Enhancing the Electrospinnability of Low Molecular Weight Polymers Using Small Effective Cross-Linkers

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b02670
• Publication Date: 2016-01-25T13:49:32Z
• Authors: Xiaoxiao Wang; Christian Pellerin; C. Geraldine Bazuin
• Keywords: Supramolecular Polymers; Electrospinning

The electrospinning of continuous fibers normally requires the presence a network topological entanglements in solution, limiting spinnability low molecular weight polymers. Here, we show that supramolecular approach can improve, and even render possible, polymers, illustrated here with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP), by creating effective (i.e., physical) cross-links via hydrogen bonding or coordination interactions solution using small molecules. addition to P4VP solutions dimethylformamide 4,4′-biphenol (BiOH), which bonds P4VP, nitromethane, poor solvent for increases BiOH decreases concentration needed prepare 50 kg/mol factor 2 enables formation unbeaded fibers. Hydrogen is quantified infrared spectroscopy, impact on form physical shown rheological studies. also be removed sublimation without damaging Replacing 4-hydroxy-4′-biphenylcarboxylic acid (HBCA), whose group more strongly than OH just 1% ZnCl2 (relative pyridine), promotes metal improves cross-linking efficiency still further. Most spectacularly, HBCA very 5.2 kg/mol, well below entanglement weight. These results establish as powerful strategy preparing nanofibers pure polymers having limited electrospinnability.