Preparation of para-aramid aerogel fiber structurally colored by light scattering through wet spinning and supercritical drying

Abstract This research is an investigation of the preparation conditions for para-aramid aerogel fibers that are structurally colored by Rayleigh scattering, an angle-independent structural color. It is well known that structural color has the angle dependence of colors. However, there is currently a desire for materials with angle-independent structural color. During the fibers’ spinning process, the microstructures of the fibers are generated. The effect of spinning conditions is investigated by measuring the optical properties of the wet gel fibers. The neutralization speed of negatively charged PPTA fibrils has a significant impact on the formation of the dense microstructure. Spinning under the fast neutralization speed condition makes it possible to achieve the blue-colored fiber derived from Rayleigh scattering. The influence of neutralization speed on the microstructure of the fibers is confirmed by FE-SEM characterization. Furthermore, spinning using a narrow inner diameter needle decreases the whiteness component derived from Mie scattering of the fibers, resulting in a more vivid blue color. The angle-independent structurally colored fibers hold great promise for application in clothing, interiors, and industrial materials.