A smart hollow filament with thermal sensitive internal diameter

Abstract

In this work, a thermoplastic shape memory polyurethane was prepared via melt polymerization and a corresponding shape memory hollow fiber was fabricated via melt spinning. The fiber mechanical properties, especially shape memory effect, were characterized by static tensile, thermo-mechanical cyclic tensile testing. The hollow fiber switching temperature was the melting transition temperature of the soft segment phase at about 41 C. The tenacity of the hollow fiber was about 1.14 cN/dtex, and breaking elongation was 682%. The shape fixity ratio was above 87% and the recovery ratio was above 89%. The internal diameter of the hollow fiber could be noticeably changed and the deformed fiber cross-section could be well fixed. Once heated above the soft segment phase melting transition temperature, the hollow fiber internal hole recovered to its original diameter. The results from differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to illustrate the mechanism governing the mechanical properties and shape memory effect especially. Due to the changes of the hollow fiber and the internal diameter affect of the physical properties of the prepared products, this fiber may be used in smart textiles for thermal management, or as stuffing of pillows and mattresses, which can adjust to body contours. Furthermore, the findings suggest that this kind of hollow fiber with thermal sensitive internal diameter could be used in smart filtration, drug-controlled release, and liquid transportation in vivo.

Shape Memory Polymer Thin Films Deposited by Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition

“…As bulk materials, SMPs have been extensively studied for applications including stents, specific drug delivery systems, smart textiles, or data storage. − This work concentrates on SMP thin films, 1−3 μm in thickness, deposited using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). The iCVD technique is a bottom-up film growth approach for conformal coatings, compatible with real-time deposition monitoring, and therefore offers a high degree of control over the geometry and thickness of the SMPs.…”

Characterization of functional single jersey knitted fabrics using non-conventional yarns for sportswear

“…Hollow fiber has many special properties in comparison with cylindrical fiber, since the internal diameter will affect the thermally sensitive heat transfer of the fabric according to the environment and body temperature. 14 The antimicrobial polyester fibers produced by Trevira Õ have silver particles incorporated into the fibers before extrusion. They have a well-defined circular cross-section, which does not differ much in shape and in size from its corresponding conventional yarn (Figure 1(f)).…”

Technology and application of shape memory polymers in textiles

“…Fibers with distinct profiles and functionalities are prepared with melt spinning. For example, an SMPU hollow filament with a thermal sensitive internal diameter was prepared in 2009 as depicted in Figure 7 (Meng et al , 2009).…”

“…Shape memory solution can achieve multifunction during a single finish process in comparison with other fabric finishing agents. Multifunctions including anti-pilling, good tactile, flexibility and strength protection, flat appearance, crease retention, ease of 3D pattern design and begging recovery during wearing or after washing are achieved (Meng et al , 2009).…”