WS2nanotubes embedded in PMMA nanofibers as energy absorptive material

Abstract

Tungsten disulfide inorganic nanotubes (WS₂ INTs), which are available now in large amounts, were embedded into a poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanofiber matrix. The PMMA solution and PMMA–WS₂ INT suspensions were electrospun to form aligned nanofiber meshes. TEM analysis revealed that WS₂ INTs are well dispersed within the PMMA fiber matrix and aligned along the fiber axes. Characteristic Raman signatures of WS₂ INTs were observed for the composite fiber meshes. The characteristic optical absorption band of WS₂ INTs shifted to the blue wavelength region in the presence of PMMA, a shift indicating a significant interaction between WS₂ INTs and PMMA. The thermal stability of WS₂ INT-embedded PMMA meshes was increased by 23 °C, in comparison to PMMA. The elastic modulus of PMMA fiber meshes was increased 10 times and 22 times, when WS₂ INTs were embedded and aligned along the fiber axes, for 1 wt% and 2 wt% respectively, and without compromising the tensile strength of the PMMA fiber mesh. Respective 35% and 30% increases in the tensile strength and toughness of the composite fibers were recorded. In addition, the dielectric constant of composite fiber meshes was 61% higher than that of PMMA fiber meshes. The developed PMMA–WS₂ INT organic–inorganic composites featuring enhanced stiffness and toughness may have potential applications as transparent high energy absorption materials.