Direct measurement of the elasticity and fracture properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile/halloysite fibrous mesh in water

The objectives of this research are to characterize the effects of hydration on the elasticity and fracture properties of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and PAN/halloysite meshes and to use the information for design analysis for water filtration application. Electron micrographs of these meshes revealed pore diameters ranging 1-7 μm. Direct measurement of the mesh stiffness and strength in water revealed that PAN/halloysite meshes were stiffer and stronger than PAN meshes. Solution diffusion model predicted that PAN/halloysite mesh can support a water flux of 2.4 times higher than PAN mesh without breaking during desalination. However, wet meshes were weaker and less stiff than dry meshes. This was attributed to a reduced effectiveness for stress transfer between fibres, caused by the presence of water in (and swelling of) the inter-fibre space, as reflected by a reduction in the volume fraction of the respective PAN and halloysite components.