Nanofibrous Composite Materials Integrating Nano/Micro Particles between the Fibres

Abstract

This article deals with the continual incorporation of particles by the ultrasonic dispersion in situ into a nanofibrous matrix produced by the electrospinning process. The new technology is based on the use of the needleless electrospinning method in combination with the ultrasound-enhanced dispersion of sub-micro or micro particles, which are deposited between nanofibres onto the support material. The main advantage of this technology is the independence of particle-incorporation of the electrospinning process. The particles are trapped between the fibres and they remain uncovered by polymer, thus maintaining all their active properties. Such materials can be cut with scissors without the particles being released. In this paper the authors present figures from scans of the electron microscopy of the newly-designed nanocomposite material and its morphological analysis, such as the particle distribution. The material was used as a sorbent of bis(2-chlorethyl) sulfide (mustard gas) with a sorption time greater than 240 minutes. Such material has been developed to be used for protection against chemical warfare agents; yet, it can be employed for several other applications depending on the powder material dispersed onto the nanofibrous layer.