MXene-PAN Composite Fiber Braiding for Mechanical Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
MXene compounds exhibit poor mechanical properties and low oxidation stability, limiting their application in electric wires, electrothermal materials, and wearable electronics despite their high electrical conductivity and electrochemical characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing composite fibers by preparing an MXene compound dispersion and a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) dispersion, combining them, and performing wet-spinning followed by heat treatment to create MXene-PAN fibers, which are then braided with polymer fibers to enhance mechanical properties and oxidation stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If MXene compounds are manufactured into fibers, then electrical conductivity is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining MXene compounds with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to create MXene/PAN composite fibers. The PAN matrix provides mechanical strength while MXene nanosheets dispersed within it maintain electrical conductivity. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by allowing both conductive and mechanically robust properties to coexist in the fiber material.
2Reliability
If MXene compounds are manufactured into fibers, then electrical conductivity is improved, but oxidation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The PAN matrix in the MXene/PAN composite acts as a protective barrier that enhances oxidation stability while preserving the electrical conductivity of MXene. The composite structure shields the MXene nanosheets from oxidative degradation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining conductivity and improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inert atmosphere processing during fiber manufacturing, using nitrogen or argon environments to prevent oxidation of MXene compounds during the spinning and heat treatment processes. This inert environment protection maintains both the electrical conductivity and oxidation stability of the resulting fibers.
3Ease of manufacture
If wet-spinning is performed to create fibers, then manufacturing process is simplified, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating MXene compounds into the spinning solution before the wet-spinning process. This pre-dispersion ensures uniform distribution of MXene throughout the fiber structure during manufacturing, simplifying the process while maintaining mechanical integrity through proper nanofiller integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters including MXene concentration (1-10 wt%), solvent composition, and spinning conditions to achieve the right balance between ease of manufacturing and mechanical properties. By carefully controlling these parameters, the wet-spinning process produces fibers with adequate mechanical strength while maintaining production efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting composite fibers demonstrate improved mechanical properties and oxidation stability, maintaining electrical conductivity within the range of 0.1 to 1,000 Scm−1, suitable for applications in electric wires, heating materials, and wearable electronics.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a spun fiber by performing wet-spinning of the admixture
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a spun fiber by performing wet-spinning of the admixture
Implementation Method 3
obtaining a MXene-PAN fiber by performing heat treatment of the spun fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a composite fiber (MXene composite fiber) and a manufacturing method thereof. The composite fibers are manufactured by braiding a MXene-PAN fiber heat-treated with a polymer fiber. The method includes preparing a first dispersion including an MXene compound and a first solvent, preparing a second dispersion including polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and a second solvent, obtaining an admixture including the first dispersion and the second dispersion, obtaining a spun fiber by performing wet-spinning of the admixture, obtaining an MXene-PAN fiber by performing heat treatment of the spun fiber, and obtaining the MXene composite fiber by braiding the MXene-PAN fibers with a polymer fiber. An electrical conductivity of the MXene-PAN fiber is about 0.1 Scm−1 to 1,000 Scm−1.