Abstract
Nanofiber membranes are extensively used in ultra- and micro-filtration purposes due to their high surface-to-volume ratio. However, nanofiber membranes do not have adequate strength to withstand forces acting on the filter surface, especially when using very low porosity membranes. In this study, PVC nanofiber mats and nanofiber composite membranes were fabricated through electrospinning and solvent casting technology. The membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosimetry, and tensile strength tests. Analysis indicated that electrospun mats contain varying pore sizes (nano to micro) whose frequencies within the mat vary with fiber diameter. It was also established that mats fabricated from low solution concentration contain the largest percentage of pores. The mats’ tensile strength varied with fiber packing density, fiber assembly, and the density of fiber-to-fiber contact points. The tensile properties of the nanofiber composite membranes were found to be between those of the constituents and changed with change in the nanofiber layer thickness. The fabricated nanofiber composite membranes are intended for use in applications such as air ultra-filtration, acoustic filtration etc. The high porosity and small mesh pore size of electrospun nanofiber mats allow for removal of ultra-fine particles or microbes from contaminated air, water or other media.
Highlights
Electrospinning is a major technique for the production of high specific surface area and high porosity nanofiber membranes from most polymers
In light of the advantages of the electrospinning process and the unique properties of electrospun nanofibers, this study aims to demonstrate the development of a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanofiber composite membrane having adequate mechanical properties for particular filtration applications
It is well understood that nanofiber mats have generally low mechanical strength and by themselves cannot withstand forces acting on the filter surface as a result of pressure difference of the air stream, especially with very low porosity nanofiber mats.[18]
Summary
Electrospinning is a major technique for the production of high specific surface area and high porosity nanofiber membranes from most polymers. The technique is of a lot of interest with regards to the uniqueness of the properties of the membranes and the wide variety of materials that can be handled.[1,2,3] Many studies have been done focusing on the development of functional nanofibers and nanofiberbased nanofiber composites whose applications offer new technology and business opportunities for several sectors.[4,5] Electrospun nanofiber membranes have been applied in composite reinforcements,[6] media filtration,[7] enzyme immobilization,[8] energy catalysis,[9] sensors,[10] tissue scaffolds,[11] wound dressing[12] and drug delivery[13] etc. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics
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