Antimicrobial Efficacy of Glass Ionomer Cement in Incorporation with Biogenic Zingiber officinale Capped Silver-Nanobiotic,Chlorhexidine Diacetate and Lyophilized Miswak

In the present study, Zingiber officinale is used for the synthesis of Zingiber officinale capped silver nanoparticles (ZOE-AgNPs) and compares the antimicrobial efficacy and compressive strength of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) combined with ZOE-AgNPs, lyophilized miswak, and chlorhexidine diacetate (CHX) against oral microbes. Five groups of the disc-shaped GIC specimens were prepared. Group A: lyophilized miswak and GIC combination, Group B: ZOE-AgNPs and GIC combinations, Group C: CHX and GIC combination, Group D: ZOE-AgNPs + CHX + GIC; Group E: Conventional GIC. Results confirmed the successful formation of ZOE-AgNPs that was monitored by UV-Vis sharp absorption spectra at 415 nm. The X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) results revealed the formation of ZOE-AgNPs with a mean size 10.5–14.12 nm. The peaks of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were appearing the involvement of ZOE components onto the surface of ZOE-AgNPs which played as bioreducing, and stabilizing agents. At a 24-h, one-week and three-week intervals, Group D showed the significantly highest mean inhibitory zones compared to Group A, Group B, and Group C. At microbe-level comparison, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus were inhibited significantly by all the specimens tested except group E when compared to Candida albicans. Group D specimens showed slightly higher (45.8 ± 5.4) mean compressive strength in comparison with other groups. The combination of GIC with ZOE-AgNPs and chlorhexidine together enhanced its antimicrobial efficacy and compressive strength compared to GIC with ZOE-AgNPs or lyophilized miswak or chlorhexidine combination alone. The present study revealed that The combination of GIC with active components of ZOE-AgNPs and chlorhexidine paves the way to lead its effective nano-dental materials applications.     

Properties of Banana (Cavendish spp.) Starch Film Incorporated with Banana Peel Extract and Its Application

The objective of this study was to develop an active banana starch film (BSF) incorporated with banana peel extract. We compared the film’s properties with commercial wrap film (polyvinyl chloride; PVC). Moreover, a comparison of the quality of minced pork wrapped during refrigerated storage (7 days at ±4 °C) was also performed. The BSF with different concentrations of banana peel extract (0, 1, 3, and 5 (%, w/v)) showed low mechanical properties (tensile strength (TS): 4.43–31.20 MPa and elongation at break (EAB): 9.66–15.63%) and water vapor permeability (3.74–11.0 × 10⁻¹⁰ g mm/sm² Pa). The BSF showed low film solubility (26–41%), but excellent barrier properties to UV light. The BSF had a thickness range of 0.030–0.047 mm, and color attributes were: L* = 49.6–51.1, a* = 0.21–0.43, b* = 1.26–1.49. The BSF incorporated with banana peel extracts 5 (%, w/v) showed the highest radical scavenging activity (97.9%) and inhibitory activity of E. coli O157: H7. The BSF showed some properties comparable to the commercial PVC wrap film. Changes in qualities of minced pork were determined for 7 days during storage at ±4 °C. It was found that thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of the sample wrapped with the BSF decreased compared to that wrapped with the PVC. The successful inhibition of lipid oxidation in the minced pork was possible with the BSF. The BSF incorporated with banana peel extract could maintain the quality of minced pork in terms of oxidation retardation.     

Synthesis of amino acid-containing polyacids and their application in self-cured glass-ionomer cement

Six methacrylate or acrylate derivatives of natural amino acids were synthesized and characterized. Based upon these monomers, six terpolymers [poly(acrylic) acid-co-itaconic acid-co-amino acid] were prepared and characterized. The synthesized polymers were used to formulate glass-ionomer cements (GICs) using Fuji II glass filler. The effects of the molecular weight (MW) and powder/liquid (P/L) ratio were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surfaces of the selected cement specimens. Results show that all the amino acid modified GICs exhibited higher compressive strengths (CS, 193-236 MPa) and much higher flexural strengths (FS, 55-71 MPa) as compared to commercial Fuji II GIC (191 in CS and 16 in FS). Both MW and P/L ratio affected the strength of the formed cement. It was important to find the optimal MW and P/L ratio to obtain the highest FS. In this study, optimized MW (number average) of the polyacids and P/L ratio were around 50,000 and 2.7/1, respectively. The microstructures of the fracture surfaces helped to explain the strength differences among the materials tested in the study. SEM analysis suggests that more integrated microstructures and fewer defects can lead to higher FS.     

Influence of Al2O3 and P2O5 contents in sol-gel ionomer glass system on the structure and their cement properties

Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology - Glass ionomer dental cement (GIC) is commonly used as a restorative material. The sol-gel synthesis of the ionomer glass is an alternative method, which...     

Deposition of Ethylene-Hexafluoropropene Gradient Plasma-Copolymer Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Reactor at Atmospheric Pressure: Application to Release Coatings on Pressure-Sensitive Tape

Plasma-polymerized hexafluoropropene (PPHFP) film deposited using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor at atmospheric pressure had low enough adhesive strength, 22.2 Nm^–1, for use as a release coating of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes, but the bond strength between PPHFP film and a poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate film was slightly weak: some part of the PPHFP deposits could be peeled from the PET substrate. Since the XPS results indicated that the bond strength between plasma-polymerized ethylene (PPE) film and PET substrate was strong enough, we tried to deposit PPE and plasma-polymerized ethylene - hexafluoropropene gradient plasma-copolymer between the PET substrate and the PPHFP film. This multi-layer film (MLF) had low enough adhesive strength, 36.6 Nm^–1, for use as the release coating; this value was near that of a control sample, Teflon sheet, 21.6 Nm^–1. Moreover, the bond strength between MLF and PET substrate became stronger than that between PPHFP and PET films.     

Comparison of Fracture Load of the Four Translucent Zirconia Crowns

Recently, translucent zirconia has become the most prevalent material used as a restorative material. This study aimed to compare the crown fracture load of the four most common different translucent zirconia brands available in the market at 1.5 mm thickness. Standardized tooth preparations for a full ceramic crown were designed digitally with software (AutoCAD) by placing a 1.0 mm chamfer margin and 1.5 mm occluso-cervical curvature for the crown sample manufacturing. Stylized crowns were chosen to control the thickness of the crown. The axial and occlusal thickness were standardized to 1.5 mm thickness except at the central pit, which was 1.3 mm thick. The STL file for the tooth dies was prepared using software (3Shape TRIOS^® Patient Monitoring, Copenhagen, Denmark). The tooth dies were printed with a resin material (NextDent Model 2.0, Vertex-Dental B.V., Soesterberg, The Netherlands) using a 3D printing software (3D Sprint^® Client Version 3.0.0.2494) from a 3D printer (NextDent™ 5100, Vertex-Dental B.V., Soesterberg, The Netherlands). The printing layer thickness was 50 µm. Then, a total of twenty-eight (N = 28) stylized crowns were milled out of AmannGirrbach (Amann Girrbach GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany) (n = 7), Cercon HT (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) (n = 7), Cercon XT (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany) (n = 7), and Vita YZ XT (Zahnfabrik, Bäd Sackingen, Germany) (n = 7). Following sintering the crowns, sandblasting was performed and they were bonded to the tooth dies with the resin cement (RelyX U-200, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany) and permitted to self-cure under finger pressure for 6 min. The crowns were loaded on the occlusal surface in a universal testing machine (MTS Centurion) with a stainless-steel ball indenter (7 mm radius) with a loading rate of 1 mm/min to contact the stylized crowns on each of the four cusps until failure. A rubber sheet (1.5 mm thickness) was positioned between the crown and indenter, which helped with the load distribution. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 (IBM Company, Chicago, USA). The fracture loads were analyzed using Dunnett’s T3 test, and the number of cracks was analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test among the groups. The significant level was set at p value = 0.05. The mean fracture loads were 3086.54 ± 441.74 N, 4804.94 ± 70.12 N, 3317.76 ± 199.80 N, and 2921.87 ± 349.67 N for AmannGirrbac, Cercon HT, Cercon XT, and Vita YZ XT, respectively. The mean fracture loads for the surfaces with the greatest number of cracks (excluding the occlusal surfaces) were on the lingual surface for AmannGirrbach and Cercon HT, on the distal and mesial for Cercon XT, and on the buccal for Vita YZ XT. We found that the AmannGirrbach had the most overall cracks. Cercon XT had the greatest number of occlusal cracks and appeared to be the most shattered. Cercon HT had the least number of cracks. In conclusion, Cercon HT presented the best strength properties, the highest fracture load, and no visible cracks. AmannGirrbach presented the lowest strength properties.     

Nickel-catalyzed C–O/N–H,C–S/N–H,and C–CN/N–H annulation of aromatic amides with alkynes: C–O,C–S,and C–CN activation

The Ni-catalyzed reaction of ortho-phenoxy-substituted aromatic amides with alkynes in the presence of LiO^tBu as a base results in C–O/N–H annulation with the formation of 1(2H)-isoquinolinones. The use of a base is essential for the reaction to proceed. The reaction proceeds, even in the absence of a ligand, and under mild reaction conditions (40 °C). An electron-donating group on the aromatic ring facilitates the reaction. The reaction was also applicable to carbamate (C–O bond activation), methylthio (C–S bond activation), and cyano (C–CN bond activation) groups as leaving groups.

The Ni-catalyzed reaction of ortho-phenoxy-substituted aromatic amides with alkynes in the presence of LiO^tBu as a base results in C–O/N–H annulation with the formation of 1(2H)-isoquinolinones.     

Thermal oxidation of polybutadiene. Part 1: Effect of temperature, oxygen pressure and sample thickness on the thermal oxidation of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene

An additive-free, uncrosslinked, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene of predominant trans 1-4 structure was thermally oxidized at temperatures ranging from 60 to 120 °C, under various oxygen pressures (between 0.01 and 3.1 MPa). Samples of thickness ranging from 5 to 1000 μm were studied by gravimetry (mass changes due to oxygen absorption) and infrared spectrophotometry (hydroxyl and carbonyl build-up, double bond consumption). The effects of film thickness, oxygen pressure and temperature on oxidation kinetics are discussed in terms of branched radical chain mechanisms.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Optimization Studies of Starch/Chicken Gelatin Composites for Food-Packaging Applications

The indiscriminate use of plastic in food packaging contributes significantly to environmental pollution, promoting the search for more eco-friendly alternatives for the food industry. This work studied five formulations (T1–T5) of biodegradable cassava starch/gelatin films. The results showed the presence of the starch/gelatin functional groups by FT-IR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed a thermal reinforcement after increasing the amount of gelatin in the formulations, which increased the crystallization temperature (Tc) from 190 °C for the starch-only film (T1) to 206 °C for the film with 50/50 starch/gelatin (T3). It also exhibited a homogeneous surface morphology, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, an excess of gelatin showed low compatibility with starch in the 25/75 starch/gelatin film (T4), evidenced by the low Tc definition and very rough and fractured surface morphology. Increasing gelatin ratio also significantly increased the strain (from 2.9 ± 0.5% for T1 to 285.1 ± 10.0% for T5) while decreasing the tensile strength (from 14.6 ± 0.5 MPa for T1 to 1.5 ± 0.3 MPa for T5). Water vapor permeability (WVP) increased, and water solubility (WS) also decreased with gelatin mass rising in the composites. On the other hand, opacity did not vary significantly due to the films’ cassava starch and gelatin ratio. Finally, optimizing the mechanical and water barrier properties resulted in a mass ratio of 53/47 cassava starch/gelatin as the most appropriate for their application in food packaging, indicating their usefulness in the food-packaging industry.     

Cooperative C–H activation of pyridine by PBP complexes of Rh and Ir can lead to bridging 2-pyridyls with different connectivity to the B–M unit

Pyridine and quinoline undergo selective C–H activation in the 2-position with Rh and Ir complexes of a boryl/bis(phosphine) PBP pincer ligand, resulting in a 2-pyridyl bridging the transition metal and the boron center. Examination of this reactivity with Rh and Ir complexes carrying different non-pincer ligands on the transition metal led to the realization of the possible isomerism derived from the 2-pyridyl fragment connecting either via B–N/C–M bonds or via B–C/N–M bonds. This M–C/M–N isomerism was systematically examined for four structural types. Each of these types has a defined set of ligands on Rh/Ir besides 2-pyridyl and PBP. A pair of M–C/M–N isomers for each type was computationally examined for Rh and for Ir, totaling 16 compounds. Several of these compounds were isolated or observed in solution by experimental methods, in addition to a few 2-quinolyl variants. The DFT predictions concerning the thermodynamic preference within each M–C/M–N isomeric match the experimental findings very well. In two cases where DFT predicts <2 kcal mol⁻¹ difference in free energy, both isomers were experimentally observed in solution. Analysis of the structural data, of the relevant Wiberg bond indices, and of the ETS-NOCV partitioning of the interaction of the 2-pyridyl fragment with the rest of the molecule points to the strength of the M–C(pyridyl) bond as the dominant parameter determining the relative M–C/M–N isomer favorability. This M–C bond is always stronger for the analogous Ir vs. Rh compounds, but the nature of the ligand trans to it has a significant influence, as well. DFT calculations were used to evaluate the mechanism of isomerization for one of the molecule types.

The thermodynamic preference between two isomeric products of C–H activation of pyridine, with 2-pyridyl bridging boron and iridium or rhodium, primarily depends on the M–C bond strength.     

Die kristall- und molekülstruktur von 10,11-(4',5'-dimethylbenzo)-9,12-dithia- trans-bicyclo[6.4.0]dodeca-2,4,6,10-tetraen,einem trans-annelierten cycloocta-1,3,5-trien

The compound 10,11 - (4',5' - dimethylbenzo) - 9,12 - dithia - trans - bicyclo[6.4.0]dodeca - 2,4,6,10 - tetraen (1a) has been determined by X-ray analysis from three-dimensional film data and refined by least-squares techniques to R = 0.10. The dimensions of the unit cell containing 4 molecules are a = 10.61(2) Å, b = 6.53(1) Å, c = 19.96(2) Å),β = 102.2(1)o, the space group is P2₁/c. The heterocyclic and the carbocyclic rings are trans - annelated. Consequently the included angles of the bridgehead atoms deviate from the ideal tetrahedral angles and the bond between the atoms C(9) and C(16) is significantly shortened. The cyclooctatriene ring has a distorted boat conformation.     

Novel resin modified glass-ionomer cements with improved flexural strength and ease of handling

Poly(acrylic acid-co-itaconic acid) copolymers containing pendent methacrylates were synthesized and used to formulate redox-initiated in situ cured glass-ionomer cements (GICs) by mixing with reactive glass fillers (Fuji II LC). Various formulations for the redox initiator were studied, and flexural strength (FS) was used as a screening tool for optimization. Effects of molecular weight (MW), grafting ratio, comonomer, polymer content in the liquid composition, powder/liquid (P/L) ratio, and aging on FS were investigated. The results show that the in situ cured GICs demonstrated higher FS (89.6-123.2 MPa), as compared to commercial Fuji II LC GIC (57.1 MPa). The optimal concentrations for redox initiators were found to be 0.15% (by weight) for K₂S₂O₈ and 0.2% for ascorbic acid (or 0.6% for microencapsulated ascorbic acid), respectively. Effects of MW, grafting ratio, P/L ratio and polymer content in the liquid formulation were significant. During aging, the cement showed an increase in strength over 24 h and then no change for time periods up to six months. SEM analysis supports the strength data associated with the formulations. The exotherm and setting time suggest that novel redox-initiated resin-modified GICs hold promise as biocompatible and workable cement for orthopedic applications.     

Single-ionic gel polymer electrolyte based on polyvinylidene fluoride and fluorine-containing ionomer

The novel single-ionic conductive gel polymer electrolyte was prepared from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), propylene glycol carbonate (PC) and a new fluorine-containing ionomer. Cation-carbonyl interaction behavior, morphology and ionic conductive properties of this gel polymer electrolyte were studied by infrared spectra analysis (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and complex impedance analysis. The results showed that the fluorine-containing ionomer was miscible with both PVDF and PC, and that the carbonyl groups in the ionomer and PC could bond competitively with the cation. Both the content of fluorine-containing ionomer and the content of PC had a great effect on morphology and ionic conductive properties of the samples. For this new gel polymer electrolyte, an ionic conductivity of above 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature could be reached, and this electrolyte system was a single-ionic kind gel polymer electrolyte with the transport number of the sodium ion exceed 0.99 (t₊>0.99).     

Effects of film thickness on density and gas permeation parameters of glassy polymers

Dense films of poly(vinyltrimethyl silane) (PVTMS) and poly(trimethylsilyl norbornene) (PTMSNB) having different thicknesses in the range l = 5–150 μm were cast from hydrocarbon solutions. It was shown that a density is inversely proportional to the film thickness. The following equation holds for the density ?: 1/? = 1/?⁰ − b/l. Permeability and diffusion coefficients were determined using the time lag method in respect to different gases. For all the gases, diffusion coefficients decrease when film thickness decreases and film density increases. A correlation of diffusion coefficients with fractional free volume were demonstrated. On the other hand, permeability coefficients are nearly independent of the thickness and density. Possible mechanisms of this behavior are discussed.     

The development of conductive composite surfaces by a diffusion-limited in situ polymerization of pyrrole in sulfonated polystyrene ionomers

Electrically conductive composite surfaces were prepared by a diffusion-controlled in situ polymerization of pyrrole in the surface layer of sulfonated polystyrene ionomer films. Premolded films of the ionomer sulfonic acid derivatives were sequentially immersed in aqueous solutions of pyrrole and FeCl₃, and polymerization occurred only where both the monomer and the oxidant were present. The penetration of the polypyrrole (PPy) into the film was controlled by varying the immersion time in the monomer solution. The amount of PPy produced depended on the immersion time of the film in the monomer and the degree of sulfonation of the ionomer. Surface conductivities of 10⁻⁴-10⁻¹ S/cm were achieved with PPy concentrations from 2 to 22 wt % and composite layers as thin as 15 μm. Intermolecular interactions occurred between PPy and the ionomer by proton transfer. Incorporation of PPy also increased the tensile strength of the ionomer film, significantly increased its modulus above T_g, and inhibited melt flow. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Study of the immobilization of226Ra

A study of the immobilization for²²⁶Ra waste has been carried out. Cement-based concrete was used as a matrix for the solidification of radium waste. The experimental results show that the cement mixture with water/cement between 0.46–0.54 has higher strengh (above 20 MPa), and the compressive strength was not reduced by addition of 1% barite or the radium waste (RaSO₄) into the concrete solid.Sponsored by the National Nuclear Corporation of China.     

Vapor Phase Synthesis of SnS Facilitated by Ligand-Driven “Launch Vehicle” Effect in Tin Precursors

Extraordinary low-temperature vapor-phase synthesis of SnS thin films from single molecular precursors is attractive over conventional high-temperature solid-state methods. Molecular-level processing of functional materials is accompanied by several intrinsic advantages such as precise control over stoichiometry, phase selective synthesis, and uniform substrate coverage. We report here on the synthesis of a new heteroleptic molecular precursor containing (i) a thiolate ligand forming a direct Sn-S bond, and (ii) a chelating O^N^N-donor ligand introducing a “launch vehicle”-effect into the synthesized compound, thus remarkably increasing its volatility. The newly synthesized tin compound [Sn(SBu^t)(tfb-dmeda)] 1 was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis that verified the desired Sn:S ratio in the molecule, which was demonstrated in the direct conversion of the molecular complex into SnS thin films. The multi-nuclei (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹F, and ¹¹⁹Sn) and variable-temperature 1D and 2D NMR studies indicate retention of the overall solid-state structure of 1 in the solution and suggest the presence of a dynamic conformational equilibrium. The fragmentation behavior of 1 was analyzed by mass spectrometry and compared with those of homoleptic tin tertiary butyl thiolates [Sn(SBu^t)₂] and [Sn(SBu^t)₄]. The precursor 1 was then used to deposit SnS thin films on different substrates (FTO, Mo-coated soda-lime glass) by CVD and film growth rates at different temperatures (300–450 °C) and times (15–60 min), film thickness, crystalline quality, and surface morphology were investigated.     

Development and Characterization of Novel Composite Films Based on Soy Protein Isolate and Oilseed Flours

The possibility of using oilseed flours as a waste source for film-forming materials with a combination of soy protein isolate in preparation of edible films was evaluated. Physical, mechanical and barrier properties were determined as a function of the oilseed type: hemp, evening primrose, flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower. It was observed that the addition of oilseed flours increased the refraction and thus the opacity of the obtained films from 1.27 to 9.57 A mm⁻¹. Depending on the type of flours used, the edible films took on various colors. Lightness (L*) was lowest for the evening primrose film (L* = 34.91) and highest for the soy protein film (L* = 91.84). Parameter a* was lowest for the sunflower film (a* = −5.13) and highest for the flax film (a* = 13.62). Edible films made of pumpkin seed flour had the highest value of the b* color parameter (b* = 34.40), while films made of evening primrose flour had the lowest value (b* = 1.35). All analyzed films had relatively low mechanical resistance, with tensile strength from 0.60 to 3.09 MPa. Films made of flour containing the highest amount of protein, pumpkin and sesame, had the highest water vapor permeability, 2.41 and 2.70 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹, respectively. All the edible films obtained had high water swelling values from 131.10 to 362.16%, and the microstructure of the films changed after adding the flour, from homogeneous and smooth to rough. All blended soy protein isolate–oilseed flour films showed lower thermal stability which was better observed at the first and second stages of thermogravimetric analysis when degradation occurred at lower temperatures. The oilseed flours blended with soy protein isolate show the possibility of using them in the development of biodegradable films which can find practical application in the food industry.     

The crystal structure of Ba2V2O7

Ba₂V₂O₇ is triclinic with a = 13.571(3), b = 7.320(2), c = 7.306(2) Å, α = 90.09(1), β = 99.48(1), β = 99.48(1), γ = 87.32(1)°, V = 7.15.1 ų, Z = 4, and space group $\text{P}\text{1}$. The crystal structure was solved by Patterson and Fourier methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares analysis to a R_w of 0.034 (R = 0.034) using 2484 reflections measured on a Syntex $\text{P}\text{1}$ automatic four-circle diffractometer. The structure has two unique divanadate groups that are repeated by the b and c lattice translations to form sheets of divanadate groups parallel to (100). These sheets are linked by four unique Ba atoms that lie between these sheets. Ba(1) and Ba(3) are coordinated by eight oxygens arranged in a distorted biaugmented triangular prism and a distorted cubic antiprism, respectively. Ba(2) is coordinated by 10 oxygens arranged in a distorted gyroelongated square dipyramid and Ba(4) is coordinated by nine oxygens arranged in a distorted triaugmented triangular prism. These coordination numbers are substantiated by a bond strength analysis of the structure, and the variation in 〈BaO〉 distances is compatible with the assigned cation and anion coordination numbers. Both divanadate groups are in the eclipsed configuraton with 〈VO(br)〉 bond lengths of 1.821(4) and 1.824(4) Å and VO(br)V angles of 125.6(3) and 123.7(3)°, respectively. Examination of the divanadate groups in a series of structures allows certain generalizations to be made. Longer 〈VO(br)〉 bond lengths are generally associated with smaller VO(br)V angles. When VO(br)V < 140°, the divanadate group is generally in an eclipsed configuration; when VO(br)V > 140°, the divanadate group is generally in a staggered configuration. Nontetrahedral cations with large coordination numbers require more oxygens with which to bond, and hence O(br) is more likely to be three coordinate, with the divanadate group in the eclipsed configuration. In the eclipsed configuration, decrease in VO(br)V promotes bonding between O(br) and nontetrahedral cations, and hence smaller nontetrahedral cations are generally associated with smaller VO(br)V angles.     

Plasma Polymerization on Metals

An ellipsometric technique is described for accurately measuring the film thickness of plasma-polymerized polymers on metallic substrates. The index of refraction n and absorption index Kof the plasma polymer film can also be studied by ellipsometry. Films of plasma polystyrene and polyepichlorohydrin were deposited on evaporated aluminum substrates and their thickness and optical constants determined. Plasma polystyrene films from 20 to 1600 Å thick have optical constants n = 1.63 and K =0 independent of film thickness. Plasma polyepichlorohydrin films over the same range of thickness give n ? 1.70 and K? 0.01. By utilizing the ellipsometric method the effect of plasma polymer film thickness on surface energy properties was determined. Advancing contact angle measurements and surface energy analysis detail the polar γSV^P dispersion γSV^Pcontributions to the solid-vapor surface tension γSV = γSV^d + γSV^P Polystyrene and polyepichlorohydrin films on etched aluminum. For thin plasma polystyrene films (600 Å), anomalies in the calculated surface energy are discussed and related to possible surface nonuniformity caused by film growth. Thicker films of plasma polystyrene are shown to have normal surface energy properties as does plasma poly-epichlorohydrin over the entire range of film thickness measured. The adhesive and cohesive properties of plasma polystyrene and polyepichlorohydrin films are discussed as estimated from a lap-shear bond strength study. Etched aluminum coated with various thicknesses of these two polymers and bonded with an epoxy-phenolic adhesive shows a decreasing shear strength with increasing plasma film thickness but begins to level off at ～1600 psi for films >1600 Å thick.