Metal–organic framework (MOF)–polymer
hybrid materials
have been investigated for use in personal protective equipment (PPE)
for combating chemical threats. However, few of these composite materials
have demonstrated the desired processability or balance of strength
and ductility suitable for modern textiles. In this work, a poly(urethane
urea) (PUU) polymer was synthesized to mimic solution-processable
spandex for MOF composites that have combined advantages for both
the force the composite can withstand (strength) and the ability of
the material to deform under strain (ductility). UiO-66/PUU mixed
matrix membranes (MMMs) with up to 50 wt % UiO-66 MOF showed both
high strength and ductility. UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 MMMs
with PUU mechanically outperformed previously studied 50 wt % MOF/poly(vinylidene
difluoride) (PVDF) MMMs. Testing of MMMs against the chemical warfare
agent simulant dimethyl-4-nitrophenylphosphate (DMNP) revealed that
the polymer plays an important role, with UiO-66-NH2/PUU
MMM showing the fastest hydrolysis rate. Ductile fibers of 50 wt %
UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 PUU composites were successfully
prepared and showed remarkable handling properties and activity toward
DMNP hydrolysis with 50 wt % UiO-66-NH2/PUU fibers performing
better than any of the MMMs tested. These MOF–polymer composites
could also be electrospun into nanofiber mats, which further illustrates
the diverse range of processing techniques available for these materials.