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Synthesis and characterization of spider‐web‐like electrospun mats of meta‐aramid
Author(s) -
Oh Hyun Ju,
Pant Hem Raj,
Kang Young Sic,
Jeon Kyung Soo,
Pant Bishweshwar,
Kim Cheol Sang,
Kim Hak Yong
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.4260
Subject(s) - aramid , thermogravimetric analysis , materials science , composite material , spider , spider silk , thermal stability , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , fiber , silk , ecology , engineering , biology
The effect of salt formation during condensation polymerization on the morphology of electrospun meta‐aramid fibers was investigated. The presence of a by‐product salt (CaCl 2 ) improved the electrospinability of the meta‐aramid solution and induced the formation of a spider‐web‐like structure in the mat. The effect of the concentration of the solution and the applied voltage on the formation of the spider‐web‐like fibrous structure was investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images indicated that thin fibers were uniformly distributed with thick fibers throughout the mats in the form of a spider‐web‐like structure. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the electrospun mat was affected by CaCl 2 . The observed enhancement in the thermal and mechanical properties of the mats, which was attributed to the formation of the spider‐web‐like structure, may increase the number of potential applications of meta‐aramids, such as water/air filtration, protective clothing and electrical insulation. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry