Electrospun nylon 6 fibrous membrane coated with rice-like TiO2 nanoparticles by an ultrasonic-assistance method

Electrospun nylon 6 nanofibrous membranes coated with rice-like TiO2 nanoparticles were fabricated through a novel ultrasonic-assistance method. The process is relatively fast in comparison with the existing low temperature solution method applicable to thermoplastic materials. It was found that palladium seed, ultrasonic wave and boric acid are all essential in the coating process for the formation of the compact rice-like nanostructure of TiO2 coating. The coating of rice-like TiO2 nanoparticles onto the nylon 6 fibrous membrane significantly improved infrared (IR) extinction and UV blocking, yet with little influence on the moisture permeability of the material. The novel nylon 6 nanofibrous membrane with rice-like TiO2 coating is highly beneficial for different kinds of protective clothing. It is also speculated that the new material may have potential advantageous for use in filtration, catalysis and antimicrobial, since the rice-like nanostructure increases the surface area of the fibrous material with little effect on the permeability. (C) 2010 Elsevier By. All rights reserved.