Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) nanofiber mats were prepared using electrospinning method with aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), and tensile strength testing machine (ZWICK) were used to characterize the morphology and properties of the PVA/WBPU nanofiber mats. The results showed that the morphologies of PVA/ WBPU nanofiber mats changed with the total solid concentration and the mass ratio of PVA/WBPU in the spinning solution. The tensile strength and thermal stability of the fibers could be significantly affected by the WBPU contents. The electrospun PVA/WBPU membranes showed higher water uptake, which would have potential applications in wound dressings.
Nanofibre mats of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) and nanometre silver (Ag) colloids have been fabricated by an electrospinning method in aqueous solutions. Since PVA is a water soluble and biocompatible polymer, it is one of the best materials for preparation of electrospun antibacterial nanofibre mats. WBPU was used as a filler to enhance the properties of homopolymer nanofibre. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed a uniform distribution of silver in the fibres. In anti-bacterial tests, the PVA/WBPU/Ag composite nanofibres showed excellent anti-bacterial performance, indicating practical uses as a new preservative. Moreover, the PVA/WBPU/Ag nanofibres showed improved thermal properties.
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