Effect of Heat Treatment Mode and Aggressive Media on Mechanical Properties of Porous Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes Fabricated via Electrospinning

TL;DR

This study investigates how heat treatment modes and aggressive media exposure affect the mechanical properties of electrospun porous polytetrafluoroethylene membranes, highlighting optimal fabrication conditions for enhanced strength and durability.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the effects of suspension content, heat treatment, and chemical resistance of electrospun PTFE membranes, advancing their potential applications.

Findings

Membranes with 50-60 wt % PTFE and quenched heat treatment show highest strength and elongation.

Electrospun PTFE membranes exhibit high chemical resistance at 100°C for 48 hours.

Heat treatment mode significantly influences the mechanical properties of the membranes.

Abstract

Electrospinning is a modern alternative to the expanded method for producing porous polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. High strength and relative elongation, as well as the ability to maintain these properties for a long time when exposed to aggressive media at high temperatures, determine the application scope of the electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. Herein, we report the effect of polytetrafluoroethylene suspension content in the spinning solution, heat treatment mode (quenching and annealing) and aggressive media at high temperatures on the tensile strength and relative elongation of electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. Membranes fabricated from spinning solutions with 50 to 60 wt % polytetrafluoroethylene suspension content that underwent quenching were characterized by the highest tensile strength and relative elongation. Electrospun polytetrafluoroethylene membranes also demonstrated high chemical resistance to concentrated mineral acids and alkalis, a bipolar aprotic solvent, engine oil and deionized water at 100 deg for 48 hours.