Characterization of PVC‐soy protein nonwoven mats prepared by electrospinning

Abstract

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most common polymers used in the water treatment industry due to outstanding hydrophobicity and mechanical strength. Generating eco‐friendly membranes derived from natural polymers has gained attention, particularly for water purification and producing potable water. In this study, nonwoven mats were prepared by electrospinning polymer solutions. Mats with a tailorable hydrophilicity were prepared by electrospinning solution mixtures containing PVC and an eco‐friendly, hydrophilic natural polymer: soy protein. As the viscosity of the solution decreased, the average fiber diameter, and average pore surface area reduced. However, when the PVC concentration remained constant and the soy protein concentration increased, the viscosity decreased and average fiber diameter became reduced, while the average pore diameter remained relatively constant. The mats with volumetric ratios of PVC:soy protein of 85:15 and 80:20 displayed optimal characteristics suitable for mat fabrication based on the fiber diameter and average pore surface area. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 2737–2744, 2018