Preparation and Properties of Nylon 4/6 Copolymer Nanofibers Containing Silver-Zeolite Nanoparticles

Nylon 4/6 copolymer has desirable properties, such as high affinity to water and good tensile strength. These properties originate from the characteristics of nylon 4 and nylon 6. Zeolite is a good adsorptive material that has many pores in its structure and the ability to capture metallic ions. As a multifunctional additive, silver-ion-loaded zeolite nanoparticles were used to increase the moisture regain and impart antimicrobial properties to the nylon 4/6 copolymer. A nylon 4/6 nanofiber web was prepared by electrospinning from a polymer solution containing silver zeolite nanoparticles. The moisture regain of the nylon 4/6 nanofiber web increased with increasing amount of silver zeolite added. The web showed excellent antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the nylon 4/6 nanofiber web could be a good material for wound healing dressings and high functional medical filters.