Due to their toughness and extensibility, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are beneficial for a number of applications such as medical devices, automotive parts, and consumer goods. Poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-<i>co</i>-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) is a TPE consisting of rigid S endblocks and a soft EB midblock. Because of the thermodynamic incompatibility between the covalently-linked blocks, these copolymers are capable of spontaneously self-organizing into a variety of nanoscale morphologies such as spheres, cylinders and lamellae, as well as more complex ones, that regulate copolymer properties. One approach by which to control the mechanical properties of TPEs is through the physical incorporation of a low-volatility midblock-selective oil. Such materials, collectively known as TPE gels (TPEGs), display highly adjustable properties that make them attractive in a plethora of applications. Most of the TPEs employed for this purpose derive from styrenic TPEs with a polyolefin midblock that can be selectively swollen with an aliphatic oil. In most instances, TPEGs are processed as cast films or extrudates. Here, we consider the preparation of highly tunable TPEG microfibers via electrospinning. Electrospun nano/microfibers can be used to fabricate nonwovens and are appealing because they can be easily generated at ambient temperature. As highly porous mats, these materials are suitable for filtration and medical products. In the specific case of electrospinning TPEGs, process parameters and the oil loading level affect morphology and, in turn, the properties of the microfibers. Our goal here is to produce highly stretchable nonwovens from styrenic TPEGs.

Ultrasoft and stretchable thermoplastic elastomer gel nonwovens

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.