Preparation of Polymer-Immobilized Polyimide Films Using Hot Pressing and Titania Coatings

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that polymer molecules at film surfaces exhibit unique physical properties compared to those in bulk. On the other hand, such a topic has not been extensively focused for the cases of rigid polymers such as polyimide (PI). This study investigated whether hot pressing could induce the immobilization of other polymers, poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP), on PI film surfaces. Results supported the immobilization of PVP on the PI film surfaces, and the increase of hot-press temperature resulted in the increase of the immobilization amount of PVP. The mechanism of immobilization is discussed considering the effects of hot pressing on the interactions between PVP and PI at the interfaces of their films. Sol–gel titania coatings were further conducted to the obtained PVP-immobilized PI films. The effect of PVP immobilization on formability and the adhesion of titania layers on the film surfaces were evaluated. These results demonstrate that hot pressing of other polymers is a useful approach for the surface modification of PI films, particularly introducing certain functional groups, and indicate that the polymer immobilization mechanism might be correlated with the surface physical properties of PI films.

Prominent processing techniques to manipulate semiconducting polymer microstructures

“…8c), by utilizing high temperature and pressure processing conditions. 308 Another example exploits hot pressing to enhance the electrical and thermal performance of conducting PEDOT:PSS films. 303 The performed experiments have suggested that the hot pressing induced significant changes in molecular conformations, with respect to the crystallite size and molecular orientation, that decreased the p-p stacking distance and thus, lowered the activation energy for charge carrier hopping, finally leading to more than 50% increase in electrical conductivity.…”

“…More recently, hot pressing was employed in a variety of studies aiming to modify the microstructure of polymeric films and thus, to enhance their physical properties. 303,304,308,309 A clear example is the hot pressing of poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVP; see its chemical structure in the inset of Fig. 8b) on polyimide (PI), with the aim to obtain PVP-immobilized PI films.…”

Effect of segmental motion on hydrolytic degradation of polyglycolide in electro-spun fiber mats

“…Synthetic polymers having lightweight and durable characteristics are currently one of the most widespread and essential materials used in daily life and various industries, markedly improving our quality of life. [1][2][3] On the other hand, recently, the environmental pollution of rivers and oceans due to polymer waste that accompanies the mass consumption of synthetic polymers has become apparent on a global scale. 4,5 The causes of plastic and rubber waste are diverse, for example, physical wear and tear during the laundering of clothes and the use of fishing nets, tire wear while driving, and failure to collect single-use packages and used devices.…”

Modification of a Polymer Surface by Partial Swelling Using Nonsolvents

“…Thus far, various surface modification methods for polymer materials have been developed. − These are mainly categorized into physical and chemical methods. An example of the former approach is a plasma-based treatment allowing the surface to be generally hydrophilic. − Energetic ionized species generated from gaseous oxygen attack the polymer surface, where functional groups such as hydroxy, carbonyl, and carboxylic acid groups that contribute to the increase in free energy are generated.…”