Transport properties of multi-layer fabric based on electrospun nanofiber mats as a breathable barrier textile material

Abstract

Layered fabric systems with an electrospun nanofiber web layered onto a sandwich of woven fabric were developed to examine the feasibility of developing breathable barrier textile materials. Some parameters of nanofiber mats, including the time of electrospinning and the polymer solution concentration, were designed to change and barrier properties of specimens were compared. Air permeability, water vapor transmission, and water repellency (Bundesmann and hydrostatic pressure tests) were assessed as indications of comfort and barrier performance of different samples. These performances of layered nanofiber fabrics were compared with a well-known water repellent breathable multi-layered fabric (Gortex). Multi-layered electrospun nanofiber mats equipped fabric (MENMEF) showed better performance in windproof property than Gortex fabric. Also, water vapor permeability of MENMEF was in a range of normal woven sport and work clothing. Comparisons of barrier properties of MENMEF and the currently available PTFE coated materials showed that, those properties could be achieved by layered fabric systems with electrospun nanofiber mats.

Tailoring Surface Hydrophilicity of Porous Electrospun Nanofibers to Enhance Capillary and Push–Pull Effects for Moisture Wicking

“…13 However, so far there is no report on liquid moisture transport behaviors of electrospun nonwoven mats. Moreover, nanometer-sized pores can be created in electrospun nanofibers by adjusting solvent composition or spinning environment humidity.…”

Protective Clothing Based on Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes

“…They suggested that the hot-melt laminating method is more suitable for nanofiber web lamination and the maintenance of nanofiber web morphology despite repeated laundering allows the retention of the water and thermal transfer properties of the material (Fig. 14.2f, g) [25,27]. Yoon et al developed the waterproof-breathable materials by fabricating layered fabric systems with varying composite structures.…”

“…It could be concluded that using the nanofiber membranes, instead of coating material (such as polytetrafluoroethylene), not only presented high windproof properties and acceptable water repellent properties but also improved water vapor permeability behavior. By changing the area density (time of electrospinning) of electrospun mats in layered fabric systems, different barrier and level of comfort protection could be developed according to the desired application [27].…”

Synthesis, antimicrobial, and release behaviors of tetracycline hydrochloride loaded poly (VInyl alcohol)/chitosan/ZrO2 nanofibers

“…[1][2][3][4] Electrospun nanofibers can range from 50 to 500 nm in diameter and show the unique physical and chemical properties. 5,6 For example, nanofibers have a large specific surface area, high surface energy, high activity and can be easily functionalized, which have been widely used in catalyst, 7 sensor, 8 and microelectronics, 9 especially in biomedical materials such as wound dressing, 10,11 drug delivery, 12,13 and tissue engineering.…”