Nanofibers: Friend or Foe?

Abstract

Since the early 1990s nanofibers, particularly those of a carbonaceous content [1] have received heightened interest due to their advantageous physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., high strength, stiffness, semi-conductor, increased thermal conductivity and one of the highest Young's modulus [2]). Such attributes have caused increased debate regarding their potential use as a fundamental component in a wide range of new, advantageous materials for consumer, industrial and medical applications [2]. Yet, concomitantly, due to their dimensions, as well as chemical and elemental structure, concerns as to the human health risk associated with exposure to nanofibers have been vehemently raised [3][4][5]. Thus, there remains an impending need to undertake research initiatives that focus specifically upon determining the real advantages posed by nanofibers, as well as underpinning their conceivable risk to human health. Both are inextricably linked, and therefore by devising a thorough understanding of the synthesis and production of nanofibers to their potential application and disposal is essential in gaining an insight as to the risk they may pose to human health.In this Special Issue of Fibers, seven publications (two original articles and four full-length reviews as well as one opinion) are dedicated towards further understanding the nanofibre paradox, notably considering (i) the advantageous structure and mechanical material properties; and (ii) what areas must be considered for future research.Initially, Yao and colleagues [6], in a paper entitled 'High strength and high modulus electrospun nanofibers', describe, through a detailed review, the ability to create nanoscale continuous fibers via the simple method of electro-spinning. This paper highlights just one of the many possibilities to synthesize nano-sized fibers that elicit high strength and high modulus characteristics, providing essential guidance for future activities in this context. Such future activities are subsequently shown by Schaer et al. [7], who describe the effectiveness of co-encapsulating different forms of nanomaterials (i.e., nanophosphors and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) in either polystyrene microor nano-fibers using electro-spinning techniques. Through a sophisticated approach, it has been shown that such electro-spun nanomaterials can be used as promising multi-functional magnetic photoluminescent photocatalytic nano-constructs.Continuing further, the potential application of nanofibers is then touched upon by Hatanaka et al. [8], who report the ability for cellulose nanofibers, a new and exciting nanofiber type, to form hierarchical self-assembled films. In this original article, which highlights an alternative way of approaching soft nanoscience, it was reported that via an unconventional, bottom-up process, they were able to show that the hierarchically self-assembled nanofibers promoted increased, advantageous level of mechanical properties when under tensile mode.The context of the Special Issue then changes direc...

Transformation of the released asbestos, carbon fibers and carbon nanotubes from composite materials and the changes of their potential health impacts

“…There remains an impending need to undertake research initiatives that focus specifically upon determining the real advantages posed by nanofibers, as well as underpinning their conceivable risk to human health. Both are inextricably linked, and therefore by devising a thorough understanding of the synthesis and production of nanofibers to their potential application and disposal is essential in gaining an insight as to the risk they may pose to human health [ 6 ].…”