Synthesis and characterization of novel ultrathin polyimide fibers via sol–gel process and electrospinning

Abstract

AbstractUltrathin polyimide fibers were prepared using the organoalkoxysilanes (3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)succinic anhydride (TESP‐SA) and (3‐amino)propyl triethoxysilane (APTES). In the first step, a viscous solution of the corresponding poly(amic) acid (PAA) was produced and electrospun at various high voltages. The fiber diameter distributions of the as‐prepared fibers were measured. The thermal imidization at 220°C resulted in the formation of an organic–inorganic hybrid polyimide fiber assembly as shown by FTIR/ATR. Surface morphology was investigated by means of SEM images. TGA measurements made evident that the prepared fibers begin to decompose at 380°C. XRPD pattern of the fibers revealed that a certain ladder‐like order exists in the fibers. The water vapor absorption of the thermally (220°C) treated ultrathin polyimide fibers was evaluated. The fiber assemblies treated at 110°C were water soluble, whereas those treated at 220°C were insoluble in water and organic solvents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013