Determination of texture and transport characteristics of electrospun nanofibrous mats

Abstract

Electrospun nanofibrous mats of polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and polyurethane (PU) were prepared from the polymer solutions using electrospinning technique. The PS and PU mats were not modified, while PU mats were post-electrospinning processed by the hot-pressing method to guarantee their optimal mechanical properties. The morphology, texture characteristics and transport properties of the prepared nanofibrous mats were detailed investigated. On the basis of the texture results it was confirmed that all nanofibrous mats contain macroporous structure without micropores. PS and PPO mats revealed the significantly higher intrusion volume and macroporosity in comparison with the post-processed PUI and PUII mats. The transport characteristics were evaluated from diffusion (Graham's diffusion cell) and permeation (modified classic Wicke-Kallenbach cell) measurements and bulk diffusion as well as viscous flow were identified as the main gas transport mechanisms in the electrospun mat porous networks. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.