Polycaprolactone Diol Research Articles

Toward Highly Matching the Dura Mater: A Polyurethane Integrating Biocompatible, Leak-Proof, and Self-Healing Properties.

The dura mater is the final barrier against cerebrospinal fluid leakage and plays a crucial role in protecting and supporting the brain and spinal cord. Head trauma, tumor resection and other traumas damage it, requiring artificial dura mater for repair. However, surgical tears are often unavoidable. To address these issues, the ideal artificial dura mater should have biocompatibility, anti-leakage, and self-healing properties. Herein, this work has used biocompatible polycaprolactone diol as the soft segment and introduced dynamic disulfide bonds into the hard segment, achieving a multifunctional polyurethane (LSPU-2), which integrated the above mentioned properties required in surgery.In particular, LSPU-2 matches the mechanical properties of the dura mater and the biocompatibility tests with neuronal cells demonstrate extremely low cytotoxicity and do not cause any negative skin lesions. In addition, the anti-leakage properties of the LSPU-2 are confirmed by the water permeability tester and the 900mm H2 O static pressure test with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Due to the disulfide bond exchange and molecular chain mobility, LSPU-2 could be completely self-healed within 115min at human body temperature. Thus, LSPU-2 comprises one of the most promising potential artificial dura materials, which is essential for the advancement of artificial dura mater and brain surgery.

Preparation of high‐performance polyurethane elastomers via direct use of alcoholyzed waste PET by high molecular weight polyester diols

AbstractProducts obtained by alcoholysis of waste PET are promising raw materials for the synthesis of polyurethane elastomers (PUEs). Alcoholysis of PET by low molecular weight diols such as ethylene glycol yields low molecular weight products. The latter need to be polymerized to high molecular weight polyols which are subsequently used as soft segments for the synthesis of PUEs. This work aims to look for suitable high molecular weight diols for the alcoholysis of waste PET to yield high molecular weight products which can be directly used as soft segments for the synthesis of PUEs. This approach allows to save the polymerization step for the formation of high molecular weight polyols. Specifically, polyester diols such as polycaprolactone diol (Mn = 2000) were used for the alcoholysis of waste PET. The resulting PUEs exhibited very good mechanical properties: a tensile strength of up to 40.95 MPa, an elongation at break of up to 1219%, and a toughness of up to 237 MJ·m−3, along with good transparency and thermal stability.

Isosorbide-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane with Different Polyols and Soft/Hard Ratios

A series of isosorbide-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (ISB-TPUs) with different soft/hard ratios have been successfully step polymerized using individual two types of polycaprolactone diol (PCL) or poly (tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) for soft segment and bio-based isosorbide (ISB) or methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) for hard segment, based on the similar molecular weight. The effect of the molecular structure on the mechanical and thermal properties has been evaluated in terms of the types of soft/hard and polyol, ranging from 6/4 to 9/1 ratio values. With the increasing of PCL content, the thermal properties of the ISB-TPU have enhanced gradually. When the range from PCL was 6/4, the tensile strength has achieved the maximum value in comparison with that of the PTMG block. Elongation at break has increased with the increase of hard segment concentration, due to the superior interaction between ester groups and urethane groups. The obtained ISB-TPUs can be a promising resin for soft, flexible, and biocompatible application fields.

Self-healing polyurethane elastomer with wider damping temperature range by synergistic interaction of suspended chains and dynamic disulfide bonds

In order to overcome the sharp damping peak that limits the application of polyurethane elastomers (PUE) and the cut that affects its service life as functional floor coating, a self-healing PUE with broader damping temperature range and high self-healing efficiency was prepared by incorporation of prepolymer synthesized from polycaprolactone diol and isophorone diisocyanate and chain extenders including 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl disulphide (DAPS) and double-hydroxyl suspended chains synthesized from IPDI, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. The effects of different functionalities were carefully investigated at the fixed dosage of 30%. DAPS with dynamic disulfide bonds were revealed of higher efficiency in improving the damping properties and self-healing rate. The synergistic effects of the two functionalities were studied by varying the usage of DAPS from 10% to 50% when the suspension chain amount fixed at 30%. The effective damping (tan δ > 0.3) domain presents a range of 131.57 °C with 100% increase of tan δ compared with the base sample, and the self-healing efficiency reaches 95% when the usage of DAPS and suspension chain were 30% and 50%, respectively. The modified material achieved prominent improvement in damping properties and cut self-healing ability, showing potential application in aerospace and acoustic coatings for vibration and noise reduction.

Functionalized thermoplastic polyurethane with tunable tribopolarity and biodegradability for high performance and biodegradable triboelectric nanogenerator

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and have received considerable attention as a green energy technology to solve recently emerging global environmental issues. However, most high-power TENGs use polymers as active materials, which contributes to plastic pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to use eco-friendly and biodegradable materials while maintaining high output performance for further development of TENGs as a next-generation green energy technology. This study designs a biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based on polycaprolactone diol. The TPU was modified using polydimethylsiloxane diol and a chain extender containing fluorine units, which controlled the modification, output performance, and biodegradability of the TENG. Biodegradability varies depending on the structure of the TPU, especially the chain extender. The output of the TENG fabricated based on the modified TPU was considerably increased with a voltage from 1.31 V to 74.03 V and current from 0.02 μA to 1.98 μA. Further, the maximum power density increased approximately 1423 times compared to that of the native TPU-based TENG to a value of 42.71 μW/cm2. This study provides a potential strategy for the development of environmentally friendly, high-powered next-generation TENGs by ensuring controlled biodegradability.

Manual applied polyurethane-urea: High performance coating based on CO2-based polyol and polyaspartic ester

Brushable polyurea based on slow reactive process was prepared by simple, mild and solvent-free method. Firstly, polyurethane prepolymer was synthesized from poly (propylene carbonate) diol (PPCD, copolymer of propylene oxide/CO2) and 4,4′-dicylocyhexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI). Polyurethane-urea (PPCD–PUU) was then obtained by the chain extension of prepolymer with polyaspartic ester (PAE). The mechanical properties of PPCD–PUU were optimized by adjusting the content of –NCO in the prepolymer and the ratio of prepolymer to PAE. The mechanical strength, thermal resistance, solvent resistance and hydrolysis resistance of PPCD–PUU were compared with those of PUUs derived from polypropylene glycol and poly-caprolactone diol. The results showed that the comprehensive mechanical properties of PPCD–PUU were balanced when the R value was 1.15 and the content of –NCO was 8 %. The tensile strength was 20.5 MPa, the elongation at break was 352 %, and the Young's modulus was 168.2 MPa. Especially, after soaking in 10 % H2SO4 aqueous solution, 10 % NaOH aqueous solution and 10 % NaCl aqueous solution for 24 h, the tensile properties were basically unchanged. Manual applied polyurethane-urea based on commercial PPCD has broad application prospects because it avoids the use of expensive spraying equipment.

Preparation of amylopectin and chitosan based polyurethanes for sustained drug release studies

Herein, we engineered first-time chitosan (CS) and amylopectin (AMP) blends-based polyurethanes (PUs) for sustained drug release systems. Polycaprolactone diol (PCL) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) were used for the preparation of prepolymer, then blends of CS and AMP were reacted as a chain extender for the development of polyurethanes. Ciprofloxacin drug (5%) was loaded in the polymer and in vitro release of the drug was studied up to 240 hours. The synthesis of PUs was monitored using Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The molecular weights of the prepared polymers were measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The thermal degradation behavior of prepared samples was recorded using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Polyurethane prepared with equimolar blends of CS and AMP showed minimum release of the drug as compared to pristine CS and AMP based PUs.

Fabrication of 3D Printed Polylactic Acid/Polycaprolactone Nanocomposites with Favorable Thermo-Responsive Cyclic Shape Memory Effects, and Crystallization and Mechanical Properties

In this work, 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) nanocomposites with favorable thermo-responsive cyclic shape memory effects (SMEs) and crystallization and mechanical properties were fabricated using a two-step method. First, an isocyanate-terminated PCL diol (PCL-NCO) was synthesized through the reaction between isocyanate groups of hexamethylene diisocyanate and active hydroxyl groups of PCL diol, and its physicochemical properties were characterized. A PLA/PCL blend with a PCL content of 50 wt% was fabricated via fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printing, and the influence of the PCL-NCO on the SME of the PLA/PCL blend was studied. The results indicated that the PCL-NCO significantly improved the cyclic shape memory performance of 3D printed PLA/PCL blends and was proved to be an effective interface compatibilizer for the blend system. Subsequently, the structure and properties of 3D printed PLA/PCL nanocomposites were investigated in detail by adding cellulose nanocrystal-organic montmorillonite (CNC-OMMT) hybrid nanofillers with different contents. It was found that the hybrid nanofillers greatly enhanced crystallization and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites due to adequate dispersion. The modification of the PLA/PCL blend and the preparation of the 3D printed nanocomposite can not only prolong the service life of a shape memory polymer product, but also broaden its application scope in advanced fields.

Green Biodegradable Polylactide-Based Polyurethane Triblock Copolymers Reinforced with Cellulose Nanowhiskers

A novel series of biodegradable polylactide-based triblock polyurethane (TBPU) copolymers covering a wide range of molecular weights and compositions were synthesized for potential use in biomedical applications. This new class of copolymers showed tailored mechanical properties, improved degradation rates, and enhanced cell attachment potential compared to polylactide homopolymer. Triblock copolymers, (TB) PL-PEG-PL, of different compositions were first synthesized from lactide and polyethylene glycol (PEG) via ring-opening polymerization in the presence of tin octoate as the catalyst. After which, polycaprolactone diol (PCL-diol) reacted with TB copolymers using 1,4-butane diisocyanate (BDI) as a nontoxic chain extender to form the final TBPUs. The final composition, molecular weight, thermal properties, hydrophilicity, and biodegradation rates of the obtained TB copolymers, and the corresponding TBPUs were characterized using 1H-NMR, GPC, FTIR, DSC, and SEM, and contact angle measurements. Results obtained from the lower molecular weight series of TBPUs demonstrated potential use in drug delivery and imaging contrast agents due to their high hydrophilicity and degradation rates. On the other hand, the higher molecular weight series of TBPUs exhibited improved hydrophilicity and degradation rates compared to PL-homopolymer. Moreover, they displayed improved tailored mechanical properties suitable for utilization as bone cement, or in regeneration medicinal applications of cartilage, trabecular, and cancellous bone implants. Furthermore, the polymer nanocomposites obtained by reinforcing the TBPU3 matrix with 7% (w/w) bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNW) displayed a ~16% increase in tensile strength, and 330% in % elongation compared with PL-homo polymer.

Valorization of Agricultural Waste as a Chemiresistor H2S-Gas Sensor: A Composite of Biodegradable-Electroactive Polyurethane-Urea and Activated-Carbon Composite Derived from Coconut-Shell Waste.

In this study, a high-performance H2S sensor that operates at RT was successfully fabricated using biodegradable electroactive polymer-polyurethane-urea (PUU) and PUU-activated-carbon (AC) composites as sensitive material. The PUU was synthesized through the copolymerization of biodegradable polycaprolactone diol and an electroactive amine-capped aniline trimer. AC, with a large surface area of 1620 m2/g and a pore diameter of 2 nm, was derived from coconut-shell waste. The composites, labeled PUU-AC1 and PUU-AC3, were prepared using a physical mixing method. The H2S-gas-sensing performance of PUU-AC0, PUU-AC1, and PUU-AC3 was evaluated. It was found that the PUU sensor demonstrated good H2S-sensing performance, with a sensitivity of 0.1269 ppm-1 H2S. The H2S-gas-sensing results indicated that the PUU-AC composites showed a higher response, compared with PUU-AC0. The enhanced H2S-response of the PUU-AC composites was speculated to be due to the high surface-area and abounding reaction-sites, which accelerated gas diffusion and adsorption and electron transfer. When detecting trace levels of H2S gas at 20 ppm, the sensitivity of the sensors based on PUU-AC1 and PUU-AC3 increased significantly. An observed 1.66 and 2.42 times' enhancement, respectively, in the sensors' sensitivity was evident, compared with PUU-AC0 alone. Moreover, the as-prepared sensors exhibited significantly high selectivity toward H2S, with minimal to almost negligible responses toward other gases, such as SO2, NO2, NH3, CO, and CO2.

The Influence of Long-Time Storage on the Structure and Properties of Multi-Block Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Based on Poly(butylene adipate) Diol and Polycaprolactone Diol.

A series of semi-crystalline multi-block thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), containing poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and their equimolar mixture (PBA/PCL) as a soft segment was synthesized. The changes in the physical-mechanical and thermal properties of the materials observed in the course of a 36-month storage at room temperature were related to the corresponding structural evolution. The latter was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS) and mechanical tests (tensile strength test). The effects of the composition of the soft segment on the phase separation and crystallization of the soft segment were analyzed in detail. It was found that the melting temperature of the crystalline phase increases with storage time, which is associated with hindering of the phase separation of the hard and soft segments of the TPU samples as it was detected by FTIR.

Anti-Fouling and Anti-Biofilm Performance of Self-Polishing Waterborne Polyurethane with Gemini Quaternary Ammonium Salts.

Biofilms are known to be difficult to eradicate and control, complicating human infections and marine biofouling. In this study, self-polishing and anti-fouling waterborne polyurethane coatings synthesized from gemini quaternary ammonium salts (GQAS), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polycaprolactone diol (PCL) demonstrate excellent antibiofilm efficacy. Their anti-fouling and anti-biofilm performance was confirmed by a culture-based method in broth media, with the biofilm formation factor against Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacterial strains (E. coli) for 2 days. The results indicate that polyurethane coatings have excellent anti-biofilm activity when the content of GQAS reached 8.5 wt% against S. aureus, and 15.8 wt% against E. coli. The resulting waterborne polyurethane coatings demonstrate both hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation, and the surface erosion enzymatic degradation mechanism enables them with good self-polishing capability. The extracts cyto-toxicity of these polyurethane coatings and degradation liquids was also systematically studied; they could be degraded to non-toxic or low toxic compositions. This study shows the possibility to achieve potent self-polishing and anti-biofilm efficacy by integrating antibacterial GQAS, PEG, and PCL into waterborne polyurethane coatings.

Supramolecular structure, relaxation behavior and free volume of bio-based poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-block-poly(caprolactone) copolyesters.

In the present study, a fully plant-based sustainable copolyester series, namely poly(butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)-block-poly(caprolactone)s (PBF-block-PCL)s were successfully synthesized by melt polycondensation combining butylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate with polycaprolactone diol (PCL) at different weight ratios. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that only PBF underwent melting, crystallization from the melt, and cold crystallization. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed outstanding thermal stability, exceeding 305 °C, with further improvement in thermal and thermo-oxidative stability with increasing PCL content. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) revealed that at low temperatures, below the glass transition (Tg) all copolyesters exhibited two relaxation processes (β1 and β2), whereas the homopolymer PBF exhibited a single β-relaxation, which is associated with local dynamics of the different chemical bonds present in the polymer chain. Additionally, it was proved that an increase in PCL content affected the dynamics of the chain making it more flexible, thus providing an increase in the value of the room temperature free volume fractions (fv) and the value of elongation at break. These effects are accompanied by a decrease in hardness, Young's modulus, and tensile strength. The described synthesis enables a facile approach to obtain novel fully multiblock biobased copolyesters based on PBF and PCL polyesters with potential industrial implementation capabilities.

Evaluation of the Shape Memory Effect of Random and Aligned Electrospun Polyurethane Mats with Different Fibers Diameter.

Fibrous shape memory scaffolds composed of thermoplastic polyurethane based on a mixture of polycaprolactone diols were fabricated. The effect of the fiber diameter and arrangement- random (rPU) or aligned (aPU), on crystallinity, mechanical properties, and shape memory was analyzed. The diameters of the fibers were controlled by changing the concentration of polyurethane (PU) solutions in the range of 5% to 16% and fibers alignment by utilization of different collectors. The chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), crystallinity was evaluated based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC,) and mechanical properties were measured by the tensile test. Additionally, shape memory programming was performed using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), and shape recovery was evaluated in the air and in the water environment. DSC results showed that the electrospinning process did not change the crystallinity or melting temperature of synthesized thermoplastic polyurethanes. The melting temperature of the crystalline switching segments was around 26-27 °C, and the crystalline phase of hard segments was around 130 °C. Shape memory properties were analyzed in the contest of the fiber diameter and alignment of the fibers, while changes in the fibers' diameters from 360 nm to 1760 nm did not result in significant changes in shape recovery coefficient (Rr) especially evaluated in the air. The longitudinal fiber alignment enhanced mechanical and shape recovery to up to 96% for aPU, with the highest fiber diameter when evaluated in water.

Thermoplastic polycaprolactone elastomer for a 3D-printed pericardial scaffold in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy

A novel thermoplastic polycaprolactone-based elastomer (TPE) has been developed for a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed pericardial scaffold aimed at the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The TPE polymer was synthesized from polycaprolactone (PCL) diol, hexamethylene diisocyanate, Tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and 1,4-butanediol, then purified via rotary evaporation and vacuum drying. Biocompatibility was verified using a cell counting kit (CCK-8) with NIH/3T3 cells. Tensile mechanical properties were quantified, and the TPE was reliable for more than 104 cycles, and up to 107 cycles in Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) heated to 37 °C. Its lack of chemical crosslinking allows it to remain a thermoplastic, able to be melted and extruded for 3D printing at or above 120 °C using compressed nitrogen gas. Cardiac MRI scans of Sprague Dawley rats were converted to a 3D solid model, and a pericardial scaffold was designed and 3D printed for in vitro testing as a precursor to preclinical trials.

Hybrid Films from Blends of Castor Oil and Polycaprolactone Waterborne Polyurethanes.

Waterborne polyurethanes (WBPUs) with relatively high biobased content (up to 43.7%) were synthesized, aiming at their use as coatings for metals and woods. The study was performed on self-standing films obtained from anionic polyurethane water dispersions (PUDs). The initially targeted PUD was prepared from castor oil (CO), while tartaric acid (TA), a byproduct of wine production, was utilized as the internal anionic emulsifier. Although the films were cohesive and transparent, they were fragile, and thus blending the CO-TA PUD with other WBPUs was the chosen strategy to obtain films with improved handling characteristics. Two different WBPUs based on polycaprolactone diol (PCL), a biodegradable macrodiol, were prepared with dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) and tartaric acid (TA) as synthetic and biobased internal emulsifiers, respectively. The use of blends with PCL-TA and PCL-DMPA allowed for tailoring the moduli of the samples and also varying their transparency and haze. The characterization of the neat and hybrid films was performed by colorimetry, FTIR-ATR, XRD, DMA, TGA, solubility and swelling in toluene, and water contact angle. In general, the addition of PCL-based films increases haze; reduces the storage modulus, G’, which at room temperature can vary in the range of 100 to 350 MPa; and reduces thermal degradation at high temperatures. The results are related to the high gel content of the CO-TA film (93.5 wt.%), which contributes to the cohesion of the blend films and to the crystallization of the PCL segments in the samples. The highest crystallinity values corresponded to the neat PCL-based films (32.3% and 26.9%, for PCL-DMPA and PCL-TA, respectively). The strategy of mixing dispersions is simpler than preparing a new synthesis for each new requirement and opens possibilities for new alternatives in the future.

Assessment of the Anti-Thrombogenic Activity of Polyurethane Starch Composites.

The increasing morbidity and mortality of patients due to post-surgery complications of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABPG) are related to blood–material interactions. Thus, the characterization of the thrombogenicity of the biomaterial for cardiovascular devices is of particular interest. This research evaluated the anti-thrombogenic activity of polyurethanes–starch composites. We previously synthesized polyurethane matrices that were obtained from polycaprolactone diol (PCL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), pentaerythritol (PE), and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). In addition, potato starch (AL-N) and zwitterionic starch (AL-Z) were added as fillers. The anti-thrombogenic property was characterized by the clot formation time, platelet adhesion, protein absorption, TAT complex levels, and hemolysis. Additionally, we evaluated the cell viability of the endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Statically significant differences among the polyurethane matrices (P1, P2, and P3) were found for protein absorption and the blood clotting time without fillers. The polyurethanes composites with AL-Z presented an improvement in the anti-thrombogenic property. On the other hand, the composites with AL-Z reduced the viability of the endothelial cells and did not significantly affect the AoSCM (except for P1, which increased). These results classify these biomaterials as inert; therefore, they can be used for cardiovascular applications.

Domain Structure, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polycaprolactone-Based Multiblock Polyurethane-Ureas under Control of Hard and Soft Segment Lengths.

A series of multiblock polyurethane-ureas (PUU) based on polycaprolactone diol (PCL) with a molecular mass of 530 or 2000 g/mol, as well as hard segments of different lengths and structures, were synthesized by the step-growth polymerization method. The chemical structure of the synthesized multiblock copolymers was confirmed by IR- and NMR-spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used to determine the relaxation and phase transition temperatures for the entire series of the obtained PUU. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) method made it possible to identify PUU compositions in which the crystallizability of soft segments (SS) is manifested due to their sufficient length for self-organization and structuring. Visualization of the crystal structure and disordering of the stacking of SS with an increase in their molecular mobility during heating are shown using optical microscopy. The change in the size of the hard phase domains and the value of the interdomain distance depending on the PCL molecular mass, as well as the length and structure of the hard block in the synthesized PUU, were analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The evolution of the domain structure upon passing through the melting and crystallization temperatures of PUU soft blocks was studied using SANS. The studies carried out made it possible to reveal the main correlations between the chemical structure of the synthesized PUU and their supramolecular organization as well as thermal and mechanical properties.

Synthesis and properties of biobased non-isocyanate aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with butanediurethane hard segments

A simple non-isocyanate route is established to synthesize biobased aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPEUs) with excellent mechanical properties. Melt transurethane co-polycondensation of bis(hydroxyethyl) butanediurethane (BHBDU) with different polycaprolactone-diols (PCDLs) was conducted at 170°C under a reduced pressure of 3 mmHg, and a series of TPEUs were prepared. The TPEUs were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, FT-IR, 1H-NMR, wide angle X-ray scattering, DSC, TGA, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic force microscopy, and tensile test. TPUEs exhibited Mn above 25,000 g/mol, Tg of −36 to 1°C, Tm up to 105°C, maximal tensile strength of 38 MPa with a strain at break of 926%, and resilience of 80%–90%. BHBDU and PCDLs may be synthesized from bioresources. Biobased aliphatic TPU elastomers with excellent tensile strength and resilience were prepared successfully through a non-isocyanate route.

An environment-friendly polyurethane composite membrane decorated by superhydrophobic modification of TiC as high efficient separator of oil-water emulsion

The exploring of sustainable, durable and superwetting composite nanofiber membrane as efficient separator for oil-water emulsion is one of the biggest challenges in the field of wastewater treatment. Herin, an environment-friendly polyurethane (bio-PU) was synthesized by introducing biodegradable polycaprolactone diol (PCLd) segments. The superhydrophobic modified titanium carbide nanoparticle (TiCp) by 1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDTS) was decorated on eletrospun bio-PU nanofiber matrix, which could also regulate the microstructure of bio-PU composite membrane. The prepared bio-PU/TiCP membrane displayed superhydrophobicity with WCA of 153.1 ± 1.2°, which attributed to its hierarchical structure composed of nanofibers, microspheres and nanoparticles. Even for oil-water emulsion, the bio-PU/TiCP membrane exhibited the outstanding separation efficiency of 99.65% and high flux of 2464.79 L m−2 h−1. The bio-PU/TiCP membrane also had the excellent self-cleaning, water repellency and recyclability. These characters endowed it great potential application in sustainable separator.