Effect of Blend Ratio on Morphology and Swelling Properties of PVA/Chitosan Nanofibers

Abstract

PVA/chitosan nanofibers have been prepared by electrospinning method. A novel nanofibers mat was prepared in a various blend ratio of PVA to chitosan. The structure of PVA/chitosan nanofibers was examined by FTIR and SEM. The results showed that PVA/chitosan nanofibers were successfully formed. The result of FTIR indicates that PVA and chitosan exist in PVA/chitosan Nanofibers. SEM observation showed that the fiber has several hundred nanometers with a smooth surface. It also observed that fibers diameters decreased by increase percentage of chitosan, this occurs because of the conductivity of electrospun solution increase and the viscosity decrease. Reduction of fiber diameter followed by a decrease in pore size, this is a very important property of a membrane having a small pore size with high porosity. PVA/chitosan nanofibers have pH sensitive of swelling properties and better-swelling properties in acid conditions.