Tailoring the Porosity and Breathability of Nanofiber Webs with Mesh Size of the Deposition Material

Abstract

Nano and micro-pores of the electrospun webs present good moisture vapor transmission rate, while it maintains resistance to pressured air and resistance to liquid for some type of clothing. Laminating a nanofiber web to any textile structure could improve the desired resistance to air permeability with providing excellent breathability. In the present study, hydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and hydrophilic poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber webs were produced onto three different chromium sieve wires and then laminated to an interlining fabric and compared in means of pore size, breathability, and air permeability. Mesh count of the wires affected the pore size and smallest pore size are belong to 90 mesh wire. The water vapor permeability of the samples varied between 80% and 90% as well as providing relatively low air permeability values. With increasing nanofiber amount, air permeability decreased dramatically.