【Nanofiber Explanation 3】What is the Supramolecular alignment Effect?

In this article, we will introduce some nanofiber products that effectively utilize the “supramolecular alignment effect,” one of the properties of nanofibers.

What is the Supramolecular alignment Effect?

The effect is caused by the straight alignment of polymer chains.

The regular arrangement of conductive atoms and molecules produces fibers with very high conductivity, and is expected to be used in mobile fuel cells and other applications. In addition, the straight polymer chains make the fibers extremely strong, and the dense structure greatly improves their heat resistance. It is expected to be used in highly functional composite materials in fields where ” light, thin, short, and small” is required.

The following is an overview of the three properties.

①Electrical Properties

In carbon and conductive polymers, the electrical transport is about a thousand times greater than in copper wire due to the straight alignment of polymer chains. This allows carbon and conductive polymers to be used to fabricate conductive fabrics, which can be used as antennas or conductive materials.

These properties and technologies have led to the development of

  • Wearable electronics
  • Mobile Fuel Cells
  • Electromagnetic shielding materials
  • Super Safety Clothing
  • Health Care Stimuware

and other fields where commercialization is implemented a expected.

②Mechanical properties

In polymeric nanofibers, orientation and crystallinity are high, and tensile strength is about 100 times higher than that of nylon. This makes it possible to fabricate high-strength nanofibers by using aramid or other materials for nanofibers. Also, nanofiber gels can be used to fabricate strong yet responsive actuators.

These properties and technologies have led to the development of

  • Smart Fabrics
  • Smart Robots
  • Super Safety Clothing
  • Health Care Stimuware

and other fields where commercialization is implemented and expected.

③Thermal Properties

The supramolecular alignment effect gives nanofibers a high degree of orientation and crystallinity, plus the organic/inorganic hybridization
improves heat resistance by 400°C. This makes it possible to produce fabrics that combine lightweight and heat resistance requirements. In addition, the use of electrospinning makes organic-inorganic hybridization very easy.

These properties and technologies have led to the development of

  • Smart Fabrics
  • Super Heat Resistant Filters
  • Super Safety Clothing
  • Health Care Stimuware

and other fields where commercialization is implemented and expected.

Developing products using the super molecular alignment effect

It is light, thin, short, and small, and has a current carrying capacity that is 1000 times greater than that of copper wire. From these properties, we expect the following product developments if researches are carried out in the electrical, electronic, and robotics industries.

Compact high-capacity batteries

Recently, a research team from Brown University, the University of Maryland, the University of Tokyo, and others announced that they have developed a candidate material from nanofibers for the solid electrolyte of all solid-state batteries, which are considered a key component of next-generation electric vehicles (EVs).

Ultra-thin personal computers

In combination with the nano-size effect, for example, it could be possible to create personal computers that are even thinner than paper. When completed, this technology could lead to a future that looks like something out of science fiction, where people wear contact lens-shaped computers.

Super Safety Clothes

With a tensile strength roughly 100 times greater than that of nylon, it is possible to create fabrics that safely protect workers even in the harshest of work environments. The properties of nanofibers also make it a highly effective insulator, and its thinness and high heat retention make it a safety garment that is comfortable all year round.

Conclusions

What did you think? This article introduced the functions of nanofibers as seen through the “supramolecular alignment effect”. These functions are just one of the many possibilities of nanofibers. If you would like to know more about nanofibers, please take a look at the other articles on our website!