Stretchable PDMS Embedded Fibrous Membranes Based on an Ethanol Solvent System for Waterproof and Breathable Applications

Abstract

Flexible membranes with excellent waterproofness and breathability have been strongly desired in wound dressing applications with the aim of providing both protection and comfort. Despite the advances in protective clothing using waterproof breathable materials, the construction of waterproof breathable membranes suited for wound dressing still faces huge challenges to eliminate the toxic solvent residue-related harm to health and improve the waterproof, breathable, and stretchable performance. In the current work, we developed a facile and versatile approach based on one-step electrospinning and an ethanol solvent system for producing skinlike waterproof and breathable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) embedded polyvinyl butyral (PVB) fibrous membranes. Benefiting from the addition of hydrophobic agent PDMS, a reduced maximum pore size and enhanced surface hydrophobicity were achieved, contributing to a maximum hydrostatic pressure of 54.32 kPa, which was about 4.0 times that of the PVB fibrous membrane. In addition, the obtained PVB/PDMS fibrous membranes exhibited a remarkable water vapor transmission rate of 8.98 kg m–2 day–1, and enhanced mechanical strength of 4.95 MPa. The developed fibrous membranes provided human skinlike functions, including blocking liquid water penetration inside, permitting water vapor transmission outside, and allowing for sufficient stretching at joint positions. Taken together, this work could contribute to a better design of health-friendly, waterproof, breathable, and stretchable wound dressing materials.