Polyketone nanofiber: an effective reinforcement for the development of novel UV‐curable, highly transparent and flexible polyurethane nanocomposite films

This study deals with the fabrication of a novel polyketone nanofiber‐reinforced UV‐curable polyurethane acrylate nanocomposite. An aliphatic polyketone nanofibrous mat was proficiently prepared by electrospinning using a solvent mixture of methylene chloride and trifluoroacetic acid. The outstanding characteristics of polymer nanofibers including a small pore size, a high aspect ratio and molecular orientation and an excellent mechanical performance offer the use of nanofibers as reinforcement in making nanocomposites. We fabricated a novel highly transparent and flexible nanocomposite film based on casting, electrospinning and UV‐curing processes. This method allowed significant enhancement of the mechanical properties using a very small amount (approximately 3.5 gsm) of polyketone nanofiber. The yield strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposite were improved by up to 61% and 60%, respectively, compared to a UV‐cured polyurethane acrylate film. The reinforcing effect of nanofibers was accomplished without sacrificing the transparency and flexibility of polyurethane acrylate. The morphologies of the nanofibers and fiber–resin interface as well as the characteristics of the nanocomposite films were also studied. The effective use of nanofibers as a reinforcement and the preparation of a nanocomposite along with its characterization in comparison to a UV‐cured polyurethane acrylate film are also discussed. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry Nanofiber‐reinforced highly transparent and flexible nanocomposite film is based on casting, electrospinning and UV‐curing methods which allowed a significant enhancement of mechanical properties.