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Atomic force microscopy visualization of hard segment alignment in stretched polyurethane nanofibers prepared by
Hiroaki Sakamoto1, Hitoshi Asakawa2, Takeshi Fukuma3
1Department of Frontier Fiber Technology and Science, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan.
Science and Technology of Advanced Materials
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Researchers visualized molecular orientation in polyurethane (PU) nanofibers using atomic force microscopy. Stretching PU nanofibers with a rotating collector aligned hard segments along the fiber axis, enhancing material functionality.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Molecular-level orientation in nanofibers is key for designing advanced functional materials.
- Polyurethane (PU) nanofibers are versatile but require controlled internal structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and understand the phase separation of soft and hard segments in PU nanofibers.
- To investigate the effect of controlled stretching on molecular orientation within PU nanofibers.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning was used to prepare PU nanofibers.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to visualize surface morphology and phase separation.
- A high-speed rotating collector was used to induce stretching and control nanofiber alignment.
Main Results:
- AFM revealed distinct phase separation between soft and hard segments on the PU nanofiber surface.
- Stretched PU nanofibers exhibited aligned hard segment domains along the fiber axis.
- Unstretched nanofibers showed non-uniform segment distribution.
Conclusions:
- Intense elongation force applied during electrospinning with a rotating collector effectively aligns molecular segments.
- Controlled alignment of hard segments in PU nanofibers can be achieved, offering pathways to enhanced material properties.
