Stability and spinnability of modified melamine-formaldehyde resin solution for centrifugal spinning

Melamine microfibers were first prepared by centrifugal spinning. The stability and spinnability of a melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin solution were improved as expected by adding various modifier combinations. Considering the storage stability of solutions characterized by visual inspection, turbidity tests, and viscosity measurements and combined with the fiber morphology, the optimal modifier combination was obtained. The spun fibers manifested a good morphology and thermal stability as measured by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, microfibers prepared by three spinning methods (centrifugal spinning, electrospinning, and centrifugal electrostatic spinning) were compared to choose the suitable spinning method for different fields in the future. This work provides systematic and scientific guidance on the synthesis of MF resin solutions and rapid mass production of melamine microfibers and also demonstrates that centrifugal spinning of melamine microfiber is a promising candidate for flame retardance and CO2 adsorption at elevated temperature. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46072.