Brilliant Whiteness Surfaces from Electrospun Nanofiber Webs

Inspired by the brilliant whiteness of Cyphochilus beetles found in Southeast Asia, we produced an electrospun nanofiber web with a very high CIE whiteness index, thus providing an extremely effective and efficient light shielding layer for textile and industrial applications. Polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate and poly(ethylene terephthalate) electrospun nanofiber webs were prepared on a polyurethane foam surface of about 30 x 30 cm(2). Processing parameters, such as the type of solvent used, polymer concentration and collection geometry were carefully selected and studied in order to produce an interconnecting network of fibers around 250 nm in diameter. The whiteness index of the electrospun samples was measured by a spectrophotometer. The polyurethane nanofiber web showed a very high CIE whiteness index exceeding 85. Excellent anti-yellowing effects of electrospun nanofiber webs on polyurethane foam were also illustrated via phenolic yellowing and UV light resistance tests.