Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Resistances of Nanoimprinted Antireflective Moth‐Eye Surfaces Based on Poly Vinylidene Fluoride/TiO2 Surface Nanocomposites. Issue 12 (23rd August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacobo-Martín, Alejandra; Hernández, Jaime J.; Pedraz, Patricia; Navarro-Baena, Iván; Monclús, Miguel A.; Molina-Aldareguia, Jon M.; Rodríguez, Isabel
• Is Part Of: Advanced engineering materials. Volume 23:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-08-23
• Subjects: antireflective -- bioinspired -- nanofabrication -- nanoimprint lithography -- polymer nanocomposites; Materials -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adem.202100603
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-1656

Abstract

Abstract : Herein, the fabrication of bioinspired moth‐eye antireflective (AR) films based on surface nanocomposites of poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and TiO2 nanoparticles produced in a single thermal nanoimprint lithography step is described. The incorporation of nanoparticles enhances the mechanical and thermal stability of the AR topography as demonstrated by nanoindentation tests and in situ temperature‐dependent grazing incidence X‐ray scattering measurements using synchrotron radiation. The effect of thermal annealing and UV radiation on the degradation in the optical performance and durability of the AR films is also evaluated in weathering tests. Improving the thermal and mechanical behavior as well as the long‐term durability of nanoimprinted polymer AR films will significantly expand their potential for implementation in solar devices. Abstract : Bioinspired moth‐eye antireflective (AR) surfaces are fabricated by nanoimprint lithography on poly vinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/TiO2 surface nanocomposites. Nanoindentation and grazing incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering (GISAXS) measurements confirm the improvement of mechanical and thermal resistances of the nanostructure upon nanoparticles addition. The chemical resistance of the PVDF matrix to the photocatalytic activity of the titania allows to produce long‐term durable AR films for potential implementation in solar devices.