Carbon nanotube-containing polybutadiene-based electrospun fibres ultraviolet-cross-linked with pentaerythritol triacrylate as interpenetrating polymer networks

Abstract

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) consist of two or more cross-linked polymers that are intertwined and cannot be separated, providing excellent stability and strong integration of the components. In this study, hydrophilic and semicrystalline poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was blended with hydrophobic and amorphous 1,3-polybutadiene (PBu) to form an amphiphilic material with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. This blending reduced PEO crystallinity and promoted phase separation while enabling tailored surface interactions, which is advantageous for coatings requiring strong adhesion to both polar and non-polar substrates. The addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) further improved the thermal stability, mechanical performance, processing behaviour and crystallinity of the PEO–PBu blend. To achieve permanent structural integration, electrospun PEO–PBu–CNT nanofibres were subjected to UV-initiated cross-linking with pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), introducing additional covalent bonds between the polymer chains. Cross-linking reduced the flexibility and vibrational freedom of C─H bonds, as indicated by decreased Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)spectroscopy peak intensity. Overall, the synergistic effects of amphiphilic blending, CNT incorporation and UV-induced cross-linking yielded IPNs with optimized crystallinity, enhanced robustness and improved interfacial interactions. These findings highlight the promise of PEO–PBu–CNT IPNs for advanced functional materials for applications, such as solid polymer electrolytes and sensors, where mechanical durability, thermal stability and controlled ionic transport are essential.