Effect of polymer and surfactant concentrations on PVP nanofibers morphology

Abstract

In this study, biocompatible polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) based nanofiber production was carried out with various polymer and surfactant concentrations. Firstly; various concentrations of PVP (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 wt %) polymer solutions were prepared, solution properties (conductivity, viscosity, surface tension, pH and density) were determined and nanofiber production was achieved under the optimum process parameters. 12 wt % PVP concentration was chosen as an optimum in terms of nanofiber morphology and fiber fineness. Then, polymer concentration was kept constant at 12 wt % and various concentrations of surfactant (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 wt %) added into the polymer solutions. According to the solution properties and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images; conductivity, viscosity and average fiber diameter increased with polymer and surfactant concentrations increasement and ultra-fine, bead free and uniform nanofibers were obtained. On the other hand, surface tension and pH values were affected by polymer concentration changing, however, surface tension decreased significantly and pH decreased slightly with the addition of surfactant to the PVP polymer solution. Moreover, the density of polymer solutions increased with both polymer solution and surfactant concentration increasement.