posted on 2020-06-10, 00:29authored byWangcheng Liu, Tuhua Zhong, Tuan Liu, Jinwen Zhang, Hang Liu
Multifunctional
composite fibers have important applications in
various fields. Different components in the composite can be combined
to form a fiber in various configurations, with homogeneous blending
being the most commonly used configuration. Fibers of heterogeneous
configurations with a layered structure are unique in that their multifunctionalities
are manifested through maintaining the distinct properties of each
component. The interaction between components is limited at their
2D interface. In this study, using a Y-shape spinneret, electrospun
side-by-side nanofibers were prepared that contained conductive camphoric
acid doped polyaniline (PANI-CSA) blended with either nonconductive
poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as one side
and PEO or PVP as the other side. Nanofiber morphology and various
fiber mat properties were systematically evaluated. The influence
of fiber morphology, configuration, and side-by-side fiber interface
on fiber mat properties was analyzed. Results indicated that sufficient
contacting time and area of the two solutions before being ejected
into fibers during electrospinning were critical for creating the
side-by-side configuration. When the matrix polymers on the two sides
were the same, the side-by-side fibers possessed improved mechanical
properties than single blended fibers and similar electrical conductivity,
although no visible boundary between the layers was observed. When
the matrix polymers were different, a visible boundary existed between
the two sides. The side-by-side fiber exhibited integrated mechanical
performance combining that of the two sides, indicating that there
was enough interfacial bonding between the two sides.