Composite Mats Research Articles

Novel sandwiched composite electro-spun mats based on polyacrylonitrile and polyvinyl butyral for fast oil–water separation

In recent years, the issue on oil pollution in water has drawn continuous attention of researchers. Wastewater containing oil is generated in various industrial technologies, such as petrochemical, leather, textile, food, steel, and metal-finishing industries. Thus, oil sorbents are very commonly used during oil spills cleanup operation for their cost-effectiveness and affordability. In the present work, a novel sandwiched composite electro-spun nanofibrous mat (SCEM) was generated by electro-spinning technique. This sandwiched composite electro-spun mat was fabricated by sandwiching the chitosan-incorporated polyvinyl butyral nanofiber mat between two layers of polyacrylonitrile electro-spun mats. Surface morphology of the generated multilayer nanofibrous mat was observed by the static water contact angle measurement, SEM and FTIR analyses. SCEM was modified by alcoholysis reaction to increase the hydrophobicity and oleophilicity properties by enhancing the surface roughness. After fabrication and modification processes, oil-absorption capacities of single mats, SCEM, and modified mat designated as M-SCEM were investigated and calculated in terms of weight gains. Mats with sandwich structure exhibited excellent absorption capacities up to 100–140 times their own weight for motor oil. The obtained results suggest that these characteristics make spun bond nanofibrous mat a promising oil sorbent material for efficient oily water remediation.

Long time release of water soluble drug from hydrophilic nanofibrous material

ABSTRACTIn this study, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were embedded into the hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibrous mats to achieve sustained release of water soluble drug from hydrophilic nanofibrous mats. MSNs were successfully prepared based on a sol–gel method. Water soluble drug naproxen sodium was then loaded into the mesopores of the MSNs, and different amounts of the drug‐loaded MSNs were further incorporated into the fibers by the electrospinning process. Morphology of the nanofibrous mats was investigated, and it was found that all the fibers exhibited fibrous structure. Interestingly, lots of protrusions could be observed from the scanning electron microscopy images with high magnification, and numbers of the protrusions increased with the increasing of loading ratios of the MSNs from 5 to 15%. In addition, the wetting behaviors of the nanofibrous mats were also measured, and the water contact angles of all the mats were measured to be 0°. Finally, the drug release results indicated that all the PVA/MSNs composite nanofibrous mats showed an obviously prolonged drug release. The optimal loading ratio of the MSNs in the nanofibers was 10% due to the slowest drug release rate. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47922.

Fabrication and characterization of polyurethane patch loaded with palmarosa and cobalt nitrate for cardiac tissue engineering

Cardiac patches are attractive option in overcoming the morbidities associated with cardiac disorders. Nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using polyurethane (PU) added with palmarosa (PR) and cobalt nitrate (CoNO3) using an electrospinning technique. Several characterizations were employed namely field emission scanning electron microscopy, wettability measurement, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, surface roughness measurements, and tensile testing. Further, biological response of the electrospun nanofibers were tested through coagulation study and MTS assay. As-spun composite mats showed smaller fibers than pure PU as depicted in morphology analysis. The interaction of PU with PR and CoNO3 was confirmed in infrared spectrum and thermal analysis. The incorporation of the PR decreased the wettability and while CoNO3 addition resulted in the hydrophilic nature as depicted in the contact angle measurements. Mechanical properties testing showed that elongation at break for the pristine PU was increased with the addition of PR and CoNO3. The surface measurements depicted that the incorporation of PR resulted in the improvement of the surface roughness while the addition of CoNO3 reduced the surface roughness of the pristine PU. The electrospun nanocomposites showed delayed blood clotting time compared to the pristine PU as shown in coagulation study. Both composites supported the better proliferation of fibroblast cells than pure PU. Therefore, novel composites with smaller fiber diameter, hydrophilicity, better mechanical properties, improved blood compatibility parameters, and good cell viability rates would be a promising candidate for cardiac tissue engineering.

Improvement of carbon nanotube dispersion in electrospun polyacrylonitrile fiber through plasma surface modification

ABSTRACTIn this study, surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were functionalized with poly(hexafluorobutyl acrylate) (PHFBA) thin film using a rotating‐bed plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method without imparting any defects on their surfaces. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) electrospun polymer fiber mats and composite fiber mats with CNTs and functionalized CNTs (f‐CNTs) were prepared. The wettability and chemical and morphological properties of the synthesized fiber mats were investigated, and the dispersion of CNTs and f‐CNTs in the polymer matrix was compared according to the contact angle results of electrospun polymer mats. According to the chemical and morphological characterization results, PHFBA‐coated CNTs were dispersed more uniformly in the polymer matrix than the uncoated CNTs. The f‐CNTs/PAN composite fiber mat exhibits a lower surface energy than the pristine CNTs/PAN fiber mat. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47768.

The preparation of PCL/MSO/SiO2 hierarchical superhydrophobic mats for oil-water separation by one-step method

Hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with hierarchical structure were fabricated via one-step electrospinning technique. Meanwhile, the addition of the liquid methyl silicone oil (MSO) and hydrophobic silica (SiO2) nanoparticles in the PCL membrane were expected to improve the hydrophobicity of PCL membranes. FE-SEM images showed the microsphere-fiber interlinked hierarchical morphology of PCL/MSO/SiO2 composite fiber. FT-IR confirmed the formation of PCL/MSO/SiO2 composite fibers. XPS approved its hierarchical structure of the composition. By comparing with pure PCL membrane which the water contact angle (WCA) was 132.2 ± 1.2°, the WCAs of PCL/MSO and PCL/SiO2 membrane increased to 143.3 ± 1.2° and 141.7 ± 1.9°, respectively. It was worth noting the WCA of PCL/MSO/SiO2 composite mat could reach 151.6 ± 1.7° and the sliding angle was 7.4 ± 1.2°. The excellent surface roughness and air-pocket capacity on the hierarchical membranes were believed to contribute to the superhydrophobicity of PCL/MSO/SiO2 membrane. The unique microsphere-fiber interlinked hierarchical structure and superhydrophobicity of membrane could provide adequate support for oil adsorption and oil-water separation. The maximum n-hexane adsorption capacity of PCL/MSO/SiO2 membrane was 41.37 g g−1. Separation efficiency for n-hexane-water mixture of PCL/MSO/SiO2 membrane was as high as 99.92%. The PCL/MSO/SiO2 hierarchical superhydrophobic mats indicate the potential applications of environmental-friendly biopolymers as separator.

Poly-ε-Caprolactone/Gelatin Hybrid Electrospun Composite Nanofibrous Mats Containing Ultrasound Assisted Herbal Extract: Antimicrobial and Cell Proliferation Study.

Electrospun fibers have emerged as promising materials in the field of biomedicine, due to their superior physical and cell supportive properties. In particular, electrospun mats are being developed for advanced wound dressing applications. Such applications require the firers to possess excellent antimicrobial properties in order to inhibit potential microbial colonization from resident and non-resident bacteria. In this study, we have developed Poly-ε-Caprolactone /gelatin hybrid composite mats loaded with natural herbal extract (Gymnema sylvestre) to prevent bacterial colonization. As-spun scaffolds exhibited good wettability and desirable mechanical properties retaining their fibrous structure after immersing them in phosphate buffered saline (pH 7.2) for up to 30 days. The initial burst release of Gymnema sylvestre prevented the colonization of bacteria as confirmed by the radial disc diffusion assay. Furthermore, the electrospun mats promoted cellular attachment, spreading and proliferation of human primary dermal fibroblasts and cultured keratinocytes, which are crucial parenchymal cell-types involved in the skin recovery process. Overall these results demonstrated the utility of Gymnema sylvestre impregnated electrospun PCL/Gelatin nanofibrous mats as an effective antimicrobial wound dressing.

A hybrid of 2D materials (MoS2 and WS2) as an effective performance enhancer for poly(lactic acid) fibrous mats in oil adsorption and oil/water separation

Oil contamination in the environment has drawn increasing concern with regards the removal of oil spills. Herein, electrospun fibrous composite mats, based mainly on eco-friendly poly(lactic acid) (PLA), were fabricated with the ability to function as oil adsorbents and oil/water separators. The incorporation of two-dimensional materials, either molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) or tungsten disulfide (WS2) contributes to the enhancement in oil adsorption capacity of the neat PLA mats (7.75 g/g) by ∼89% and ∼102%, respectively. Using a grinding-assisted direct ultrasonication of the MoS2 and WS2, the WS2-MoS2 hybrid was facilely prepared in mild conditions with no requirement of a multi-step procedure. The presence of the hybrid at an optimal loading content in the PLA mats contributed to strengthening of the mats and, more importantly, a further increase of oil adsorption capacity to reach ∼190% enhancement in comparison with the neat PLA mats. The PLA/hybrid mats offer versatility in adsorbing various oils and providing good reusability with efficient adsorption performance of ∼90% during repeated use. The composite mats also behave as oil/water separators by functioning as oil adsorbents for floating oil on water surfaces and also acting as separation membranes in a simple gravity-driven filtration system. Effective separation of surfactant-stabilized oil/water emulsion is demonstrated with ∼70% flux recovery over separating cycles. The PLA/hybrid mats are promising candidates for the future treatment of oil contaminants in the natural environment.

Electrospun Poly(p-dioxanone)/Poly(ester-urethane)ureas Composite Nanofibers for Potential Heart Valve Tissue Reconstruction

Electrospun nanofibrous mats represent a new generation of medical textiles with promising applications in heart valve tissue reconstruction. It is important for biomaterials to mimic the biological and mechanical microenvironment of native extracellular matrix (ECM). However, the major challenges are still remaining for current biomedical materials, including appropriate mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. In the present work, the novel composite nanofibrous mats of poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO) and poly(ester-urethane)ureas (PEUU) are fabricated by electrospinning system. The optimal combination ratio of PDO to PEUU may balance the mechanical properties and cellular compatibility to match the newly formed tissue. In PDO/PEUU composite nanofibrous mats, PEUU can provide the biomimetic elastomeric behavior, and PDO could endow the excellent biocompatibility. In comparison to nanofibrous mat of neat PDO, the composite showed significantly improved mechanical properties, with 5-fold higher initial elongation at break. Furthermore, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured on the composite to evaluate its ability to rapidly endothelialize as heart valve tissue engineering. The results revealed that PDO/PEUU composite nanofibrous mats could promote cell adhesion and proliferation, especially for the ratio of 60/40. Overall, PDO/PEUU composite nanofibrous mats (60/40) show the excellent mechanical properties, appropriate biocompatibility and hemocompatibility which meet the necessary norm for tissue engineering and may be suitable for potential heart valve tissue reconstruction.

Polydopamine-based Implantable Multifunctional Nanocarpet for Highly Efficient Photothermal-chemo Therapy

We report a design and fabricate multifunctional localized platform for cancer therapy. Multiple stimuli-responsive polydopamine (PDA) was used for surface modification of electrospun doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers to make a designated platform. Photothermal properties such as photothermal performance and stability of the resulting composite mats were studied under the irradiation of the near-infrared (NIR) laser of 808 nm. With the incorporation of PDA into the fiber, a remarkable increase of local temperature was recorded under NIR illumination in a concentration-dependent manner with excellent stability. Drug released assay results revealed PDA coated PCL-DOX mats showed pH and NIR dual responsive behavior thereby exhibiting improved drug release in an acidic medium compared to physiological pH condition (pH 7.4) which is further increased by NIR exposure. The cancer activity in vitro of the mats was evaluated using cell counting (CCK) and live and dead cell assays. The combined effect of NIR mediated hyperthermia and chemo release resulting improved cells death has been reported. In summary, this study presents a major step forward towards a therapeutic model to cancer treatment utilizing pH and NIR dual responsive property from PDA alone in a fibrous mat.

Fabrication of poly (trimethylene carbonate)/reduced graphene oxide-graft-poly (trimethylene carbonate) composite scaffolds for nerve regeneration

One of the key challenges for neural tissue engineering is to exploit functional materials to guide and support nerve regeneration. Currently, reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which is well-known for its unique electrical and mechanical properties, has been incorporated into biocompatible polymers to manufacture functional scaffolds for nerve tissue engineering. However, rGO has poor dispersity in polymer matrix, which limits its further application. Here, we replaced rGO with rGO-graft-PTMC. The rGO-graft-PTMC was firstly prepared by grafting trimethylene carbonate (TMC) oligomers onto rGO. Subsequently, PTMC/rGO-graft-PTMC composite fibrous mats were fabricated by electrospinning of a dispersion of PTMC and rGO-graft-PTMC. The loading of rGO-graft-PTMC could reach up to 6 wt% relative to PTMC. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the morphologies and average diameters of PTMC/rGO-graft-PTMC composite fibrous mats were affected by the content of rGO-graft-PTMC. Additionally, the incorporation of rGO-graft-PTMC resulted in enhanced thermal stability and hydrophobicity of PTMC fibers. Biological results demonstrated that PC12 cells showed higher cell viability on PTMC/rGO-graft-PTMC fibers of 2.4, 4.0 and 6.0 wt% rGO-graft-PTMC compared to pure PTMC fibers. These results suggest that PTMC/rGO-graft-PTMC composite fibrous structures hold great potential for neural tissue engineering.

Electrical Properties and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Effectiveness of Interlayered Systems Composed by Carbon Nanotube Filled Carbon Nanofiber Mats and Polymer Composites.

The demand for multifunctional requirements in aerospace, military, automobile, sports, and energy applications has encouraged the investigation of new composite materials. This study focuses on the development of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) filled polypropylene composites and carbon nanofiber composite mats. The developed systems were then used to prepare interlayered composites that exhibited improved electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency. MWCNT-carbon nanofiber composite mats were developed by centrifugally spinning mixtures of MWCNT suspended in aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions. The developed nanofibers were then dehydrated under sulfuric acid vapors and then heat treated. Interlayered samples were fabricated using a nanoreinforced polypropylene composite as a matrix and then filled with carbon fiber composite mats. The in-plane and through-plane electrical conductivity of an eight-layered flexible carbon composite (0.65 mm thick) were shown to be 6.1 and 3.0 × 10−2 S·cm−1, respectively. The EMI shielding effectiveness at 900 MHz increased from 17 dB for the one-layered composite to 52 dB for the eight-layered composite. It was found that the reflection of the electromagnetic waves was the dominating mechanism for EMI shielding in the developed materials. This study opens up new opportunities for the fabrication of novel lightweight materials that are to be used in communication systems.

Electrospinning of nonwoven aerogel-polyethene terephthalate composite fiber mats by pneumatic transport

The use of fiber materials includes construction-, automotive-, textile industry, to filters for water and air cleaning as well as hydroponic growth media. Different applications demand different fiber types and properties. This study presents a new production method for a composite fiber material composed of a dry aerogel particle and a polymer. The production method combines the electrospinning process with pneumatic transport of aerogel particles and creates aerogel–polymer composite fibers. The fibers are characterised through scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and tensile testing. They are compared to reference fibers made of pure polymer. The experiments yielded an aerogel–polymer composite fiber material, which contained aerogel particles. This fiber material did not contain excess solvent, and supported the aerogel particles. The strain to failure and the maximum force per weight were found to be lower for the aerogel–polymer composite fibers compared to reference fibers without aerogel.

Electrospun Poly(γ⁻glutamic acid)/β⁻Tricalcium Phosphate Composite Fibrous Mats for Bone Regeneration.

A poly(γ–glutamic acid)/β–tricalcium phosphate (γ–PGA/β–TCP) composite fibrous mat was fabricated using the electrospinning technique as a novel bone substitute. The mat was then cross-linked with cystamine in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide to improve its water-resistant ability. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that the γ–PGA/β–TCP fibers had a uniform morphology with diameters ranging from 0.64 ± 0.07 µm to 1.65 ± 0.16 µm. The average diameter of the fibers increased with increasing cross-linking time. Moreover, increasing the cross-linking time and decreasing the γ–PGA/β–TCP weight ratio decreased the swelling ratio and in vitro degradation rate of the composite fibrous mat. In vitro experiments with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells demonstrated that the mat with a γ–PGA/β–TCP weight ratio of 20 and cross-linked time of 24 h had a higher alkaline phosphatase activity and better cell adhesion. Furthermore, the rat cranial bone defect was created and treated with the γ–PGA/β–TCP composite fibrous mat to evaluate its potential in bone regeneration. After 8 weeks of implantation, micro computed tomography showed that the γ–PGA/β–TCP composite fibrous mat promoted new bone growth. These observations suggest that the γ–PGA/β–TCP composite fibrous mat has a potential application in bone tissue engineering.

Hybrid composite mats composed of amorphous carbon, zinc oxide nanorods and nickel zinc ferrite for tunable electromagnetic interference shielding

With the rapid growth of electronics and telecommunication industries, electromagnetic pollution is a serious concern to be addressed because it not only affects the sensitivity and performance of the devices but also affects human's health. Here, we report lightweight hybrid composite mats, having porosity around 40%, composed of amorphous carbon, zinc oxide nanorods and nickel zinc ferrite for excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz). The vibrating sample magnetometer measurement confirmed that the saturation magnetization value (Ms) of the composite materials enhances with the weight percentage of zinc oxide nanorods-nickel zinc ferrite (ZNF) powder, which leads to enhanced magnetic loss of the electromagnetic waves. With the thickness of 1.0 mm, the total EMI shielding effectiveness of the amorphous carbon composite was measured to be 25.70 dB which was further enhanced to 53 dB by the incorporation of the ZNF powder. Such high increment is attributed to the enhanced magnetic properties, interfacial polarization and dielectric properties of the composite. The synergistic combination of the materials results in the high reflection coefficient and absorption coefficient of the composites which were measured to be ∼0.916 and ∼0.083, respectively. Thus, the composites can shield up to 99.999% power of the electromagnetic waves which is shared by the 8.394% reflection and 91.605% absorption. Moreover, the magnetic, electrical and EMI shielding properties of the composites can be tuned by controlling the amount of ZNF powder in composites. Hence, the composite mats can be suitable for applications in defense and telecommunication.

Electrospun Graphene Nanosheet-Filled Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate) Composite Fibers: Effects of the Graphene Nanosheet Content on Morphologies, Electrical Conductivity, Crystallization Behavior, and Mechanical Properties.

In this study the effects of increased graphene nanosheet (GNS) concentration on variations in the structure and properties of electrospun GNS-filled poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT/GNS) composite fiber, such as its morphologies, crystallization behavior, mechanical properties, and electrical conductivity, were investigated. The effects of GNS addition on solution rheology and conductivity were also investigated. GNSs were embedded in the fibers and formed protrusions. The PTT cold crystallization rate of PTT/GNS composite fibers increased with the gradual addition of GNSs. A PTT mesomorphic phase was formed during electrospinning, and GNSs could induce the PTT mesomorphic phase significantly during PTT/GNS composite fiber electrospinning. The PTT/GNS composite fiber mats (CFMs) became ductile with the addition of GNSs. The elastic recoveries of the PTT/GNS CFMs with 170 °C annealing were better than those of the as-spun PTT/GNS CFMs. Percolation scaling laws were applied to the magnitude of conductivity to reveal the percolation network of electrospun PTT/GNS CFMs. The electrical conductivity mechanism of the PTT/GNS CFMs differed from that of the PTT/GNS composite films. Results showed that the porous structure of the PTT CFMs influenced the performance of the mats in terms of electrical conductivity.

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) Polymer Composite Bioelectrodes with Designed Chemical and Topographical Cues to Manipulate the Behavior of PC12 Neuronal Cells

AbstractControlled extracellular chemical and topographical cues can generate physicochemical changes that influence the proliferation and differentiation of neural cells; external electrical stimulation (ES) via conductive bioelectrodes can promote neural differentiation by increasing neurite outgrowth. Rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells are used as a neuron‐like model cells to explore the possibility of using a well‐designed poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) blend solution to fabricate functional bioelectrodes presenting biological fouling/antifouling surfaces, thereby regulating the cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation properties. In this study, it is found that a flat PEO/PEDOT:PSS composite film fabricates through spin‐coating, operates through a contact repulsion mechanism that limits cell attachment and proliferation; in contrast, the aligned and random PEO/PEDOT:PSS nanofibers fabricates through electrospinning promoted neuron adhesion efficiently and allows manipulation of the cell morphology. Furthermore, ES of PC12 cells is performed to investigate the influence of the conductive random and aligned PEO/PEDOT:PSS composite nanofiber mats on the enhancement of neurite outgrowth, as well as the relative gene expression of Nestin, Tuj1, and MAP2. Therefore, combining this unique PEDOT:PSS blend solution with various fabrication processes appears to be a facile approach toward bioelectronic interface coatings displaying tunable surface properties for manipulating the cellular behavior of neurons during ES.

Electrospun composite mats of alginate with embedded silver nanoparticles

In this work, a nanocomposite material based on alginate (Alg) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared by the synthesis “in situ” of the metal cores in the polymer solution through a wet, bottom-up approach. The formation of AgNPs within the alginate matrix (Alg–Ag) was confirmed by spectroscopic and morphological investigation. The nanocomposite material was then employed in combination with poly(ethylene oxide) for the production of crosslinked alginate membranes by electrospinning technique, following a simple and effective protocol optimized to obtain nano- to microscaled fibers. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) studies on the composite membranes indicated that AgNPs of slightly increased dimensions are well distributed in the electrospun mats, thus proving that the electrospinning process does not significantly alter the morphology of the metal nanofillers and can be successfully adopted for the fabrication of nanofibers. In view of their potential applications in biomedical fields and food industry as antibacterial material, the nanocomposite mats were tested against thermal and UV sterilization, anti-mold treatment (NaClO) and environmental changes (pH) and their stability was monitored by means of thermogravimetric (TGA) and morphological (FESEM) techniques.

Thermal Performance and Impact Resistance Evaluations of Composite Insulation Mat Reinforced Polyurethane Foam

Thermal Performance and Impact Resistance Evaluations of Composite Insulation Mat Reinforced Polyurethane Foam

Thermal Conductivity of Low-Density Wood Composite Mats

Abstract In order to effectively use the waste produced during lumber sawing, the thermal conductivities of wood composite mats shaped by thermoforming and composed of wood shavings, kenaf fibers, and binders were examined by assuming a one-dimensional heat transfer process that could be described by the sum of its heat conduction and radiation components. To improve the heat-insulating properties of the mats, various types of auxiliary raw materials were examined. Mat density depended on the volumetric ratio of the air layer inside the mat to the fiber layer. In the low-density region, increasing the mat density decreased the magnitude of the radiation component and thus the thermal conductivity of the mat, whereas in the high-density region, increasing the mat density increased the value of the conduction component, which in turn enhanced the thermal conductivity of the mat. The minimum value of the thermal conductivity obtained under all experimental conditions is 0.062 W/m·K. Thus, it is difficult to decrease the thermal conductivity of the mat below 0.060 W/m·K by varying its density and mixing ratio. The utilized model predicted that mat thermal conductivity would be less than 0.060 W/m·K if the fibers with a density similar to that of Japanese cedar wood (0.40 g/cm3) were used.

Fabrication and characterization of electrospun mats of Nylon 6/Silica nanocomposite fibers

In this article, the electrospinning process for Silica nanoparticles reinforced Nylon 6 nanofiber composite mats is investigated. More specifically, the effect of Nylon 6/Formic Acid concentration and silica weight fraction on the solution viscosity and the properties of the end product is studied. Rheological measurements were conducted to investigate the solutions’ viscosity, and scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the morphology and dimensions of the nanofibers. Energy dispersion X-ray was used to prove that silica nanoparticles are well distributed within the nanofibers. Finally, surface roughness and porosity of the mats were measured. It was found that when Nylon 6/Formic Acid concentration increased from 15 to 20 wt%, solution viscosity increased by 0.63 Pa·s, which leads to the increase in average fiber diameter from 103 to 160 nm. Also, when silica increased by 6%, highest viscosity increase was 0.1 Pa·s, while average fiber diameter increased for around 5 nm. In addition, protuberances or small silica beads are observed when silica weight fraction is increased above a critical value. The porosity remains unchanged while surface roughness increased by increasing silica weight fraction and decreasing Nylon 6 concentration. This study outlines the successful fabrication of bead-free Silica reinforced Nylon 6 nanofibers and their mats via electrospinning. Good control over processing parameters results in tailorability of size, morphology, and surface roughness of the end products.