Thermostable, water-repellent, moisture-permeable Nomex nanofibrous membranes with a connected PTFE network for personal protective fabrics

Abstract

Water-repellent and moisture-permeable membranes are highly desirable for improving wearing comfort and protection; however, constructing thermostable fabrics with excellent moisture permeability and high resistance to water penetration in high-temperature personal protection remains a great challenge. Therefore, we fabricate Nomex nanofibrous membranes via electrospinning, and further perform dip-coating with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) emulsion and hot-pressing for constructing connected PTFE network. The Nomex membranes possess hydrophobic PTFE networks and retain porous structures, improving their water repellent without influencing water vapor transmission. Furthermore, the membranes demonstrate prominent thermostability due to the synergistic effect of the high-temperature-resistant Nomex substrate and PTFE hydrophobic agent. Consequently, the Nomex/PTFE membranes exhibit prominent water-repellent and moisture-permeability with high hydrostatic pressure of 58 kPa and satisfactory water vapor transmission rate of 6008 g m−2 d−1, as well as remarkable thermostability to maintain structural stability under 300 °C, suggesting great promise as exceptional candidates for high-temperature personal protection and comfort management. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]