Core-Shell Nanofibers With Fire Retardant Properties Prepared By A Co-Axial Electrospinning Technique

A novel composite core-shell nanofibers of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) as core incorporated with magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) and cellulose acetate (CA) as shell were prepared using co-axial electrospinning technique. Core-shell morphology of the prepared composite nanofibers was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and field emission-SEM (FE-SEM) imaging techniques and presence of metal oxide in core-shell nanofibers was confirmed from the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Further, thermal, chemical and mechanical properties of the prepared materials were studied with Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile measurements, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. Finally, fire retardant properties of the prepared nanofibers were studied by inclined flammability and limited oxygen index (LOI) testing. Higher mechanical strength and enhanced fire resistance was reported from the above thorough analysis and therefore, the prepared material could fit well in fire resistance applications.

Automated summary

A novel composite core-shell nanofibers with improved mechanical strength and fire resistance were prepared using co-axial electrospinning technique. The core-shell morphology and presence of metal oxide were confirmed through imaging and analysis techniques. The thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties were studied, and the fire retardant properties were tested. The results demonstrated the potential of the prepared material for fire resistance applications.