Ultra-High T_g Thermoset Fibers Obtained by Electrospinning of Functional Polynorbornenes

Insertion polynorbornenes (PBNEs) are rigid-rod polymers that have very high glass transition temperatures (T_g). In this study, two functional PNBEs were electrospun in the presence of a variety of cross-linkers, resulting in fibers with T_gs greater than 300 °C. The fibers are long (several mm), rigid, and with diameters that can be tuned in the range 300 nm-10 μm. The electrospinning process can be used to encapsulate dyes or graphene dots. Due to the high cross-linking density of the fiber, dye leaching is prevented. In contrast with other rigid-rod polymers, electrospinning of PNBE is facile and can be performed at injection rates as high as 1 mL/min.