Studies the Effect of Triton X on the Textural Properties of PVA-Based Electrospun Nanofibers

Electrospinning has many advantages in fabricating nanofibers in terms of being relatively inexpensive and quite simple. Indeed, several important parameters need to be considered when utilizing the machine. In order to produce nanofibers with good textural quality, one way to improve the properties is by varying the surfactant concentration. A composition of 0, 3, 7, and 10 wt. % Triton X was mixed with 8 wt.% Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in 60 ml distilled water as the precursor solution. A flow rate of 12 ml/h, the distance between the needle tip and the collector of 15 cm, the rpm of the collector of 200 rpm, and a voltage of 15 kV were set on the machine. The precursors were then fabricated using an in-house electrospinning machine. Characterization of nanofibers was done using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR). Uniform nanofibers with the smallest crystallite size were successfully produced by a 7 wt.% of Triton X. FTIR spectra showed that the resulting nanofiber was pure and uncontaminated with impurities. A semi-crystalline PVA structure was observed in the XRD pattern. Indeed, the addition of Triton X contributes to reducing the formation of the beads and increasing the homogeneity of precursors.