Characteristics of elastomeric nanofiber membranes produced by electrospinning

Abstract

This study examines the feasibility of co-electrospinning vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGNF) within thermoplastic elastomer. The reinforcement effect was studied. The diameter of the thermoplastic elastomer was found to range from 0.5 to 3 μm. The mechanical properties of the electrospun fibrous structure were found to be similar to that of cast elastomeric films. However, the electrospun fibrous membranes have superior tactile properties. The addition of VGNF significantly increases the bulkiness of the fibrous elastomeric membranes. © 2007 The Textile Machinery Society of Japan.