Thermoplastic Elastomers and Their Physical Gels Electrospun into Tunable Microfibrous Nonwoven Mats: Structure Formation and Property Enhancement

Shamsi, Mohammad; Wells, Kacie M.; Yan, Jiaqi; Dickey, Michael D.; Spontak, Richard J.

doi:10.1002/adfm.202314013

Thermoplastic Elastomers and Their Physical Gels Electrospun into Tunable Microfibrous Nonwoven Mats: Structure Formation and Property Enhancement

Journal Article · Fri Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Advanced Functional Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202314013· OSTI ID:2447196

Shamsi, Mohammad ^[1]; Wells, Kacie M. ^[2]; Yan, Jiaqi ^[1]; Dickey, Michael D. ^[1]; ^[3]

Department of Chemical &, Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
Fiber &, Polymer Science Program North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
Department of Chemical &, Biomolecular Engineering North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA, Department of Materials Science &, Engineering North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA

Abstract

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on styrenic block copolymers constitute excellent examples of self‐networking macromolecules that are employed in a wide range of contemporary technologies as molded parts. In such applications, these TPEs exist as dense (nonporous) films or other shapes. Here, it is first demonstrated that a series of commercial TPEs possessing comparable compositions can be electrospun from solution to form microfibers that are arranged into nonwoven mats that are breathable. An important consideration for microfiber formation is the copolymer molecular weight, which regulates i) the viscosity of the parent solution prior to electrospinning, ii) the ability of these copolymers to self‐assemble during electrospinning, iii) the microfiber morphology, and iv) the mechanical properties of the resultant microfibers. The addition of a midblock‐selective aliphatic oil to these TPEs yields thermoplastic elastomer gels (TPEGs), wherein the copolymer morphology and mechanical properties become highly composition‐tunable. Electrospinning TPEGs from a binary oil+solvent solution introduces a micelle inversion mechanism that begins with an oil‐rich micellar core and ends with a styrene‐rich micellar core, required for network stabilization, as the solvent dries during microfiber solidification. This work has implications for the production of controllably low‐modulus microfibrous materials possessing modestly improved toughness but exceptional extensibility and enhanced optical transparency.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: NONE; AC02-06CH11357

OSTI ID:: 2447196

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 2447198

Journal Information:: Advanced Functional Materials, Journal Name: Advanced Functional Materials Journal Issue: 42 Vol. 34; ISSN 1616-301X

Publisher:: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: Germany

Language:: English

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