Effect of electrospinning on the ferroelectric phase content of polyvinylidene difluoride fibers

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) fibers were prepared by electrospinning from dimethyl formamide (DMF) solutions. The effects of the electrospinning processing conditions on the formation of the alpha and beta phases of PVDF were studied using infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. We have shown that beta-phase PVDF fibers can be electrospun directly from a dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution with a maximum fraction of beta phase, F(beta)max, of 0.75. The fraction of beta phase is found to be greater for smaller-diameter fibers and those spun at an increased voltage.     

A small-molecule organic ferroelectric with piezoelectric voltage coefficient larger than that of lead zirconate titanate and polyvinylidene difluoride

Piezoelectric materials that generate electricity when deforming are ideal for many implantable medical sensing devices. In modern piezoelectric materials, inorganic ceramics and polymers are two important branches, represented by lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). However, PVDF is a nondegradable plastic with poor crystallinity and a large coercive field, and PZT suffers from high sintering temperature and toxic heavy element. Here, we successfully design a metal-free small-molecule ferroelectric, 3,3-difluorocyclobutanammonium hydrochloride ((3,3-DFCBA)Cl), which has high piezoelectric voltage coefficients g₃₃ (437.2 × 10⁻³ V m N⁻¹) and g₃₁ (586.2 × 10⁻³ V m N⁻¹), a large electrostriction coefficient Q₃₃ (about 4.29 m⁴ C⁻²) and low acoustic impedance z₀ (2.25 × 10⁶ kg s⁻¹ m⁻²), significantly outperforming PZT (g₃₃ = 34 × 10⁻³ V m N⁻¹ and z₀ = 2.54 × 10⁷ kg s⁻¹ m⁻²) and PVDF (g₃₃ = 286.7 × 10⁻³ V m N⁻¹, g₃₁ = 185.9 × 10⁻³ V m N⁻¹, Q₃₃ = 1.3 m⁴ C⁻², and z₀ = 3.69 × 10⁶ kg s⁻¹ m⁻²). Such a low acoustic impedance matches that of the body (1.38–1.99 × 10⁶ kg s⁻¹ m⁻²) reasonably well, making it attractive as next-generation biocompatible piezoelectric devices for health monitoring and “disposable” invasive medical ultrasound imaging.

A small-molecule organic ferroelectric (3,3-DFCBA)Cl has high piezoelectric voltage coefficients g₃₃ (437.2 × 10⁻³ V m N⁻¹), a large electrostriction coefficient Q₃₃, and low acoustic impedance z₀, far beyond that of PZT and PVDF.     

Doping of polyvinylidene difluoride with cobalt nitrate: Structural,electrical, and magnetic properties

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) doped with a few percentage of cobalt nitrate hexahydrate induces transition into the ferroelectric β‐phase. Infrared spectra show peaks indicative of β‐phase PVDF at 1277 cm^?1 and loss of the α‐phase peak at 790 cm^?1 while polarization measurements show loops consistent with relaxor ferroelectric behavior. Electronic spectroscopy shows that the Co²⁺ ion is in a six‐coordinate environment, and this is confirmed by magnetic susceptibility. Thermal measurements show that the PVDF melts near 155 °C, depending on the Co²⁺ content, and that there are several other thermal features that are associated with the hydrated cobalt nitrate. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Comparison of different staining methods for polyvinylidene difluoride membranes.

Several new staining methods for polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, including mercurochrome, silver and dimethylaminoazobenzene isothiocyanate staining were compared with Coomassie Brilliant Blue and gold staining. Of these, Coomassie was most versatile and completely compatible with ensuing microsequencing, immunostaining or other visualization methods, while gold and silver staining were more sensitive. Mercurochrome allows selective detection of sulfhydryl-containing proteins while dimethylaminoazobenzene isothiocyanate staining may allow quantitation of sequenceable protein.     

聚偏氟乙烯-磺化聚醚砜相容性及其成膜性能

研究了聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)-磺化聚醚砜(SPES)的相容性及其成膜性能.首先通过溶解度参数、粘度法和目测法研究共混溶液的相容性,接着采用浊度法测定了共混溶液的热力学性质,最后采用浸没沉淀法制备了共混膜并探讨了成膜性能.结果显示,PVDF和SPES为部分相容体系,随着SPES含量的增加,共混溶液相容性逐渐减小,当SPES含量增加到50wt%时,体系发生分相.共混溶液的成膜性能良好,SPES含量增加有利于体系发生液液分相,生成高孔隙率膜,并且极大的提高了PVDF膜的亲水性和水通量.     

Improving the detection of proteins after transfer to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes.

N-Terminal sequence analysis of proteins separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transferred onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes has become the method for molecular characterization of proteins contained in biological samples. However, the proteins of lower abundance cannot be sequenced directly, without improving the technique. We have studied a drying method on several PVDF membranes including Trans-Blott, Immobilon P and Problott. Using Amido Black, Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 and Ponceau S, we have obtained, in comparison with the non-dried membranes, an enormous increase in the number of detectable proteins.     

Separation of peptides on Empore thin-layer chromatography sheets and blotting onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes with subsequent gas phase sequencing.

Methods for the separation of peptides on a new type of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) sheet and blotting onto polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membranes with subsequent gas phase sequencing are described. For validation, the A and B chain of insulin were chromatographed on Empore TLC sheets and either extracted or blotted onto PVDF membranes. The advantages and disadvantages of thin-layer chromatography on Empore sheets versus high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are discussed, along with the possibility of combining the two methods. In addition, TLC was combined with electrophoresis (fingerprinting) for the separation of complex peptide mixtures. Blotting from TLC sheets onto PVDF membranes was performed in two ways: contact diffusion and electrophoretic transfer. In our experiments electroblotting was more effective. Amino acid sequence determination of the B chain of insulin was possible both after extraction from the TLC sheet and after blotting onto PVDF membranes. In the former case, liquid phase sequencing and, in the latter case, gas phase sequencing was performed. The possibility to blot from TLC sheets onto membranes, e.g. PVDF, may prove useful in many fields, for example in biochemistry, and in molecular and cell biology.     

Enhanced magnetic properties of self-assembled FePt nanoparticles with MnO shell

Self-assembled FePt/MnO nanoparticles with different morphology and size were synthesized with a polyol process. With the MnO coating, FePt nanoparticles exhibit a high blocking temperature and magnetic moment. The low-temperature hysteresis loop of FePt nanoparticles can be shifted through the AFM pinning of the MnO shell. The aggregation of FePt nanoparticles during the L10 phase transformation can be significantly decreased by coating with the MnO shell.     

Direct determination of selenoproteins in polyvinylidene difluoride membranes by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the direct determination of selenoproteins in plastic membranes after protein separation by gel electrophoresis was developed. Quantification was based on the determination of the selenium content of the proteins by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) after manual introduction of membrane pieces into the graphite furnace. The proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and subsequently transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane by semi-dry electroblotting. After staining the membrane, the protein bands were excised and chemical modifier was added on top of the excised membrane prior to atomic absorption measurement. Acceptable linearity was achieved in the range 2– 10 ng Se, corresponding to selenium concentrations close to 1 mg/L, when aqueous solutions of selenomethionine standard as well as selenoprotein standard were applied to the membrane. A characteristic mass of 54 ± 4 pg/0.0044 s was obtained for the selenoprotein standard. Protein transfer from polyacrylamide gel to the membrane was quantitative and no interferences were introduced. The method was used for identification of selenoprotein P after enrichment of the protein from human plasma. Received: 28 June 1999 / Revised: 14 September 1999 / Accepted: 16 September 1999     

Direct determination of selenoproteins in polyvinylidene difluoride membranes by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the direct determination of selenoproteins in plastic membranes after protein separation by gel electrophoresis was developed. Quantification was based on the determination of the selenium content of the proteins by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) after manual introduction of membrane pieces into the graphite furnace. The proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and subsequently transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane by semi-dry electroblotting. After staining the membrane, the protein bands were excised and chemical modifier was added on top of the excised membrane prior to atomic absorption measurement. Acceptable linearity was achieved in the range 2-10 ng Se, corresponding to selenium concentrations close to 1 mg/L, when aqueous solutions of selenomethionine standard as well as selenoprotein standard were applied to the membrane. A characteristic mass of 54 +/- 4 pg/0.0044 s was obtained for the selenoprotein standard. Protein transfer from polyacrylamide gel to the membrane was quantitative and no interferences were introduced. The method was used for identification of selenoprotein P after enrichment of the protein from human plasma.     

Monte Carlo simulation of polarization reversal of ferroelectric polymer polyvinylidene fluoride

We consider a system composed of planar zigzag chain molecules of ferroelectric polymer PVDF. Taking the Lennard–Jones potential and the dipole–dipole interaction into consideration and assuming restrictions on molecular degrees of freedom, we have performed a Monte Carlo simulation which enables us to discuss the polarization reversal of PVDF under constant external electric field. Our simulation shows that the phenomenon is accompanied by nucleation and expansion of reversed domains. It also indicates that the dipole–dipole interaction between molecules causes growth anisotropy of the reversed domains.     

Enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of Cr / Co and Mn co-doped single phase multiferroic bismuth ferrite nanoparticles

Multiferroic nanoparticles of single-phase bismuth ferrite (BiFeO₃ or BFO) by choosing transition metal ions of chromium (Cr)/cobalt (Co) in A-sites and manganese (Mn) in B-sites were synthesized by using sol-gel autocombustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data reveal the existence of rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure for all the samples. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) studies were carried out to estimate the particle size, morphology along with the chemical purity of the samples. Dielectric studies as a function of frequency and temperature resemble typical space charge polarization with almost negligible dielectric losses in the doped samples. Magnetic measurements using vibrating sample magnetometer reveals the considerable enhancement in the magnetic order in Co/Cr and Mn co-doped samples. The obtained structural, microstructural, dielectric and magnetic results were well recommended that the influence of co-doping in BFO will certainly modify its spin cycloid structure and hence enhanced properties in these doped samples. Thus, these co-doped samples were suggested to be well suitable for the multifunctional based devices such as spintronic, multifunctional memories, and for sensors.     

Electrospinning of polyvinylidene difluoride with carbon nanotubes: synergistic effects of extensional force and interfacial interaction on crystalline structures

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) solutions containing a very low concentration of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) of similar surface chemistry, respectively, were electrospun, and the nanofibers formed were collected using a modified rotating disk collector. The polymorphic behavior and crystal orientation of the nanofibers were studied using wide-angle X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, while the nanotube alignment and interfacial interactions in the nanofibers were probed by transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. It is shown that the interfacial interaction between the SWCNTs and PVDF and the extensional force experienced by the nanofibers in the electrospinning and collection processes can work synergistically to induce highly oriented beta-form crystallites extensively. In contrast, the MWCNTs could not be well aligned along the nanofiber axis, which leads to a lower degree of crystal orientation.     

Fluorine incorporation into SnO2 nanoparticles by co-milling with polyvinylidene fluoride

Fluorine was incorporated into SnO₂ nanoparticles from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) by co-milling. The incorporation process was triggered by an oxidative partial decomposition of PVdF due to the abstraction of oxygen atoms, and began soon after milling with a simultaneous decrease in the crystallite size of SnO₂ from 56 nm to 19 nm, and increase in the lattice strain by a factor 7. Appearance of D and G Raman peaks indicated that the decomposition of PVdF was accompanied by the formation of nanometric carbon species. Decomposing processes of PVdF were accompanied by the continuous change in the states of F, with a decrease of C–F in PVdF and increase in Sn–F. This indicates the gradual incorporation of F into SnO₂, by replacing a part of oxygen in the oxide with fluorine. These serial mechanochemical reaction processes were discussed on the basis of X-ray diffractometry, FT-IR, Raman and UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, F1s, Sn3d and C1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectra, as well as magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy of ¹⁹F and ¹¹⁹Sn. The present findings serve as an initial stage of incorporating fluorine into SnO₂ via a solvent-free solid-state process, toward the rational fabrication of fluorine doped SnO₂ powders.     

Enhancing the electro-optical properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals by doping ferroelectric nanoparticles

The effects on the physical and electro-optical properties of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) after the doping of a dilute suspension of ferroelectric nanoparticles (BaTiO₃) have been studied. Due to the permanent electric dipole moments of the ferroelectric nanoparticles, the spontaneous polarisation of FLCs with low doping concentration was about twice that of pure FLCs, in addition to a significant improvement in the dielectric properties, the response time and the V-shaped switching in the chiral smectic C (SmC?) phase. The results obtained point the way to an alternative for improving the applicability of FLCs without resorting to chemical synthesis.     

Microstructure and magnetic properties of L10 CoPt nanoparticles by Ag addition

CoPt nanoparticles with various Ag contents were synthesized by sol–gel technique. L1₀ CoPt alloy phase was formed after annealing at 700 °C. The coercivity (H_c) increased when the Ag content increased from 0 to 15 at.%. And H_c decreased when the Ag content was over 15 at.%. A certain amount of Ag could enhance the ordering degree of CoPt nanoparticles and improve the magnetic properties. When the Ag addition was more than 15 at.%, the deteriorated magnetic properties were ascribed to the decrease of ordering degree.     

Cellulose fibers modified with silver nanoparticles

Cellulose fibers modified with silver nanoparticles were prepared using N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide as a direct solvent and analyzed in this study. Silver nanoparticles were generated as a product of AgNO₃ reduction by means of three methods under varying light conditions (daylight and darkroom). Influence of generating conditions on the size, the type and the number weighting of created nanoparticles was examined. Dynamic Light Scattering technique (DLS) was used for determination of those parameters. DLS analysis showed that the best method, i.e. the one that allowed the generation of the greatest number of silver nanoparticles with the smallest diameter and the smallest agglomerates, was incubation of cellulose pulp with AgNO₃ in a darkroom for 24 h. Mechanical and hydrophilic properties of all obtained fibers were also determined. Results showed that the method of silver nanoparticles generation did not influence significantly mechanical and hydrophilic properties of the modified fibers, because in all cases only small decreases of the studied parameters were observed.     

An improved, luminescent europium-based stain for detection of electroblotted proteins on nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene difluoride membranes

SYPRO Rose Plus protein blot stain is an improved europium-based metal chelate stain for the detection of proteins on nitrocellulose and poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) membranes. Staining is achieved without covalently modifying the proteins. The stain may be excited with a 254 nm (UV-C), 302 nm (UV-B), or 365 nm (UV-A) light source and displays a sharp emission maximum at 612 nm. The emission peak has a full width at half-maximum of only 8 nm. The stain exhibits exceptional photostability, allowing long exposure times for maximum sensitivity. Since the dye is composed of a europium complex, it has a long emission lifetime, potentially allowing time-resolved detection, greatly reducing background fluorescence. Proteins immobilized to a nitrocellulose or PVDF membrane by electroblotting, dot-blotting, or vacuum slot-blotting are incubated with SYPRO Rose Plus protein blot stain for 15-30 min. Membranes are rinsed briefly, visualized with UV epi-illumination and the luminescence of the europium dye is measured using a 490 nm long-pass or 625 +/- 15 nm band-pass filter in combination with a conventional photographic or charge-coupled device (CCD) camera system. Alternatively, the dye may be visualized using a xenon-arc illumination source. The stain is readily removed from proteins by incubating membranes at mildly alkaline pH. The reversibility of the protein staining procedure allows for subsequent biochemical analyses, such as immunoblotting and biotin-streptavidin detection using colorimetric, direct fluorescence or fluorogenic visualization methods.