Preparation of sustainable fibers from isosorbide: Merits over bisphenol-A based polysulfone

To address environmental concerns related to the large volume of plastics currently used, high-performance, sustainable, and satisfactorily performing bioplastics can be a solution. Isosorbide (ISB)-based amorphous poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PAESs) derived from biomass feedstocks instead of harmful aromatic petrochemicals, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), are promising novel materials. To expand the range of eco-friendly products, ISB-PAES microfibers (ISU) along with BPA-PAES-based microfibers (PSU) have been fabricated through dry-jet wet spinning. ISU is mechanically 2.3 times stronger (247 MPa) than PSU (106 MPa), which may be ascribed to the compact and homogeneous structure of ISU compared to the porous structure of PSU. This structural superiority is due to the polar ISB moiety, which improves the phase stability of the ISU spinning dope in water (a role of the coagulant). For potential wig applications, the diameter, strength, and moduli of ISU are well matched to those of human hair. In addition, ISU is easily colored and endures high temperatures better than current wig filaments. It survives at high temperatures without breaking down during hair iron treatment (200 °C).