ZnO: Polydiacetylene films as chromic sensors

J. L. Zunino, A. Patlolla, D. P. Schmidt, Z. Iqbal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Films of the conjugated polydiacetylenes (PDAs) can function as chromatic temperature, chemical and stress sensors, and can be prepared by spin-coating from monomer solutions followed by polymerization using UV-or γ-irradiation. PDAs thus have the potential for advanced applications as sensors Nanocomposite ZnO: PDA and ZnO/ZrO2: PDA thin films have been prepared and their structural properties have been characterized by a variety of techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, differential thermal calorimetry (DSC) and extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) measurements. We have conducted testing and calibration of the thermal and stress sensing properties of the composite films using optical density measurements. It was also observed that the fluorescent red phase transforms to a non-flourescent blue phase in the presence of trace amounts of chemical vapors. Results on the sensing of trace amounts of vapors of tri-nitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitrotoluene (DNT) by optical densitometry and fluorescence, and efforts to enhance the chemical sensitivity of TNT detection by addition of single wall carbon nanotubes to the polydiacetylene (PDA), will also be discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNanotechnology 2010
Subtitle of host publicationAdvanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - Technical Proceedings of the 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010
Pages850-853
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2010
EventNanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010 - Anaheim, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 21 2010Jun 24 2010

Publication series

NameNanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - Technical Proceedings of the 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010
Volume1

Other

OtherNanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites - 2010 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Expo, NSTI-Nanotech 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim, CA
Period6/21/106/24/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Surfaces and Interfaces

Keywords

  • Army
  • Chromic
  • Polydiacetylenes
  • Sensors
  • Thermal

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