Design and characterization of polyurethane based electrospun systems modified with transition metals oxides for protective clothing applications

This paper reports the design and the fabrication of novel fiber membranes based on electrospun polyurethane (PU) fibers modified with copper and zinc oxide as potential systems for protective clothing. A one-step in-situ methodology is proposed to modify the PU systems. The modified PU membranes are widely characterized in terms of spectroscopic, morphological, thermal and barrier properties. Evaluation of surface charge and analysis of retention degree, obtained by testing four model systems (H2O, H2O/NaOH, lemon juice and sweat simulant), are even carried out. Then, to evaluate the protection against UV rays, weathering tests are accomplished while the carbonyl index gives a proof of the improved UV stability. The estimation of ultraviolet protection factor allowed to prove the total resistance to UV-A and UV-B rays. Finally, cytostatic effect against Gram+ and Gram- bacteria is evaluated. The reported results allow for stating that the designed materials show great potential as high-performance systems for protective clothing applications.