Electrospining Machine: Prof Jiang Shaohua, Nanjing Forestry University, et al: Practical applications of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges for waterproofing, thermal insulation and electromagnetic shielding/absorption

Background

Electrospinning, as a multifunctional and efficient technology, is a powerful method for the preparation of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges with high porosity, low density, and large specific surface area, which has a broad application prospect. Recently, Prof Jiang Shaohua from Nanjing Forestry University and others published a review on the practical applications of Electrospun Nanofbers and sponges in waterproofing, thermal insulation and electromagnetic shielding/absorption. The relevant content is presented as ‘Electrospun nanofibre nonwovens and sponges towards practical applications of waterproofing, thermal insulation, and Electrospun nanofiber nonwovens and sponges towards practical applications of waterproofing, thermal insulation, and electromagnetic shielding/absorption’ was published in the journal Materials Today Nano.

The main point of this paper

1.Systematically discusses the working mechanism, preparation method, modification method, and the latest progress of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges in waterproofing, thermal insulation, electromagnetic shielding/absorption, and so on.

2.This review provides some insightful perspectives on the practical applications of electrospinning technology in Electrospun Nanofbers to Electrospun Nanofbers sponges.

3.The results of this research are important not only for the rational design of nanofibre nonwovens and sponges, but also for future practical applications.

What are the working mechanism, preparation and modification methods of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges?

Mechanisms of operation include waterproofing, thermal insulation and electromagnetic shielding/absorption.Preparation of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens involves the preparation of spinning solution and subsequent electrostatic spinning process.Electrospun Nanofbers sponges are prepared by cutting the electrostatically spun fibres and dispersing them in non-solvent medium, followed by freeze-drying.

Modification methods for Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges include pre-spinning modification, where various additives are incorporated into the spinning solution prior to electrostatic spinning, and post-spinning modification, where the surface of Electrospun Nanofbers is modified after the spinning process. These modifications may include the introduction of functional additives, coatings, or surface functional coatings to achieve specific properties such as hydrophobicity, breathability, and enhanced mechanical stability. In addition, the use of fillers, surfactants, and in situ cross-linking reactions to improve the dispersion of functional fillers in the matrix of Electrospun Nanofbers

Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges for waterproofing, thermal insulation and electromagnetic shielding/absorption:

1.In terms of waterproofing, it can be used as superhydrophobic and moisture permeable coating for fabrics, building materials and other applications requiring waterproof performance.

2.In terms of heat insulation, it can be used as a high-performance heat-insulating material for buildings, vehicles and other applications requiring heat-insulating properties.

3.In terms of electromagnetic shielding/absorption, it can be used as electromagnetic shielding materials for electronic equipment, military equipment and other applications requiring electromagnetic shielding performance.

Challenges and future prospects for Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges

Despite the great potential of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges for the above applications, there are still some challenges to overcome:

1.High production cost

2.Poor mechanical properties

3. Poor weather resistance

It is believed that through continuous exploration of Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges, the above challenges can be eliminated and their rapid development in the fields of waterproofing, thermal insulation and electromagnetic shielding/absorption can be promoted. It is expected that the electrospinning technology will reach industrialisation level in the coming decades. In the meantime, Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges will be used in more multifunctional applications. Waterproofing, thermal insulation and electromagnetic shielding/absorption based on Electrospun Nanofbers nonwovens and sponges will have a promising future once the above challenges of electrospinning systems in practical applications are solved.

Originallink: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtnano.2024.100452