Preparation of electrospun composite fibers based on PS-PI-PS/CdSxSe1-x nanoparticles

Abstract

Polymeric fibrous films were prepared based on polystyrene-b-polyisoprene-bpolystyrene triblock copolymer (SIS) and CdSxSe1-x nanoparticles by electrospinning process. SIS with 14 wt % Styrene (14% PS-SIS) and 22 wt % Styrene (22% PS-SIS) triblock copolymers were employed. Both of them undergo microphase separation. While the former shows cylinder-like morphology, the latter exhibits the lamellae one. CdSxSe1-x partciles were stabilized by two different surfactant molecules: i) n-trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) and ii) oleic acid (OA). When the particles were blended with 22% PS-SIS, particles capped with TOPO preferentially filled to PS domain whereas particles capped with OA loaded into the PI domain. Composite electrospun fibers were prepared with a diameter of 1.5 mm on average. Electrospinning parameters (potential difference, solution concentration, flow rate) were investigated on fiber morphology. The films are colorless under day light and have strong green emission under UV light.