A Highly Controlled Organic–Inorganic Encapsulation Nanocomposite with Versatile Features toward Wearable Device Applications

Abstract

Ultraviolet-curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) materials can be used in a number of important applications spanning from microfluidics, surface patterning to wearable technology. For the first time, the potential of encapsulation of modified zirconia (ZrO 2 ) nanoparticles is reported in PUA-based hybrid films aimed to facilitate profoundly enhanced hardness and refractive index. By successfully manipulating the interfacial reaction conditions between ZrO 2 nanoparticles and PUA film, the PUA-based nanocomposites exhibit an ultrahigh hardness of 9 and superior refractive index of 1.64 (589.3 nm). The outcomes obtained pave the way for seamless application of nanozirconia/PUA as a potent encapsulating material that provides structurally morphable, water resistant, and optically transparent light emitting diodes toward wearables devices in healthcare. IntroductionRecently wearable technology in healthcare has emerged as a rising technique to monitor the health of users, owing to its less invasiveness, portability, and unlimited spatiotemporal tunability. [1,2] Among the most generally utilized noninvasive

Ultrastable Waterborne Nanocomposite Coating of Polyurethane and Zirconia Nanoparticles To Avoid Rainbow Effect on Polyester-Based Superficial Hardening Films

“…Figure a illustrates the formation of ZrO 2 @CA nanoparticles. The ZrO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrolysis and condensation reaction of ZCB in alkaline solutions followed by thermal treatment, resulting in abundant carbonate and hydroxyl groups on the surface of ZrO 2 particles. The CA molecules were then grafted via the esterification with hydroxyl groups on the surface of ZrO 2 nanoparticles and the modification was confirmed via the FTIR measurements. − Theoretically, the coverage of CA on ZrO 2 depends on the ratio of CA and hydroxyl groups on the ZrO 2 nanoparticles.…”

“…Organic–inorganic nanocomposites have a wide range of applications in various fields, which can improve the mechanical properties, electrical properties, and optical properties of the materials. − Transparent nanocomposite films with tunable RI values have been developed by adding inorganic components such as ZrO 2 nanoparticles − and TiO 2 nanoparticles , into organic polymer matrix. The dispersion state of functional nanoparticles in the emulsion is the key to the creation of high-quality WPU coating films with desired optical performances, − while the aggregation of the particles will cause the scratch on the surface of the polymer substrate and the appearance of bubbles around the particles in the process of stretching into film, resulting in uneven thickness and low visible light transmission. − …”