Mechanically enhanced electrospun nanofibers for wastewater treatment

Abstract

A novel high-performance polyamide 6, polyacrylonitrile and polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers were fabricated using industrial production Nanospider equipment for liquid filtration as microfilters. The application of nanofibers has been hindered by their poor mechanical strength. This work developed a feasible approach to preparing mechanically strong nanofiber webs. The mechanical strength of the nanofibers was enhanced using special lamination technique on a supporting layer. Experimental results show that the mechanical strength of the nanofibers enhanced more than 5 times while high porosity and liquid permeability retain. The separation results indicate that nanofibers have a potential to be used in liquid filters.