The Effects of Laundering on the Mechanical Properties of Mass-produced Nanofiber Web for Use in Wear

Abstract

Nanofiber web mass produced via electrospinning has many potential applications due to its large specific area, very small pore size, high porosity and so forth. Despite these potentials, the application of nanofiber web has been limited by its poor mechanical properties. To remedy these poor mechanical properties, laminating processes have been applied to its manufacture. For use in clothing, fabric should have not only adequate mechanical properties, but also the durability to withstand laundering. Hence, the purpose of this study was to measure the mechanical properties of mass-produced nanofiber web, and then to investigate the change of these mechanical properties after laundering in order to evaluate the possibility of using such fiber in a breathable fabric for outdoor wear. We concluded that the maintenance of nanofiber web morphology, despite repeated laundering, allowed for the retention of the mechanical properties.