Fabrication of thin films and nano columnar structures of Fe-Ni amorphous alloys and modification of its surface properties by thermal annealing and swift heavy ion irradiation for tailoring the magnetic properties

Department of Physics, Cochin University of Science and Technology

An investigation on the preparation and properties of certian semiconducting sulphide thin films

In this thesis the preparation and properties of thin films of certain semiconducting sulphides (sulphides of tin, copper and indium) are reported. As single source evaporation does not yield satisfactory films of these compounds for a variety of reasons, reactive evaporation of the metal in a sulphur atmosphere has been used for film preparation. It was found that for each metal sulphide a stoichimetric interval of fluxes and substrate temperature exists for the formation of the compound in accordance with the analysis of Guenther. The first chapter of the thesis gives a resume of the basic principles of semiconductor physics relevant to the work reported here. In the second chapter is discussed in detail the reactive evaporation techniques like ordinary reactive evaporation, activated reactive evaporation and reactive ion plating. Third chapter deals with the experimental techniques used in this study for film preparation and characterization. In the next seven chapters is discussed the preparation and properties of the compound films studied. The last chapter gives a general theory of the formation of compound films in various deposition techniques in terms of the kinetic energy of the film forming particles. It must be mentioned here that this is of fundamental importance to thin film deposition and is virtually untouched in the literature

An investigation on the preparation and properties of some transparent conducting oxides and lead selenide thin films”

The investigation of physical properties of matter has progressed so much during the last hundred years. Today physics is divided in to a large distinct group of special branches. These branches are distinguished by the particular area studied, method of investigation and so on. An independent and important branch that has developed is the physics ofthin films.Any object in solid or liquid form with one of its dimensions very much smaller than that of the other two may be called a thin film. It is having only one common property, namely, one of their dimensions is very small, though all their physical properties may be different. Thin layers of oil, floating on the surface of water, with their fascinating colours, have attracted men’s curiosity from time immemorial. The earliest application of thin films was the protective coatings in the form of paints. A thin layer of tin has been used from ancient times to protect copper utensils from corrosion. Indium thin films are used in certain applications on account of their good lubricating property. Relay contacts are coated with thin films of rare earth metals in order to prevent burning due to arcing. Hard coatings are also available using diamond like carbon (i-carbon). The basic properties of thin films are of considerable interest because of their potential applications in various fields of science and technology

Effect of annealing on the spectral and nonlinear optical characteristics of thin films of nano-ZnO

The annealing effect on the spectral and nonlinear optical NLO characteristics of ZnO thin films deposited on quartz substrates by sol-gel process is investigated. As the annealing temperature increases from 300–1050 °C, there is a decrease in the band gap, which indicates the changes of the interface of ZnO. ZnO is reported to show two emission bands, an ultraviolet UV emission band and another in the green region. The intensity of the UV peak remains the same while the intensity of the visible peak increases with increase in annealing temperature. The role of oxygen in ZnO thin films during the annealing process is important to the change in optical properties. The mechanism of the luminescence suggests that UV luminescence of ZnO thin films is related to the transition from conduction band edge to valence band, and green luminescence is caused by the transition from deep donor level to valence band due to oxygen vacancies. The NLO response of these samples is studied using nanosecond laser pulses at off-resonance wavelengths. The nonlinear absorption coefficient increases from 2.9 ×10−6 to 1.0 ×10−4 m/W when the annealing temperature is increased from 300 to 1050 °C, mainly due to the enhancement of interfacial state and exciton oscillator strength. The third order optical susceptibility x(3) increases with increase in annealing temperature (T) within the range of our investigations. In the weak confinement regime, T2.4 dependence of x(3) is obtained for ZnO thin films. The role of annealing temperature on the optical limiting response is also studied.

Investigations on the structural, optical and magnetic properties of nanostructured cerium oxide in pure and doped forms and its polymer nanocomposites

In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most important and exciting frontier areas of research interest in almost all fields of science and technology. This technology provides the path of many breakthrough changes in the near future in many areas of advanced technological applications. Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary area of research and development. The advent of nanotechnology in the modern times and the beginning of its systematic study can be thought of to have begun with a lecture by the famous physicist Richard Feynman. In 1960 he presented a visionary and prophetic lecture at the meeting of the American Physical Society entitled “there is plenty of room at the bottom” where he speculated on the possibility and potential of nanosized materials. Synthesis of nanomaterials and nanostructures are the essential aspects of nanotechnology. Studies on new physical properties and applications of nanomaterials are possible only when materials are made available with desired size, morphology, crystal structure and chemical composition. Cerium oxide (ceria) is one of the important functional materials with high mechanical strength, thermal stability, excellent optical properties, appreciable oxygen ion conductivity and oxygen storage capacity. Ceria finds a variety of applications in mechanical polishing of microelectronic devices, as catalysts for three-way automatic exhaust systems and as additives in ceramics and phosphors. The doped ceria usually has enhanced catalytic and electrical properties, which depend on a series of factors such as the particle size, the structural characteristics, morphology etc. Ceria based solid solutions have been widely identified as promising electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The success of many promising device technologies depends on the suitable powder synthesis techniques. The challenge for introducing new nanopowder synthesis techniques is to preserve high material quality while attaining the desired composition. The method adopted should give reproducible powder properties, high yield and must be time and energy effective. The use of a variety of new materials in many technological applications has been realized through the use of thin films of these materials. Thus the development of any new material will have good application potential if it can be deposited in thin film form with the same properties. The advantageous properties of thin films include the possibility of tailoring the properties according to film thickness, small mass of the materials involved and high surface to volume ratio. The synthesis of polymer nanocomposites is an integral aspect of polymer nanotechnology. By inserting the nanometric inorganic compounds, the properties of polymers can be improved and this has a lot of applications depending upon the inorganic filler material present in the polymer.

Mechanical Properties of Short-Isora-Fiber-Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites: Effects of Fiber Length, Orientation, and Loading; Alkali Treatment;and Bonding Agent

A series of short-isora-fiber-reinforced natural rubber composites were prepared by the incorporation of fibers of different lengths (6, 10, and 14 mm) at 15 phr loading and at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 phr) with a 10 mm fiber length. Mixes were also prepared with 10 mm long fibers treated with a 5% NaOH solution. The vulcanization parameters, processability, and stress-strain properties of these composites were analyzed. Properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, and tensile modulus were found to be at maximum for composites containing longitudinally oriented fibers 10 mm in length. Mixes containing fiber loadings of 30 phr with bonding agent (resorcinol-formaldehyde [RF] resin) showed mechanical properties superior to all other composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies were carried out to investigate the fiber surface morphology, fiber pullout, and fiber-rubber interface. SEM studies showed that the bonding between the fiber and rubber was improved with treated fibers and with the use of bonding agent.

Improved Mechanical Properties of NR/EPDM and NR/Butyl Blends by Precuring EPDM and Butyl

Ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) and isobutylene-isoprene rubber (IIR) were compounded, precured to a low degree, and then were blended with natural rubber (NR). The compounding ingredients for NR were then added and the final curing was done. NR/ EPDM and NR/IIR blends, prepared using this method, were found to possess much improved mechanical properties as compared to their conventional counterparts. The optimum precuring crosslink density that has to be given to the EPDM and IIR phases has been determined.

Starved Extrusion for the Improvement of Mechanical Properties of Rubber Vulcanizates

Filled compounds of natural rubber, isobutylene-isoprene rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber compounds were extruded through a laboratory extruder by varying the feeding rate at different temperatures and revolutions per minute. The extruded compounds were vulcanized up to their optimum cure times and the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates were determined. The properties suggest that there is a particular feeding rate in the starved fed region which results in maximum mechanical properties. The study shows that running the extruder at a slightly starved condition is an attractive means of improving the physical properties.

STUDIES ON THE CELL STRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NR/LATEX RECLAIM/HSR BASED MICROCELLULAR SHEETS

In natural rubber/high styrene resin microcellular sheets, part of natural rubber was replaced by latex reclaim prepared from waste latex products. The mechanical properties and cell structure of the products were evaluated. It was found that latex reclaim can replace about 30% of natural rubber without affecting the technical properties of the microcellular sheets.

Starved Feeding for Improving the Mechanical Properties of Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Vulcanizates

Gum and filled compounds of styrene-butadiene rubber are extruded through a laboratory extruder by varying the feeding rase at different temperatures and screw speed (rpm). The extruded compounds are vulcanized up4o their optimum cure times and the mechanical properties of the vulcanizates are determined. From the properties data obtained it Is concluded that there is a specific feeding rate wit in the starved fed region, which results In maximum Improved mechanical properties . The enhancement In properties is found to be due to better thermal and shear homogeneity.

Studies on the Rheology and the Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Elastomer from Latex Product Waste and High Density Polyethylene

Latex waste products contain rubber hydrocarbon of very high quality, which is only lightly cross linked. Selected wastes such as thread waste and glove waste were modified into processable materials by a novel economic process and thermoplastic elastomers were prepared by blending these modified waste materials with high density polyethylene in various proportions. The mechanical properties as well as the rheological behaviour of these blends were evaluated and compared with those of the natural rubber-high density polyethylene blends.

Effect of processing parameters on the mechanical properties of short Kevlar aramid fibre-thermoplastic polyurethane composite

The effect of various processing parameters, such as nip gap, friction ratio and roll temperature, on the tensile properties of short Kevlar aramid fibre-thermoplastic polyurethane composite has been investigated and the tensile and tear fracture surfaces have been characterised using a scanning electron microscope. A nip gap of 0.45 mm, a friction ratio of 1.15 and a roll temperature of 62°C was found to give optimum mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy study revealed a higher extent of fibre orientation in the milling direction in the above condition.

Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Reclaimed Rubber/ Styrene Butadiene Rubber Blends

Blends of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) with maleic anhydride grafted whole tire reclaim (MA-g-WTR) have been prepared and the cure and mechanical properties have been studied with respect to the reclaim content. The grafting was carried out in the presence of dicumylperoxide (DCP) in a Brabender Plasticorder at 150'C. The presence of anhydride group on the WTR was confirmed by infrared spectrometry (IR) study. The properties were compared with those of the blends containing unmodified WTR. Though the cure time was marginally higher, the mechanical properties of the blends containing grafted WTR were better than that of the unmodified blends.

Effect of Silane Coupling Agent on Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Nitrile Rubber/Reclaimed Rubber Blend

Blends of nitrile rubber and reclaimed rubber containing different levels of a coupling agent, Si 69 (bis(3- triethoxysilyl propyl)(tetrasulphide) were prepared and the cure characteristic's and mechanical properties were studied. Optimum loading of Si-69 was found to be a function of blend ratio. 3 phi- of Si 69 in a 70:30. Blend was found to be the optimum combination with respect to the mechanical properties. The rate and state of cure were also affected bv the conp/ing agent. Tensile strength, tear strength and abrasion resistance were improved in the presence of coupling agent. While the state of cure improved, the cure rate and scorch time decreased with increasing silane content. Ageing studies showed that the blends containing the coupling agent were inferior to the unmodified blends.

Effect of Silane Coupling Agent on Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Chloroprene Rubber/Reclaimed Rubber Blend

Chloroprene rubber was blended with whole tire reclaimed rubber (WTR) in presence of different levels of a coupling agent Si69 [bis- (3-(triethoxysilyl)propy1)tetrasuIfide] and the cure characteristics and mechanical properties were studied. The rate and state of cure were also affected by the coupling agent. While the cure time was increased, the cure rate and scorch time were decreased with increasing silane content. Tensile strength, tear strength, and abrasion resistance were improved in the presence of coupling agent. Compression set and resilience were adversely affected in presence of silane-coupling agent.Aging studies showed that the blends containing the coupling agent were inferior to the unmodified blends.