Electrospun Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanofibres with Biocidal Additives for Application in Filter Media, 1–Properties Affecting Fibre Morphology and Characterisation

Abstract

Abstract Aqueous solutions of PVA containing the biocide AquaQure are electrospun into nanofibrous membranes with antimicrobial properties. AquaQure contains, amongst others, Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ions. Fibre morphology is observed under a scanning electron microscope, and effects of instrument parameters and solution characteristics on the morphology of electrospun PVA fibres are investigated. The average fibre diameter can be varied from 87 ± 14 to 246 ± 50 nm. It is found that addition of AquaQure has significant effects on fibre diameter due to changes in solution conductivity, surface tension and viscosity. The presence of AquaQure in the fibres is confirmed via several techniques. magnified image