Posted in | News | Nanomedicine | Nanomaterials

Nano-Scaled Crystal Linkers Join Un-Joinable Silicone and Teflon

Researchers at the Kiel University have developed a new technology that can join Teflon and silicone. Passive nano-scaled crystal linkers are employed as staples to join these two “un-joinable materials”.

The two polymer layers are stapled from the inside using nano crystals made of zink oxide. Conceptional drawing. Copyright: CAU, Image: Jan Strüben

Teflon, commonly used for frying pans, is a non-sticky material. Silicone is a synthetic material that demonstrates very low “stickiness” or adhesion. It is a low surface energy polymer. These two materials are considered to be un-joinable due to their properties.

Professor Rainer Adelung, the leader of the functional nano materials group at Kiel University’s Institute of Materials Science, stated that if the nano staples were able to stick Teflon to silicone, then they could also join other kinds of plastic materials. This technology does not require expensive material or equipment. The staples are shaped like tetrapods and are made of nano scaled zinc oxide crystals. Large tetrapods are used in coastal protection as they can interlock to form strong bonds.

The tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide crystals are sprinkled in an even manner onto a layer of Teflon that has been heated. Over this material, a layer of silicone is poured, and the combination is heated for around an hour to a temperature of 100°C. During the heating process, the nano tetrapods pierce, sink and get anchored into both the materials. When a tetrapod is attempted to be pulled out by one arm it will make the other arms to get anchored deeper.

This technology holds huge potential for medical applications where silicone has to be stuck on to other materials. Biocompatible materials are required for medical applications.

The research involved research groups in biomechanics, chemistry and material science. The study has been published in the journal Advanced Materials.

Will Soutter

Written by

Will Soutter

Will has a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Durham, and a M.Sc. in Green Chemistry from the University of York. Naturally, Will is our resident Chemistry expert but, a love of science and the internet makes Will the all-rounder of the team. In his spare time Will likes to play the drums, cook and brew cider.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Soutter, Will. (2019, February 12). Nano-Scaled Crystal Linkers Join Un-Joinable Silicone and Teflon. AZoNano. Retrieved on December 11, 2024 from https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25441.

  • MLA

    Soutter, Will. "Nano-Scaled Crystal Linkers Join Un-Joinable Silicone and Teflon". AZoNano. 11 December 2024. <https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25441>.

  • Chicago

    Soutter, Will. "Nano-Scaled Crystal Linkers Join Un-Joinable Silicone and Teflon". AZoNano. https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25441. (accessed December 11, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Soutter, Will. 2019. Nano-Scaled Crystal Linkers Join Un-Joinable Silicone and Teflon. AZoNano, viewed 11 December 2024, https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=25441.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.