Controlling the optical properties of nanostructured oxide-based polymer films, Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation
Project summary
A bulk scale process is implemented for the production of nanostructured film composites comprising unary or multi component metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed in a suitable polymer matrix.
The as-received nanoparticles, namely Al_2 O_3, SiO_2 and TiO_2 and binary combinations, are treated following specific chemical and mechanical processes in order to be suspended at the optimal size and composition. Subsequently, a polymer extrusion technique is employed for the fabrication of each film, while the molten polymer is mixed with the treated metal oxide nanoparticles. Transmission and reflection measurements are performed in order to map the optical properties of the fabricated, nanostructured films in the UV, VIS and IR. The results substantiate the capability of the overall methodology to regulate the optical properties of the films depending on the type of nanoparticle formation which can be adjusted both in size and composition. The project is currently expanding to additional types of nanoparticles, combinations and sizes.
Project dates
2020 – ongoing
Partnerships
Dr Stavros Christopoulos is leading the project in SUAD, with the direct involvement and contribution of the faculty members of Physics in the Department of Sciences and Engineering in SUAD.
Cyprus University of Technology
University of Cyprus
Funding
SUAD
Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation Grant: TECHNOLOGIA/YLIKA/0609(BIE)/06