Design, Fabrication and Characterization of Passive and Active Polymer Photonic Devices

The rapid developments in fields such as fibre optic communication engineering and integrated optical electronics have expanded the interest and have increased the expectations about guided wave optics, in which optical waveguides and optical fibres play a central role. The technology of guided wave photonics now plays a role in generating information (guided-wave sensors) and processing information (spectral analysis, analog-to-digital conversion and other optical communication schemes) in addition to its original application of transmitting information (fibre optic communication). Passive and active polymer devices have generated much research interest recently because of the versatility of the fabrication techniques and the potential applications in two important areas – short distant communication network and special functionality optical devices such as amplifiers, switches and sensors. Polymer optical waveguides and fibres are often designed to have large cores with 10-1000 micrometer diameter to facilitate easy connection and splicing. Large diameter polymer optical fibres being less fragile and vastly easier to work with than glass fibres, are attractive in sensing applications. Sensors using commercial plastic optical fibres are based on ideas already used in silica glass sensors, but exploiting the flexible and cost effective nature of the plastic optical fibre for harsh environments and throw-away sensors. In the field of Photonics, considerable attention is centering on the use of polymer waveguides and fibres, as they have a great potential to create all-optical devices. By attaching organic dyes to the polymer system we can incorporate a variety of optical functions. Organic dye doped polymer waveguides and fibres are potential candidates for solid state gain media. High power and high gain optical amplification in organic dye-doped polymer waveguide amplifier is possible due to extremely large emission cross sections of dyes. Also, an extensive choice of organic dye dopants is possible resulting in amplification covering a wide range in the visible region.

Carbon Nanotubes-Reinforced PET Nanocomposite by Melt-Compounding

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been prepared by a simple melt compounding method. With increasing concentration (0-3 wt %) of SWNTs, the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties improved, corresponding to effective reinforcement. Melt rheological characterization indicated the effective entanglements provided by SWNTs in the melt state as well. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested no influence of SWNTs on the thermal stability of PET. Electrical conductivity measurements on the composite films pointed out that the melt compounded SWNTs can result in electrical percolation albeit at concentrations exceeding 2 wt %.

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.

Effect of Feeding Rate on Plastic Extrudates

Selected grades of low density polyethylene (LDPE) polystyrene (PS) were extruded in a laboratory extruder by varying the feeding rate at different revolutions per minute and temperatures. The mechanical properties of the extruded plastic sheets were determined. LDPE shows a marked variation in mechanical properties with feeding rate while PS shows a marginal change in mechanical properties with feeding rate. However, for both plastics there is a particular feeding rate in the starved region which results in maximum mechanical properties.

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.

Self adhesion of short Kevlar fibre -thermoplastic polyurethane composite

The self adhesion behaviour of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in itself and its composite with short Kevlar fibre with respect to contact time, temperature, pressure, and fibre loading has been studied. The adhesion strength showed two linear increments of different slopes with respect to the square root of time: with temperature and pressure of contact, the adhesion strength was improved. The maximum strength was obtained with 20 phr of short fibre in only one of the mating substrates in the peel test sample. The duration for wetting and diffusion was shifted to longer time intervals with fibres loaded in both the substrates.

Rheological Characteristics of Short Nylon -6 Fiber Reinforced Styrene Butadiene Rubber Containing Epoxy Resin as Bonding Agent

The rheological characteristics of short Nylon-6 fiber-reinforced Styrene Butadiene rubber (SBR) in the presence of epoxy resin-based bonding agent were studied with respect to the effect of shear rate, fiber concentration , and temperature on shear viscosity and die swell using a capillary rheonzeter. All the composites containing bonding agent showed a pseudoplastic nature, which decreased with increasing temperature. Shear viscosity was increased in the presence of fibers. The temperature sensitivity of the SBR matrices was reduced on introduction of fibers. The temperature sensitivity of the melts was found to be lower at higher shear rates. Die swell was reduced in the presence of fibers. Relative viscosity of the composites increased with shear rate. In the presence of epoxy resin bonding agent the temperature sensitivity of the mixes increased. Die swell was larger in the presence of bonding agent.

Rheology of Short Nylon -6 Fiber Reinforced Styrene-Butadiene Rubber

The rheological characteristics of short Nylon-6 fiber reinforced styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) were studied using a capillary rheometer. The study was done with respect to the effect of shear rate, fiber concentration, and temperature on shear viscosity and die swell. All the melts showed pseudoplastic nature, which decreased with increasing temperature. Shear viscosity increased in the presence of fibers. Introduction of fiber reduces the temperature sensitivity of the rubber matrix. A reduction in die swell was found in presence of fibers.

Thermal Degradation of Short Nylon -6 Fiber-Reinforced Styrene Butadiene Rubber Composite

The thermal properties of short Nylon-6 fiber-reinforced Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were studied by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The effect of epoxy-based bonding agent on thermal degradation of the gum and the composites was also studied. The thermal stability of the SBR was enhanced in the presence of Nylon-6 fibers and the stability of the composites increased in the presence of bonding agent. The epoxy resin did not significantly change the thermal stability of SBR gum vulcanizate. Results of kinetic studies showed that the degradation of SBR and the short nylon fiber-reinforced composites with and without bonding agents followed first-order kinetics.

Cure Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Short Nylon Fiber Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber/Reclaimed Rubber Blends

Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of short nylon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene rubber-reclaimed rubber composites were studied. Minimum torque, (maximum-minimum) torque and cure rate increased with fiber concentration. Scorch time and cure time decreased by the addition of fibers. Properties like tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, abrasion loss and heat build up were studied in both orientations of fibers. Tensile and tear properties were enhanced by the addition of fibers and were higher in the longitudinal direction. Heat build up increased with fiber concentration and were higher in the longitudinal direction. Abrasion resistance was improved in presence of short fibers and was higher in the longitudinal direction. Resilience increased on the introduction of fibers. Compression set was higher for blends.

Thermal degradation of short kevlar fibre thermoplastic polyurethane composite

The thermal degradation of short kevlar fibre-thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites has been studied by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). TGA showed that the thermal degradation of TPU takes place in two steps with peak maxima (T1max and T2ma,) at 383°C and 448°C, respectively. In the presence of 10-40 phr of short kevlar fibres, T1_ and T2max were shifted to lower temperatures. The temperature of onset of degradation was increased from 245 to 255°C at 40 parts per hundred rubber (phr) fibre loading. Kinetic studies showed that the degradation of TPU and kevlar-TPU composite follows first-order reaction kinetics. The DSC study showed that there is an improvement in thermal stability of TPU in the presence of 20 phr of short kevlar fibres.

Metglas thin film based magnetostrictive transducers for use in long period fibre grating sensors

Metallic glass alloy Metglas 2826 MB based amorphous magnetic thin films were fabricated by the thermal evaporation technique. Transmission electron micrographs and electron diffraction pattern showed the amorphous nature of the films. Composition of the films was analyzed employing x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy techniques. The film was integrated to a long period fibre grating. It was observed that the resonance wavelength of the fibre grating decreased with an increase in the magnetic field. Change in the resonance wavelength was minimal at higher magnetic fields. Field dependent magnetostriction values revealed the potential application of these films in magnetostrictive sensor devices

A fibre optic evanescent wave sensor for monitoring the rate of pulsed laser deposition of metal thin films

A novel sensing technique for the in situ monitoring of the rate of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of metal thin films has been developed. This optical fibre based sensor works on the principle of the evanescent wave penetration of waveguide modes into the uncladded portion of a multimode fibre. The utility of this optical fibre sensor is demonstrated in the case of PLD of silver thin films obtained by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser which is used to irradiate a silver target at the required conditions for the preparation of thin films. This paper describes the performance and characteristics of the sensor and shows how the device can be used as an effective tool for the monitoring of the deposition rate of silver thin films. The fibre optic sensor is very simple, inexpensive and highly sensitive compared with existing techniques for thin film deposition rate measurements

A fibre optic evanescent wave sensor for monitoring the rate of pulsed laser deposition of metal thin films

A novel sensing technique for the in situ monitoring of the rate of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of metal thin films has been developed. This optical fibre based sensor works on the principle of the evanescent wave penetration of waveguide modes into the uncladded portion of a multimode fibre. The utility of this optical fibre sensor is demonstrated in the case of PLD of silver thin films obtained by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser which is used to irradiate a silver target at the required conditions for the preparation of thin films. This paper describes the performance and characteristics of the sensor and shows how the device can be used as an effective tool for the monitoring of the deposition rate of silver thin films. The fibre optic sensor is very simple, inexpensive and highly sensitive compared with existing techniques for thin film deposition rate measurements.

A sensitive fibre optic pH sensor using multiple sol–gel coatings

The fabrication and characterization of a fibre optic pH sensor based on evanescent wave absorption is presented. The unclad portion of a multi-mode optical fibre is coated with a pH sensitive dye, which is immobilized by the sol–gel route. The sensitivity of the device has been found to increase when multiple sol–gel coatings are used as the sensing region. The dynamic range and the temporal response of the sensor are investigated for two different dyes, namely bromocresol purple and bromocresol green. The performance of the device is evaluated in terms of the results obtained during actual measurements.