, and mean free path) and at second coating-related ones (pure, perfect, and dense films). Usually, the goal is a homogenous coating of defined stoichiometry and micro-structure without any imperfection.
However, the implementation of micro- or nano-particles may occur accidentally or delibe-rately. Independent of the particle origin, there are two fundamental rules regarding coating functionality: at first, the larger the particle diameter to coating thickness ratio the more affected the functionality of the coating, and at second, the larger the material contrast in terms of the functional feature of interest the more affected the coating performance. Hence, embedded particles have to be avoided for the majority of thin films by all means. The unintended implementation of particles usually results in a malfunction of the coating from the beginning or is at least considered as a weak point of the coating creating a time-dependent defect under service conditions. The intended implementation of particles on surfaces and in coatings may create add-on features, topographic ones and functional ones, however, the facts mentioned hold true.
Examples of particle-initiated coating defects are demonstrated in dependence on the origin and the field of application. Strategies for deliberate attachment/embedding of particles on surfaces/in coatings are discussed regarding process compatibility and coating integrity. For industrial applications, both the validation of process compatibility of particle injection and the plasma resistance of particles under vacuum and plasma conditions have to be confirmed. Further points of interest are the homogeneity of particle distribution and the avoidance of particle agglomeration which is still a crucial point for dry dispersed particles. So far, technical applications are limited to PVD hybrid coatings, plasma dispersion coatings are still a challenge except for applications where homogeneity is not required as in case of product authentication.
Multi-functional coatings are a key requirement for surface engineering. General demands are adhesion and long-term stability under service conditions. The modification of surfaces by means of PVD-, ECD- or hybrid processes allows an add-on functionalization of surfaces by a huge diversity of materials with both lateral and vertical micro-/nano-designs. This fact is a prerequisite for micro- and sensor-systems in lab-on-chip and sensor-on-chip technology. Two layer-based sensor principles are presented, i.e. surface plasmon resonance enhanced spectroscopic ellipsometry (SPREE) for detection of hazardous gases and magneto-optical sensors on smart-coated fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) for structural health monitoring (SHM).
The interdependence of substrate features, coating properties, and layer design is discussed firstly for gas sensitivity and selectivity of SPREE-sensors and secondly for sensitivity and selectivity of magneto-strictive coatings to mechanical strain or external magnetic fields resulting in an optical displacement of the Bragg wavelength of FBG-sensors. Moreover, generic features such long-term stability, crucial process-related fabrication conditions, and effects of operational and environmental parameters are discussed with respect to the sensor performance. It has been shown that appropriate layer design and adapted selection of layer materials (SnOx/Au, Fe/Ni:SnOx/Au; Ni/NiFe-Cu-Cr) result in improved sensor parameters and may enable new sensor applications.
Der Vortrag gibt den aktuellen Stand der Normung im Bereich der Oberflächen-technik insbesondere der Oberflächenanalytik und der Oberflächenmess- und -prüftechnik wider.
Vorgestellt wird der Status technischer Berichte, Normenentwürfe und Normen u.a. zur Charakterisierung von funktionellen Glasoberflächen für bioanalytische Anwendungen, zur Messung der Schichtdicke von Nanomaterialien mittels Ellipsometrie, zur Kalibrierung von Interferometern und Interferenzmikroskopen für die Formmessung, zur Rockwelleindringprüfung zur Bewertung der Schicht-haftung, zu den Grundlagen der Ellipsometrie, zur Messung der Schichtdicke mittels Wirbelstromverfahren, zur Schichtpotentialmessung von Mehrfach-Nickelschichten, zu Filtern und Augenschutzgeräten gegen Laserstrahlung sowie zur Bestimmung der Schichthaftung mittels Zugversuch.
For almost 150 years it is known that hydrogen has a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of metallic components. Nowadays, the problem of hydrogen assisted degradation is highly relevant in energy related fields due to the massive use of steel as a structural component in these applications and its sensitivity to hydrogen. Since the discovery of hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC), researchers studied intensively and suggested possible explanations and mechanisms in order to define how hydrogen is affecting the material. In general, it is considered that hydrogen changes the mechanical properties more in terms of ductility (deformation capacities) than in strength (load capacities). Hydrogen concentration is one of three crucial factors in the degradation process, together with the microstructure of the material and the internal/external mechanical load. The relatively high concentration of hydrogen resulting in this loss of ductility can originate during production or before service (e.g. welding processes) and during service (i.e. catholically protected systems to eliminate corrosion processes in sour environments).
In parallel to the theoretical work, tremendous efforts were, and are still, invested in searching for a proper method to elucidate, map and quantify the hydrogen in the microstructure, which is the basis for this work. For steels, the focus is mainly on the observations of diffusion processes and the interaction of hydrogen with the microstructure
in regions with high local stresses/strains (for example around evolving cracks). The challenge for reaching this goal arises from the fact that accurate indication of hydrogen by means of position, unlike heavier atoms, can be made only by mass spectrometry or by interaction with another element (e.g. silver decoration, special coating and resonant nuclear reaction by nitrogen). In addition to this, the difficulty recording the hydrogen behavior while it rapidly diffuses through the material, leaving only the unpredicted failure, should be taken into account.
Although using powerful characterization methods, models and computational simulations, the key to defining the mechanisms behind HAC is still under debate and not fully understood. The relationship between material and hydrogen is determined by three factors, i.e., the material structure and microstructure – determining the physical properties, the mechanical load applied on the material and the hydrogen concentration. It is well known that in order to have a complete definition of HAC these three factors must be examined locally with the minimal scale and the maximal resolution reachable. The major gap is the lack in such a characterization method or a technique by which one has the ability to detect and observe the hydrogen in the metallic microstructure. The commonly used techniques nowadays are capable of characterization of the microstructure without the ability to observe the hydrogen distribution. Global hydrogen concentration and localized hydrogen observation are possible by some techniques which are incapable of indicating a change in the structure or microstructure therefore a comprehensive overview can be gained only by combining several methods.
In the presented research, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was adopted as the main tool to detect and locally map the hydrogen distribution in two types of duplex stainless steel grades: EN 1.4462 (standard 2205 duplex stainless steel) and EN 1.4162 (2101 lean duplex stainless steel). The term duplex stainless steel (DSS) refers to the austenitic-ferritic microstructure of the steel where the combination of physical and mechanical properties of the two phases is achieved. The DSS was selected as a case study for this work due to the wide use of this grade in many energy and the lack of knowledge on hydrogen behavior in two-phase containing microstructures. ToFSIMS was exploited in-situ and ex-situ in three experimental approaches during or following
an electrochemical charging procedure. This type of hydrogen charging was selected as it simulated a procedure of cathodic protection of most sub-water oil and gas extraction and delivery systems. The experimental procedures were:
1. Ex-situ charging followed by ToF-SIMS imaging for basic understanding of hydrogen distribution.
2. Ex-situ charging followed by in-situ mechanical loading to obtain information on hydrogen behavior around a propagating crack.
3. In-situ permeation of hydrogen through a steel membrane inside the ToF-SIMS to obtain information on diffusion behavior of hydrogen in a two-phase microstructure.
The comprehensive view of the effect of hydrogen on steel was gained by using supplementary methods, such as high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The state of the art in this work lies in applying both: in-situ experimental approaches and data treatment of the ToF-SIMS raw data. The data treatment includes the combination of data from several sources (data fusion).
The results for the ex-situ charging followed by static sample imaging and data fusion showed that when the analyzed surface is directly exposed to the electrolyte the degradation is pronounced differently in the ferrite, austenite and interface. The degradation mechanisms in the ferrite and austenite were reflected by the formation of cracks on the surface of both, where a high concentration of hydrogen was obtained. This result supports the assumption that hydrogen is attracted to highly deformed regions. The advantage of using in-situ charging/permeation in comparison to ex-situ charging is that the effect of hydrogen on the ferrite and austenite phases when the hydrogen is evolving from within the microstructure is realized, in comparison to when the analyzed surface is initially exposed directly to the electrolyte. In both experiments the ferrite was observed as a fast diffusion path for the hydrogen. The faster diffusion of hydrogen through the ferrite is expected due to the higher diffusion coefficient, however, a direct proof for the diffusion sequence in this scale was never shown. Most significant results were achieved by the ‘core’ experiments of this research. These experiments included the design of a novel dynamic mechanical loading device to apply an external load during SIMS imaging of a hydrogen precharged-notched sample. For the first time it was shown that plastic deformation induced by applying a mechanical load is resulting in a redistribution of hydrogen locally around the notch.
Core-shell nanoparticles are widespread in nature, industrial applications and nanotechnology research. Facile ways of modern synthesis will be discussed and possibilities to reveal their structures with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). A recent review on using block copolymer templates as one of the most reliable routes for tuning size and shape of nanoparticles is provided by Li et al.1 Ferritin and apoferritin are archetypical examples for protein-based core-shell nanoparticles. Their structures are easily accessed by synchrotron SAXS2 but also with commercial instruments and allow fast performance tests.3 SASfit4 is a suitable program tool based on classical curve fitting and McSAS5 is a complementary program based on a Monte Carlo technique. Detailed refinements of SAXS data evaluation are on the way for better data analysis.6 A sub nanometer resolution is state-of-the-art for quantification of the size distribution of polyacrylic acid stabilized silver nanoparticles.3 Such particles are useful in catalysis.7 It was observed that the catalytic activity can be tuned easily by varying the shell material of the particles.
Ever since increasing a reaction’s yield while shortening the reaction time is the main objective in synthesis optimization. Microwave reactors meet these demands. In literature however their usage is under discussion due to claims of the existence of non-thermal effects resulting from the microwave radiation. Especially for nano-reference-material syntheses it is of crucial importance to be aware of influences on the reaction pathway. Therefore, we compare ultra-small silver nanoparticles with mean radii of 3 nm, synthesized via conventional and microwave heating.
We employed a versatile one-pot polyol synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) stabilized silver nanoparticles, which display superior catalytic properties. No microwave specific effects in terms of particle size distribution characteristics, as derived by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), are revealed. Due to the microwave reactor’s characteristics of a closed system, syntheses can be carried out at temperatures beyond the solvent’s boiling point. Particle formation was accelerated by a factor of 30 by increasing the reaction temperature from 200 °C to 250 °C. The particle growth process follows a cluster coalescence mechanism.
A post-synthetic incubation step at 250 °C induces a further growth of the particles while the size distribution broadens. Thus, utilization of microwave reactors enables an enormous decrease of the reaction time as well as the opportunity of tuning the particles’ size. Possibly, decomposition of the stabilizing ligand at elevated temperatures results in reduced yields. A temperature of 250 °C and a corresponding reaction time of 30 s represent a compromise between short reaction times and high yields.
The utilization of silver nanoparticles in consumer related products has significantly increased over the last decade, especially due to their antimicrobial properties. Today they are used in a high variety of products ranging from food containers over children toys and textiles. Therefore, research on the toxicological potential of silver nanoparticles becomes increasingly important for a high amount of studies. Unfortunately, the results of these studies are extremely diverse and do not lead to a consistent evaluation. The central problem lies in the use of a wide range of silver nanoparticles, which show a broad size distribution. To overcome this problem we report on the synthesis and application of small silver nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (R = 3.1 nm, σ = 0.6 nm). The poly(acrylic acid) stabilized particles are thoroughly characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The particles are highly stable and show no aggregation for more than six months. It is foreseen to use these thoroughly characterized nanoparticles as reference material to compare the catalytic and biological properties of functionalized silver nanoparticles. As a first step the particles are used in the first world-wide inter-laboratory comparison of SAXS. Furthermore, the stabilizing ligand PAA can be easily exchanged by biomolecules to modify the surface functionality. Replacements of PAA with glutathione (GSH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been performed as examples. With this flexible system first applications regarding biological application in an artificial digestion procedure have been performed. Thereby the changes in size distribution and aggregation state were monitored by SAXS. Additionally these particles show a high catalytic activity of (436 ± 24) L g-1 s-1 in the reduction of 4- nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. This activity is two orders of magnitude higher than for other silver particles in the literature.
In-situ SAXS techniques
(2018)
This project studies the orientation of nanoparticles under the influence of external stimuli such as electric fields, magnetic fields and ultra-sonic vibrations. A set of functional sample holders that fit inside the sample chamber of a state-of-the-art Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) machine, called the “Multi-scale Analyzer for Ultrafine Structures” (MAUS).
The MAUS has been custom engineered to serve as a miniaturized Synchrotron, thus enabling standard material to be characterized to a high standard. Our work is needed to detail the fine characterization of reference nano-particles, not only on the nano-scale, but also coupled with external agents.
A second aim of this project is to verify a few proof-of-concept designs for the alignment of nano-particles. Where the alignment of nano-particles In-Situ is intended to further develop 3D printing technologies, and SAXS is an ideal choice to study the alignment of an oriented ensemble.
For more information about the MAUS;
https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2018/AnalyticalSciences/2018-01-31-mit-maus-an-die-spitze-der-nano-forschung.html
UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers (i.e. that phase separate from solution upon cooling) present a tremendous potential not only in aqueous media with applications in the field of drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications, but also in water/alcohol mixtures, where they can be used for instance in sensing systems for alcohol-soluble drugs. However, only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an UCST in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol.
In this context, acrylamide-based monomers can be very useful building blocks for designing novel non-ionic UCST-type polymers because of their hydrophilic nature (with the appropriate side chain) and propensity to form hydrogen bonds. We will present our latest results on the UCST-type thermoresponsive behaviour of acrylamide- and/or 2,6-diaminopyridine-based homopolymers and copolymers in water or water/alcohol mixtures, and give some insights about the rational design of UCST polymers relying on H-bonding.
The electrochemical behavior of UNS N08031 was investigated as a function of electrode potential in Green-Death solution at 40 °C. The UNS N08031 surface is in a stable passive state during cyclic potentiodynamic polarization without an initiation and/or propagation of localized corrosion. In potentiostatic polarization of UNS N08031 for 3600 s, passive current density increases with an increase in the passivation potential from 0.7 to 1.0 VSSE (silver/silver chloride reference electrode in saturated potassium chloride) Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis showed that a more defective n-type semiconductive passive film forms as the potential increases. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that passive film consists of mainly chromium and minor iron and nickel oxides. The mechanism of the defective passive film formation is discussed. The increase of the applied potential is considered to be a reason for the change in passive film stability.
Eine neue Art einer Ring-Expansion Polymerization (REP) von zyklischen Polylaktiden mittels neuer Katalysatoren wird präsentiert.
MALDI-TOF Massenspektrometrie und andere analytische Techniken wurden zur Aufklärung des Mechanismus eingesetzt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass im Gegensatz zu anderen REP, ausschließlich zyklische Polymere gebildet wurden. Diese stellen neue Kandidatenmaterialien für zukünftige neue CRM dar.
UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers (i.e. that phase separate from solution upon cooling) present a tremendous potential not only in aqueous media where they can be used in drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications, but also in water/alcohol mixtures, where they can be used for instance in sensing systems for alcohol-soluble drugs. However, only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an UCST in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol.
In this context, acrylamide-based monomers can be very useful building blocks for designing novel non-ionic UCST-type polymers because of their hydrophilic nature (with the appropriate side chain) and propensity to form hydrogen bonds. We will present our latest results on the UCST-type thermoresponsive behaviour of acrylamide- and 2,6-diaminopyridine-based homopolymers and copolymers in water or water/alcohol mixtures, and give some insights about the rational design of UCST polymers relying on H-bonding.
In Glasfasern eingeschriebene Bragg-Gitter (FBG: fibre-based Bragg gratings) sind über die Verschiebung der Bragg-Wellenlänge in der Lage, Stauchungen und Dehnungen von Glasfasern hochgenau zu erfassen. In Kompositwerkstoffe eingebettete faseroptische Sensoren können Bauteile bezüglich ihrer mechanischen Integrität überwachen und früh-zeitig Informationen über Materialveränderungen gewinnen.
Um die Zuverlässigkeit eines solchen Sensors zu gewährleisten, ist es wichtig, die korrekte Funktion des Sensors im Verbund mit der Werkstoff-Matrix on-line und in-situ sicherzu-stellen. Im Rahmen des DFG-Projekts FAMOS² (FAser-basierter Magneto-Optischer SchichtSensor) wurde ein selbstdiagnosefähiger Schichtsensor entwickelt, der mit Hilfe von magnetostriktiven Aktorschichten aus Nickel bzw. Eisen-Nickel validiert werden kann.
Der FAMOS²-Schichtsensor wird durch ein PVD (physical vapour deposition)/ECD (electro-chemical deposition) Hybridschichtsystem realisiert, das auf dem Fasermantel im Bereich des FBG haftfest, homogen und langzeitfunktional abzuscheiden ist. Dabei wird in einem ersten Schritt ein etwa 100 Nanometer dünnes PVD-Schichtsystem aus Chrom und Kupfer als Haftvermittler auf der Glasfaser bzw. als leitfähige Startschicht für den nachfolgenden ECD-Prozess abgeschieden. Um eine rotationssymmetrische Schich-tabscheidung zu gewährleisten, erfolgt während der PVD-Beschichtung eine Rotation der Glasfasern. In einem zweiten Schritt wird dann unter Verwendung eines klassischen Watts-Elektrolyten in einer speziell entwickelten ebenfalls rotationssymmetrisch aufgebau-ten ECD-Durchströmungszelle dann die etwa 30 Mikrometer dicke, magnetostriktive Ak-torschicht auf dem PVD-Schichtsystem abgeschieden, im Vergleich sowohl reine Nickel-Schichten als auch Nickel-Eisen-Schichten.
Ein äußeres Magnetfeld dehnt die magnetostriktive Aktorschicht und damit auch die Faser reversibel. Diese Dehnung führt zu einer Verschiebung der Bragg-Wellenlänge, welche direkt mit der Stärke eines zu messenden oder zu Validierungszwecken vorgegebenen Magnetfeldes korreliert. Die Anpassung der Beschichtungsverfahren an die Fasergeome-trie und die mechanischen Eigenschaften der Hybridschichten werden hinsichtlich der me-chanischen Integrität des faseroptischen Sensors diskutiert und der Nachweis der Selbst-diagnosefähigkeit erbracht.
Imaging of surfaces regarding topographical, morphological, micro-structural, and chemical features is a key requirement for quality control for the identification of contaminated, degraded, damaged or deliberately modified surface areas vs. clean, virgin, undamaged or unmodified regions. As optical functions may represent any of these changes on the micro- and nano-scale, imaging ellipsometry (IE) is the technique of choice using either intensity, phase, or/and amplitude contrast for visualization of low-contrast surface modifications [1, 2]. Defects or surface and film features whether native or artificial, intended or unintended, avoidable or unavoidable as well as surface pattern are of interest for quality control. In contrast to microscopic techniques operated at normal incidence, ellipsometry as oblique-incidence technique provides improved contrast for vertically nano-scaled add-on or sub-off features such as ultra-thin transparent films, metallic island films, carbon-based thin films, laser modification or laser induced damage, dried stain, cleaning agent or polymeric residue. Two-sample reference techniques, i.e. referenced spectroscopic ellipsometry (RSE) may further increase sensitivity and decrease measurement time. In case of particulate accumulations depolarization contrast imaging (DCI) may improve the lateral resolution beyond the Abbe limit. This has been proven for silica spheres as reference in terms of single particles, particulate accumulations or particulate monolayers and layer stacks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for reference measurements of particle diameter, particle height, or particulate layer/accumulation thickness. It has been shown that single silica particles of 250 nm in diameter, i.e. at least a factor of 4 better than the lateral resolution limit as of now, can be visualized on even substrates. However, the ellipsometric measurement of particle diameters of this size needs further efforts interpretation.
UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers (i.e. that phase separate from solution upon cooling) present a tremendous potential not only in aqueous media where they can be used in drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications, but also in water/alcohol mixtures, where they can be used for instance in sensing systems for alcohol-soluble drugs. However, only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an UCST in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol.
In this context, acrylamide-based monomers can be very useful building blocks for designing novel non-ionic UCST-type polymers because of their hydrophilic nature (with the appropriate side chain) and propensity to form hydrogen bonds. We will present our latest results on the UCST-type thermoresponsive behaviour of acrylamide- and 2,6-diaminopyridine-based homopolymers and copolymers in water or water/alcohol mixtures, and give some insights about the rational design of UCST polymers relying on H-bonding.
Mit der Zentrifugentechnologie ist seit einigen Jahren ein neuartiges Mehr-Proben-Prüf-verfahren auf dem Markt etabliert, welches die klassische Zugprüfung in den Trommelrotor einer Tischzentrifuge überträgt. In der Beanspruchung auf Zug ist die Prüfung der Verbundfestigkeit mittels CAT-Technologie (centrifugal adhesion testing) an der BAM seit 2017 nach DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 akkreditiert, wobei die Verbundfestigkeit von Klebungen direkt bestimmt wird und in Abhängigkeit von den Versagensformen Rückschlüsse auf die Klebfestigkeit von Klebstoffen/Klebebändern oder die Haftfestigkeit von Beschichtungen gezogen werden können.
Mit der Zentrifugentechnologie ist seit einigen Jahren ein neuartiges Mehr-Proben-Prüf-verfahren auf dem Markt etabliert, welches die klassische Zugprüfung in den Trommelrotor einer Tischzentrifuge überträgt. In der Beanspruchung auf Zug ist die Prüfung der Verbundfestigkeit seit 2017 nach DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 akkreditiert, wobei die Verbundfestigkeit von Klebungen direkt bestimmt wird und in Abhängigkeit von den Versagensformen Rückschlüsse auf die Klebfestigkeit von Klebstoffen/Klebebändern oder die Haftfestigkeit von Beschichtungen gezogen werden können.
Bei der zerstörenden Beanspruchung auf Zug ist zu beachten, dass es sich bei der Verbundfestigkeit um eine Systemeigenschaft handelt, d.h. nicht nur die chemischen und topografischen Oberflächeneigenschaften, sondern auch die plasto-elastischen Volumeneigenschaften des Klebstoffes und der Fügeteile haben Einfluss auf die ermittelten Kennwerte. Dabei ist eine qualitative Bestimmung der Versagensformen und Bruchbilder nach DIN EN ISO 10365 zwingend erforderlich, um eine Aussage über die Art des Versagens treffen zu können.
Mit der Erweiterung der Zentrifugentechnologie um Beanspruchungen auf Druck wurde dann der Nachweis erbracht, dass auch die klassische Härteprüfung in einer Zentrifuge als Mehr-Proben-Prüfung durchgeführt werden kann. Im Verbundvorhaben QUO VADIS PLUS werden derzeit invasive Beanspruchungen auf Druck zur Bestimmung der Härte von Materialien, der Kompressibilität von Metallschäumen sowie der Kompaktierbarkeit von Pulvern untersucht, was das Anwendungspotential der Zentrifugentechnologie nochmals erweitert. Dazu gehören auch kombinierte Beanspruchungen wie Zug-Scher- und Druck-Scher-Prüfungen.
Die Verbundfestigkeit von CFK-Platten in Abhängigkeit der Beanspruchungsart (Zug vs. Zug-Scher) bzw. der Faserorientierung (0°, 45°, 90°), die Klebfestigkeit von Klebstoffen bzw. Klebebändern auf unterschiedlichen Fügeteilwerkstoffen in Abhängigkeit von der Vorbehandlung, die Haftfestigkeit optischer Schichten auf Kunststoffen, die Bestimmung der Vickers-, Brinell- bzw. Kugeldruck-Härte sowie die Kompressibilität von metallischen Schäumen und Federn werden als ausgewählte Beispiele diskutiert.
The structure and molecular dynamics of thin polymer films are of topical interest of soft matter-physics. Commonly, spatial structural heterogeneities of 1D confined thin films (surface, bulk-like and adsorbed layer), are expected to alter the glassy dynamics, compared to the bulk. Here, Specific Heat Spectroscopy (SHS) was used, to investigate the glassy dynamics of thin films of an asymmetric miscible PVME/PS 25/75 wt% blend. SHS measurements showed a non-monotonous thickness dependence of the dynamic Tg, on the contrary to the previously investigated PVME/PS 50/50 wt%. For PVME/PS 25/75 wt% thin films (> 30 nm), due to the presence of PVME-rich adsorbed and surface layers, the bulk-like layer experienced a thickness dependent increase of PS concentration. This led to a systematic increase of dynamic Tg. Further decrease of the film thickness (< 30 nm), resulted in a decrease of dynamic Tg, ascribed to the influence of the surface layer, which has a high molecular mobility. This is the first study, which shows deviations of dynamic Tg of thin films, compared to the bulk, resulting from the counterbalance of the free surface and adsorbed layer.
In recent years, substantial efforts have been devoted to investigating nanoscopic confinement of polymers, and its effect on glassy dynamics. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) was used to study the dynamics of ultra-thin films of PVME/PS 50/50 wt% blend, employing a novel nano-structured capacitor sample arrangement. The investigated system shows a complex dynamic behavior. First, an α-relaxation, related to a bulk-like layer was found. Second, an α’-relaxation was observed, characteristic for dynamically asymmetric blends, where the out of equilibrium dynamics is attributed to weakly-cooperative PVME segments relaxing within a frozen environment of PS segments. Thirdly, for thinnest films, an Arrhenius-like process was dominant in the dielectric spectra, indicating localized fluctuations of the segments. Relaxation rates of this process resembled that of the degenerated α-relaxation of the adsorbed layer, found for pure PVME, thus it was assigned accordingly. For thinnest films, this process undergoes a further confinement, due to the topological constraints, introduced by PS. Such multiple confinement effect has not been reported for ultra-thin films of polymer blends, before this study.
Hybrid materials have attracted growing interest during the last decade, particularly due to their extraordinary properties. Cycloalyphatic-epoxy oligosiloxane (CEO) resin was shown to be a good candidate as a barrier material for the encapsulation purposes. Incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles such as Boehmite (BA) into polymers was observed to modify their specific characteristics, in particular, thermal, thermo-oxidative and barrier ones. In this work, novel BA-embedded organic inorganic hybrid nanocomposite material was engineered by combining the advantageous properties of hybrid polymers and nanoparticle enhancement effect. Impacts of particles on the photocuring kinetics, degree of crosslinking and the resultant changes in the thermal properties of the cured films were investigated. CEO synthesis via condensation reaction was confirmed by 1H and 29Si NMR. The particle distribution within the films was verified by SEM including transmission mode coupled with EDX elemental analysis. Photocuring kinetics and thermal properties of the films were studied by in situ FTIR spectroscopy and DSC with TGA, respectively.
Hyperbranched PAMAM/ Kaolinite Nanocomposites: Decoupling phenomenon and conductivity mechanism
(2018)
Increasing demands of the daily life requires a continuous discovering of new and tailored properties of materials that can be utilized in covering the requirements in several fields. Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) are macromolecules that are characterized by a highly branched structure and multiplicity of reactive end groups, which could be promising for numerous applications. Here, hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (HPAMAM)/ Ka nanocomposites was prepared via an in-situ polymerization and an ex-situ method. The latter approach leads to a partly intercalated structure of the nanocomposites, while the former method results in an exfoliated morphology. Α combination of different techniques such as broadband dielectric spectroscopy (DBS), SXAS, FTIR, TEM, and DSC are employed to study the prepared samples. For the HPAMAM/ Ka-DCA nanocomposites (an ex-situ samples), the results indicated that the dc conductivity is increased by 4 orders of magnitude, with increasing concentration of the Ka-DCA. As an interesting result is that a significant decoupling between the characteristic time for conductivity relaxation and the segmental dynamics was observed, which depends on the concentration of the nanofiller. For the HPAMAM/ EDA nanocomposites (an in-situ polymerization), the dc conductivity is also increased with increasing the concentration of the Ka-EDA. The decoupling phenomenon and conductivity mechanism are discussed in detail.
Hyperbranched polyamine ester (HPAE)/ kaolinite nanocomposites were papered via an ex situ (solution-based) method. The kaolinite has been modified by dodecylamine (DCA). SAXS measurements revealed that the Ka interlayer space increased from 0.71 to 3.6 nm-1. A partly exfoliated structure of the HPA/Ka-DCA nanocomposites was proved by SAXS and TEM. By a combination of BDS and SHS, the relaxation properties of the nanocomposites were investigated in dependence on frequency and temperature. The activation energies of γ-relaxation for the nanocomposites were lower than the values found for the pure HPAE. The segmental dynamics (α- relaxation) was found to be screened out by the conductivity contribution. While it is retrieved by SHS employing AC-chip calorimetry. A systematic change of the dynamic glass transition estimated by AC-chip calorimetry was observed, which is in agreement with a behavior expected for a confined sample. The confinement effect of the Ka-DCA nanofillers reduces the glass transition temperature Tg and enhances, meanwhile, the electrical conductivity of the polymer. By comparing the temperature dependence of the dynamic glass transition measured with SHS and that of the dc conductivity measured by dielectric spectroscopy, a decoupling in their temperature dependencies was found.
With increasing concentration of the nanofiller, which results in a stronger glass-formation behavior, this decoupling becomes weaker.
Dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) was employed to investigate the dynamics of thin films (7 – 200 nm) of a Poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) / Polystyrene (PS) blend (50:50 wt%). For the BDS measurements Nano-Structured Capacitors (NSC) were employed, where films have a free surface. This method was applied for film thicknesses up to 36 nm. Thicker films were prepared between Crossed Electrodes Capacitors (CEC). The spectra of the films showed multiple processes. The first process was assigned to the -relaxation of a bulk-like layer. For films measured by NSC, its rates were higher compared to that of the bulk blend. This behavior was related to a PVME-rich free-surface layer. A second process was observed for films measured by CEC (process X) and the 36 nm film measured by NSC (process X2). This process was assigned to fluctuations of PVME constraint by PS. Its activation energy was found to be thickness dependent, due to the evidenced thickness dependency of the compositional heterogeneity. Finally, a third process with an activated temperature-dependence was observed for all films measured by NSC (process X1). It resembled the molecular fluctuations in an adsorbed layer found for films of pure PVME.
Vesicles self-assembled in water from natural and synthetic phospholipids (liposomes), amphiphilic block copolymers (polymersomes), and more recently amphiphilic Janus dendrimers (dendrimersomes) -5 as hollow soft structures in the nano size regime have attracted increasing interest as they can mimic primitive and contemporary biological membranes, and can be configured into biomimetic nanocapsules with application in nanomedicine such as gene, proteins and drug carriers or theranostics.
Compared to other amphiphilic structures, the molecular structure of Janus dendrimers can be precisely controlled: by using the vast range of tools from organic chemistry their size, architecture, density, generation as well as the number of end groups of the individual dendrons can be modified as desired.
Unfortunately, the controlled production of supramolecular aggregates made thereof is still a challenging task. Conventional batch-based techniques such as the solvent injection method or the film hydration method typically go along with a lack of control over self assembly/mixing and thus over size, morphology and size distribution of the vesicles.
The micromixer technology is a promising method for the controlled preparation of supramolecular assemblies as it allows control of mixing at microscale level. In addition, such microfluidic systems benefit from a high mixing efficiency, a low mixing time as well as from a reproducible and continuous production of soft nanoparticles. Herein, we report on the microfluidic-controlled self-assembly of Janus dendrimers as dendrimersomes and the impact of the mixing parameters on the self-assembly process.
One of the holy grails in chemistry is to reconstitute some of life’s functions with or within synthetic materials. In this contribution, we demonstrate that “simple” macromolecular architectures such as dendritic amphiphiles, Janus dendrimers, thermoresponsive and hybrid organic-inorganic (co)polymers enable to mimic some of the functions of proteins for biomineralization, natural bactericides, biological membranes or the stimuli-responsive cytoskeleton.
In well-annealed thin polymer films, with non-repulsive polymer/substrate interactions, an irreversibly adsorbed layer is expected to form. These adsorbed layers have shown great potential for technological applications. However, their growth kinetics and molecular dynamics are still not fully understood. This is partially due to the hard accessibility of these layers in thin films. Here, the irreversibly adsorbed layers of homopolymer thin films are revealed by solvent-leaching experiments. First, the growth kinetics of these layers is investigated as a function of annealing times and original film thickness. The thickness, topography and quality of the adsorbed layer is controlled with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Secondly, the molecular mobility of the adsorbed layer is investigated with Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS). A recently developed nanostructured capacitor is employed to measure the adsorbed layers with a free surface layer. The results are quantitatively compared and discussed with respect to recently published work.
In well-annealed thin polymer films, with non-repulsive polymer/substrate interactions, an irreversibly adsorbed layer is expected to form. These adsorbed layers have shown great potential for technological applications. However, their growth kinetics and molecular dynamics are still not fully understood. This is partially due to the hard accessibility of these layers in thin films. Here, the irreversibly adsorbed layers of homopolymer thin films are revealed by solvent-leaching experiments. First, the growth kinetics of these layers is investigated as a function of annealing times and original film thickness. The thickness, topography and quality of the adsorbed layer is controlled with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Secondly, the molecular mobility of the adsorbed layer is investigated with Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS). A recently developed nanostructured capacitor is employed to measure the adsorbed layers with a free surface layer. The results are quantitatively compared and discussed with respect to recently published work.
Ultrashort laser pulse micromachining features a high precision. By increasing the repetition rate of the applied laser to several 100 kHz, laser processing becomes quick and cost-effective and make this method attractive for industrial applications. Upon exceeding a critical laser intensity, hard X-ray radiation is generated as a side effect. Even if the emitted X-ray dose per pulse is low, the accumulated X-ray dose becomes significant for high-repetition-rate laser systems so that radiation safety must be considered. The X-ray emission during ultrashort laser processing was investigated for an intensity range up to 2.6*10^14 W/cm2. The investigations were performed with a laser emitting pulses with 925 fs pulse duration, at 1030 nm wavelength and 400 kHz repetition rate. Steel, tungsten, and glass were studied in ambient air. Corresponding X-ray spectra and X-ray dose measurements were presented. Suitable radiation protection strategies were shown.
The molecular dynamics and ionic conductivity of ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) forming a columnar mesophase, two linear-shaped tetramethylated guanidinium triflates ILCs having different lengths of alkyl chains, were investigated by a combination of Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) and Specific Heat Spectroscopy (SHS). Three processes were detected by BDS; at low temperature γ-process, at higher temperatures α-process and at even higher temperatures conductivity. The γ-process indicates localized fluctuations, and the α-process designates cooperative fluctuations. Slightly different restrictions were found for conductivity processes of LC536 and LC537 due to the slightly different lengths of alky chains. The conductivity mechanisms in the plastic crystalline and the columnar mesophase have been revealed by BDS and different charge carriers were assigned for the different phases. Furthermore, the cooperative dynamics were also probed by SHS. The cooperative dynamics probed by the different techniques (BDS and SHS) compared, and assigned to the different restrictions on the cooperativity due to the difference in the sensitivity of the techniques.
Ultrashort laser pulse micromachining features a high precision. By increasing the repetition rate of the applied laser to several 100 kHz, laser processing becomes quick and cost-effective and make this method attractive for industrial applications. Upon exceeding a critical laser intensity, hard X-ray radiation is generated as a side effect. Even if the emitted X-ray dose per pulse is low, the accumulated X-ray dose becomes significant for high-repetition-rate laser systems so that radiation safety must be considered.
The importance of molecular conformation for polymorphism and its repercussions in terms of tight control over the industrial production of crystalline organic materials with highly reproducible physicochemical properties has long been recognized. Efforts to understand how a crystallization solvent can direct the formation of a polymorph containing a specific molecular conformation are, however, relatively scarce. Nicotinic acid (NA) and its hydroxyl derivatives (2-, 4-, 5-, and 6-hydroxynicotinic acids) are very good models for such studies. Indeed, regardless of the solvent, NA always crystallizes as a single polymorph with the molecule in the same neutral conformation. In contrast, the hydroxyl derivatives are prone to polymorphism and solvate formation and, depending on the crystallization conditions, the molecules in the crystal lattice can exhibit hydroxyl, oxo, or zwitterionic conformations. The present study focused on 5-hydroxynicotinicacid (5HNA) shows that by judicious selection of the solvent it is possible to obtain 1:1 solvates, where solvation memory is not completely lost and the tautomer preferred in solution persists in the crystalline state: zwitterionic in 5HNA·H2O and neutral in 5HNA·DMSO. Nevertheless, upon thermal desolvation the obtained materials evolve to the same unsolvated form where the molecule is in a zwitterionic conformation. The structures of 5HNA·H2O and 5HNA·DMSO obtained from single crystal-ray diffraction are discussed and compared with that of 5HNA solved from powder data. The energetics of the dehydration/desolvation process was also fully characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Calvet microcalorimetry.
Healable materials could play an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of our modern technological society through extending the life cycles of consumer products and constructions. Future technologies require smart materials with advanced properties including responsiveness to external stimuli and particularly the ability to autonomously repair inflicted damage. The introduction of reversible connections in the polymer architecture, either in a non-covalent fashion, such as in supramolecular polymers, or by using dynamic covalent chemistry. One facile approach involves the implementation of reversible polymer networks as they offer high mechanical strength and thermal properties that are readily modified by the nature of the connecting dynamic bonds and the crosslinking density. In this context, small-angle scattering allows a detailed insight into the network structure of self-healing polymers either in bulk materials or in form of hydrogels. Here we report on how small-angle scattering can contribute to reveal the network structure. A first example is the conditional repair by locally switching the thermal healing capability of dynamic covalent polymers with light.
Typical experimental SAXS curves of a photo- and thermal switchable polymer are shown. The scattering pattern show three characteristics. Region 1 is dominated by a forward scattering interpreted as resultant from large scale inhomogeneities of the bulk polymers (characterized by a first correlation length). The second scattering contribution can be interpreted as resultant from the network and is characterized by its entanglement distance. The mesh size of this network can be described by a second correlation length. Region 3 of the scattering pattern is dominated by a broad peak. Taking all effects into account, we approximate the total scattering as a sum of the three scattering contributions. In particular, the Debye-Büche function is used for I1 the Ornstein-Zernike function for the crosslinking contribution I2 and a Lorentzian peak function.
We discussed this simple and more sophisticated approaches for revealing network structures. Examples of studies from hydrogel networks are provided as important materials with polymeric networks in life science applications. Finally, the determination of mesh size distributions as a function of temperature, time and healing efficiency is discussed in detail.
Mechanochemie
(2018)
Mechanochemistry is widely applicable for the synthesis of inorganic, metal-organic, and organic compounds. It is known for short reaction times, nearly quantitative conversions, and decreasing amount of solvents, which opens the field to more environmentally friendly syntheses routes. Among organic syntheses, the Knoevenagel condensation is an important C-C bond forming reaction leading to α,β-unsaturated compounds. To gain more information on the underlying processes, we investigated the syntheses by a combination of different in situ investigation techniques, including synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and thermography. This combination provides information on the structural changes and temperature influences during milling. Benzaldehyde derivates (nitro- and fluoro-derivates) reacted with malononitrile to the respective benzylidenemalononitriles. The in situ investigations show direct and quantitative conversions. In the case of the fluorinated benzaldehyde derivates we showed the possibility of using liquid substrates in mechanochemical organic synthesis. Surprisingly, after crystallization from a viscous state, the material was suitable for single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) of iron is usually attributed to sulfate-reducing microorganisms (SRM) which act upon the metal by the reactiveness of hydrogen sulfide, and by withdrawal of the available electrons (Fe → Fe²⁺ + 2e⁻ ; E° = 0.47 V) in electrical contact through surface attachment. Also methanogenic archaea are supposed to cause MIC. Because they do not produce hydrogen sulfide, withdrawal of electrons may be their main corrosive mechanism; however, mechanistic details and kinetics of the overall process are poorly understood. Precipitation of siderite (4Fe + 5HCO₃⁻ + 5H⁺ → 4FeCO₃ + CH₄ + 3H₂O) can lead to an insulating layer on the metal surface and lower the corrosion rate. Still, the extent of FeCO₃ precipitation may be significantly influenced by environmental conditions such as pH and advective processes.
To investigate the corrosive potential of methanogens, we studied strains isolated from marine sediments (Methanococcus maripaludis 14266, 2067, Methanobacterium-affiliated strain IM1), crude oil tanks (Methanococcus maripaludis Mic1c10, KA1) and the oral cavity (Methanobrevibacter oralis) in a closed (batch) culture, and in a sand-packed flow-through cell with pH control and simulation of a fluctuating environment. Results indicate that the rates of iron corrosion due to coupled methanogenesis (up to 0.3 mm/yr) are comparable to that caused by SRM. Surface analyses of the metal showed severe pitting. Such knowledge and deeper understanding also from an electrokinetic point of view may not only provide further models in microbial electrophysiology, but also contribute to mitigation strategies in MIC.
In well-annealed thin polymer films, with non-repulsive polymer/substrate interactions, an irreversibly adsorbed layer is expected to from. These adsorbed layers have shown greate potential for technological applications. However, their growth kinetics and molecular dynamics are still not fully understood. This is partly due to the hard accessibility of these layers in thin films. Here, the irreversibly adsorbed layers of homopolymer thin films are revealed by solvent-leaching experiments. First, the growth kinetics of these layers is investigated as a function of annealing time, annealing temperature, leaching time and the original filme thickness. The film thickness, topography and the quality of the adsorbed layer is controlled by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Secondly, the molecular mobility of the adsorbed layer is investigated by Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS). A recently developed nanostructured capacitor arrangement is employed to measure the layer with a free surface. The results are quantitatively compared and discussed with respect to recently published work.
Nowadays the Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT) is one of the most commonly used methods to determine the mechanical properties of materials in the nano range. This method is already extensive standardized in EN ISO 14577 part 1-4. Because of the great interest of researchers and industries in investigations of time depending material behavior mostly all suppliers of IIT equipment are offering the possibility of dynamic testing. Realizing this development ISO/TC 164/SC3 Hardness Testing has proposed to start the new standardization project “Linear elastic dynamic instrumented indentation testing DIIT”. The development of this standard is accompanied by the first international intercomparing exercise comparing results of dynamic instrumented indentation testing from testing machines using different hardware solutions and different models for data evaluation.
The draft of part 5 of ISO 14577 “Linear elastic dynamic instrumented indentation testing DIIT” specifies verification and calibration of testing machines for carrying out the measurement of the dynamic material response when an oscillatory force or displacement, with amplitudes small in comparison to the prescribed target values, is imparted to the indenter while the indenter is continuously loaded to a prescribed target load or target depth or while the load or displacement is held constant at a prescribed target value. In case of a material showing plastic-elastic behavior, the measured dynamic response is used for continuous evaluation of the dynamic stiffness of the contact as a function of depth and frequency. Using the dynamic stiffness of the contact a reduced dynamic modulus will be calculated. In case of a material showing visco-elastic behavior from the measured dynamic response also the dynamic contact damping coefficient as function of depth and frequency is evaluated continuously. Using dynamic contact stiffness and dynamic contact damping coefficient reduced lost and storage modulus for visco-elastic materials will be calculated.
The main normative requirements of the draft will be presented and discussed in the light of the first results of the intercomparing excise.
UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers (i.e. that phase separate from solution upon cooling) present a tremendous potential not only in aqueous media where they can be used in drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications, but also in water/alcohol mixtures, where they can be used for instance in sensing systems for alcohol-soluble drugs. However, only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an UCST in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol.
In this context, acrylamide-based monomers can be very useful building blocks for designing novel non-ionic UCST-type polymers because of their hydrophilic nature (with the appropriate side chain) and propensity to form hydrogen bonds. We will present our latest results on the UCST-type thermoresponsive behaviour of acrylamide- and/or 2,6-diaminopyridine-based homopolymers and copolymers in water or water/alcohol mixtures, and give some insights about the rational design of UCST polymers relying on H-bonding.
Ultrashort laser pulse micromachining features a high precision. By increasing the repetition rate of the applied laser to several 100 kHz, laser processing becomes quick and cost-effective and make
this method attractive for industrial applications. Upon exceeding a critical laser intensity, hard X-ray radiation is generated as a side effect. Even if the emitted X-ray dose per pulse is low, the accumulated X-ray dose becomes significant for high-repetition-rate laser systems so that radiation
safety must be considered.
The processing of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) on metals and semiconductors in ambient air is usually accompanied by superficial oxidation effects - widely neglected in the current literature. In this contribution, chemical, structural, and mechanical alterations in the formation of femtosecond LIPSS are characterized by a variety of surface analytical techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro Raman spectroscopy (µ-RS), and depth-profiling Auger electron microscopy (AEM). Alternative routes of electrochemical and thermal oxidation allow to qualify the relevance of superficial oxidation effects on the tribological performance in oil lubricated reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT). It is revealed that the fs-laser processing of near-wavelength sized LIPSS on metals leads to the formation of a few hundreds of nanometer thick graded oxide layer, consisting mainly of amorphous oxides.
Regardless of its reduced hardness and limited thickness, this nanostructured surface layer can effciently prevent a direct metal-metal contact in the RSTT and may also act as an anchor layer for specific wear-reducing additives contained in the engine oil involved
The CLEAN ENERGY Flagship is an initiative designed to utilize recent game changing developments in digital, materials and manufacturing technologies to catalyze a radical paradigm shift towards clean, reliable, efficient and cost-optimal energy.
Unifying and drastically accelerating radically new energy material design, processing and integration across the entire value chain addressing energy production, conversion, storage and systems.
CLEAN ENERGY participants are all distinguished research organisations that each benefit from their own industry networks and contacts with regions and state-level activities and have a long history of collaborating with each other (for 10 years now under the umbrella of EERA) within a European collaborative framework.
Through EERA, CLEAN ENERGY aims to become a crucial partner in the SET-Plan, supporting long-lasting approaches through its established networks and internal collaborations.
Polymers with intrinsic microporosity are promising candidates for the active separation layer in gas separation membranes. Here, by means of inelastic neutron scattering, the vibrational density of states (VDOS) and the molecular mobility were investigated for PIM-1, the prototypical polymer with intrinsic microporosity. The results are compared to data measured for a more conventional high-performance polyimide used in gas separation membranes (Matrimid).
The measured data show the characteristic low frequency excess contribution to the VDOS above the Debye sound wave level, generally known as the Boson peak in glass-forming materials. In comparison to the Boson peak of Matrimid, that of PIM-1 is shifted to lower frequencies. This shift is discussed considering the microporous, sponge-like structure of PIM-1 as providing a higher compressibility at the molecular scale than for conventional polymers.
Elastic fixed window scans were measured on a neutron backscattering spectrometer to have an overview about the molecular dynamics at a time scale of ca. 1 ns. The temperature dependence of the estimated mean squared displacement shows a step-like increase in the temperature range from 100 K to 250 K indicating the onset of some molecular mobility. The nature of this motional process was analyzed in detail by quasielastic neutron scattering where the data are discussed with regard to both the q- and the temperature dependence.
One of the biggest problems in high-voltage silicone rubber insulation cable accessories is the damage on electrical treeing, initiated by partial discharges. The electrical treeing starts at unavoidable imperfections inside the material or at interfaces. The damage is usually irreversible and leads around the starting points to a partial destruction of the material. To prolong the lifetime and thereby to increase the assurance of the structural component commonly, for mechanical improvement constituted filler is modified to obtain a self-healing silicone rubber. Damage mechanism is analysed to address the filler to the damage mode.
During the last years, there has been a rapid rise in the use of nanomaterials in consumer products. Especially silver nanoparticles are frequently used because of their well-known optical and antimicrobial properties. However, the toxicological studies focusing on silver nanoparticles are controversial, either claiming or denying a specific nano-efffect. To contribute to localizing nanoparticles in toxicological studies and to investigate the interaction of particles with cells, a fluorescent marker is often used to monitor their transport and possible degradation. A major problem, in this context is the issue of binding stability of a fluorescent marker which is attached to the particle.
In order to overcome this problem we provide an investigation of the binding properties of fluorescence-labeled BSA to small silver nanoparticles. Therefore, we synthesized small silver nanoparticles which are stabilized by poly(acrylic acid). The particles are available as reference candidate material and were thoroughly characterized in an earlier study. The ligand was exchanged by fluorescence marked albumin (BSA-FITC). The adsorption of the ligands was monitored by dynamic light scattering (DLS). To verify that the observed effects on the hydrodynamic radius originate from the successful ligand exchange and not from agglomeration or aggregation we used small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The fluorescent particles were characterized by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Afterwards, desorption of the ligand BSA-FITC was monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy and the uptake of particles in different in vitro models was studied.
The particles are spherical and show no sign of aggregation after successful ligand exchange. The fluorescence intensity is quenched significantly by the presence of the silver cores as expected, but the remaining fluorescence intensity was high enough to use these particles in biological investigations. Half-life of fluorescence labeling on the particle was 21 d in a highly concentrated solution of non-labeled BSA. Thus, a very high dilution and long incubation times are needed to remove BSA-FITC from the particles. Finally, the fluorescence-labeled silver nanoparticles were used for uptake studies in human liver and intestinal cells, showing a high uptake for HepG2 liver cells and almost no uptake in differentiated intestinal Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, we showed production of fluorescence-marked silver nanoparticles. The fluorescence marker is strongly adsorbed to the silver surface which is crucial for future investigations in biological matrices. This is necessary for a successful investigation of the toxicological potential of silver nanoparticles.
Microbiologically influence corrosion (MIC) has become a big concern due the increased usage of different metals by our society. Microorganisms can use metal as an electron donor, causing unpredictable but serious damages. Nowadays it is known that besides sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), other microorganisms including acetogens, iron oxidizers and methanogens can also induce MIC. Current studies related to methanogen-induced MIC (MI-MIC) mainly focused on environmental isolates from the oil and gas industry (e.g. Methanococcus maripaludis) with industrial materials e.g. iron. However, MI-MIC can occur in many other environments as well, including the oral cavity. Methanobrevibacter oralis is a methanogen isolated from the human oral cavity and was found more frequently in patients suffering from peri-implantitis/periodontitis. Titanium-implants removed from those patients have also showed clear signs of corrosion. The aim of our study is to establish and analyze corrosion potentials of dental metals (e.g. titanium) by oral methanogens. Periodontal pockets samples from patients suffering from periodontitis/peri-implantitis were taken for methanogenic and SRB enrichments. Stainless steel, pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy was used for corrosion studies. Corrosion rates and methane production were measured using weight-loss method and gas chromatography, respectively. Metal surfaces were visualized with scanning electron microscopy. Microbial communities in the dental pockets of healthy people and patients will be compared using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Overall, this is the first study investigating the susceptibility of different dental implant materials to corrosion using human-related Archaea. The outcomes of this study can be further explored for a variety of clinical applications.
Die Rheologie von fließfähigen zementären Systemen mit Fließmitteln wird durch eine Vielzahl parallel stattfindender Effekte beeinflusst. Zu diesen Effekten zählen Wechselwirkungen zwischen den Polymeren und Ionen in der Porenlösung, frühe Phasenbildung, zeitabhängige und kompetitive Adsorption zwischen anionischen Polymeren und Sulfationen, Bildung von Phasen in der Porenlösung sowie Morphologieänderungen an Partikeloberflächen. Die frühe Hydratation von Zement, die durch Lösungs- und Fällungsprozesse angetrieben wird, beeinflusst diese Effekte erheblich. Das permanente Ungleichgewicht der Porenlösung führt zu Veränderungen der Partikeloberflächen, welches widerum zur Folge hat, dass rheometrische Messungen dieser Zementleime anfällig für Streuungen sind. Um die Einflüsse aus der Zementhydratation zu minimieren, wurden die rheometrischen Untersuchungen mit Zement in Porenlösung durchgeführt. Die Experimente wurden mit verschiedenen Feststoffvolumenfraktionen durchgeführt und mit den Ergebnissen identischer Systeme mit Wasser anstelle von Porenlösung verglichen. Zusätzlich wurden die gleichen Systeme mit Zugabe von Polycarboxylatethern untersucht.
Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Leime mit Wasser niedrigere Werte für Fließgrenze und plastische Viskosität aufweisen, als die Systeme mit Porenlösung. Während die Polymere eine Verminderung der Fließgrenze zur Folge hatte, war die Wirkung von Polymeren auf die plastische Viskosität vernachlässigbar. Zusätzlich wurde die frühe Hydratation unter Verwendung von Wärmeflusskalorimetrie, Rasterelektronenmikroskopie und Nadeleindringtiefe beobachtet.
Die Rheologie von fließfähigen zementären Systemen mit Fließmitteln wird durch eine Vielzahl parallel stattfindender Effekte beeinflusst. Zu diesen Effekten zählen Wechselwirkungen zwischen den Polymeren und Ionen in der Porenlösung, frühe Phasenbildung, zeitabhängige und kompetitive Adsorption zwischen anionischen Polymeren und Sulfationen, Bildung von Phasen in der Porenlösung sowie Morphologieänderungen an Partikeloberflächen. Die frühe Hydratation von Zement, die durch Lösungs- und Fällungsprozesse angetrieben wird, beeinflusst diese Effekte erheblich. Das permanente Ungleichgewicht der Porenlösung führt zu Veränderungen der Partikeloberflächen, welches widerum zur Folge hat, dass rheometrische Messungen dieser Zementleime anfällig für Streuungen sind. Um die Einflüsse aus der Zementhydratation zu minimieren, wurden die rheometrischen Untersuchungen mit Zement in Wasser, wässriger Phase von Zementleim bzw. mit vorhydratisiertem Zement durchgeführt. Zusätzlich wurden die gleichen Systeme mit Zugabe von Polycarboxylatethern untersucht.
Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Leime mit Wasser niedrigere Werte für Fließgrenze und plastische Viskosität aufweisen, als die Systeme mit der wässrigen Phase von Zementleim. Während die Polymere eine Verminderung der Fließgrenze zur Folge hatte, war die Wirkung von Polymeren auf die plastische Viskosität vernachlässigbar. Zusätzlich wurde die frühe Hydratation unter Verwendung von Wärmeflusskalorimetrie, Rasterelektronenmikroskopie und Nadeleindringtiefe beobachtet.
For the first time, the molecular mobility of two linear-shaped tetramethylated guanidinium triflates ionic liquid crystals (ILCs) having different length of alkyl chains was investigated by a combination of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and specific heat spectroscopy (SHS). By self-assembly, these ILCs can form a hexagonal ordered mesophase besides plastic crystalline phases and the isotropic state. SHS was carried out by differential AC-chip calorimetry at higher frequencies and temperature modulated DSC at lower frequencies.
Two relaxation processes were found by BDS for both samples. At low temperatures, a γ-processes is observed which is assigned to specific localized fluctuations. At higher temperatures, α1-processes take place. α2 processes were also detected by SHS but with a completely different temperature dependence of the relaxation times. Different molecular assignments of α1- and α2-processes are suggested. At even higher temperatures, conductivity was detected by BDS. An increase in the DC conductivity by four orders of magnitude at the phase transition from the plastic crystalline to the hexagonal columnar mesophase is found. This result is traced to a change in the charge transport mechanism from a delocalized electron hopping in the stacked aromatic systems (in the plastic phase) to one dominated by an ionic conduction in the quasi-1D ion channels formed along the supermolecular columns in the ILC hexagonal mesophases.
In inorganic/polymer nanocomposites the polymer matrix region near a filler surface, termed as the interphase, is of topical interest due to its possible influence on the macroscopic properties of the material. The segmental dynamics of this interphase is expected to be altered, as compared to the pure matrix, which might percolate into the entire system. It was found that a so-called Rigid Amorphous Phase (RAF) is formed in the interfacial region by adsorption of the polymer segments onto the nanoparticles, yielding in their immobilization. Here, we employed a combination of two relaxation spectroscopy techniques (Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) and Specific Heat Spectroscopy (SHS) in a form of Temperature Modulated DSC (TMDSC)) to investigate the structure and molecular mobility of Epoxy/Inorganic nanofiller composites with different nanoparticles geometries and contents. The two techniques show different perspectives on the glassy dynamics; BDS is sensitive to dipole fluctuations, whereas SHS senses entropy fluctuations.
First, our dielectric relaxation investigations proved an existence of an additional process in nanocomposites, which is not present in the pure material. Due to the increasing intensity of the process with increasing filler content it was assigned as the α-process related to the segmental dynamics of polymer chains adsorbed onto the nanoparticles. Considering the expected high conductivity effects of the material, the dielectric data were analyzed by fitting a derivative of the HN function to a “conduction-free” loss spectra: ε''deriv=-(∂ε'/∂logω).
Second, TMDSC measurements were used to study the specific heat capacity of nanocomposites in its nanofiller content dependence. Assuming that RAF is proportional to the decrease of the specific heat capacity step (Δcp) in the glass transition region of the nanocomposites, comparing to the pure material, the inorganic/polymer interphase was quantitatively analyzed and the amount of RAF estimated.
Collective Orientational Order and Phase Behavior of a Discotic Liquid Crystal under Confinement
(2018)
Discotic liquid crystals (DLCs) are a promising class of soft matter for electronic applications. This is due to their ability to self-organize into columns in a hexagonal columnar mesophase, driven by the overlapping of the π orbitals of their aromatic cores. This leads to a high charge-carrier mobility along the column axis. Embedding liquid crystals into nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) results in a 2D nanoconfinement of these materials. This confinement affects their properties, compared to the bulk, such as phase transition temperatures and enthalpies, molecular mobility, and crystallization.
In this study, 2,3,6,7,10,11 hexakis[hexyloxy] triphenylene (HAT6) was confined into parallel aligned cylindrical nanopores of AAO membranes by melt infiltration. The membrane as confining hosts used have varying pore diameters, from 10 nm to 160 nm, covering a broad pore size range, thus, a better understanding of the confinement effect on phase behavior and molecular configuration in the pores. Furthermore, it is aimed to obtain axial ordering or to increase degree of axial ordering by chemically modifying the surfaces of the pores. Therefore, the pore surfaces the membranes were chemically modified, resulting in a more hydrophobic pore surface than the unmodified ones. The phase behavior was explored by a power-compensated DSC allowing the detecting of small changes in the phase behavior. In the literature, dielectric spectroscopy was demonstrated as a method to monitor molecular order inside the pores. Here, we also investigate the collective orientational order, corresponding to dominating molecular ordering, by dielectric spectroscopy.
Over the past decades research on the molecular dynamics of miscible polymer blends are of topical interest in the literature, in an attempt to understand the segmental mobilty of individual components, as it is affected by blending. In general, miscible polymer blends exhibit a complex behavior of the molecular mobility. For an A/B blend the relaxation times of component A and component B are affected by the spatial local compositional heterogeneity, present in binary systems on a microscopic level, regardless of the macroscopic homogeneity. Here, a combination of broadband dielectric and specific heat spectroscopy was employed to study the dynamically asymmetric PVME/PS blend with seven different compositions, focusing on samples with high PS contents. Considering that PS is dielectrically invisible, BDS is a powerful technique to study the response of PVME, as it is affected by PS segments. In this work the well-known binary relaxation times distribution of PVME in a blend, originating from the spatial local heterogeneity, was studied over ten decades in frequency, for the first time in literature. Secondly, one of the detected processes, α’-relaxation, shows a crossover from high-temperature behavior (system in equilibrium) towards a low temperature regime, where PS undergoes the thermal glass transition, resulting in confined segmental dynamics of PVME within a frozen network of PS. Here, we introduce a precise mathematical tool to distinguish between the temperature dependency regimes of the process, and examine the composition dependence of the crossover temperature, detected by dielectric spectroscopy. Moreover, the dielectric data was compared in detail with results obtained by specific heat spectroscopy. This comparison provides new insights in the dynamics and dynamic heterogeneity of the PVME/PS blend system.
Since discovery of discotic liquid crystals (DLCs), consisting of a disklike rigid aromatic core and flexible alkyl chains attached to the core, dating back to Chandrasekhar’s work in 1977, they have been extensively investigated to reveal their fundamental properties and potential for applications. The researches on DLCs in last decades showed that DLCs can be considered as promising materials for organic electronic applications since they exhibit one dimensional high charge mobility along the column axis in a columnar mesophase. The mobilies of the rigid aromatic core and the flexible alkyl chains can influence their application properites, e.g. the charge carrier mobility, therefore, it needs to be explored in detailed.
In this study, a series of dipole functionalized triphenylene-based discotics, forming a columnar mesophase, were investigated to reveal the influence of the functionalization on phase behavior, molecular dynamics and as well as conductivity. The molecular mobility of the discotics was probed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). In addition to conductivity and localized dynamics, glassy dynamics were also observed. The phase behavior of the material was explored by a power-compansated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Beside the phase transition temperatures and enthalpies, thermal glass transitions were found for all the materials. Moreover, the glassy dynamics were further investigated by Flash DSC, which is a chip-based calorimetry technique allows fast heating and cooling rates as high as 10000K/s.
Dynamics of nanoscopically confined PVME in thin films of an asymmetric miscible PVME/PS blend
(2018)
In recent years, substantial efforts have been devoted to investigating nanoscopic confinement of polymers, and its effect on glassy dynamics. Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) was used to study the dynamics of ultra-thin films of PVME/PS 50/50 wt% blend, employing a novel nano-structured capacitor sample arrangement. The investigated system shows a complex dynamic behavior. First, an α-relaxation, related to a bulk-like layer was found. Second, an α’-relaxation was observed, characteristic for dynamically asymmetric blends, where the out of equilibrium dynamics is attributed to weakly-cooperative PVME segments relaxing within a frozen environment of PS segments. Third, for thinnest films, an Arrhenius-like process was dominant in the dielectric spectra, indicating localized fluctuations of the segments. Relaxation rates of this process resembled that of the degenerated α-relaxation of the adsorbed layer, found for pure PVME [1], thus it was assigned accordingly. For thinnest films, this process undergoes a further confinement, due to the topological constraints, introduced by PS. Such multiple confinement effect has not been reported for ultra-thin films of polymer blends, before this study [2].
[1] Madkour, S. et al. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2017, 9, 7535.
[2] Madkour, S. et al. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2017, 9, 37289.
The presence of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticizers (SPs) has an enormous influence on the early hydration of cement. The hydration is retarded and the timing of formation and the morphology of hydrates is affected. This short paper presents experimental results about the influence of delayed Addition time of PCE SPs on hydration of cement and tricalcium aluminate (C3A) pastes, investigated by isothermal heat flow calorimetry. For cement pastes the hydration is retarded with SP, whereby the high charge PCE has a stronger retarding effect than the low charge PCE. With delayed PCE addition the cement shows a less retarded setting than with simultaneous addition. The alteration caused by PCE is much more pronounced for C3A and gypsum mixes than for cement. If the SP is added simultaneous, the exothermic peak of C3A is retarded. However, with delayed addition of SP the hydration is shortened, the gypsum depletion is fastened and the exothermic peak occurs less retarded or even accelerated compared to simultaneous addition. It is obvious that for C3A pastes there is less retardation the later the Addition of SP. Furthermore, the PCE alter the hydration of C3A when added delayed and exhibit changes in kinetics and hydration rates. The rate of reaction in the second stage is lower, discernible in decreased slopes and broader peaks. Besides this, a distinct ramp in the C3A heat flow curves within the first stage of C3A hydration occurs for all pastes with delayed addition of SP, which suggests an accelerated ettringite formation.
Bonding strength is crucial on polymers of low surface energy, for clean surfaces limited to 0.5, 1, and 2 MPa for PTFE, PP, and PE. Plasma treatment may improve bonding strength by a factor of 2 (PTFE) or 5 (PP and PE). The efficiency of treatment is usually 10% as both low pressure and atmospheric pressure processes show low topographic conformity.
Besides, lifetime of activation/modification is rather short. Hence, bonding has to be carried out immediately after plasma treatment.
The concept of plasma-assisted ALD (atomic layer deposition) interlayers was introduced in the project HARFE of SENTECH (modification/deposition/in-situ monitoring) and BAM (bonding, characterization, testing). ALD deposition has a high surface conformity and for dielectric films of Al2O3 also a good long-term stability given that the films are dense enough.
Based on TMA and O2/O3 precursors, ALD layer stacks from 60 to 375 monolayers were prepared under different conditions. For a transfer time of 24 hours from deposition to measurement, bonding strength could be increased up to 5 MPa (PTFE) respectively 10 MPa (PP, PE). The huge potential of ALD layers as adhesive interlayers was demonstrated for Al2O3 on stainless steel with bonding strength beyond 15 MPa, i.e. interface
strength within the ALD stack is also in this range.
This is a prerequisite for subsequent PVD/CVD-deposition in hybrid systems. By means of the SI ALD LL system of SENTECH thermal and plasma-supported ALD processes can be alternatively realized.
Ellipsometric in-situ monitoring provides monolayer sensitivity and reveals that the efficient bonding of the lower ALD layers on the polymer has to be further improved. Testing of bonding strength was realized by CAT (centrifugal adhesion testing) technology. It was shown that ALD modification correlates with the increase of surface energy and bonding strength.
The presence of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based superplasticizers (SPs) has an enormous influence on the early hydration of cement. Therefore, the talk presents first experimental results about the influence of a delayed addition time of PCE SPs on the hydration of cement and tricalcium aluminate (C3A) pastes, investigated by isothermal heat flow calorimetry and in-situ XRD.
The majority of all products have coated surfaces designed to fulfil different requirements. Building constructions are exposed to external influences like a wide temperature and humidity range, rain and UV radiation to name a few. The extension of machine life for metal cutting tools, like drills or milling cutters is another field of application for coated surfaces. The surfaces have to be modified in a way to maintain their specific functionality. Although adhesion testing of coatings is of great interest, it is still a challenge to obtain reliable quantitative results and to meet economic requirements.
In this talk we deal with the curing behaviour of different 2-component epoxy paint systems for corrosion protection of metal constructions. After preparation of specimens the strength was determined in specified time intervals during curing. It could be shown that epoxy paints differ significantly on curing time as well as final strength. The second experimental study deals with coating systems on glass fibre reinforced plastics which are used for wind power turbines to reduce abrasive wear and ice adhesion for aerodynamic and safety reasons.
All measurements have been carried out by CAT-TechnologyTM (Centrifugal Adhesion Testing), which uses the radially directed centrifugal force as test-load. The multi-sample test instrument analyses up to eight test specimen under identical testing conditions. By varying the rotational speed (100 rpm up to 13,000 rpm), forces from 0.1 N to 6.5 kN are applied. Upon reaching the critical rupture force, the stamp separates from the substrate and a sample related IR-signal is sent from the spinning rotor. For each test specimen breaking force is calculated and displayed in real-time. The innovative measurement principle meets the requirements of DIN EN 15870 and ISO 4624.
Characterization of (bio)macromolecules and polymeric materials with modern scattering methods
(2018)
The analysis of polymers, biopolymers and polymeric materials is of great interest in biomaterials science. Here small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), static light scatterin (SLS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are described. Current efforts for digitalization of this methods are explaind with respect to modern data science in biomedical research.
Im Überblicksvortrag werden Untersuchungen zur Laser-Mikro- und Nanostrukturierung mit Femtosekunden-Laserimpulsen und ausgewählte Anwendungen, z.B. in der Photovoltaik und Biomedizin, vorgestellt. Aktuelle Fragestellungen zur sicheren Prozessführung, wie die mögliche Erzeugung von Röntgenstrahlung beim Laserbearbeitungsprozess und unerwünschte Partikelemissionen, werden aufgegriffen.
Due to their excellent combination of ductility, strength and corrosive resistance, austenitic stainless steels (ASS) are widely used in many industrial applications. Thus, these steel grades can be found as structural components in the (petro-)chemical industry, in offshore applications and more recent for storage and transport of hydrogen fuel. Steels employed for these applications are exposed to aggressive environments and hydrogen containing media. The ingress and accumulation of hydrogen into the microstructure is commonly observed during service leading to a phenomenon called “hydrogen embrittlement”. A loss in ductility and strength, the formation of cracks and phase transformations are typical features of this hydrogen-induced degradation of mechanical properties.
Although, great efforts are made to understanding hydrogen embrittlement, there is an ongoing debate of the underlying mechanisms. This knowledge is crucial for the safe use and durability of components on the one side and the development of new materials on the other.
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a powerful tool for depicting the distribution of the hydrogen isotope deuterium in the microstructure of austenitic and duplex steels. The combination with imaging techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), delivering structural and morphological information, creates a comprehensive picture of the hydrogen/deuterium-induced effects in the materials. All the gathered data is treated with principal component analysis (PCA) and data fusion to enhance the depth of information.
The mobility of hydrogen and deuterium in a steel microstructure is affected by external mechanical stress. To investigate the behaviour of deuterium in a strained microstructure, a new in situ experimental approach was developed. This gives the possibility of analysing samples in the SIMS instrument simultaneously to four-point-bending-tests.
Specimens made from ASS AISI 304L were electrochemically charged with deuterium instead of hydrogen. This necessity stems from the difficulty to separate between artificially charged hydrogen and hydrogen existing in the pristine material or adsorbed from the rest gas in the analysis chamber. Nonetheless, similar diffusion, permeation and solubility data allow to draw qualitative conclusions from the experiments, which are relevant for the application addressed.
To investigate the attachment behavior of bacteria, tailored surfaces are needed. Differences in the chemical charge of the substrate are varied by -COO-, -CH3, -OH, -NH3 terminated functional groups. Regular patterns of them on the surfaces enable bacteria to choose their preferred attachment sides. Tools to tailor the samples are µ-contact printing, self-assembled monolayers and physical vapor deposition. The same concept of preferred sides in patterned surfaces is transferred to the nano- and microroughness which is accomplished by using zinc oxide nanorods synthesis.
The development of quick and simple optical sensing technologies for Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) is needed to facilitate monitoring of these substances to ensure consumer safety. Optical sensing was achieved against phthalates acting as EDC that have host guest interaction with an intercalated Metal-organic framework (MOF), resulting in a fluorescence emission upon excitation. The fluorescent turn-on signal was generated by using a fluorophore with a structural component that has little fluorescence unless excimers are formed. Strategies to engineer functional MOF structures suitable for sensing EDC phthalates were developed, and the characterization of the MOFs with and without present phthalates was done by single crystal XRD, PXRD, RAMAN and Thermogravimetry. Extensive photo-physical characterization of host-guest complexes of different phthalates and the MOF as well as the resulting exciplex fluorescence was performed. Photo physical characterization revealed an analyte specific fluorescence fingerprint that allows discerning even minute changes in chemical structures of the analyte and therefore paving the way for sensing tools in real world analytical applications. The presented capability of MOFs to sense EDCs is envisioned to complement established methods from analytical chemistry such as mass spectrometry based methods which can’t be used on site and are often associated with infrastructural capacity constraints
Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs) Play an important role in different fields of applications like e.g. catalysis, separations, gas storages, sensors or optoelectronics. Moreover, particularly fluorinated metal-organic frameworks (FMOFs) are in the focus of interest during the last years. Due to the strong electronegativity of fluorine the FMOFs show beside an enhanced thermal stability excellent optical and electrical properties compared to non-fluorinated frameworks. In most cases fluorine is implemented using perfluorinated organic linkers at the synthesis, usually performed by solvothermal synthesis.
However, only few examples are known so far where fluorine is coordinated directly to the metal cation. Recently we reported about successful mechanochemical syntheses and characterization of fluorine-containing coordination polymers of alkaline earth metals by milling M(OH)2 (M: Ca, Sr, Ba) with fluorinated benzene dicarboxylic acids.
In the present study, it was shown that it is possible to connect fluorine directly to Barium using a mechanochemical synthesis route. A new phase pure barium coordination polymer, BaF-benzene-dicarboxylate (BaF(p-BDC)0.5), was synthesized by milling starting either from barium hydroxide or from barium acetate as sources for barium cations. In both cases the second reactant was 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2(p-BDC)). Ammonium fluoride was used as fluorinating agent directly at milling. Although single crystals are not accessible so far and the structure was not solved yet, both the 19F MAS NMR spectrum and the FT IR spectrum give strong evidence that fluorine as well as 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate are connected to barium. This is the first mechanochemical synthesis of coordination polymers where fluorine is directly coordinated to the metal cation. The new compound BaF(p-BDC)0.5 was characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, FT IR- and 19F, 1H-13C CP MAS NMR spectroscopies, DTA-TG and elemental analysis.
In the presented research, the high potential and abilities of secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and locally map the hydrogen distribution in two types of duplex stainless steels are shown. The research validates certain proposed mechanisms by combining ToF-SIMS with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and electron-backscattered diffraction. The combination of data from several techniques on the same region was conducted in this field for the first time by applying data treatment of the ToF-SIMS raw data and data fusion approach. This powerful combination of methods allows reviewing of the occurring processes related to hydrogen assisted cracking. The step beyond the state of the art in this field was gained here by developing permeation and mechanical loading experiments within the ToF-SIMS during chemometric imaging of the hydrogen distribution in the microstructure. The research presents the necessary correlation between the hydrogen distribution and the resulted structural changes, the diffusion behavior in a duplex microstructure and stress induced diffusion of hydrogen by applying external load at the microscale.
Due to its low mass and high diffusivity in presence of compositional, thermal and mechanical gradients, hydrogen within a metallic microstructure can result in severe loss in ductility even at low concentrations and might lead eventually to a catastrophic and unpredictable failure of structural components during service. In this context, hydrogen mapping at the microscale is still considered among the most important challenges on the pathway towards a better understanding of the hydrogen transport and assisted cracking phenomena in metals, specifically in structural components, e.g. steels.
Among the very few available techniques to localize hydrogen at the microscale, Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a reliable tool. Based on the assumption that deuterium influence the microstructure similarly to hydrogen, in the following contribution ToF-SIMS was applied as the main technique to detect and locally map the deuterium distribution in several alloys: lean 2101 and standard 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS), AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel and titanium 6Al-4V alloy. These alloys were selected as case studies in this work due to the wide use of them in many applications and environments which frequently provide critical conditions for hydrogen absorption and assisted degradation.
The innovative design of in-situ and ex-situ experiments enabled us to elucidate the permeation, transport and trapping of deuterium in the microstructure in sub-micron resolution for the first time. In addition to the novel experimental setups, further progress was gained by applying computational multivariate data analysis (MVA) on the raw data and data fusion with high resolution structural characterization methods (scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction – SEM/EBSD). This combination allowed us to correlate the deuterium distribution and the influence on the microstructure.
Mechanochemistry is known for short reaction times, nearly quantitative conversions, and decreasing amount of solvents. Among organic syntheses, the Knoevenagel condensation is an important C-C bond forming reaction. We investigated the reaction of benzaldehyde derivates (nitro- and fluoro-derivates) with malononitrile syntheses by a combination of different in situ investigation techniques.
Mechanochemistry is a versatile approach for green and fast synthesis of pure substances. By milling the reactants, various organic, inorganic, and metal-organic compounds can be obtained in high yields. Although mechanochemistry is widely used, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood making mechanochemical reactions difficult to predict. Metal phosphonates are metal-organic compounds accessible by grinding. Because of their structural diversity, the exploration of the chemistry of metal phosphonates has gained considerable interest during the last decades. Transition metal phosphonates are promising candidates for an application as electrocatalysts in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we present the in situ investigation of the mechanochemical synthesis of a manganese(II)-phosphonate by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and thermography. The product has not been obtained by classical solution chemistry before and its crystal structure was determined from PXRD data. The milling process can be divided into different steps, with the product crystallization corresponding with the highest temperature rise. The activity of this metal phosphonate towards OER was measured and is presented here.
Mechanochemistry is a versatile approach for green and fast synthesis of pure substances. The exploration of the chemistry of metal phosphonates has gained considerable interest during the last decades due to their structural diversity. We synthesized manganese phosphonates in milling reactions. The mechanochemical reactions were investigated in situ to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
Polynuclear aluminium species (Al13 keggin cluster) find application in different areas like water purification [1], contaminant transport [2], and as pilling clays with high specific surface areas[3], due to their strong binding ability to aggregates and high positive charge.
In the present contribution, we report on the in situ investigation of the Al13 sulfate synthesis by synchrotron wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). Al13 cluster were crystallized by precipitating hydrolyzed aluminum solutions by the addition of sodium sulfate. The measurements were performed using a custom-made acoustic levitator as sample holder. The study provides information about the intermediates during the crystallization process. From the data, a mechanism was derived indicating the influence of the crystallization process.
The basics of broadband dielectric spectroscopy were introduced in detail. The analysis of the data was discussed. As application of broadband dielectric spectroscopy the alpha-relaxation (dynamic glass transition) and the chain dynamics of polymers were ilustrated. Further the application of dielectric spectroscopy to polymerbased nanocomposites and high preformance polymers was discussed in detail.
In this contribution we describe an in-situ study of the crystallization of simvastatin in three solvents. The studies were carried out by solvent evaporation at the µSpot beamline using acoustically levitated solution droplets in combination with simultaneous X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and imaging analysis.
The state of fresh concrete is predominantly determined by the rheological properties of the cement paste. In order to control performance spectra and requirements of novel concretes and to better understand macroscopic phenomena, comprehensive knowledge of the material behavior of fresh cement suspensions as well as of the complex relationships of mechanisms at the nano and micro scale are necessary. This work focuses on micro and nano rheology of suspensions of cementitious model systems and the influence of polycarboxylate-based admixtures on the rheology. The phenomena are driven by multiple parameters such as adsorption and particle interactions. Hence, the first part examines the interaction between polycarboxylate ether (PCE) and synthesized clinker phases and hydration products as model systems with regard to early hydration products.
Mechanochemistry is a fast and efficient method applicable for the synthesis of new organic[1], metal-organic[2], and inorganic[3] compounds. The direct monitoring of milling reactions is still challenging. The underlying reaction mechanisms remain often unclear. In the last years, have established a tandem in situ approach for investigating mechanochemical reactions using time-resolved in situ XRD coupled with Raman spectroscopy.[4] Here, we present an in situ coupling of synchrotron XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and thermography allowing the observation of mechanochemical reactions in real time.[5] Information on the crystalline, molecular, and temperature state of the materials during grinding could be collected. The chemical composition of the reaction mixture was found to be directly correlated with changes in the temperature profile of the reaction. Furthermore, the presented setup allows the detection of crystalline, amorphous, eutectic as well as liquid intermediates. The resulting deeper kinetic and thermodynamic understanding of milling processes is the key for future optimization of mechanochemical syntheses.
Mechanochemistry is increasingly used for synthesizing various materials including metal organic compounds and cocrystals. Although this synthesis approach offers a fast and pure synthesis in high yields, there is a lack in understanding the mechanisms of milling reactions. The necessary data can only be obtained in in situ experiments, which were only recently established for milling reactions. Herein, we present a novel setup enabling a combined in situ investigation of mechanochemical reactions using synchrotron XRD and Raman spectroscopy.
Mechanochemistry is a fast and efficient method applicable for the synthesis of new organic[1], metal-organic[2], and inorganic[3] compounds. The direct monitoring of milling reactions is still challenging. The underlying reaction mechanisms remain often unclear. In the last years, have established a tandem in situ approach for investigating mechanochemical reactions using time-resolved in situ XRD coupled with Raman spectroscopy.[4] Here, we present an in situ coupling of synchrotron XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and thermography allowing the observation of mechanochemical reactions in real time.[5] Information on the crystalline, molecular, and temperature state of the materials during grinding could be collected. The chemical composition of the reaction mixture was found to be directly correlated with changes in the temperature profile of the reaction. Furthermore, the presented setup allows the detection of crystalline, amorphous, eutectic as well as liquid intermediates. The resulting deeper kinetic and thermodynamic understanding of milling processes is the key for future optimization of mechanochemical syntheses.
The exploration of metal phosphonates chemistry has gained great interest during the last decades, because of their structural diversity. Transition metal phosphonates are promising candidates for an application as electrocatalysts in oxygen evolution reactions (OER).
Here, we present the in situ investigation of mechanochemical syntheses of different manganese phosphonates by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Nitrilotri(methylenephosphonic acid) and N,N-Bis(phosphonomethyl)glycine were chosen as ligands. The liquid-assisted milling process can be divided into three steps, including an amorphous stage. One of the products has not been obtained by classical solution chemistry before.
These metal phosphonates and/or their derivatives are considered to be active in electrochemical energy conversion. The verification of their applicability is one of the topics of our resent research.
To investigate early stage corrosion processes of stainless steel 1.4301 taking place during the biofilm formation of the organism Shewanella putrefaciens electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a multielectrode approach has been used. The multielectrode array consisted of up to 25 electrically isolated electrodes made of stainless steel wires of diameters ranging from 100 µm to 500 µm. They were connected to a multichannel microelectrode analyzer (MMA) electrically coupled through zero resistance ammeters. Current flow between electrodes in the array as well as changes in impedance of individual electrodes over time were recorded and analyzed with respect to the onset of localized corrosion and biofilm formation. The results were complemented by optical microscopy, SEM and AFM images which were taken immediately after the respective experiment. To verify that the multielectrode arrays correctly indicated the initial stages of the corrosion process and of biofilm formation they were introduced in a flow cell reaction vessel containing test specimens made from stainless steel 1.4301, which were checked regularly for signs of localized corrosion and biofilms. Preceding results with the multielectrode array in solutions containing high amounts of chloride ions and hydrogen peroxide at low pH also showed that it is possible with the MMA to monitor individual electrodes becoming local anodes as local corrosion set in, while the remaining electrodes predominantly acted as cathodes.
We present the synthesis of four mesoporous templated iron oxides: Ferrihydrite, Hematite, Maghemite, Magnetite/Maghemite and the influence of water on the crystallization mechanism and the kinetics. The absence of water stabilize the ferrihydrite structure. By monitoring the dissolution in situ by using a QCMB and ex situ microscopy we got details in the dissolution mechanism of ferrihydrite.
Different strategies for the synthesis of polylactides were presented with special focus on Ring-opening Polymerization (ROP) and simultaneous ROP and Polycondensation (ROPPOC) mechanism. The mechanism of the formation of cyclic Polyesters is discussed in detail and established theories about the formation of cycles in polycondensation reactions are critically reviewed.
Polymers at interfaces play a major role in a broad variety of applications ranging from engineering purposes (for instance polymer based nanocomposites) to high tech implications (for instance light emitting diodes).
Here, thin films with thicknesses down to few nanometers are prepared on different substrates as model systems for polymer composites. The thin films are investigated by a combination of surface analytical and volume sensitive methods. As surface analytical methods atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and contact angle measurements (CAM) are employed. As volume sensitive broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), specific heat spectroscopy (SHS), and ellipsometry are used. Especially attention is paid to understand the glass transition behavior of thin films because the glass transition is the key phenomenon determines the application of polymers also in thin films.
To understand the glass transition behavior of thin films, which is controversially discussed in literature, a three layer model is discussed. Firstly, a mobile surface layer is assumed at polymer air interface of the film due to missing of segment/segment interactions. Secondly, in the middle of the film a bulk-like layer should be expected. Thirdly, for polymers having non-repulsive interactions with the substrate an irreversibly adsorbed layer is expected to be formed. Due the adsorption the molecular mobility of the segments in this layer is slowed down. What is measured for the glass transition of thin films is a complicated average of all of these effects. The different layers are hardly to address separately. Therefore, in the presentation especially model systems are selected and investigated to verify the layer model.
Among the very few techniques to localize hydrogen (H) at the microscale in steels, Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a reliable tool. The necessity to detect hydrogen stems from its deleterious effects in metals, that are often used as structural components and to obtain better understanding of the underlying metallurgical mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) which are still unclear.
Austenitic stainless steels are nowadays commonly used in a wide variety of application, from hydrogen transport and storage facilities to petrochemical and offshore applications where they are exposed to aggressive environments and therefore prone to HE. One of the greater risks in the austenitic class is the embrittlement of the material due to the instability of the γ austenite and its transformation into a brittle α martensitic phase. This transformation takes place due to the local stresses that are induced by the uptake of hydrogen during service. Nonetheless, it was shown that this transformation can occur as an artefact during SIMS analysis itself where Cs-sputtering is necessary not only to remove surface contaminations but mainly to enhance H/D secondary ion yield.
In the following contribution we show the influence of different sputtering conditions on AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel in order to distinguish the artefact from the hydrogen induced transformation. The material was charged electrochemically in a deuterium based electrolyte. Deuterium (D) must be in these experiments as a replacement for hydrogen which cannot be used because adsorbed hydrogen superimposes hydrogen originating from charging the sample in the SIMS images. ToF-SIMS analyses were conducted by ToF SIMS IV (IONTOF GmbH, Münster, Germany). The experiments were carried out on deuterium charged and non-charged samples. The structural characterization was carried out by SEM and EBSD examinations before and after charging, both with a Leo Gemeni 1530VP field-emission scanning electron microscope and a Zeiss Supra 40 instrument (Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Oberkochen, Germany). The results showed that the use of 1keV Cs+ beam induces stacking faults while higher sputter beam energies results in γ→α transformation.