Fabrication of nanosilica-incorporated poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyurethane (PVDF/PU-SiO2) electrospun nanofibrous membranes for breathable, windproof and waterproof clothing applications

Here, the hybrid electrospun nanofibrous membrane with breathability and waterproof and windproof properties for potential application in sports clothing was prepared. To do this, poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polyurethane nanofibrous membranes containing silica nanoparticles (PVDF/PU-SiO2) were produced by the electrospinning method. The effects of silica nanoparticle content (1–4 wt%), time of electrospinning (1–5 h), and PVDF/PU ratio (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75, 0/100) on the breathability and barrier properties of PVDF/PU-SiO2 nanofibrous membrane were explored using statistical approach. Morphological study of PVDF/PU-SiO2 nanofibrous membrane exhibits the fabrication of uniform and bead-free fibers with embedded silica nanoparticles. The resultant PVDF/PU-SiO2 nanofibrous membrane with higher PVDF/PU ratios (75/25) exhibited significant waterproofness with high water contact angle (WCA) and hydrostatic pressure of 106° and 357 mmH2O, respectively. It is shown that increasing the electrospinning time favors the windproof properties of PVDF/PU-SiO2 nanofibrous membrane by decreasing the air permeability values. Additionally, exploring the body-generated moisture transferability of the PVDF/PU-SiO2 nanofibrous membrane revealed its acceptable breathability with a high value of water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). The results of this study suggest the developed PVDF/PU-SiO2 nanofibrous membrane as a promising alternative for a variety of applications, such as sportswear.