Chapter 3 - Surface functionalization techniques and characterization methods of electrospun nanofibers

Abstract

The discovery of advanced techniques to fabricate ideal frameworks that imitate the mechanical, thermal, and functional behavior of nanostructure materials has always been the foremost concern. Among various nanostructured materials, electrospun nanofibers get more research attention due to their novel applications in diverse domains. Electrospinning is an efficient, versatile, and convenient technique for the generation of ultrathin fibers. Apart from nanofiber fabrication using the electrospinning technique, various surface functionality/agents can be incorporated into the nanofibers matrix efficiently by the in situ or posttreatment process as a consequence of which superior properties of the functional nanofibers are obtained by maintaining the primary advantages of the individual components. However, after the formation of the functional nanofibers, they must be well characterized by suitable instrumental techniques to evaluate their physicochemical characteristics. This chapter provides details about the principle of electrospinning; attempts will also be made to fabricate functional nanofibers using different synthetic processes, and various analytical techniques that will be required for its characterization.