Research on Melt Electrowriting TPU Hydrophobic Microfiber Mesh for Directional Water Transport

Self-pumping textiles have been widely researched for the function of directional perspiration, which can realize comfortable wearing. However, there are still many problems to be solved in the study of hydrophobic layer. A good match between the wettability of hydrophobic layer and the breakthrough pressure is the key to realize the directional water transfer. In addition, it is also very important to ensure its mechanical strength and to improve its durability, which is the key to ensure its continuous and multiple use. Herein, a flexible and elastic thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) hydrophobic microfiber mesh (TPU-HMM) produced by melt electrowriting (MEW) is reported. TPU-HMMs with different wettability were fabricated by orderly and controllable stacking. By controlling the pore size and stacking thickness, the relationship between the wettability and the breakthrough pressure of TPU-HMM was explored. This research has a guiding role for the realization of on-demand water directional transport, and the ordered TPU-HMM has great potential in the development of wearable devices, anti-adhesion textiles and wound dressings.