WS2 nanotubes embedded in PMMA nanofibers as energy absorptive material

Tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes (WS2 INTs), which are available now in large amounts, were embedded into a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanofiber matrix. The PMMA solution and PMMA–WS2 INT suspensions were electrospun to form aligned nanofiber meshes. TEM analysis revealed that WS2 INTs are well dispersed within the PMMA fiber matrix and aligned along the fiber axes. Characteristic Raman signatures of WS2 INTs were observed for the composite fiber meshes. The characteristic optical absorption band of WS2 INTs shifted to the blue wavelength region in the presence of PMMA, a shift indicating a significant interaction between WS2 INTs and PMMA. The thermal stability of WS2 INT-embedded PMMA meshes was increased by 23 °C, in comparison to PMMA. The elastic modulus of PMMA fiber meshes was increased 10 times and 22 times, when WS2 INTs were embedded and aligned along the fiber axes, for 1 wt% and 2 wt% respectively, and without compromising the tensile strength of the PMMA fiber mesh. Respective 35% and 30% increases in the tensile strength and toughness of the composite fibers were recorded. In addition, the dielectric constant of composite fiber meshes was 61% higher than that of PMMA fiber meshes. The developed PMMA–WS2 INT organic–inorganic composites featuring enhanced stiffness and toughness may have potential applications as transparent high energy absorption materials.