This study explores the fabrication of SiO2 nanopatterned thin films using UV nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) to enhance electrical properties. Optimization of UV irradiation time was critical, with 7 min identified as the optimal duration, ensuring superior nanopattern replication, minimal defects, and improved residual charge characteristics. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed an increase in O1s peak intensity with extended UV exposure, indicating that UV irradiation promotes C-O bond formation, thereby enhancing the material's catalytic activity and electronic properties. Atomic force microscopy provided 2D and 3D imaging, confirming high-fidelity pattern replication, which was further supported by line profile analysis. Additionally, polarized optical microscopy demonstrated uniform liquid crystal alignment on the film, enabling precise light control. These results underscore the potential of SiO2 alignment films fabricated via UV-NIL with a 7-min UV exposure for future display technologies.

In this study, a zinc oxide (ZnO) film doped with silver (Ag) nanoparticles is introduced and utilized as an alignment layer for liquid crystal (LC) molecules. The film was fabricated using a brush-based solution coating process, with Ag doping concentrations controlled at 0, 10, and 20 wt%. The optical transmittance of the Agdoped ZnO films exceeded 82.9 %, demonstrating performance comparable to that of conventionally used indium-tin-oxide-coated glass, indicating their potential applicability in optoelectronic devices. Uniform LC alignment on the Ag-doped ZnO film was confirmed through polarized optical microscopy analysis, exhibiting excellent light controllability. The successful incorporation of Ag into the ZnO film was verified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses revealed an anisotropic amorphous surface structure, attributed to the unidirectional movement of the brush hairs during coating. Ag doping in the ZnO film enhanced the polar anchoring energy of the LC layer, which is crucial for image stability. This improvement also contributed to a reduction in image sticking effects and a lower residual direct current voltage. Overall, these results demonstrate the feasibility of employing Ag-doped ZnO films as functional components in electronic devices.

Uniform alignment of liquid crystals (LCs) on indium oxide/silver (InO/Ag) composite films is introduced in this work. The films were prepared by a solution-processing method via brush coating, and the Ag concentrations were adjusted to 0, 10, and 20 wt

This study presents the uniform alignment of liquid crystal (LC) molecules on silver (Ag)-doped nickel oxide (NiO) films. The films were fabricated using a solution brush coating process, with Ag doping concentrations of 0, 10, and 20 wt%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of the films, while atomic force microscopy revealed nano/microgroove anisotropic structures, attributed to brush hair movement during coating. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the films’ amorphous nature. Optical transmittance measurements demonstrated their suitability for electronic display applications. Polarized optical microscopy verified uniform LC molecular alignment and effective optical control. The fabricated LC cells exhibited increased LC polar anchoring energy, improving device stability. The polar anchoring energy increased by 1159.02% after Ag doping. Additionally, reduced residual charge was observed, suggesting minimized image sticking. These findings indicate that Ag-doped NiO films are a promising alternative for LC alignment layers in functional LC systems.

Ag-doped ZrO films were fabricated using a brush-based solution-coating process that integrated conventional film formation with alignment layer treatment in a single step. The films were doped with Ag at concentrations of 0, 10, and 20 wt%. Shear stress generated by brush-hair movements induced anisotropic micro- and nanogroove structures on the film surface, facilitating uniform liquid crystal (LC) alignment through geometric constraints. The LC alignment state was confirmed by polarized optical microscopy. The Ag-doped ZrO films exhibited a high polar anchoring energy of 1.82 x 10-3 J m- 2 and minimal hysteresis, indicating a weak image-sticking effect. Additionally, these films demonstrated an optical transmittance of 83.5 %, making them suitable for optoelectronic applications. Overall, Ag doping enhances the functionality of ZrO films as uniform LC alignment layers and broadens their potential for LC device applications.

Graphene oxide (GO)-doped indium gallium yttrium oxide (InGaYO) alignment layers formed by a brush-based solution-coating process are reported in this study. The doping concentrations were adjusted to 0, 5, and 15wt%. The alignment layers obtained thus showed anisotropic micro/nanogroove structures having induced by shear stress originating from the brush-hair movements. This structure enabled uniform and homogeneous liquid crystal (LC) alignment on the film surface with geometric constraints. The alignment state was verified by polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle analysis. The GO-doped InGaYO alignment layer demonstrated enhanced 1.92 × 10−4 Jm−2 polar anchoring energy of the LCs and reduced hysteresis property, which aid in lower image-sticking effects. The LC device operation was verified with 1.7V in a twisted-nematic LC system along with stable optical transmittance control. From these results, GO doping of the metal-oxide alignment layer shows the potential for functional LC device applications.

Advances in nanophotonics have created numerous pathways for light–matter interactions in nanometer scale, enriched by physical and chemical mechanisms. Over the avenue, electrically tunable photonic response is highly desired for optical encryption, optical switch, and structural color display. However, the perceived obstacle, which lies in the energy-efficient tuning mechanism and/or its weak light–matter interaction, is treated as a barrier. Here, we introduce electrochromic nanopixels made of hybrid nanowires integrated with polyaniline (PANI). The device shows optical duality between two resonators: (i) surface plasmon polariton (SPP)-induced waveguide (wavelength-selective absorber) and (ii) ultrathin resonator (broadband absorber). With switching effect of between resonant modes, we achieve enhanced chromatic variation spanning from red to green and blue while operating at a sub-1-volt level, ensuring compatibility with the CMOS voltage range. This modulation is achieved by improving the light–matter interaction, effectively harnessing the intrinsic optical property transition of PANI from lossy to dielectric in response to the redox states. In our experimental approach, we successfully scaled up device fabrication to an 8-inch wafer, tailoring the nanowire array to different dimensions for optical information encryption. Demonstrating distinct chromaticity modulation, we achieve optical encryption of multiple data bits, up to 8 bits per unit cell. By capitalizing on the remarkable sensitivity to the angular dependence of the waveguiding mode, we further enhance the information capacity to an impressive 10 bits per unit cell.

Aluminum–nickel oxide and graphene oxide hybrid films are investigated in this study. The films produced via solution processing were doped with GO at three concentrations: 0, 5, and 15 wt

Hybrid films containing bismuth magnesium oxide (BiMgO) and graphene oxide (GO) are investigated in this study. Solution-processed brush coating is used to fabricate the hybrid films, with the graphene oxide weight ratios adjusted to 0, 5, and 15%. The hybrid films show more stable and higher optical transmittances than the pure BiMgO film. A directional micro/nanogroove structure is observed on the hybrid film surface, which is derived from the shear stress during the brush-coating process; this anisotropic structure is used as a uniform liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer. Uniform and homogeneous LC alignment is then demonstrated via polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle analyses, along with perfect light-control performance. Enhanced LC polar anchoring energy and hysteresis-free characteristics are observed for the brush-coated hybrid film as the GO-doping concentration is increased. Based on this perspective, the BiMgO-based GO hybrid film achieved via brush coating has potential for applications in next-generation LC systems.

We investigated the alignment properties of liquid crystals (LC) on a brush-coated composite film made of graphene oxide and zinc oxide (GO-ZnO). The GO-ZnO composites were prepared using a sol-gel solution process, and the resulting solution was brush-coated onto indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. During the annealing process, an anisotropic roughened surface was created; however, the crystallinity analysis of GO-ZnO indicated that the brushed coating did not affect the crystalline structure significantly. The LC molecules exhibited stable alignment characteristics owing to the aligned surface roughness and hydrophilic properties of GO-ZnO, resulting in a homogeneously aligned structure. Residual DC measurements showed similar levels as the conventional rubbed polyimide cells, and a switching voltage of 1.7 V was observed. Brush coating is a cost-effective and simple deposition/alignment process, making it crucial in terms of cost-efficiency and process simplicity.

Herein, we propose a brush-coated zirconium-doped lanthanum oxide (ZrLaO) film as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer. The film-curing temperature was adjusted to 70, 150, and 230 degrees C. Polarized optical microscopy and pre-tilt angle analysis confirmed that there was uniform and homogeneous LC alignment on the 230 degrees C cured ZrLaO film. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the surface had a nano/microgroove structure, which was caused by the shear stress generated by the brush-coating process. This structure induced the uniform LC alignment. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified that the ZrLaO film was well-formed on a glass substrate. The ZrLaO film displayed hydrophilic characteristics, and its surface energy increased as the film-curing temperature increased. The ZrLaO alignment layer displayed suitable optical transmittance for LC device applications. The ZrLaO layer-based twisted-nematic LC cell exhibited more stable switching properties and better threshold voltage characteristics than conventional polyimide layers. Therefore, we expect that this brush-coated ZrLaO layer will be a suitable LC alignment layer for LC device applications.

The brush coating method allows the advantage of being able to produce thin films simply and quickly. This study introduces a method for thin-film production by brushing a solution containing graphene doped in Al2O3 using the sol-gel method. Graphene oxide (GO) is suitable for semiconductors with bandgap values of about 1.7 eV at room temperature, and the characteristics of the thin films were analyzed according to the doping ratio. First, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements were obtained to analyze the chemical composition of the thin-film surface. Since graphene is a carbon isomer, the characteristic of oxygen vacancies was confirmed by the increasing C—C bond intensity with increasing GO doping concentration. Thereafter, the surface roughness change was confirmed through atomic force microscopy, and the relationship between surface energy and capacitance was proved through residual dc and anchoring energy analyses. In addition, the electrical properties of the thin film were determined through response-time–transmittance measurements, and the validity of the results was supported through bandgap analysis. Finally, the degree of alignment of liquid-crystal molecules on the film surface was confirmed by polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle measurements, and the suitability of the thin film for display devices was shown via transmittance measurements.

This study investigates the impact of cement contents in cement bound material (CBM) on asphalt pavement reflection cracking, considering two levels: 4.5% (CBM1) and 5.4% (CBM2). Mechanical properties of CBMs, including elastic modulus, rupture modulus, and thermal expansion, were evaluated. Simultaneously, properties of asphalt pavement layers (wearing course and base course) underwent assessment through dynamic modulus, flow number, and overlay tests. Resilient modulus tests were conducted for subbase and subgrade layers. Laboratory test outcomes served as inputs for a AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design program. The results indicated that despite CBM2's higher elastic modulus and rupture modulus, CBM1 outperformed in pavement design. Based on the outcomes from pavement design program CBM1 exhibited lower total transverse cracking (400.19m/km) compared to CBM2 (403.38m/km) after 6 years of service. The higher cement content in CBM2 was identified as a potential contributor to increased cracking, attributed to shrinkage during cement hydration process. Moreover, the higher cement content showed a higher coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), where CBM1 displayed a CTE of 70µm/°C, while CBM2 material had a CTE of 40µm/°C. These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between cement content in CBM and pavement performance, crucial for effective design considerations.

Line pattern replication process through nanoimprint lithography (NIL) method has been used in numerous of research fields. NIL technology is not yet utilized for displays industry, and we propose an alignment layer of the sol-gel process using NIL. One-dimensionally nanopatterned by polydimethylsiloxane sheets cause surface changes in hybrid SnGaO thin films mixed in a 3:7 ratio, which aligns the liquid crystals (LCs) uniformly in the line pattern direction. These surface changes are confirmed through atomic force microscopy data analysis, and changes in surface shapes for different the curing temperatures in the furnace are analyzed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the chemical composition of the thin films changes according to curing temperatures, and the intensities of SnO and GaO increase exponentially at 200°C compared to those at 50 °C. Through this, the van der Waals force increases between surface molecules, in the anisotropic direction to help align the LCs. Furthermore, we performed polarized optical microscopy and pre-tilt angle analysis confirm that the LCs are energized uniformly. Finally, the performance of an actual display device transmittance and electro-optical properties; the transmittance of SnGaO is 4.51p% higher than that of the currently commercialized PI-rubbing, and the voltage-transmittance curve is a perfect graph.

Brush-coated graphene oxide (GO)-doped indium magnesium oxide (InMgO) films were produced in this study. The GO concentration was adjusted to 0, 5, and 15 wt%. The hybrid films were constructed using a one-step facile brush-coating process. The formed hybrid film had an oriented anisotropic morphology with a micro/nanogroove structure due to the shear stress induced by the brush hair movement. This anisotropic structure was used as a liquid crystal (LC) alignment layer. Polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle analysis revealed the presence of a uniform and homogeneous LC alignment on the hybrid film. The film exhibited excellent light control with the LCs, as well as stable and high optical transmittance in the visible region. The GO doping of InMgO increased its polar anchoring energy and decreased its hysteresis characteristics for LC electronic device applications. These results demonstrate the potential of doping metal oxide films with GO and brush coating them for use in next-generation LC devices.

In this study, a hybrid thin film was fabricated by doping graphene oxide in a bismuth tantalum oxide solution in the sol-gel state. The thin film was produced by a brush-coating process. The graphene oxide doping ratios used were 0, 5, and 15 wt %. In the process of producing the thin film, the prepared sol-gel solution generates contraction forces, owing to the shear stress from the bristles of the brush, forming a microgroove structure. This structure was confirmed through atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy analyses. As a result of line profile analysis in atomic force microscopy, the groove heights of the thin film surface at 0, 5, and 15 wt % doping were 110, 130, and 160 nm, respectively, and the width of all grooves was 1 mu m. The width of all thin films was approximately 1 mu m, and microgrooves were confirmed. Moreover, the hybrid thin-film formation was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. By comparing the electrical properties of the bismuth tantalum oxide thin film without graphene oxide doping and the thin film doped with 15 wt % graphene oxide, it was demonstrated that the electro-optical properties increased excellently with graphene oxide doping. Typically, the threshold voltage was reduced by approximately 0.26 V. Based on these observations, graphene oxide doped bismuth tantalum oxide hybrid thin films can be considered as promising candidates for thin-film applications in next-generation displays.

Hybrid films containing nickel oxide and graphene oxide are introduced in this work. The hybrid films are fabricated through a one-step brush-coating process, and the weight ratios of graphene oxide are controlled to 0, 5, and 15 %. The fabricated hybrid films show oriented nano/microgroove structures on their surfaces by directional shear stress, which originates from the brush hair movements during the solution-processed brushcoating process. The hybrid film formation is confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The films also demonstrate high optical transmittance with amorphous structures. The hybrid films are then used to form liquid crystal (LC) alignment layers, and uniform as well as homogeneous LC alignment is confirmed via polarized optical microscopy and pretilt angle analyses. Compared to the pure nickel-oxide film, the hybrid film with graphene oxide enhances LC alignment stability by increasing the polar anchoring energy of the surface LC molecules. From these observations, the hybrid film containing metal oxide and graphene oxide is expected to be a promising alternative for functional LC systems.

Liquid crystal (LC) orientation films are one of the key technologies in display devices. Currently, the commonly used polyimide rubbing method exposes problems such as micro-defects and static electricity. In this paper, a thin film was prepared from a mixture of UV-curable polymer and NiO solution using the UV-NIL method. At room temperature, all three temperatures showed good liquid crystal alignment properties. However, in terms of thermal stability, it was more thermally stable in the 1-min sample. This means that the formation of patterns has a significant impact on orientation properties, and the change in van der Waals force due to chemical changes also affects the orientation properties to some extent. In addition, excellent electro-optical properties were also confirmed.

In this study, we describe the characterization and applicability of the liquid crystal (LC) system of brush-coated indium strontium oxide (InSrO) film. To achieve this aim, the film curing temperature was adjusted and the surface morphology was examined using atomic force microscopy and corresponding line profile data. In particular, we revealed a nano/microgroove anisotropic surface structure on the film after curing at 230°C, which was derived from the shear stress generated during movement of the wet brush hairs and subsequent active thermal oxidation of InSrO. In addition, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of a well-formed InSrO film on the substrate. The film also exhibited hydrophilic properties at higher curing temperatures along with an amorphous structure. The InSrO film represented high optical transmittance to the LC system, and we confirmed the uniform and homogeneous LC alignment state using polarized optical microscopy and pre-tilt angle analyses. The oriented anisotropic film structure induced the alignment of LCs on the surface through geometric constraints. The InSrO film also exhibited advanced electro-optical performance with a fast response time and low operating voltage compared to the polyimide layer conventionally used in LC systems. From these results, we expect that brush-coated InSrO film will be a good alternative in advanced LC systems.

This paper describes the comparative results of measured and predicted values for the horizontal displacement of earth retaining wall based on two field cases, in order to evaluate the application of lateral earth pressure to earth retaining wall supported by earth anchor in Jeju. The prediction of lateral earth pressure acting on the earth retaining wall was performed by elasto-plastic analysis using Rankine earth pressure, Hong & Yun lateral earth pressure, Terzaghi & Peck modified lateral earth pressure, and Tschebotarioff lateral earth pressure. As a result, the predicted value of the maximum horizontal displacement for site A was about 10 to 12 times greater than the measured value, and in the case of site B, the predicted value was evaluated as about 9 to 12 times greater than the measured value. That is, both sites showed a similar increase rate in the maximum horizontal displacement by the predicted value compared to the measured value. In all field construction cases, the maximum horizontal displacement by measured values occurred in the sedimentary layer, soft rock layer, and clinker layer, and the horizontal displacement distribution was shown in a trapezoidal shape. The maximum horizontal displacement by the predicted value occurred around the clinker layer, and the horizontal displacement distribution was elliptical. In the ground with a clinker layer, the measured value showed a very different horizontal displacement tendency from the predicted value, because the clinker layer exists in the form of a rock layer and continuous layer. In other words, it is unreasonable to apply the existing prediction method, which is overestimated, because the characteristics of the earth pressure distribution in Jeju show a tendency to be quite different from the predicted earth pressure distribution. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a research on the lateral earth pressure in the realistic Jeju that can secure more economic efficiency.