Poly(vinyl alcohol)/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite nanofiber

Composite nanofibers from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were prepared by electrospinning technique. The contents of MWCNT were varied from 2-10 wt%. Since MWCNT aggregation has been easily occurred, surfactant was introduced for good dispersion of MWCNT in PVA/MWCNT composite nanofibers. MWCNT was dispersed in NaDDBS via ultrasonic technique in order to improve dispersion and prevent the aggregation of MWCNT in PVA solution. The effects of the surfactant, NaDDBS, and MWCNT contents on morphology of the composite nanofibers were investigated. From the results, it can be seen that NaDDBS improved the dispersion of MWCNT in the PVA solution. SEM photographs showed that the PVA/MWCNT composite nanofibers were smooth, which no bead was found in the composite nanofibers. The size of composite nanofibers was around 200-300 nm and the size of the composite nanofibers decreased when increasing MWCNT contents. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.