Preparation and properties of PIPD nanofibers made by a swelling and ultrasonic stripping process

Abstract

Poly{2,6-dimidazo[4,5-b:4′,5′-e]pridinylene-1,4(2,5-dihydroxy)phenylene} (PIPD) nanofibers were prepared from an as-spun PIPD fiber by a simple solvent swelling and ultrasonic stripping process for the first time. Briefly, with the help of heating and supersonic treatment, a PIPD fiber was made into nanofibers with diameters of 20–500 nm. Due to the nanoscale of the PIPD nanofibers and abundant polarized –OH groups on the surface of the nanofibers, these PIPD nanofibers show excellent solubility and stability in DMSO. It is easy to construct porous PIPD films with these nanofibers and the membrane shows excellent mechanical properties and heat resistance. Moreover, the mechanical performance of the PIPD membrane can be improved greatly after cross-linking with glutaraldehyde.