ARS | Publication request: A high throughput, controllable and environmentally benign fabrication process of thermoplastic nanofibers

Submitted to: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 25, 2007
Publication Date: April 12, 2007
Repository URL: http://DOI:10.1002/mame.200600460
Citation: Wang, D., Sun, G., Chiou, B. 2007. A high throughput, controllable and environmentally benign fabrication process of thermoplastic nanofibers. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering. 292(4):407-414.

Interpretive Summary: Polypropylene nanofibers were produced by extruding polypropylene with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and then removing the CAB with solvent. The fiber diameters can be controlled by varying blend ratios of the two components. This provides a novel method for producing polypropylene nanofibers, which can be used in applications such as biosensors and composite materials.

Technical Abstract: Continuous and uniform yarns of thermoplastic nanofibers were prepared via direct melt extrusion of immiscible blends of thermoplastic polymers with CAB and subsequent extraction removal of CAB. Ratios of thermoplastic/sacrificial polymers, melt viscosity, and interfacial tensions affect the formation of nanofibers. Dominating sacrificing polymer content in the blends and low interfacial tensions between thermoplastic polymer and CAB are two key factors. This fabrication process possesses features of high productivity, versatility of thermoplastics, controllability, and environment friendliness in manufacturing thermoplastic nanofibers.