Nanofiber Composite Films Research Articles

Highly Thermally Conductive Aramid Nanofiber Composite Films with Synchronous Visible/Infrared Camouflages and Information Encryption

AbstractThe development of highly thermally conductive composites that combine visible light/infrared camouflage and information encryption has been endowed with great significance in facilitating the application of 5G communication technology in military fields. This work uses aramid nanofibers (ANF) as the matrix, hetero‐structured silver nanowires@boron nitride nanosheets (AgNWs@BNNS) prepared by in situ growth as fillers, which are combined to fabricate sandwich structured thermally conductive and electrically insulating (BNNS/ANF)‐(AgNWs@BNNS)‐(BNNS/ANF) (denoted as BAB) composite films by “filtration self‐assembly, air spraying, and hot‐pressing” method. When the mass ratio of AgNWs@BNNS to BNNS is 1 : 1 and the total mass fraction is 50 wt %, BAB composite film has the maximum in‐plane thermal conductivity coefficient (λ∥ of 10.36 W/(m ⋅ K)), excellent electrical insulation (breakdown strength and volume resistivity of 41.5 kV/mm and 1.21×1015 Ω ⋅ cm, respectively) and mechanical properties (tensile strength of 170.9 MPa). 50 wt % BAB composite film could efficiently reduce the equilibrium temperature of the central processing unit (CPU) working at full power, resulting in 7.0 °C lower than that of the CPU solely integrated with ANF directly. In addition, BAB composite film boasts adaptive visible light/infrared dual camouflage properties on cement roads and jungle environments, as well as the function of fast encryption of QR code information within 24 seconds.

Highly Thermally Conductive Aramid Nanofiber Composite Films with Synchronous Visible/Infrared Camouflages and Information Encryption.

The development of highly thermally conductive composites that combine visible light/infrared camouflage and information encryption has been endowed with great significance in facilitating the application of 5G communication technology in military fields. This work uses aramid nanofibers (ANF) as the matrix, hetero-structured silver nanowires@boron nitride nanosheets (AgNWs@BNNS) prepared by in situ growth as fillers, which are combined to fabricate sandwich structured thermally conductive and electrically insulating (BNNS/ANF)-(AgNWs@BNNS)-(BNNS/ANF) (denoted as BAB) composite films by "filtration self-assembly, air spraying, and hot-pressing" method. When the mass ratio of AgNWs@BNNS to BNNS is 1 : 1 and the total mass fraction is 50 wt %, BAB composite film has the maximum in-plane thermal conductivity coefficient (λ∥ of 10.36 W/(m ⋅ K)), excellent electrical insulation (breakdown strength and volume resistivity of 41.5 kV/mm and 1.21×1015 Ω ⋅ cm, respectively) and mechanical properties (tensile strength of 170.9 MPa). 50 wt % BAB composite film could efficiently reduce the equilibrium temperature of the central processing unit (CPU) working at full power, resulting in 7.0 °C lower than that of the CPU solely integrated with ANF directly. In addition, BAB composite film boasts adaptive visible light/infrared dual camouflage properties on cement roads and jungle environments, as well as the function of fast encryption of QR code information within 24 seconds.

Durable and sustainable CoFe2O4@MXene-silver nanowires/cellulose nanofibers composite films with controllable electric–magnetic gradient towards high-efficiency electromagnetic interference shielding and Joule heating capacity

Exploring electromagnetic waves (EMW) absorption-dominated high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with robust mechanical properties and remarkable Joule heating capability is highly desired but remains a daunting challenge for the development of modern electronic equipment. Herein, durable and multifunctional cellulose nanofiber-based composite films with elaborate electric–magnetic dual gradient structure were successfully fabricated through highly controllable vacuum-assisted filtration technology. The electric–magnetic dual gradient network consists of CoFe2O4@MXene hybrids with electric–magnetic cooperative loss concentrated on the top region as impedance matching layer and silver nanowires (AgNWs) with high conductivity placed on the bottom as high-efficiency shielding layer. Benefiting from the construction of dual gradient network with rational arrangement of the impedance matching layer and conductive shielding layer, the synergy of electric–magnetic loss, polarization loss induced by the numerous heterointerfaces and “absorption-reflection-reabsorption” shielding mechanism, the resultant composite films simultaneously reveal ultraefficient EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) and low EMW reflectivity. The prepared composite films (0.1 mm in thickness) achieve an extraordinary EMI SE of 84.3 dB and a satisfactory reflection coefficient of 0.42, realizing EMW absorption-dominated shielding feature. Moreover, the mechanical properties and Joule heating capacity of the prepared composite films are outstanding, which mainly benefits from the construction of hierarchically layered structure. This work paves a novel route for designing and fabricating absorption-dominated high-performance EMI shielding composite films with durable mechanical performance and outstanding Joule heating capability, which are potentially suitable for new-generation advanced electronics.

MnOx/Ti3C2Tx MXene/Carbon Nanofibers composite fiber film electrode with good flexibility derived by combining electrospinning technique with carbonization treatment

The restack of MXene nanosheets greatly affects its electrochemical performance and application, while electrospinning technique can spin two-dimensional MXene nanosheets into one-dimensional nanofibers, which can prevent the self-stacking of MXene nanosheets. Herein, MnOx/Ti3C2Tx MXene/CNFs (carbon nanofibers) composite fiber films with good flexibility were prepared by combining an electrospinning technique and a carbonization treatment, in which the pseudo capacitive material MnO2 mixed with carbon nanotube (CNT) was introduced into Ti3C2Tx MXene. The synergistic effect of MnOx, Ti3C2Tx MXene and CNFs improves the capacitance and flexibility of the composite fiber film, and the specific capacitance of the MnOx/Ti3C2Tx MXene/CNFs fiber film electrode delivers 211.57 F·g−1 at a scanning rate of 2 mV·s−1. After 3000 cycles at a current density of 5 A·g−1, it can still maintain 95% of the initial capacitance. The results indicate that the MnOx/Ti3C2Tx MXene/CNFs composite fiber films have great potential for flexible supercapacitors.

Simple and efficient synthesis of flexible boron nitride nanosheets/aramid nanofiber composite films with high thermal conductivity and strength

The development of integrated and miniaturized smart electronic devices is accompanied by an increase in the demand for high-strength flexible thermally conductive materials. Existing thermally conductive materials have limitations such as high cost, poor strength, and low efficiency; therefore, there is a demand for preparing flexible and insulating high-strength thermally conductive materials in a convenient and environment-friendly manner. In this study, a bottom-up synthesis of para-aramid nanofibers (ANF) was conducted, and ultra-thin large-scale boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) were exfoliated by combining lithium-ion intercalation and ball milling. Finally, a composite membrane with a high thermal conductivity and pearl-layered structure was prepared by vacuum-assisted filtration. The BNNS/ANF-30 composite film had excellent mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of up to 40.3 MPa and a thermal conductivity of up to 5.5 W/mK, which are 340 % higher than those of the ANF film. Using the composite film as a substrate can achieve faster heat dissipation, effectively reducing the working temperature of light-emitting diode lights, and has great prospects for applications of thermally conductive materials.

An Evaluation of the Wear Resistance of Electroplated Nickel Coatings Composited with 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers.

In this study, the wear resistance of nickel (Ni)-cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite electroplated films on steel plates (JIS SPCC, cold-rolled steel) was evaluated, including their surface and microstructural properties. In the CNF sample, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized CNF was used. As a result of the ball-on-disk abrasion test, in which steel (SUJ2) balls were used as the counterpart material, the plated film obtained with the addition of 1 g/L of CNF to the plating solution showed the highest wear resistance in this study. Compared to the conventional Ni-plated film without CNF, the abrasion loss volume on the plated side was reduced by approximately 79%, and that on the ball side was reduced remarkably by 94%. A microstructural analysis of the abrasion scars showed areas where co-deposited CNFs were stretched in the direction of abrasion, suggesting that the wear reduction effect was caused by sliding between the individual CNFs within the aggregates. Moreover, the hardness of the plated film increased when the Ni crystallite size became finer. It was confirmed that the co-deposition of fine CNFs is effective in improving hardness, whereas the co-deposition of a certain degree of aggregated CNFs is effective in exhibiting the wear reduction effect.

High-performance carbon nanofiber conductive films induced by titanium carbide

Our study revolutionizes electrothermal film fabrication, pioneering the synthesis of titanium carbide (TiC)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composites via electrospinning, providing a nuanced understanding of chemical structure transformations.

Thermoconductive Graphene Fluoride Cross-Linked Aramid Nanofiber Composite Films with Enhanced Mechanical Flexibility and Flammable Retardancy for Thermal Management in Wearable Electronics

Thermoconductive Graphene Fluoride Cross-Linked Aramid Nanofiber Composite Films with Enhanced Mechanical Flexibility and Flammable Retardancy for Thermal Management in Wearable Electronics

Biopolymer-Mushroom Nanofiber Composite Xerogel Film: Bio-Base-Mediated Green, Chemically Resistant, Edible, and Printable Films

Biopolymer-Mushroom Nanofiber Composite Xerogel Film: Bio-Base-Mediated Green, Chemically Resistant, Edible, and Printable Films

Preparation and characterization of zein/gelatin electrospun film loaded with ε-polylysine and gallic acid as tuna packaging system.

Composite nanofiber films loaded with ε-polylysine (PL) and gallic acid (GA) were prepared using a zein/gelatin (ZG) electrospinning method to develop effective active packaging films for tuna preservation. The morphology, structure, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the films, and their application for tuna during a period of storage of 4 °C were investigated. PL reduced the average diameter of ZG fibers, whereas GA increased it. The PL/GA/ZG film possessed a well distributed fiber morphology with an average diameter of 810 ± 150 nm. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction results showed the physical loading of PL and GA in ZG film with the main chemical bonds and crystal structure unchanged. The addition of both PL and GA reduced hydrophobicity of the ZG film while the PL/GA/ZG film was still hydrophobic. GA enhanced its thermal stability and contributed to its antioxidant activity. PLand GA synergetically enhanced the antibacterial activity of ZG film against Shewanella putrefaciens. PL combined with GA is more suitable for modifying ZG film than GA alone. The PL/GA/ZG film effectively inhibited total viable counts, total volatile base nitrogen, fat oxidation, and texture deterioration of tuna fillets at 4 °C storage, and could extend the shelf life by 3 days. The PL/GA/ZG nanofiber film demonstrated promising potential for application in the preservation of aquatic products as a new antibacterial and antioxidant food packaging. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Silicon-Carbon nanofiber composite film for supercapacitor applications

A free-standing silicon-carbon nanofiber composite film was synthesized, and the film was investigated for supercapacitor applications. High specific capacitance of 206F/g in the three-electrode system and 242F/g in the two-electrode system at the current density of 1 A/g with energy density of 21.6 Wh kg−1 and the corresponding power density of 401 W kg−1 are obtained. Specific capacitance retention of 94.6 % and Coulombic efficiency of 87.8 % are also demonstrated after 5,000 cycles. The combination of carbon nanofiber as a support and silicon as an active material finally provide excellent supercapacitor performance.

Construction of cellulose acetate-based composite nanofiber films with effective antibacterial and filtration properties

In recent years, the safety of public health has attracted more and more attention. In order to avoid the spread of bacteria and reduce the diseases caused by their invasion of the human body, novel filtration and antibacterial materials have attracted more and more attention. In this work, the antibacterial agents silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and cetylpyridine bromide (CPB) were introduced into a cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber film by electrospinning technology to prepare CA-based composite films with good antibacterial and filtration properties. The results of the antibacterial test of the composite nanofiber films showed that AgNPs and CPB had synergistic antibacterial effects and exhibited good antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity, skin irritation and skin sensitization experiments proved that the CA/AgNPs, CA/CPB and CA/CPB/AgNPs films produced no skin irritation or sensitization in the short term. These are expected to become potential materials for the preparation of new antibacterial masks. This work provides a new idea for developing materials with good antibacterial properties for enhancing protection via filtration masks.

High-output triboelectric nanogenerator based on L-cystine/nylon composite nanofiber for human bio-mechanical energy harvesting

Thanks to the characteristics of lightweight and high-efficiency in low-frequency, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is considered a highly promising technology to effectively harvest human mechanical energy. However, the low output of wearable TENG significantly limits its application in self-powered wearable electronic systems. Herein, we propose a high-output multilayer-structured triboelectric nanogenerator (HM-TENG) fabricated by nylon/L-cystine composite nanofiber film (NCNF), which can efficiently harvest various human bio-mechanical energy. Based on the excellent positive triboelectric performance of L-cystine and the corresponding preparation process research, the fabricated TENG by NCNF with 8 w% L-cystine achieves several times the output performance of TENG with pure nylon nanofiber. Besides, the fabricated HM-TENG obtain a high power density of 11.52 W/m2, which is 5–500 folds higher than previous related research work. Importantly, relied on the designed power management circuit and the installation of a foot mounted HM-TENG, various self-powered wearable electronic devices constructed by harvesting human bio-mechanical energy have been successfully demonstrated. Our research not only provides a novel method for developing high-output TENG but also offers a important solution for the design of self-powered electronic devices.

Self-assembled electrospun PVA/CMC/PEO composite fiber film material with enhanced dye adsorption performance for wastewater treatment

As society rapidly progresses, environmental issues, including water pollution and ecosystem degradation are steadily worsening. In this work, a novel functional nanofiber composite film based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were prepared by using electrospinning technique. The incorporation of PEO facilitated a more concentrated nanofiber diameter distribution. The prepared composite films were further modified with glutaraldehyde vapor to enhance their hydrophobicity and improve pore-making capabilities on the fiber surface. The nanocomposite fiber film, with its simple preparation process, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness, exhibits a promising prospect in addressing environmental challenges. Notably, the designed nanofiber films demonstrated remarkable efficiency in dye adsorption, owing to the high specific surface area of the fibers and the selective binding of active groups on the fiber surface to the dyes. Moreover, they showed good reusability, which is of great significance for adsorbents. Therefore, the obtained composite films from environmentally friendly preparation process has great application potential in wastewater treatment and dye removal.

Synthesis and Study of a Metal-Organic Framework-based Sulfite Fluorescence Sensor Modified with Urushiol.

Sulfites can pollute the environment and pose a great risk to human health in daily life, so there is an urgent need to develop efficient and lightweight sulfite detection materials. In this study, metal-organic framework-5-NH2/urushiol/PVP nanofiber composite films were prepared by an electrospinning technique for the fluorescence detection of sulfites. The results showed that the composite film could resist sulfuric acid corrosion at a concentration of 80% and inactivate Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 99%, and its maximum tensile strength was increased from the initial 2.753 to 4.145 N. The composite film was sensitive and specific for the fluorescence detection of sulfite.

Preparation and characterization of wheat gluten nanofiber films based on electrospinning and Maillard crosslinking

In the present study, composite nanofiber films were fabricated using a combination of electrospinning and Maillard crosslinking. The nanofiber films were comprised of polyvinyl alcohol/wheat gluten/glucose (PVA/WG/G) in various ratios. The determination of the optimal mass ratio of the nanofiber film components (PVA/WG = 1/4) and the proportion of glucose (20 g/hg, PWG144) was based on the physicochemical properties of the spinning solution and the analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the nanofiber films before and after crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) not only showed the presence of hydrogen bond interaction between WG and PVA, but also confirmed the occurrence of Maillard crosslinking. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the crystal structure of the PWG144+ nanofiber films changed after Maillard crosslinking. Maillard crosslinking increased the thermal decomposition temperature and hydrophobicity of the PWG144+ nanofiber film, as well as improved its water stability and mechanical properties. This study suggests that the PWG144+ nanofiber film had the potential to be used as active food packaging after Maillard crosslinking reaction.

Electrospun superparamagnetic fibrous composite nanofiber films for enhanced oil spill recovery: Effect of capping and magnetic nanoparticle loading on oil sorption efficiency

Electrospun superparamagnetic fibrous composite nanofiber films for enhanced oil spill recovery: Effect of capping and magnetic nanoparticle loading on oil sorption efficiency

Preparation and Characterization of Ferulic Acid Wheat Gluten Nanofiber Films with Excellent Antimicrobial Properties.

In this study, composite nanofiber films comprising polyvinyl alcohol, wheat gluten, and glucose (PWG) were fabricated using electrospinning, followed by crosslinking via Maillard crosslinking. Various mass concentrations of ferulic acid (FA) were incorporated into PWG films. The results indicated that the average diameter of the FA-PWG films decreased from 449 nm to 331 nm as the concentration of FA increased, until reaching a concentration of 12%; after which, a significant increase in diameter was observed. The subsequent Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results suggested that FA was distributed in the sample films in an amorphous form through hydrogen and ester bonds. Additionally, release experiments and antimicrobial tests on the FA-PWG sample films showed the good controlled release of FA and excellent anti-Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus activity of this film. These findings all indicate that the FA-PWG nanofiber film is a potential candidate for active food packaging.

Characterization, biocompatibility, and optimization of electrospun SF/PCL composite nanofiber films

Abstract In this study, composite nanofiber films for the wound dressing application were prepared with silk fibroin (SF) and polycaprolactone (PCL) by electrospinning techniques, and the SF/PCL composite nanofiber films were characterized by the combined techniques of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the equilibrium water content, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer test, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and cell viability test. The results indicated several parameters, including the rotating roller speed, solution concentration, and SF/PCL ratio, affected SF/PCL composite nanofibers’ diameter size, distribution, and wettability. The SF/PCL composite nanofiber manifested a smaller fiber diameter and more uniform nanofibers than pure PCL nanofibers. The contact angle changed from 121 ± 2° of the neat pure PCL to full wetting of 40% SF/PCL composite nanofiber films at 2,000 rpm, indicating good hydrophilicity. Meanwhile, cells exhibit adhesion and proliferation on the composite nanofiber films. These results testified that SF/PCL composite nanofiber films may provide good wettability for cell adhesion and proliferation. It was suggested that optimized SF/PCL composite nanofiber films could be used as a potential biological dressing for skin wound healing.

Ultralight and flexible electrospun PMIA/AgNW/Ni composite membrane with thermostability and excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness

In order to deal with the more complex electromagnetic radiation environment, there is highly desirable to manufacture a high-performance electromagnetic shielding material with excellent electromagnetic shielding efficiency, flexibility, thermal properties, fatigue resistance, and other qualities. In this paper, we fabricated an ultralight, flexible, and heat-resistant poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide (PMIA)/Ag nanowires(AgNWs)/Ni composite nanofiber film via electrospinning, spray coating, and electroless plating. Compared with different AgNWs spraying contents, the highest electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, about 96 dB with a thickness of ∼150 µm, is generated by spraying 33.333 mg/cm2 AgNWs suspension. Additionally, because of the benefit of the PMIA, this PMIA/AgNW/Ni composite membrane maintains a constant EMI SE value (over 90 dB) after a high-temperature process under 200 °C, which only decreases by 3.33 %. The excellent performance of the material is due to its large porosity and sandwich structure, which can dissipate electromagnetic waves within the material, with only a very small portion of the electromagnetic waves passing through it. Therefore, this material has a potential application for use in diverse harsh settings.