Solid solid phase change (SSPC) chitosan-g-mPEG fiber with improved mechanical performance via in-situ wet spinning...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Growing concern over nondegradable polymer waste drives research into sustainable alternatives.
• Chitosan (CS) is a biodegradable polymer with potential for functional material development.
• Polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (mPEG) can enhance polymer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare chitosan grafted with polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (CS-g-mPEG) fibers.
• To investigate the solid-solid phase change (SSPC) behavior and mechanical performance of the synthesized fibers.
• To evaluate the potential of CS-g-mPEG fibers for smart textile applications.

Main Methods:

• In-situ wet spinning process was employed for the fabrication of CS-g-mPEG fibers.
• Tensile strength testing was conducted to evaluate mechanical performance.
• Thermal behavior was assessed by monitoring heat absorption and release properties.

Main Results:

• CS-g-mPEG fibers demonstrated significantly improved tensile strength (1.36 cN/dtex), over 50% higher than CS fibers, due to enhanced molecular entanglement and hydrogen bonding.
• The fibers exhibited stable solid-solid phase change (SSPC) behavior, actively absorbing heat above 46 °C and releasing heat below 26 °C.
• The prepared fibers maintained a stable shape throughout the phase change process.

Conclusions:

• The successful fabrication of CS-g-mPEG fibers via in-situ wet spinning provides a continuous industrial process.
• These fibers offer enhanced mechanical properties and effective thermal regulation for smart textiles, improving wearer comfort.
• CS-g-mPEG fibers represent a promising sustainable material for advanced textile applications.