Dendritic Pattern Formation and Contact Line Forces during Dewetting of Dilute Polymer Solutions on a Hydrophobic Surface

The micro-scale morphology of the receding contact line of dilute polyethylene oxide solution drops (c ∼ 100 ppm) after impact and inertial spreading on a fluorinated hydrophobic surface is investigated. One can observe the formation of transient liquid filaments and dendritic structures that evolve into a bead-on-a-string structure similar to the well-known capillary breakup mechanism of dilute polymer solutions, which confirm the interaction between stetched polymer coils and the receding three-phase contact line. The estimation of the average polymer force per unit contact line lenght provides a quantitative explanation for the reduction of the contact line retraction velocity reduction observed experimentally.

Influence of Nano Filler (ZrO2) on Optical and Thermal Studies of Potassium Doped Polyethylene Oxide Solid Polymer Electrolytes

Solid polymer electrolyte films made with potassium doped Polyethylene oxide using ZrO2 as nanofiller (70PEO-30KBF4-x ZrO2 where x = 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, & 10 wt% ­­) were prepared by solution casting technique. Optical and thermal properties of polymer electrolyte films were studied by using Optical absorption and DSC techniques. From Optical absorption spectra, it is observed that fundamental absorption edge is shifted towards the higher wavelength side (range 259- 297 nm) with increase of nano filler (ZrO­2) concentration (1-10 wt %). Optical band gap for all electronic transitions (p=1/2, 2, 2/3 and 1/3) are found to be increased as incorporation of nano filler (ZrO2) which confirms the structural rearrangements takes place in polymer electrolyte films. Optical band gap for indirect allowed transitions (p=1/2) are found to be in the range of 1.93-3.34eV. Decrease in Urbach energy (4.8eV- 1.4eV) is associated with decrease in defect formation in host polymeric matrix (PEO-KBF4) as a result of embedded nano filler (ZrO2). DSC spectra analysis of polymer electrolytes has showed melting temperatures in the range 63.63-73.71°C and highest crystallinity is found to be 85 % (10 wt % ZrO­2). Enthalpy values are elevated with increase in nanofiller composition (ZrO2) in the present polymer electrolyte films.Keywords: PEO based polymer electrolytes, Solid polymer electrolytes, Optical and Thermal studies.

Hydrogen bonding enhanced SiO2/PEO composite electrolytes for solid-state lithium batteries

The use of solid electrolytes can fundamentally change energy storage systems due to higher security and energy density. Herein, we design a hydrogen-bonded polyethylene oxide (PEO) composite solid electrolytes (CSEs),...