Preparation and characterization of electrospun cellulose nanocrystals-reinforced trans-1,4-polyisoprene nanocomposite elastomeric fiber membranes

Abstract

To overcome the limitations of low strength of conventional electrostatic spinning trans-1,4-polyisoprene (TPI) fiber membranes, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were added into the TPI spinning solution as a backbone material, and CNC/TPI nanocomposite elastomeric fiber membranes were prepared using electrostatic spinning. This study examined the effect of CNC content on the morphology, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity of the electrostatically spun CNC/TPI nanocomposite elastomeric fiber membranes. The prepared CNC/TPI nanocomposite elastomeric fiber membranes were characterized using 3D measurement laser microscopy, tensile testing, Fourier-infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and water contact angle. With increase in CNC content, the tensile strength of the nanocomposite elastomeric fiber membrane increased from 1.79 MPa (without CNC) to 10.28 MPa (with 1 wt% CNC), the average diameter first decreased and then increased, the thermal stability and water vapor transmission rate decreased, and the water contact angle gradually increased. The maximum water contact angle was 124.27° and the minimum water vapor transmission rate was 851.41 g/m2·24 h. The proposed high-strength hydrophobic breathable fiber membrane preparation method can be used in various fields such as high-strength waterproof/breathable protective clothing and wearable electronic devices.