News tagged with polymer films

Understanding properties of polyelectrolytes gives control over responsive polymer microstructures

Polymer films that undergo nanoscale structural transformations in response to external stimuli are key components of devices like biosensors and artificial membranes. One of the best materials for manufacturing ...

Chemistry / Polymers

created Feb 02, 2012 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Researchers measure nanometer scale temperature

Illinois researchers have developed a new kind of electro-thermal nanoprobe that can independently control voltage and temperature at a nanometer-scale point contact. It can also measure the temperature-dependent ...

Nanotechnology / Nanophysics

created Dec 19, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Graphene ink created for ink-jet printing of electronic components

(PhysOrg.com) -- A group of UK scientists has created a graphene ink that can be used to ink-jet print electronic devices such as thin film transistors.

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Nov 25, 2011 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (14) | comments 6 | with audio podcast report

How to produce flexible CIGS solar cells with record efficiency

High-performance flexible and lightweight solar cells, say, on plastic foils, have excellent potential to lower the manufacturing costs through roll-to-roll processing and the so called "balance-of-system" ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created Sep 21, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 2

New test measures key properties of polymer thin films and membranes

(PhysOrg.com) -- Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated a measurement technique that reliably determines three fundamental mechanical properties of near-nanoscale ...

Nanotechnology / Nanophysics

created Jul 20, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

A better way to photo gray: New technology allows lenses to change color rapidly

A University of Connecticut scientist has perfected a method for creating quick-changing, variable colors in films and displays, such as sunglasses, that could lead to the next hot fashion accessory.

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Jul 12, 2011 | popularity 4 / 5 (8) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

Chemists developing materials to detect, repel E. coli

A University of Houston (UH) chemist who is developing materials for detecting and repelling E. coli has published papers in two high-impact journals this month.

Chemistry / Polymers

created Jun 15, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Efficiency record for flexible CdTe solar cell due to novel polyimide film

DuPont Kapton colorless polyimide film, a new material currently in development for use as a flexible superstrate for cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules, has enabled a new world record ...

Chemistry / Materials Science

created Jun 09, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (4) | comments 5 | with audio podcast

Experiments settle long-standing debate about mysterious array formations in nanofilms

(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at the California Institute of Technology have conducted experiments confirming which of three possible mechanisms is responsible for the spontaneous formation of three-dimensional ...

Nanotechnology / Nanophysics

created May 19, 2011 | popularity 4 / 5 (2) | comments 0 | with audio podcast

Organic 2-D films could lead to better solar cells

(PhysOrg.com) -- Solar cells made from organic materials are inexpensive, lightweight and flexible, but their performance lags behind cells that contain silicon or other inorganic materials. Cornell chemist ...

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Apr 12, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Touchscreens made of carbon

Touchscreens are in -- although the technology still has its price. The little screens contain rare and expensive elements. This is the reason why researchers at Fraunhofer are coming up with an alternative display made of ...

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Jan 27, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 1

Making light work of artificial muscles

A new form of self-assembling polymer film that bends and stretches when hit by light is pointing the way to a new family of functional materials. This flexing film is the first material to have been made ...

Chemistry / Polymers

created Jan 21, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 0

Polymer membranes with molecular-sized channels that assemble themselves

(PhysOrg.com) -- Many futurists envision a world in which polymer membranes with molecular-sized channels are used to capture carbon, produce solar-based fuels, or desalinating sea water, among many other ...

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Jan 11, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

New photosensitive film converts light into kinetic energy, bends when irradiated

(PhysOrg.com) -- Japanese researchers at RIKEN have successfully developed a revolutionary new polymer film that changes shape upon irradiation with UV and visible light. Described in Science, the film is ...

Chemistry / Polymers

created Nov 04, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (6) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Transparent conductive material could lead to power-generating windows

(PhysOrg.com) -- Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory have fabricated transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and ...

Nanotechnology / Nanomaterials

created Nov 03, 2010 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (13) | comments 4 | with audio podcast