Effect of alkali and silane treatments on mechanical and thermal behavior of Phormium tenax fibers

The effect of different treatments on the mechanical (tensile), thermal behavior (TGA), FTIR, and morphology of Phormium tenax fibers has been studied with the aim to investigate methods to improve their compatibility with polymer matrices. Applied treatments included sodium hydroxide (NaOH), silane (APTES, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane), and the combined application of silane treatment after NaOH. The effectiveness of the treatments in the removal of non-structural matter from the fibers was confirmed by FTIR investigation and TGA measurements, suggesting also that the alkali treatment has a strong effect on their thermal behavior. The study of tensile properties of the fibers performed using Weibull statistics indicates that the tensile properties are somewhat reduced by chemical treatment. The morphological investigation of treated fibers through scanning electron microscopy indicates that silane treatments, both on raw fibers and on alkalized ones, result in limited fiber degradation.     

Fabrication of electrospun meta-aramid nanofibers in different solvent systems

Meta-aramid fibers were dissolved in four different solvent systems (DMAc, DMF, NMP, and DMSO) and two kinds of salts (LiCl and CaCl₂) were also introduced in this paper. Meta-aramid fibers had a limited solubility in above four solvents, however, fast dissolution could be obtained after adding a certain amount of salt (LiCl or CaCl₂). The concentration of salts was found to be an important role in affecting meltaging, dissolving time and viscosity of electrospun solution. Electrospun meta-aramid nanofibers mats were successfully prepared. A series of characterizations had been carried out by using SEM. The results shows the diameter of meta-aramid nanofibers ranging from 100 to 500 nm. The average diameter of the nanofibers increased with the concentration of meta-aramid fiber solution and the salt solution. A preferable morphology of meta-aramid nanofibers could be obtained under LiCl/DMAc system. While the electrospun nanofibers made in CaCl₂/DMAc solvent system had a better performance in thermal stability than that prepared in LiCl/DMAc system. Among the four kinds of prepared nanofibers, the nanofibersmat electrospun in LiCl/DMAc system with a concentration of meta-aramid solution at 11 wt% exhibit the best mechanical properties.     

Preparation and properties of fibers produced from a cellulose/complex PA solvent system precipitating in diverse coagulants

Ethanol, as the first coagulation bath, and several common organic solvents, as well as aqueous solutions of NH₄Cl, NaHCO₃ and NaOH were explored and demonstrated to be adopted as the second coagulation bath for cellulose/phosphoric acid/tetraphosphoric acid (cellulose/complex PA solvent) solution to produce novel cellulose fibers by two-stage dry-wet spinning in a laboratory scale, and effect of coagulants, cellulose concentration, solvent concentration (P₂O₅ concentration) and coagulation temperature on crystal structure and properties of corresponding fibers were investigated. Surface morphology of regenerated fibers as-spun from different coagulants was observed by scanning electronic microscope (SEM), indicating that methanol and 8 wt% NaOH aqueous solution all rendered cellulose fibers relatively dense and smooth surface. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that cellulose fiber precipitated from 8 wt% NaOH aqueous solution had pronounced characteristic peak of cellulose II than those of fibers precipitated from other coagulants, and highest crystallinity and orientation. Meanwhile, those two coagulants referred above also gave cellulose fibers relatively higher tensile strength under the same prerequisite. TGA curves exhibited that fibers were thermally stable produced from two salt aqueous solutions (8 wt% NH₄Cl and NaHCO₃) since they had the relatively higher onset decomposition temperatures. By evaluating the effect of cellulose concentration, P₂O₅ concentration and coagulation temperature on the structure and properties of asprepared fibers, it was preferable to produce cellulose fiber from a solution at 20 wt% cellulose concentration, 73 % P₂O₅ concentration, and coagulating in methanol at coagulation temperature of 60 °C at the second-stage.     

Electrospun Fibers of Copolymers for the Removal of Ionic Dyes: The Influence of Processing Variables

Polymer electrospun fibers are potential candidates for use as ionic dye adsorbents, due to its low cost and massive production provided by a simple nanofabrication method. The optimization in the processing variables for development of more efficient adsorbents revealed a strong dependence between the fiber diameter and the adsorption capacity of fibers, which was measured as a function of dye concentration, pH, adsorbent amount and contact time. The available active sites on electrospun fibers favor the efficient dye removal and easy desorption, allowing the successive reuse of electrospun fibers, preserving typical adsorption capacity of 135.37 mg·g^-1 in association with fast desorption at acidic condition, allowing successive reuses of adsorbents.     

Highly porous polyacrylonitrile/polystyrene nanofibers by electrospinning

The concept of phase separation was coupled with electrospinning to induce polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polystyrene (PS) bicomponent electrospun fibers that, upon removal of the phase-separated PS domains by solvent extraction, became nanoporous. Electrospinning of PAN (Mw 150 kDa) with 5 % w/w PS (Mw 250 kDa) at a 10 % w/w total concentration in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) produced fibers with stable morphology and average diameters from 1130±680 to 890±340 nm by FESEM. The nanoporous fibers made from a 95/5 w/w PAN/PS bicomponent precursor had internal pores of about 20∼110 nanometers. Pore sizes of the porous PAN fibers were decreased to approximately ∼25 nm after oxidation and carbonization thermal treatment because of fiber shrinkage during the thermal treatment. The fibers retained a high density of pores after the thermal treatment.     

The preparation and characterization of conductive poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polyaniline composite fibers using benzoyl peroxide

Conductive polyaniline (PAn)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composite fibers were prepared by chemical polymerization of aniline in the presence of PET fibers using benzoyl peroxide (Bz₂O₂) in organic solvent/aqueous hydrochloric acid mixtures. The effects of polymerization conditions such as organic solvent/water ratio, oxidant, aniline and hydrochloric acid concentrations and temperature were investigated on the amount of PAn deposited on PET fiber and the electrical surface resistance of composite fibers. The maximum PAn content and the lowest electrical surface resistance of composite fibers were observed at HCl concentrations of 0.5 mol L⁻¹. The properties of PAn/PET composite fibers such as density, diameter, tensile strength and breaking elongation were also investigated in comparison with those of pure PET. Characterization of conductive composite fibers was carried out by FTIR, TGA, SEM techniques, surface resistance measurements, and cross section images taken by optical microscope.     

Effect of surface treatment of jute fibers on the interfacial adhesion in poly(lactic acid)/jute fiber biocomposites

Jute fibers have immense potential to be used as natural fillers in polymeric matrices to prepare biocomposites. In the present study jute fibers were surface treated using two methods: i) alkali (NaOH) and ii) alkali followed by silane (NaOH+Silane) separately. Effects of surface treatments on jute fibers surface were characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Further, the effects of surface treatments on jute fibers properties such as crystallinity index, thermal stability, and tensile properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction method (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and single fiber tensile test respectively. The effects of surface treatment of jute fibers on interphase adhesion between of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and jute fibers were analyzed by performing single fiber pull-out test and was examined in terms of interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and critical fiber length.     

Surface-modified nanofibrous biomaterial bridge for the enhancement and control of neurite outgrowth

Biomaterial bridges constructed from electrospun fibers offer a promising alternative to traditional nerve tissue regeneration substrates. Aligned and unaligned polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun fibers were prepared and functionalized with the extracellular matrix proteins collagen and laminin using covalent and physical adsorption attachment chemistries. The effect of the protein modified and native PCL nanofiber scaffolds on cell proliferation, neurite outgrowth rate, and orientation was examined with neuronlike PC12 cells. All protein modified scaffolds showed enhanced cellular adhesion and neurite outgrowth compared to unmodified PCL scaffolds. Neurite orientation was found to be in near perfect alignment with the fiber axis for cells grown on aligned fibers, with difference angles of less than 7° from the fiber axis, regardless of the surface chemistry. The bioavailability of PCL fibers with covalently attached laminin was found to be identical to that of PCL fibers with physically adsorbed laminin, indicating that the covalent chemistry did not change the protein conformation into a less active form and the covalent attachment of protein is a suitable method for enhancing the biocompatibility of tissue engineering scaffolds.     

Synthesis and application of ramie fiber soft modifier comprised of carboxylate-containing polymer

In effort to improve the soft properties of ramie fiber, we synthesized a carboxylate-containing polymer for use as a modifying agent, and successfully modified the ramie fiber in a strong base with the carboxylate-containing polymer. We applied Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to investigate the structures of the raw and modified ramie fibers, and further investigated the mechanical and dyeing properties of the raw and modified ramie fibers. The results showed that the surface of the ramie fiber underwent significant changes due to the grafting reaction of the carboxylate-containing polymer and fiber. After the chemical modification, the flexural strength and initial modulus of the modified ramie fiber decreased while tensile strength increased, indicating that the softness of the modified ramie fiber increased though its tensile resistance remained high. In addition, the fixation of reactive dyes on the modified ramie fiber was larger than that of the reactive dyes on the raw ramie fiber. Our observations of mechanical properties and dye fixation indicated that the carboxylate-containing polymer is an effective and efficient soft modifier.     

Electrospun poly(tetrafluoroethylene) nanofiber membranes from PTFE-PVA-BA-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O gel-spinning solutions

As a kind of high-performance fibers, PTFE fiber has been widely used in many fields because of its unique characteristics. In this study, the poly(tetrafloroethylene) (PTFE) nanofibers manufactured by electrospinning method was reported. The gel-spinning solution of poly(tetrafluoroethylene)/poly(vinyl alcohol)/boric acid (PTFE/PVA/BA), which was prepared by the gel process of the mixture of PTFE, PVA, BA and redistilled water, was electrospun to form PTFE/PVA/BA composite nanofibers. After calcinating, the PTFE nanofibers with diameters of 200 nm to 1000 nm were obtained. The fibers before and after calcinating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectrum analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively, and the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of the fibers were also investigated. The results showed that the PTFE nanofiber membranes could be electrospun effectively used the gel-spinning solution of PTFE/PVA/BA, and may realize the applications in the fields of high-temperature filtration, catalyst supports, battery separator and so on.     

Bactericidal activity of zinc oxide particles embedded in poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) electrospun fibers

Composites of metal oxide nanoparticles incorporated into poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) electrospun fibers can be considered potential and low cost bactericidal agents. Homogeneous distribution of nanoparticles in the core of fibers and minimal aggregation induced by strong interaction with polymeric template are factors that contribute with diffusion of metal oxide nanoparticles from bulk to the fiber surface and subsequent release of nanoparticles to bacterial culture. Hybrid electrospun fibers were successfully applied against bacteria as a result of reasonable degree of interaction between zinc oxide and fibers as detected from FTIR analysis, DSC curves and SEM images.     

Spectrometric identification of solvent extractable organic additives in polyester-based textile fibers

In this study, polyester-based textile fibers were treated with several liquid-solvents and the extracts were spectrometrically characterized. The solvents used were ethanol-ether (1:1), ethanol-HCl (1:1), and carbon tetrachloride. Spectrometric characterization of the extracts included a first study by UV-visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform-infrared spectrometry after a liquid chromatographic fractionation. However, final elucidation was carried out by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, which provides enough sensitivity, and fast and reproducible results. The organic compounds identified in the extracts were usual additives largely employed in the manufacture of textile fibers. Some of these organic compounds can constitute potential hazards for human health.     

Preparation and characterization of (polyurethane/nylon-6) nanofiber/ (silicone) film composites <Emphasis Type="Italic">via</Emphasis> electrospinning and dip-coating

This paper reports on the preparation and characterization of nanofibers and nanofiber/film composites fabricated by electrospinning and dip-coating. The polymers in this study consist of polyurethane, nylon-6, and silicone. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fiber distribution, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and tensile tests were conducted. The electrospun nylon-6 nanofiber/dip-coated silicone film (dried for 5 min) showed the optimum tensile strength and strain results, showing an increase in tensile strength of 63 % compared to pure nylon-6 nanofiber alone. XRD and FTIR verified the presence of individual polymers in the composite matrix. The electrospun PU nanofiber produced the biggest fiber diameter, while electrospun nylon-6, and PU/nylon-6 produced uniform fiber diameters, with PU/nylon-6 obtaining very random and curved fiber morphology.     

Studies of electrospinning process of zirconia nanofibers

Eletriospinning process was used to fabricate Zirconia nanofibers and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) was employed in this procedure. SEM, TGA, FT-IR and XRD were used to investigate the electrospinning process. Pure PVP was electrospun at the same conditions as comparisons. The results indicated that the fibers had an average diameter about 80 nm with smooth surface. FT-IR spectrum and TGA curve proved that PVP was removed from the fibers after a thermal treatment. It was found that the crystal structure of Zirconia changed at different calcination temperature. The use of PVP, bicomponent solvent of water and ethanol and inorganic salt had positive effects on the morphology of the fibers.     

Fabrication of electrospun Poly L-lactide and Curcumin loaded Poly L-lactide nanofibers for drug delivery

The present work reports the preparation of Poly L-Lactide (PLLA) and Curcumin loaded Poly L-Lactide (CPLLA) nanofibers by electrospinning. A series of PLLA solution (12 wt %) and C-PLLA (12 wt % PLLA) solution containing Curcumin (0.5 wt % and 1 wt %)) were electrospun into nanofibers. SEM images showed the average diameter of PLLA and C-PLLA in the range of 50?C200 nm. The TEM images showed the dispersion of Curcumin on C-PLLA nanofibers. The XRD pattern indicated decreases of crystallinity with the increase in the amount of Curcumin. The characteristic peak of Curcumin was confirmed by FTIR. The TGA results showed the degradation of PLLA and C-PLLA close to 300 °C. The percentage porosity and the contact angle of PLLA were found to be 90.2 % and 115±3 ° with deionised water, respectively. The water uptake percentage was found to be 17.6 %. The percentage cumulative release of Curcumin at the end of 8th day for 0.5 and 1.0 wt % formulations was 81.4±1.3 and 86.7±1.7 % respectively. The in-vitro biological cytotoxicity studies were performed using C6 glioma cells and NIH 3T3 fibroblast by MTT assay and SEM analysis.     

Fabrication of Biocompatible PLGA/PCL/PANI Nanofibrous Scaffolds with Electrical Excitability

Application of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds has received immense attention in tissue engineering. Fabrication of scaffolds with appropriate electrical properties plays a key role in neural tissue engineering. Since fibers orientation in the scaffolds affects the growth and proliferation of the cells, this study aimed to prepare aligned electrospun conductive nanofibers by mixing 1 %, 10 % and 18 % (w/v) doped polyaniline (PANI) with polycaprolactone (PCL)/poly lactic-coglycolic acid (PLGA) (25/75) solution through the electrospinning process. The fibers diameter, hydrophilicity and conductivity were measured. In addition, the shape and proliferation of the nerve cells seeded on fibers were evaluated by MTT cytotoxicity assay and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the conductive nanofibrous scaffolds were appropriate substrates for the attachment and proliferation of nerve cells. The electrical stimulation enhanced neurite outgrowth compared to those PLGA/PCL/PANI scaffolds that were not subjected to electrical stimulation. As polyaniline ratio increases, electric stimulation through nanofibrous PLGA/PCL/PANI scaffolds results in cell proliferation enhancement. However, a raise more than 10 % in polyaniline will result in cell toxicity. It was concluded that conductive scaffolds with appropriate ratio of PANI along with electrical stimulation have potential applications in treatment of spinal cord injuries.     

Macro-micro structure,antibacterial activity,and physico-mechanical properties of the mulberry bast fibers

In this paper, the mulberry fibers were successfully obtained by a new pretreatment named alkali-assisted microwave plus biological enzymatic technique (AMBET). The morphology, microstructure, physico-mechanical and antibacterial properties of the mulberry bast fibers were investigated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), instron tensile tester and antibacterial testing. The results showed that impurities of the bast fibers could be removed by AMBET treatment. AMBET treated mulberry fiber was even, smooth and fine, and typical cellulose I in the mulberry fibers was confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The crystallinity of the AMBET treated fibers was higher than that of the raw mulberry and chemical treated mulberry fibers. Thermal analysis indicated that the mulberry fibers had a good thermal stability. Moreover, the AMBET treated mulberry fibers showed excellent antimicrobial activities against S.aureus. The physical properties of the mulberry fibers indicated the AMBET treated mulberry fibers were ideal candidates for new textile materials.     

The study on the air volume fraction of electrospun nanofiber nonwoven mats

Electrospinning is an efficient method to produce polymer fibers with a diameter range from nanometers to a few microns using an electrically driven jet. Electrospun nanofiber nonwoven fabrics can be applied into different areas with higher air volume fraction, especially applied into textile materials with good warmth retention property. In this article, the air volume fraction in nonwoven mats made of electrospun nanofibers was verified by studying fiber volume fraction in the mats. Then the relationship between fiber volume fraction and fiber diameter was derived, and the fiber volume fraction is in direct ratio to the square of fiber radius. By experimental verification, to get electrospun PAN nanofiber nonwoven mats with high air volume fraction about 99 %, it can fix the polymer concentration on 8 %. The voltage fixed on 20 kV, the tip-to-collector distance on 15 cm. The experiment is in accordance with the theory excellently.     

Preparation of electrospun affinity membrane and cross flow system for dynamic removal of anionic dye from colored wastewater

In this research, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/chitosan electrospun nanofibrous membrane (ENM) was prepared by electrospinning method in order to investigate its dye removal ability from colored wastewater. The morphology and average fiber diameter of the membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), image analysis and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical characterization was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The permeability of the membranes was evaluated by measuring pure water flux (PWF). In order to investigate the performance of the prepared membranes they were used in the batch adsorption and membrane separation for dye removal from colored wastewater. The effect of pH, number of membranes and dye concentration on the dye removal ability of the ENM was investigated. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to achieve multi-objective optimization and equations of adsorption capacity and breakthrough time regarding operating conditions. The results demonstrated the potential of using PVA/chitosan nanofiber membrane as a microfiltration (MF) membrane for dye removal. Moreover, the recoverability property of prepared membranes was noticeable.     

Depositon of ZnO on polyacrylonitrile fiber by thermal solvent coating

In this study, the surface functionalization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers was achieved by depositing ZnO nanoparticles using thermal solvent coating. surface morphology, crystalline structure, surface chemistry, thermal stability and washing stability of the ZnO coated PAN fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform Infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA) and washing stability test, respectively. In addition, the weight changes after coating and washing were studied at different coating and washing conditions. The SEM images revealed that the ZnO was well coated on the surface of the PAN fibers and the coating was obviously affected by the experimental temperature. The FT-IR spectra indicated the chemical features of the deposited ZnO nanostructures. The XRD patterns showed that there was a typical crystalline structure of ZnO nanogains formed on the PAN fibers after coating. The TGA results revealed that the thermal stability of the PAN fibers was improved by the ZnO coating. The experimental results of washing stability revealed the effect of temperature on the washing stability. Weight measurements indicated that the amount of ZnO deposited on PAN fibers increased with the increasing of coating temperature from 60 to 70 °C. Weight measurements also revealed that the weight of the ZnO coating on fibers decreased with the increase in washing temperature and washing time.