Formation of Polyamide Nanofibers by Directional Crystallization in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

Great balls of fiber! Annealing of a dilute aqueous solution of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) above its cloud point leads to the formation of a coagulate in the form of crystalline nanofibers (see microscopy image). Directional crystallization, which occurs below the glass transition temperature of the polymer at 65 °C, is driven by hydrophobic and dipolar interactions in combination with a solvation effect.