Electrospun nylon-6 spider-net like nanofiber mat containing TiO2 nanoparticles: A multifunctional nanocomposite textile material

In this study, electrospun nylon-6 spider-net like nanofiber mats containing TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were successfully prepared. The nanofiber mats containing TiO2 NPs were characterized by SEM, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD, TGA and EDX analyses. The results revealed that fibers in two distinct sizes (nano and subnano scale) were obtained with the addition of a small amount of TiO2 NPs. In low TiO2 content nanocomposite mats, these nanofiber weaves were found uniformly loaded with TiO2 NPs on their wall. The presence of a small amount of TiO2 NPs in nylon-6 solution was found to improve the hydrophilicity (antifouling effect), mechanical strength, antimicrobial and UV protecting ability of electrospun mats. The resultant nylon-6/TiO2 antimicrobial spider-net like composite mat with antifouling effect may be a potential candidate for future water filter applications, and its improved mechanical strength and UV blocking ability will also make it a potential candidate for protective clothing. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.