Biomimetic preparation of elastomeric fibers with micro/nano structures on the surfaces

Bioinspired by the spinning of spider silks, the biomimetic preparation of elastomeric fibers with micro/nano structures on the surfaces was attempted, and as a result, three types of ultrafine full-vulcanized powdered nitrile-butadiene rubber (UFPNBR)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibers were made. The first fiber was only decorated by the micron-sized grooves on the surface, and the second fiber was dotted by both the micron-sized grooves and nanometer-sized spheres on the surface, while the third fiber was helical and with a concave–convex surface. The biomimetic preparation mainly consisted of four steps, and the formation mechanism was described as an integrated mechanism of diffusion, coagulation, self assembly, and microphase separation. The micro/nano structures on the fibers were controlled by changing the mass ratio of UFPNBR to TPU and environment of vertical stretching. The UFPNBR/TPU elastomeric fibers were hoped to have an integrated function of superhydrophobicity, self cleaning, and mechanical improvement of toughness or strength.