Waterborne electrospinning of fluorine-free stretchable nanofiber membranes with waterproof and breathable capabilities for protective textiles.

Smart membranes with robust liquid water resistance and water vapor transmission capabilities have attracted growing attentions in personal protective equipment and environmental protection. However, current fluorine-free waterproof and breathable nanofibrous membranes are usually prepared through toxic solvent-based electrospinning, which raises great concerns about their environmental impacts. We develop environmentally friendly fluorine-free polyurethane nanofibrous membranes with robust waterproof and breathable performances via waterborne electrospinning without post-coating treatment. The incorporation of the low surface energy long-chain alkyls and polycarbodiimide crosslinker imparts the interconnective porous channels with high hydrophobicity to waterborne fluorine-free polyurethane nanofibrous membranes. The waterborne fluorine-free nanofibrous membranes show high water contact angle of 137.1°, robust hydrostatic pressure of 35.9 kPa, desirable water vapor transmission rate of 4885 g m-2 d-1, excellent air permeability of 19.9 mm s-1, good tensile elongation of 372.4%, and remarkable elasticity of 56.9%, thus offering strong potential for protective textiles and leaving no toxic solvent residues. This work could also serve as a guide for the design of green and high-performance fibrous materials used for medical hygiene, wearable electronics, water desalination, and oil/water separation. Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Wen Zhou, Xiaobao Gong, Yang Li, Yang Si, Shichao Zhang, Jianyong Yu, Bin Ding. Waterborne electrospinning of fluorine-free stretchable nanofiber membranes with waterproof and breathable capabilities for protective textiles. Journal of colloid and interface science. 2021 Nov 15;602:105-114

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PMID: 34118600

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