Class of 2009 Abstract / OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the project was to identify two technologies from INAOE, Instituto Nacional de Astrofisica Optica y Electronica (INAOE) located in Puebla, Mexico, that were close to market and develop a feasibility study for those technologies in a 10 week time frame. METHODS: Open submission from INAOE researchers was allowed for two weeks. Following open submission a weighted criteria matrix was developed to identify the top eight technologies. Interviews were conducted with the top eight primary researchers and their laboratories over a one week period. Voting was conducted to determine the final two technologies. Research was conducted to analyze and identify the market, provide a business and financial model, and provide recommendations. RESULTS: Results are from the feasibility study of the silicon rich oxide UV sensor one of the two technologies selected. Market: Five markets were identified with combined annual production of approximately 3.5 million sensors per year and an annual expected growth rate of 9.1%. Average selling price of a commercially available UV sensor was approximately $35 per unit. Average selling price for the INOAE was estimated to be $18 per unit. Financial: A financial analysis for a start-up venture to sell and manufacture the sensor estimated gross sales in year 1 to be $2.7M, with a net profit $427K, and EBITDA $719K. The target market share of 2%, effective tax rate 40%, market risk premium 10%, discount rate (Wacc) 20.1%, and no debt was used. Start-up costs included a net investment of $279K. A licensing model $150K with 3% royalty fees from revenue was also considered. CONCLUSIONS: Research and information uncovered in the feasibility study supported a move to patent and license the UV sensor technology and move away from creating a new start-up. A thorough market analysis coupled with a conservative financial analysis allowed for the final decision. Five months from the start of the project, a licensing agreement was signed by INOAE and Impulsora Tack for a deal worth $500K, the first licensing agreement ever for the institute. Another first were patents for the technology, never before were any technologies patented by INOAE since its foundation in 1971. This project was made possible by a grant from the Brown Foundation.

This thesis deals with the construction of a photoelectrochemical cell, which is used for detection of ultraviolet radiation by means of generated photocurrent in dependence on the intensity of incident radiation. The cell construction is based on a carbon electrode system with a titanium dioxide sensory layer and a UV curable electrolyte. Printing techniques such as screen printing, inkjet printing and pad printing were used to deposit individual layers. Carbon electrodes with sensory layer were studied through profilometric analysis, optical microscopy, and four-point probes. The viscosity of the liquid formulation of uncured electrolyte was characterized by rheometric measurement. Photoelectrochemical properties of the prepared cell for use as a UV sensor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry.

The diploma thesis describes monitoring of photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide thin films and photocatalytic degradation of azo dyes, the degradation was also experimentally researched in thin film with polymer matrix. Suitable dye for construction of optical sensor for UV light was chosen from the rate of the azo dyes fading by UV and VIS light. The bleaching rate of the sensors was influenced by addition of another dye into the composition and also by concentration of photocatalyst, polymer and calibration agents. At the end of this thesis, the reciprocity test of prepared compositions was made.

Ces travaux de thèse se positionnent au cœur des problématiques du patrimoine et notamment de la conservation préventive des œuvres d'art. Pour apporter aux musées une solution à faible coût capable de répondre aux exigences fixées dans le cadre de la protection du patrimoine culturel, nous avons développé de nouveaux vitrages polymères permettant de protéger les œuvres sans en altérer leur perception par le public. Ces matériaux pourront, à terme, tenter de remplacer les vitrages de type poly(méthacrylate de méthyle) (PMMA), très largement utilisés, mais dont le principal inconvénient est sa grande sensibilité à la rayure et aux solvants de nettoyage.Ces matériaux ont été synthétisés en combinant, en différentes proportions, deux polymères, le PMMA et le polycarbonate de CR39® (PCR39®) dans une architecture de réseaux interpénétrés de polymères (RIP). Cette association a permis d'obtenir des nouveaux matériaux transparents (T%>95%) dont la résistance à la rayure et aux solvants est considérablement améliorée comparativement à celle du PMMA. Leurs vieillissements lors de leur exposition à la lumière (UV) artificielle ou naturelle ont été étudiés. Afin d'améliorer leurs propriétés d'anti-rayure, nous avons réticulé sélectivement la phase PMMA avec des nanoparticules de silice fonctionnalisées, ce qui conduit à la réalisation d'un nouveau RIP hybride. Enfin, dans l'optique d'obtenir un matériau intelligent, nous avons étudié la possibilité d'intégrer au sein même de ces vitrages, un capteur de rayonnements UV afin de pouvoir alerter de leur présence. Le PCR39® ayant les propriétés en adéquation avec le développement d'un tel capteur, nous avons ensuite cherché à augmenter la sensibilité du matériau. Pour cela, des composés fluorescents, organique, d'une part et inorganiques d'autre part (nanoparticules d'oxyde de gadolinium dopées soit au terbium soit à l'europium) ont été intégrés au sein des RIP. / This work position itself on a primary issue of heritage and more precisely on the preventive conservation of artworks. To provide a low cost solution to museums, capable of meeting the requirements set for the cultural heritage protection, we have developed new polymer glazing to protect works without altering their perception by the public. These materials will eventually be able to replace poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) glazing, which are widely used but have high sensitivity to scratching and cleaning solvents as mains drawbacks.These materials were synthesized by combining, with various proportions, two polymers, PMMA and polycarbonate of CR39® (PCR39®), into an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) architecture. This association generated new transparent materials (T% > 95%) of which resistance toward scratching and solvents is considerably improved compared to PMMA's one. Their ageing have been studied when exposed to artificial or natural light (UV). To improve their scratch resistance, we selectively crosslinked the PMMA phase with functionalized silica nanoparticles, leading to the formation of a new hybrid IPN. Finally, in order to obtain a smart material, we studied the possibility of integrating within these glazing, a UV sensor to warn of their presence. The PCR39® having properties consistent with the development of such a sensor, we tried to increase the sensitivity of the material. For that purpose, first an organic fluorescent compounds, and secondly an inorganic one (gadolinium oxide nanoparticles doped with terbium or europium) were incorporated in the IPN.

This paper deals with the construction of photoelectrochemical cell, used for detection of ultraviolet radiation as a UV sensor. Photoelectrochemical cell consists of three layers, layer of photoactive semiconductor titanium dioxide, carbon electrodes and poly(vinyl alcohol) polymer electrolyte. The sensor layer enables the detection of UV radiation with the subsequent generation of photocurrent. Material printing techniques, such as screenprinting, pad printing and inkjet printing were used to produce the cell. Gel electrolyte was characterized by optical microscopy and rheometry. Sensor functionality was verified by use of electroanalytical techniques.