Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of graphite (GR) content on the morphology and wettability of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) / GR composite nanofibers. For this purpose, PVP and PVP/GR composite nanofiber mats of various filler contents (0.6%, 1.2%, 1.8%, 2.4%, 3%, 3.6% and 4.2 % of GR (wt.% of PVP)) were fabricated by electrospinning. The morphology and diameters of the nanofibers were characterized by SEM. Average diameters of 218 nm for unfilled PVP nanofibers and between 170 nm and 203 nm for composite nanofibers were observed. The water wettability of the nanofiber mats was also characterized by contact angle measurements. Contrary to expectations, the results reveal an increase in the water wettability of composite PVP nanofiber mats with increasing graphite content. This evolution seems to be based on the mild hydrophilicity of graphite discovered in recent years. The relationship with nanofibers’ electrical conductivity was also examined.

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