Preparation and properties of PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/silk sericin (SS) and PVA/SS/AgNPs (nano-silver) solutions have been prepared, and the nanofibres are produced by electrospinning technology. The nanofibres are then tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the morphology of 7-11 wt% PVA nanofibres is fine and smooth. With the increase in SS and AgNPs contents, the average diameter of PVA/SS and PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres is increased. The FTIR spectra and XRD patterns of PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres with different mass ratios have the similar regular curves. The intensity of the infrared peak of PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres weakens at 837, 1087, 1648 and 2914 cm^-1 with the increase in AgNPs; the intensity of the diffraction peak gradually increases at 13.1^o and weakens at 19.09 °. This may be due to the reason that Ag interacts with PVA and SS molecules. The findings are of great significance for the development of nano-scale antibacterial fibres.