Hybrid nanofibrous mats with remarkable solvent and temperature resistance produced by electrospinning technique

A novel organic/inorganic hybrid copolymer poly[styrene-co-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl-methacrylate] [P(St-co-TMSPMA)] (denoted as PST) was successfully prepared from styrene and TMSPMA by free-radical polymerization. These composite fiber mats of PST were fabricated via a typical electrospinning process using a single solvent system. As shown in the SEM, the PST composite nanofibers have a smooth and uniform surface and the average diameter is about 0.2 ± 0.04 μm. After the methoxysilyl groups (SiOCH3) were hydrolyzed toward silanol groups (SiOH), the nanofibrous mats exhibited remarkable solvent and temperature resistance. On account of good chemical and thermal stability, this hybrid mats can provide a useful platform for developing functionalized mat systems.

► A novel organic/inorganic hybrid copolymer was successfully prepared.
► Nanofibrous mats were fabricated via electrospinning process.
► The mats have a property with remarkable solvent and temperature resistance.