Fast-scanning calorimetry of electrospun polyamide nanofibres: Melting behaviour and crystal structure

This paper discusses the melting behaviour and crystal structure of electrospun (polymorphous) polyamide (PA) fibres and presents the importance of the heating rate used for their study by thermal analysis. A case study of PA6, PA46 and PA69 nanofibres is performed using a Rapid Heat-Cool DSC (RHC), a fast-scanning calorimeter capable of controlled heating rates above 1000 K min−1. Thermal lag becomes significant at scan rates above 500 K min−1 and the ideal scan rate for analysis of the crystal structure depends on the PA type. Measurements at the most suitable heating rate indicate that the thermal stability of the crystals is higher for nanofibres compared to bulk material. Additionally, more stable crystals are favoured in finer nanofibres. This is especially the case for PA6 nanofibres, having an increasing fraction of stable α-crystal phase with decreasing fibre diameter, as shown by both thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction.