A thermo-responsive random copolymer of poly(NIPAm-co-FMA) for smart textile applications

Abstract

Abstract A thermo-responsive random copolymer of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-furfuryl methacrylate) (NF-10) has been fabricated and applied in Nylon fabrics for smart textile applications. The copolymer was synthesized by free radical copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and furfuryl methacrylate (FMA) using 2,2′-azobis (2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) initiator. The copolymer was characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The fabrics were dipped in a solution which NF-10 mixed with bismaleimide (BMI) to form a Diels-Alder bonded cross-linked fabric (D-A fabric) through Diels-Alder reaction, as a covalent network structure that around the fibers of the fabrics. Additionally, D-A fabric has been provided the excellent washing fastness of 86% and controlled the pore sizes by the temperature of phase change of NF-10, investigating via scanning electron microscope (SEM) and pore size analyzer (PSA). Finally, PNIPAm-based copolymer exhibits the excellent performances, promising for the smart textile applications and commercialization in the future.