Influence of Solvent Nature on the Morphology and Sorption Properties of Polystyrene Nonwoven Materials

Abstract

Nonwoven microfibrous materials were electrospun from polystyrene solutions of concentrations 15-25 wt% in various solvents (DMF, THF, CHCl₃, and EtOAc). Scanning electron microscopy found that fibers of various morphologies, both round and ribbonlike, with smooth and porous surfaces could be produced depending on the spinning solution parameters and process conditions. The average fiber diameter could be regulated in the range 0.5-20 μm. Addition to the spinning solutions of EtOH was shown to improve their rheological and electrophysical characteristics, to decrease the average diameter of the resulting fibers, and to improve their homogeneity. The obtained materials demonstrated superhydrophobic properties and high sorption capacity (up to 185 g/g) for motor and silicone oils. This enabled them to be considered effective sorbents for remediating spills of oil products from water surfaces.