Free-Standing Porous and Nonporous Polyethylene Thin Films Using Spin Coating: An Alternate to the Extrusion-Stretching Process

Spin coating is widely used in the preparation of thin films as it yields reproducible results with uniform surface and controlled thickness. However, free-standing thin films of polyolefins have never been produced using spin coating as the coated films do not have sufficient strength to maintain their integrity without a supporting layer or substrate. Herein, we report free-standing thin films of polyolefins such as polyethylene with varying thickness ranging from 5 to 20 mu m. In one such combination, 30% porosity, 5 MPa tensile strength, and 7 mu m thickness were achieved. These films can be used as hydrophobic coating, filtration membranes, and oil-sorbents.

Automated summary

Spin coating is commonly used to prepare thin films with uniformity and controlled thickness. However, it has not been successful in producing free-standing thin films of polyolefins due to their insufficient strength. In this study, we have achieved free-standing thin films of polyolefins, such as polyethylene, with varying thickness. These films can be used for hydrophobic coating, filtration membranes, and oil-sorbents.