1. Solution blowing of poly(dimethylsiloxane)/nylon 6 nanofiber mats for protective applications.
- Author
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Shi, Lei, Zhuang, Xu-pin, Cheng, Bo-wen, Tao, Xiao-xiao, and Kang, Wei-min
- Subjects
SOLUTION (Chemistry) ,POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE ,NYLON ,NANOFIBERS ,POLYMER blends ,MICROFABRICATION - Abstract
A new strategy was developed to fabricate superhydrophobic nylon 6 nanofibers, in which the blend solutions of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) prepolymer and nylon 6 was spun using an innovative solution blowing process, and then the PDMS prepolymer contianning nanofibers were cured to obtain PDMS/nylon 6 nanofiber mats. Morphology, surface composition, non-wetting property and protective performance were investigated. The results showed that the addition of PDMS prepolymer improved the spinnability of the spinning solutions, and the PDMS/nylon 6 nanofibers had smooth surfaces and diameters from 100 nm to 350 nm. The presence of PDMS effectively enhanced the hydrophobicity of the nanofiber mats, showing water contact angles of 132° to 161° for PDMS contents of 1 wt% to 3 wt%. The PDMS/nylon 6 mats also possessed excellent protective and transport properties. The results indicated the potential application of the novel nanofiber mats in protective clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014
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