Preparation of high-performance microfiber synthetic leather base using thermoplastic polyurethane/sulfonated polysulfone electrospun nanofibers

Abstract

Compared to natural leather, microfiber synthetic leather has many excellent qualities, such as chemical resistance and physical and mechanical properties. However, preparation of microfiber synthetic leather with a high water vapor transmission rate (WVT), moisture absorption and wearing comfort property is still a challenge. In this study, we prepared thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) electrospun nanofibers and applied them to a microfiber synthetic leather base (MSLB). The effects of TPU/SPSf nanofiber content on the structure and properties of the MSLB were investigated. The results indicated that the TPU/SPSf nanofibers with an average diameter of 0.12 µm were well distributed at all directions in the MSLB. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed four Tg peaks, further demonstrating the existence of TPU/SPSf nanofibers. With the increase of TPU/SPSf nanofiber content from 0 to 30 wt%, the contact angles decreased gradually from 111.64° to 67.07°, leading to 55.19% improvement in the WVT value (from 2868.96 to 4452.24 g/(m2•24 h)) and 26.25% improvement in the moisture absorption (from 628.70% to 793.75% mm/s). Simultaneously, when the nanofiber content was 30 wt%, the nanofibers tended to bundle and 6.79% decrement of air permeability was observed. Specifically, the softness of the MSLB was improved by 88.55%. Moreover, the thermal stability and the tear strength were also obviously enhanced. Consequently, this research provided a feasible and promising way to prepare a high-performance MSLB using TPU/SPSf nanofibers.

Balancing the decomposable behavior and wet tensile mechanical property of cellulose-based wet wipe substrates by the aqueous adhesive

“…The wet toilet wipe on the market (non-woven) was made of non-degradable chemical synthetic fibers, which showed the smooth cylindrical surface ( Fig. 5 d) and excellent mechanical properties due to the inherent excellent mechanical properties of chemically synthesized fibers [ 66 , 67 ].…”

Micro/nano microfiber synthetic leather base with different nanofiber diameters

“…The results demonstrated that the fineness of the fiber has an important influence on the softness of MSLB. The addition of nanofibers reduced the bending rigidity of the fiber [22]. Therefore, the softness of MSLB was improved.…”

“…prepared thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) electrospun nanofibers and applied them to a MSLB. The results showed that with the increase of nanofiber content from 0 to 30%, WVT was increased by 55.9%, moisture absorption was increased by 26.25% and softness was increased by 88.55% [22]. However, the effect of fiber fineness on the performance of MSLB was not discussed in the previous study of simulating natural leather.…”

Preparation of Flame-Retardant Polyurethane and Its Applications in the Leather Industry

“…Since the structure of nonwoven fabric used in ultra-fine fiber is similar to that of bundled collagen fibers in natural leather, the solidified and reduced PU coating has an open microporous structure, which produces microfiber leather similar to natural leather in terms of microstructure and appearance. With better physical and mechanical performance and better air and moisture permeability, as well as better chemical resistance, hydrophobicity, and mildew resistance, it is one of the best alternatives to natural leather [ 133 , 134 , 135 ].…”

“…With improved standards of living, the demand for high-performance, high-quality, and eco-synthetic leather continues to rise. Hence, synthetic leather will develop in the direction of ecological and functional synthetic leather that combines the advantages of good physical properties, multifunctionality, and eco-friendliness [ 133 , 136 , 137 ].…”