Electrospun Nylon Nanofibers as Effective Reinforcement to Polyaniline Membranes

This research demonstrates that a nylon nanofiber (NNF) mat can be an effective mechanical reinforcement to polyaniline (PANI) thin films. Nanofibers of ca. 250 nm diameter were produced by electrospinning of a nylon, 6 solution it formic acid Scanning electron microscopy showed that the solution impregnation method utilized was effective to embed the nanofibers into a PANI matrix. The effectiveness of NNFs as a mechanical reinforcement of a PAN/ thin 'filiii `was assessed'via dynamic rrechanicahanal s.-. Y Is-, in tension mode. The as-cast PAN/films displayed a tensile dynamic modulus, E', of ca. 0.65 GPa at room temperature. Scanning in the temperature showed that the PANT film has a usage temperature of up to about 80 degrees C; with this being limited by its glass transition, temperature, and over this temperature range, the elastic modulus was nearly independent of the temper the PAN/-NNF composite displayed a significantly higher tensile modulus at room temperature (1.1 GPa) and its usage temperature was extended up to just over 200 degrees C; with this being limited by the melting transition of nylon 6 (at 220 degrees C). The results therefore showed that the NNF:mat increased the usage temperature of PAN/films over 100 degrees C, opening up applications for PANT membranes.