NANOMANUFACTURING OF FLEXIBLE NONWOVEN MATERIALS WITH LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Masters)
Major/Field of Study
Biomechanics
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0002-5931-4771
Advisor Information
Assistant Professor
Location
MBSC302 - G (Masters)
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
24-3-2023 1:00 PM
End Date
24-3-2023 2:15 PM
Abstract
NANOMANUFACTURING OF FLEXIBLE NONWOVEN MATERIALS WITH LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Aleksandr Fadeev1, Yury Salkovskiy1, Tyler M. Wiles1, Aaron D. Likens1
Presenting Author: afadeev@unomaha.edu
1 - Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE.
Electrospun nanofibrous materials have recently gained attention as a potential solution for personal protective equipment (PPE) due to their remarkable thermal insulation properties. These nonwoven textiles consist of ultrathin but continuous fibers formed from dried submicron jets of polymer solution. The high surface area to volume ratio of the electrospun nanofibers provides an increased ability to reflect IR radiation, thus significantly reducing thermal conductivity and enhancing insulation performance. The versatile electrospinning technique can utilize different types of polymers and additives that help to tune the thermal and mechanical properties of nanofibrous materials. One of the most effective thermal insulation polymers is polystyrene, which is widely used in foam form in building construction and packaging. However, the rigid polymer structure of polystyrene results in the fragility and inelasticity of polystyrene nanofibers, limiting their applicability in PPE. In this project, we improved the mechanical properties of nanofibrous polystyrene materials by supporting them with elastomeric nanofibers. We manufactured nanofibrous material that can be stretched elastically up to 150% of its original length. Testing of heat transfer in direct contact with a hot (+85°C) surface demonstrated that the heating time from 25°C to 41°C is 1.6 times longer for our material than for the same thickness commercial synthetic rubber used in thermal protective clothing. These preliminary results indicate that polystyrene nanofibrous materials offer significant potential for producing PPE, such as gloves, suits, and headgear with excellent thermal insulation properties. The flexibility of electrospun nonwovens allows the PPE to conform to the shape of the user's body, ensuring a snug fit and providing maximum thermal protection in high or low temperature environments.
Scheduling
1-2:15 p.m.
NANOMANUFACTURING OF FLEXIBLE NONWOVEN MATERIALS WITH LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
MBSC302 - G (Masters)
NANOMANUFACTURING OF FLEXIBLE NONWOVEN MATERIALS WITH LOW THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
Aleksandr Fadeev1, Yury Salkovskiy1, Tyler M. Wiles1, Aaron D. Likens1
Presenting Author: afadeev@unomaha.edu
1 - Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE.
Electrospun nanofibrous materials have recently gained attention as a potential solution for personal protective equipment (PPE) due to their remarkable thermal insulation properties. These nonwoven textiles consist of ultrathin but continuous fibers formed from dried submicron jets of polymer solution. The high surface area to volume ratio of the electrospun nanofibers provides an increased ability to reflect IR radiation, thus significantly reducing thermal conductivity and enhancing insulation performance. The versatile electrospinning technique can utilize different types of polymers and additives that help to tune the thermal and mechanical properties of nanofibrous materials. One of the most effective thermal insulation polymers is polystyrene, which is widely used in foam form in building construction and packaging. However, the rigid polymer structure of polystyrene results in the fragility and inelasticity of polystyrene nanofibers, limiting their applicability in PPE. In this project, we improved the mechanical properties of nanofibrous polystyrene materials by supporting them with elastomeric nanofibers. We manufactured nanofibrous material that can be stretched elastically up to 150% of its original length. Testing of heat transfer in direct contact with a hot (+85°C) surface demonstrated that the heating time from 25°C to 41°C is 1.6 times longer for our material than for the same thickness commercial synthetic rubber used in thermal protective clothing. These preliminary results indicate that polystyrene nanofibrous materials offer significant potential for producing PPE, such as gloves, suits, and headgear with excellent thermal insulation properties. The flexibility of electrospun nonwovens allows the PPE to conform to the shape of the user's body, ensuring a snug fit and providing maximum thermal protection in high or low temperature environments.