Abstract
An empirical exploration into the effects of time duration, voltage supply, concentration and flow rate on the membrane average fiber diameter and surface pore size distribution were done using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central compact design (CCD). The average fiber diameter and average surface pore diameter of the membrane (i.e. 110 nm and 130 nm, respectively) were obtained at optimum input parameters of 45 min, 10 wt. %, 12 kV and 1.0 mL/h for time duration, concentration, voltage supply, and flow rate, respectively. The optimization study shows that the predicted versus actual values of both membrane fiber diameter and surface pore diameter are at R2 = 0.96. In addition, the effect of glutaraldehyde on membrane crosslinking was also assessed for further studies. The results from FESEM images of the fabricated PVA nanofiber membranes using the optimized parameters revealed that the membranes showed smooth morphological structures without formation of beads. The thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) results displayed an improvement in thermal stability after membrane crosslinking. From this study we have observed that the membrane average fiber diameter and surface pore diameter can be controlled by varying the electro-spinning parameters and can be utilized for wastewater treatment application.
Highlights
During electro-spinning process, a high voltage is supplied in a polymer solution to the extent that charges are produced within the polymer solution
It is mentioned in the literature that more than hundred polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol have been effectively electrospun into nanofibers commonly from a polymer solution [1, 2]
This study aims to realize the interaction between process parameters with the experimental responses
Summary
During electro-spinning process, a high voltage (i.e. approximately 10 to 50 kV) is supplied in a polymer solution to the extent that charges are produced within the polymer solution. Once a sufficient amount of charge is supplied, a solution jet escapes from the needle-tip droplet causing in the development of the so called Taylor cone. Several polymer types can be electro-spun into nanofiber, providing that the molecular weight of polymers is sufficient and the solvent can be vaporized timely throughout the jet journey time over the given distance between the needle-tip and ground collecting plate. It is mentioned in the literature that more than hundred polymers, including polyvinyl alcohol have been effectively electrospun into nanofibers commonly from a polymer solution [1, 2]. They can be modified to have very good physical and chemical properties by blending polymer-inorganic
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