CHED 453 |
| The spinning of poly EtherImide (PEI) nanofibers via electrospinning is reported. The optimum spinning conditions were obtained by mapping the dielectrical properties of the precursor solutions. While viscosity and conductivity have been extensively used to predict the spinnability of polymer solutions, dielectric spectroscopy has not received as much attention. However, dielectric permittivity data can be directly related to chemical structure, chain conformation and reorientation of the molecule's dipoles, allowing spinnability to be related to these specific molecular properties. PEI solutions were prepared by dissolution in binary mixtures of Dimethylacetamide with Tetrahydrofuran (DMAC-THF) and Dimethylformamide with THF (DMF-THF). The polymer concentration varied between 50 mg/mL and 220 mg/mL. Frequency dependant dielectric spectroscopy measurements were carried out and the solution's permittivity tan (delta) was used as a predictor. Poly(ether) imide is of great specific interest for its high heat resistance. Potential applications for the electrospun product of this polymer include fire resistant layers in textile products and filtration media. |
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |