Preparation of cellulose-based nano-composite fibers by electrospinning and understanding the effect of processing parameters

In the electrospinning process, green nano-composite fibers (diameter in the range 402-811 nm) were developed successfully from wood pulp and nylon 6,6. In this study, most important electrospinning parameters such as polymer concentration, applied voltage, and needle tip to collector distance were investigated which affects the composite fibers diameter and morphology. Solution concentration has been found to be a crucial parameter to regulate the diameter of fibers. The composite fibers diameter was increased with increasing the polymer concentration. The diameter and morphology of the composite fibers were also changed by varying applied voltage and tip to collector distance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to reveal characteristic peaks for the composite fibers. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.