Obtenção de nanofibras copoliméricas usando óleo de laranja como solvente verde

Abstract

The expression "green solvent" represents an alternative for the industry to minimize the environmental impact caused by the use of solvents traditionally used in chemical or industrial processes. In this sense, orange oil, formed mostly by limonene, was used here as a solvent of the copolymer poly(styrene – ethylene/butadiene - styrene) (SEBS). This oil comes from renewable sources and presents a potential substitute for dangerous traditional solvents, such as toluene. The objective of this work was to evaluate the production of SEBS nanofibers, using orange oil as solvent, via solution blow spinning (SBS). Pure SEBS fibers and SEBS/aniline fibers with aniline present at concentrations of 20, 30 and 40 (wt.%) were produced. The fibers containing aniline were coated with polyaniline (PANI) which was synthesized by oxidative chemical polymerization in situ. Through the SEM analysis it was observed that the resulting material consisted of nanofibers with diameters of 354nm, 421nm, 428nm, 447nm for pure SEBS samples and samples of 20, 30 and 40 (wt.%) aniline/SEBS, respectively, and that PANI coat the nanofiber mat forming a thin layer on them. Based on the contact angle results, it was found that SEBS/PANI nanofibers are hydrophobic. By the FTIR analysis, it was found that PANI presents the structure of emeraldine salt and by the evaluation of thermogravimetry it was noted that the thermal stability of the nanofibers was increased. The results showed that it is possible to produce SEBS nanofibers via SBS, using orange oil as a green solvent. The PANI coating on SEBS turn conductive nanofibers with potential application to the environment and can be used as a filter material for removal of contaminants present in wastewater or for the manufacture and application of sensors for the detection of toxic gases.