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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Analysis and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 19520

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Manja Kurečič

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Institute of Engineering Materials and Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: electrospinning; polymers; nanocomposites; textile printing; textile care
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Alenka Ojstršek

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Institute of Engineering Materials and Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: polymeric materials; coatings; surface functionalization; functional dyes and pigments; material characterization; nanostructured materials; nanocomposites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Silvo Hribernik

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Institute of Automation, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: fiber-based functional materials; nanotechnology; material's morphology; magnetic and conductive nano-particles magnetic and conductive particles

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Electrospinning is relatively inexpensive, environmentally friendly technique for the fabrication of nanofibers from a polymer solution, emulsion or melt, with high surface area-to-volume ratio and unique chemical and physical properties such as small pore sizes, highly open porosity and interconnected porous structure. By the addition of (bio)active substances, (nano)particles, functional dyes, etc. into the spinning polymeric matrix, the unique fibers’ functionalities can be obtained broaden their application to diverse fields, i.e. medical, health security, packaging, filtration, adsorption, sensing, etc. In these cases, the spinning procedure is more complicated, and thus, need to be properly studied in terms of process parameters regarding the final tailored properties.

This Special Issue aims to cover the most recent experimental and theoretical developments in the field of advanced nanofibrous textile materials with focus on their fabrication, structure, characterization, functional properties, and applications.

Dr. Manja Kurečič
Dr. Alenka Ojstršek
Dr. Silvo Hribernik
Guest Editors

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Keywords

electrospinning
electrospun nanofibers
nanofibrous composites
characterisation
medical applications
health security
packaging
filtration

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 4491 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dexamethasone-Loaded Polymeric Electrospun Construct as a Tubular Cardiovascular Implant

by Stavroula Kyriakou, Sergio Acosta, Ikram El Maachi, Stephan Rütten and Stefan Jockenhoevel

Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4332; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214332 - 6 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1763

Abstract

Cardiovascular tissue engineering is providing many solutions to cardiovascular diseases. The complex disease demands necessitating tissue-engineered constructs with enhanced functionality. In this study, we are presenting the production of a dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded electrospun tubular polymeric poly(l-lactide) (PLA) or poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) construct which contains iPSC-CMs (induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes), HUVSMCs (human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells), and HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) embedded in fibrin gel. The electrospun tube diameter was calculated, as well as the DEX release for 50 days for 2 different DEX concentrations. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of the polymer composition and concentration on the function of the fibrin gels by imaging and quantification of CD31, alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), collagen I (col I), sarcomeric alpha actinin (SAA), and Connexin 43 (Cx43). We evaluated the cytotoxicity and cell proliferation of HUVECs and HUVSMCs cultivated in PLA and PLGA polymeric sheets. The immunohistochemistry results showed efficient iPSC-CM marker expression, while the HUVEC toxicity was higher than the respective HUVSMC value. In total, our study emphasizes the combination of fibrin gel and electrospinning in a functionalized construct, which includes three cell types and provides useful insights of the DEX release and cytotoxicity in a tissue engineering perspective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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15 pages, 7054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Annealed Oriented PAN Nanofibers

by Jaymin Vrajlal Sanchaniya, Inga Lasenko, Sai Pavan Kanukuntala, Hilary Smogor, Arta Viluma-Gudmona, Andrejs Krasnikovs, Igors Tipans and Valters Gobins

Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3287; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153287 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1324

Abstract

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers have extensive applications as filters in various fields, including air and water filtration, biofluid purification, and the removal of toxic compounds and hazardous pollutants from contaminated water. This research focuses on investigating the impacts of annealing on the mechanical and thermal characteristics of oriented PAN nanofibers produced through the electrospinning of a PAN solution. The nanofiber mats were subjected to annealing temperatures ranging from 70 °C to 350 °C and characterized using a tensile test machine, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study aimed to examine the tensile strength in the transverse and longitudinal directions, Young’s modulus, and glass transition temperatures of PAN nanofiber mats. The results indicate that, upon annealing, the diameter of the nanofibers decreased by approximately 20%, while the tensile strength increased in the longitudinal and transverse directions by 32% and 23%, respectively. Furthermore, the annealing temperature influenced the glass transition temperature of the nanofiber mats, which exhibited a 6% decrease at 280 °C, while the degradation temperature showed a slight increase of 3.5% at 280 °C. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the effects of annealing on PAN nanofiber mats, facilitating their potential for various filtration applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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14 pages, 3684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microscale and Macroscale Deformation Behavior of Electrospun Polymeric Nanofiber Membranes Using In Situ SEM during Mechanical Testing

by Olivier Verschatse, Eva Loccufier, Bianca Swanckaert, Karen De Clerck and Lode Daelemans

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071630 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1548

Abstract

Electrospun nanofiber membranes show high potential in various application fields (e.g., filtration, catalysis, and sensing). Nevertheless, knowledge of the mechanical behavior, and more specifically, the deformation of nanofiber membranes is still limited today which can complicate the appliance of nanofiber membranes in applications where they are mechanically loaded. In this paper, we, therefore, analyzed the mechanical behavior of polymeric nanofiber membranes with different fiber orientations (random and aligned) extensively. Polyamide 6 was used as a representative reference polymer for proof-of-concept. Mechanical tests show that all membranes have a coherent deformation behavior at the macroscale up to the point of fracture. Large variations in stiffness, ultimate strength, and ultimate strain were observed between membranes with different fiber orientations (Random: E-mod: 370 ± 34 MP; UTS: 38.5 ± 6.0 MPa; ε_max: 30.0 ± 2.8%; Parallel aligned: E-mod: 753 ± 11 MPa; UTS: 55.4 ± 0.8 MPa; ε_max: 12.0 ± 0.1%; Perpendicular aligned: E-mod: 24.1 ± 3.7 MPa; UTS:/; ε_max: >40%). This shows the versatility and tunability of the mechanical behavior of these nanofiber membranes. At the microscale, the fibrous structure results in deformation mechanisms that resist failure formation and progression when the membrane is mechanically loaded. This results in a high fracture resistance, even for pre-damaged membranes. Realignment of the fibers along the loading direction causes crack tip blunting, locally reinforcing the membrane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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15 pages, 4819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites Reinforced with PA6 Electrospun Nanofibers

by Inga Lasenko, Jaymin Vrajlal Sanchaniya, Sai Pavan Kanukuntla, Yagnik Ladani, Arta Viluma-Gudmona, Olga Kononova, Vitalijs Lusis, Igors Tipans and Turs Selga

Polymers 2023, 15(3), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030673 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3225

Abstract

Electrospun nanofibers are very popular in polymer nanocomposites because they have a high aspect ratio, a large surface area, and good mechanical properties, which gives them a broad range of uses. The application of nonwoven structures of electrospun nanofiber mats has historically been limited to enhancing the interlaminar responses of fiber-reinforced composites. However, the potential of oriented nanofibers to improve the characteristics of bulk matrices cannot be overstated. In this research, a multilayered laminate composite was created by introducing polyamide (PA6)-oriented nanofibers into an epoxy matrix in order to examine the effect of the nanofibers on the tensile and thermal characteristics of the nanocomposite. The specimens’ fracture surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, the thermal characteristics of the nanofiber-layered composites were investigated. The results demonstrated a 10.58% peak in the nanocomposites’ elastic modulus, which was compared to the numerical simulation and the analytical model. This work proposes a technique for the development of lightweight high-performance nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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14 pages, 1979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Sensing Soft Skin Based on Piezoelectric Nanofibers

by Giacomo Selleri, Francesco Mongioì, Emanuele Maccaferri, Riccardo D’Anniballe, Laura Mazzocchetti, Raffaella Carloni, Davide Fabiani, Andrea Zucchelli and Tommaso Maria Brugo

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020280 - 5 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

The development of electronic skins and wearable devices is rapidly growing due to their broad application fields, such as for biomedical, health monitoring, or robotic purposes. In particular, tactile sensors based on piezoelectric polymers, which feature self-powering capability, have been widely used thanks to their flexibility and light weight. Among these, poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) presents enhanced piezoelectric properties, especially if manufactured in a nanofiber shape. In this work, the enhanced piezoelectric performances of PVDF-TrFE nanofibers were exploited to manufacture a flexible sensor which can be used for wearable applications or e-skin. The piezoelectric signal was collected by carbon black (CB)-based electrodes, which were added to the active layer in a sandwich-like structure. The sensor was electromechanically characterized in a frequency range between 0.25 Hz and 20 Hz—which is consistent with human activities (i.e., gait cycle or accidental bumps)—showing a sensitivity of up to 4 mV/N. The parameters of the signal acquisition circuit were tuned to enable the sensor to work at the required frequency. The proposed electrical model of the nanofibrous piezoelectric sensor was validated by the experimental results. The sensitivity of the sensor remained above 77.5% of its original value after 10⁶ cycles of fatigue testing with a 1 kN compressive force. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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20 pages, 6582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Nanofibers Based on Polymer Blends with Tunable High-Performance Properties for Innovative Fire-Resistant Materials

by Diana Serbezeanu, Corneliu Hamciuc, Tăchiță Vlad-Bubulac, Mihaela-Dorina Onofrei, Alexandra Bargan, Daniela Rusu, Dana Mihaela Suflet and Gabriela Lisa

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5501; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245501 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2513

Abstract

The main concern of materials designed for firefighting protective clothing applications is heat protection, which can be experienced from any uncomfortably hot objects or inner spaces, as well as direct contact with flame. While textile fibers are one of the most important components of clothing, there is a constant need for the development of innovative fire-retardant textile fibers with improved thermal characteristics. Lately, inherently fire-resistant fibers have become very popular to provide better protection for firefighters. In the current study, the electrospinning technique was applied as a versatile method to produce micro-/nano-scaled non-woven fibrous membranes based on various ratios of a poly(ether-ether-ketone) (PEEK) and a phosphorus-containing polyimide. Rheological measurements have been performed on solutions of certain ratios of these components in order to optimize the electrospinning process. FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the chemical structure and morphology of electrospun nanofiber membranes, while thermogravimetric analysis, heat transfer measurements and differential scanning calorimetry were used to determine their thermal properties. The water vapor sorption behavior and mechanical properties of the optimized electrospun nanofiber membranes were also evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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14 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Considering Electrospun Nanofibers as a Filler Network in Electrospun Nanofiber-Reinforced Composites to Predict the Tensile Strength and Young’s Modulus of Nanocomposites: A Modeling Study

by Vishal Gavande, Saravanan Nagappan and Won-Ki Lee

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5425; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245425 - 11 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2138

Abstract

In this study, a simple approach was described to investigate the theoretical models for electrospun polymer nanofiber-reinforced nanocomposites. For predicting the tensile strength of the electrospun nylon 6 nanofiber-reinforced polyurethane acrylate composites, conventional Pukanszky, Nicolais–Narkis, Halpin–Tsai, and Neilson models were used, while for Young’s modulus, Halpin–Tsai, modified Halpin–Tsai, and Hui–Shia models were used. As per the Pukanszky model, composite films showed better interaction since the values of the interaction parameter, B, were more than 3. Similarly, the value of an interfacial parameter, K, was less than 1.21 (K = −5, for the curve fitting) as per the Nicolais–Narkis model, which indicated better interfacial interaction. For composite films, the modified Halpin–Tsai model was revised again by introducing the orientation factor, α, which was 0.333 for the randomly oriented continuous nanofiber-reinforced composites, and the exponential shape factor, ξ = (2

l / d) e^{- a v_{f} - b}

, which showed the best agreement with the experimental Young’s modulus results. Based on mentioned remarks, these models would be applicable for estimating the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of electrospun nanofiber-reinforced polymer composite films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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17 pages, 6596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quercetin- and Rutin-Containing Electrospun Cellulose Acetate and Polyethylene Glycol Fibers with Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties

by Nikoleta Stoyanova, Mariya Spasova, Nevena Manolova, Iliya Rashkov, Ani Georgieva and Reneta Toshkova

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5380; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245380 - 8 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1788

Abstract

Innovative fibrous materials from cellulose derivative, cellulose acetate (CA) and water-soluble polyether, polyethylene glycol (PEG) loaded with natural biologically active compounds (BAC), quercetin (QUE) and rutin (RUT), have been successfully fabricated by blend electrospinning and dual electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the mean fiber diameters of all the obtained fibers were in the nanometer range. QUE and RUT incorporated in the fibrous mats were in the amorphous state, as evidenced by the performed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The presence of the polyether in the developed fibrous material assisted the in vitro release of the biologically active compounds by improving the hydrophilicity and wettability of the mats. Rutin-containing fibrous materials manifest the highest antioxidative activity, as determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical method. The cytotoxicity of the fabricated novel materials was evaluated using a tumor cell line and normal mouse fibroblast cells. The mats containing QUE and QUE/RUT independent of the applied spinning method show a higher cytotoxic effect against cancer cells and 3 to 4.5 times lower cytotoxicity to a noncancer cell line. These features make the quercetin- and rutin-containing fibrous materials promising candidates for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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20 pages, 5296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Core/Double-Sheath Composite Fibers from Poly(ethylene oxide), Poly(L-lactide) and Beeswax by Single-Spinneret Electrospinning

by Selin Kyuchyuk, Dilyana Paneva, Nevena Manolova, Iliya Rashkov, Daniela Karashanova and Nadya Markova

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 5036; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14225036 - 21 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1962

Abstract

The conventional approach for preparation of core-sheath fibers is coaxial electrospinning. Single-spinneret electrospinning of emulsions is a much less common method to obtain core-sheath fibers. Core-sheath structure may be generated by electrospinning of homogeneous blend solutions; however, reports on such cases are still scarce. Herein, the preparation of nanofibrous composites from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and beeswax (BW) by single-spinneret electrospinning of their homogeneous blend solutions in chloroform is reported. The produced fibers had core/double-sheath structure with a PEO core, PLA inner sheath and BW outer sheath. This original fiber structure was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy, selective extraction of BW or PEO, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The PLA/BW double sheath led to hydrophobicity of the PEO/PLA/BW mats. The tensile tests revealed that PEO/PLA/BW mats had substantially improved mechanical behavior as compared to PEO, PLA and PEO/BW mats. PEO/PLA/BW mats can be used as drug carriers as evidenced by the one-pot incorporation of the model drug 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline (NQ) into the fibrous materials. Microbiological tests showed that PEO/PLA/BW/NQ had antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the new materials are promising for wound healing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Techniques and Advanced Textile Materials)

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