Preparation of PBO/ZnO fibers by hydrothermal synthesis method and its properties

In this article, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized and deposited on the surface of PBO fibers through hydrothermal synthesis method. The structures and properties of PBO/ZnO fibers and PBO fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and tensile testing. The results revealed that the PBO/ZnO fibers have good mechanical properties and high thermal stability. Moreover, the fibers exhibited excellent UV-blocking properties by putting them under UV irradiation of 313 nm. Specifically, ZnO coated fibers will lose only 18.93% of tensile strength after 50 h irradiation, and then will keep over 65% of tensile strength after 100 h UV irradiation. Additionally the interface shear strength is increased significantly, and the results also showed modified PBO fibers exhibited excellent hydrophobic quality. So the functional materials have great potentials in future engineering applications. (paper)