Zinc Oxide-Polymer Composite via Sol-Gel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing composite materials, such as sintering, are not suitable for creating polymer matrix composites and require excessive surface modification agents when using zinc oxide-polymer particles as fluorescent markers, making them complex and inefficient for large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A composite material with a core-shell structure is developed using zinc oxide quantum dots embedded in a polymer matrix, where the shell has a two-layer structure of poly methyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol mono methyl ether, and a sol-gel method is used to create zinc oxide-polymer particles, allowing for simpler production and reduced need for surface modification agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sintering method is used to prepare composite material, then ceramic matrix composite can be obtained with excellent physical properties, but polymer matrix composite cannot be prepared, restricting application scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental processing parameters from high-temperature sintering to low-temperature sol-gel chemistry followed by drying. This parameter transformation enables the preparation of polymer matrix composites that would be damaged by sintering, while still achieving dense composite structures through controlled hydrolysis and condensation reactions of metal alkoxides in the polymer matrix.
2Illumination intensity
If zinc oxide-polymer particles with core-shell structure are used as fluorescent markers, then light-emitting properties are achieved, but excessive surface modification agents are required when multiple particles are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluorescent zinc oxide core with the polymer matrix in a single composite particle structure, eliminating the need for separate surface modification agents. The polymer matrix itself serves as the surface layer, providing both structural support and the necessary surface properties for fluorescent marker applications, thus reducing the quantity of additional modification agents required.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the surface layer for fluorescent markers, acts as a dispersant for multiple particles, and eliminates the need for separate surface modification agents. This multi-functionality reduces the overall quantity of substances required while maintaining light-emitting properties.
3Illumination intensity
If zinc oxide-polymer particles are used as fluorescent markers, then light-emitting function is achieved, but the preparation method becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates zinc oxide nanoparticles into the polymer matrix during the initial sol-gel processing stage, before the composite is fully formed. This preliminary incorporation simplifies the overall preparation process by eliminating subsequent complex surface modification steps, as the zinc oxide particles are already uniformly distributed and integrated within the polymer matrix structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material where zinc oxide nanoparticles are embedded within a polymer matrix through sol-gel processing. This composite structure inherently provides both the fluorescent properties of zinc oxide and the processability of polymer materials, simplifying preparation compared to separate processing and assembly of core-shell structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The new composite material is simpler to produce, reduces the requirement for surface modification agents, and enhances light-emitting properties, making it suitable for applications like fluorescent markers in the medical field with improved intensity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
adding lye to promote hydrolysis of zinc acetate, thereby forming zinc oxide nano-particles
Implementation Method 2
adding a trigger agent and polymer monomer into the above reaction system, initiating polymerization reaction, and forming copolymer shell on the surface of the zinc oxide nano-particles
Implementation Method 3
A zinc oxide quantum dot with a size of about 10 nanometers is distributed in the core of each of the zinc oxide-polymer particles
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material includes a body and a plurality of nano-scale probes. The body is made of a polymer. The plurality of nano-scale probes is embedded in the body. The nano-scale probes are substantially uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix. The nano-scale probes are nanowires, nano-particles or nanotubes.