P20
Omniphobic Electrospun Butyl Rubber Membranes-Nicholas Staub
Nicholas Staub1, Jinde Zhang1, Artee Panwar1, Carol Barry1, Joey Mead1
1University of Massachusetts Lowell
Abstract
Electrospinning of thermosetting elastomers is a method for developing nonwoven fiber mats with a microporous structure for use in a variety of applications. Currently these membranes restrict the passage of water droplets but allow the passage of water vapor. These have potential application for breathable garments but lack oil repellency. Thus, omniphobicity could expand possible applications by repelling low surface tension liquids and reducing fouling. Electrospinning carbon black filled butyl rubber has previously created membranes with water contact angles up to 138°. This work demonstrates the creation of omniphobic membranes by the addition of a hierarchical nanocoating on the electrospun membrane. The contact angle, oil repellency, and the morphology of the membrane are reported.