Single-Component Silicon-Containing Polyurethane for High-Performance Waterproof and Breathable Nanofiber Membranes

HighlightsWhat are the main findings?A fluorine-free, silicone-based polyurethane (SiPU) can be used as the only raw material for fabricating membranes, addressing environmental and health concerns associated with fluorine-containing materials.The membranes are produced via a simple, one-step electrospinning process that overcomes the complexity of the conventional preparation method.What is the implication of the main finding?The optimized SiPU nanofiber membrane demonstrates excellent water repellency (hydrostatic pressure of 52 kPa) and breathability (water vapor transmission rate of 5798 g·m−2·d−1), meeting key performance criteria.The optimized SiPU-14 nanofiber membrane exhibits high mechanical strength (tensile strength of 6.15 MPa) and ductility (elongation at break of 98.80%), enhancing durability, comfort, and practical applicability in protective textiles.High-performance waterproof and breathable nanofiber membranes (WBNMs) are in great demand for various advanced applications. However, the fabrication of such membranes often relies on fluorinated materials or involves complex preparation processes, limiting their practical use. In this study, we present an innovative approach by utilizing silicon-containing polyurethane (SiPU) as a single-component, fluorine-free raw material to prepare high-performance WBNMs via a simple one-step electrospinning process. The electrospinning technique enables the formation of SiPU nanofibrous membranes with a small maximum pore size (dmax) and high porosity, while the intrinsic hydrophobicity of SiPU imparts excellent water-repellent characteristics to the membranes. As a result, the single-component SiPU WBNM exhibits superior waterproofness and breathability, with a hydrostatic pressure of 52 kPa and a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 5798 g m−2d−1. Moreover, the optimized SiPU-14 WBNM demonstrates outstanding mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 6.15 MPa and an elongation at break of 98.80%. These findings indicate that the single-component SiPU-14 WBNMs not only achieve excellent waterproof and breathable performance but also possess robust mechanical strength, thereby enhancing the comfort and expanding the potential applications of protective textiles, such as outdoor apparel and car seats.