Multipurpose composites with switched surface functionality and morphology based on oligoperoxide-modified electrospun nanofiber

A new approach toward obtaining polymer nanofibers via electrospinning the blend of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and surface-active oligoperoxide for further creation of smart polymer composites with tailored surface functionality via polymerization initiated from the large-area PBI nanofiber sheets is presented. The peroxide fragments localized on the nanofiber surface due to poor immiscibility of the polymers in the blend provide “fiber-initiated” radical polymerization aiming variation of the functionality, height, and packing density of grafted polymer brushes according to the application requirements. PBI-based nanofiber 2D sheets of the variable packing density of grafted poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) or poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (poly(DMAEMA)) brushes were synthesized. The structure, morphology, and special unique properties of new nanofiber-based composites studied using combined techniques demonstrate the ability of our advanced technology to produce smart functional materials for enhanced multi-purpose performance. The nanofiber sheets functionalized with grafted poly(HEMA) brushes were studied as biocompatible scaffolds for the immobilization and growth of mammalian cells and tissues. Poly(DMAEMA)-modified nanofiber composites possess enhanced dielectric permittivity providing their potential application in nanoelectronics.