Fabrication and characterization of elastic hollow nanofibrous PU yarn

Polyurethane (PU) has been applied to various nanofibrous structures owing to its tensile properties. High elasticity has established PU as a functional material with various applications such as artificial tendons, vascular grafts, protective clothing, wound dressing and 2D and 3D scaffolds. The main goal of this research is the fabrication and characterization of pristine and hollow yam from polyurethane nanofibers via the electrospinning process. In this work, PU nanofibrous yarn is successfully produced via the electrospinning process. The effect of the twist level on the mechanical properties is assessed by altering the twist level. Hollow yarn was produced by feeding PVA filaments as the core and dissolving them in warm water. High tenacity and superior elasticity were found to be unique properties of PU electrospun yarn. Increasing the twist level led to decreased tenacity of PU nanofibrous yarns. The surface morphology and diameter of the nanofibers and fractured yarns were studied by SEM and are reported. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.