Introduction of Molecular Scale Porosity into Semicrystalline Polymer Thin Films using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2009 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3104851· OSTI ID:980288

Gin, P; Asada, M; Endoh, M; Gedelian, C; Lu, T; Koga, T

We report supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) technology used for forming a large degree of molecular scale porosity in semicrystalline polymer thin films. The following three steps were integrated: (i) pre-exposure to an organic solvent which melted crystalline structures but did not cause a decrease in thickness, (ii) scCO2 exposure under the unique conditions where the anomalous absorption of CO2 occurred, and (iii) subsequent quick evaporation of CO2 to preserve the swollen structures. This unified process resulted in homogenous low-density polyphenylene vinylene films (a 15% reduction in density) with the sustained structure for at least 6 months at room temperature.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) National Synchrotron Light Source
• Sponsoring Organization: Doe - Office Of Science
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 980288
• Report Number(s): BNL--93206-2010-JA
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Vol. 94; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
CARBON DIOXIDE
EVAPORATION
ORGANIC SOLVENTS
POLYMERS
POROSITY
THICKNESS
THIN FILMS
national synchrotron light source