Post-processed chemical treatment of polyimide electrospun nonwovens with ethylenediamine for biomedical applications

The generation of electrospun nonwovens from polyimide (PI) is challenging as the fibers are prone to distinct delamination. In consequence, the resulting nonwoven material has particularly low structural integrity and loose fibre interlocking, demanding for a follow-up treatment, such as high tempe...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Oschatz Stefan, Arbeiter Daniela, Eickner Thomas, Grabow Niels, Illner Sabine
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: De Gruyter 2019-09-01
Series:Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2019-0082
Description
Summary:The generation of electrospun nonwovens from polyimide (PI) is challenging as the fibers are prone to distinct delamination. In consequence, the resulting nonwoven material has particularly low structural integrity and loose fibre interlocking, demanding for a follow-up treatment, such as high temperature thermal treatment. In this work, a facile method for a post-processed treatment of PI nonwoven is presented in order to obtain a mechanically stable material while maintaining the characteristics of the electrospun nonwoven. The procedure was performed using a solution of EDA in methanol at 37 °C and ambient pressure to achieve a modified fiber interaction. Overall, the developed protocol opens new possibilities in the processing of PI into delamination-free nonwovens. Potential adverse effects of a high temperature thermal treatment are being avoided, and new applications in the field of medical devices may become accessible.
ISSN:2364-5504