Post treatment and properties of PVA/SS composite nanofibers

Using deionized water as a solvent, the polyvinyl alcohol/silk sericin (PVA/SS) mixed solution was prepared, and the PVA/SS composite nanofiber membrane was spun by the electrostatic spinning method. The characteristics and properties of the PVA/SS composite nanofiber membrane untreated and treated with methanol and ethanol steam were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, infrared spectrum and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the morphology of the PVA/SS composite nanofibers was fine in this experiment. The average diameter and standard deviation of diameter first increased, then decreased and at last increased with the increase of the SS content. The average diameter of nanofibers treated with methanol and ethanol steam was smaller than that without treatment. The infrared spectrum showed that the peak value of SS in the PVA/SS composite nanofibers treated with methanol steam and ethanol steam for 3 d changed. X-ray diffraction showed that the crystallization of the PVA/SS composite nanofiber membrane after being treated with methanol and ethanol vapor was changed. The results provide theoretical support for biomedical materials and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Automated summary

In this study, the characteristics and properties of polyvinyl alcohol/silk sericin (PVA/SS) composite nanofiber membrane were investigated. The results showed that the morphology of the composite nanofibers was fine, and the diameter of the nanofibers decreased after treatment with methanol and ethanol steam. The crystallization of the nanofiber membrane was also changed. These findings are important for biomedical materials and tissue engineering scaffolds.