One-Step Electrospinning for Fluorine-Free Nanofiber Membranes with Optimally Integrated Waterproofing, Breathability, and UV Protection

The demand for multifunctional, highly waterproof, and breathable nanofiber membranes is high due to their extensive applications in personal protection, outdoor equipment, and portable electronics. Nevertheless, the fabrication of such multifunctional waterproof-breathable membranes (WBMs) based on fluorine-free raw materials and a straightforward preparation process presents considerable challenges. Herein, this work proposes an easy and effective one-step electrospinning method for the fabrication of fluorine-free and multifunctional polyurethane (PU)/poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS)/2-hydroxy-4-n-octyloxybenzophenone (UV531)/TiO2/stearic acid (SA) WBMs (PSUTS WBMs). The synergistic effect of organic absorber UV531 and inorganic blocker TiO2 provides the PSUTS nanofiber membrane with excellent UV protection. The incorporation of hydrophobic SA results in an optimized pore structure and surface hydrophobicity of the PSUTS WBMs, thereby enhancing their waterproof, breathable, and mechanical properties. By adjusting the amount of SA, eco-friendly and multifunctional PSUTS WBMs were systematically prepared, exhibiting exceptional UV protection performance (UPF, 399.45), high waterproof performance (76.2 kPa), satisfactory moisture breathability (5.23 kg m–2 d–1), and adequate tensile strength (5.4 MPa) and elongation at break (136.2%). The multifunctional PSUTS WBMs are expected to be utilized in various applications, providing optimal performance.