An experimental approach to the synthesis and optimisation of a ‘green’ nanofibre

Abstract

Currently, green-based materials are receiving attention in a quest to achieve a sustainable environment for human life. Herein, we report an investigation of developing a simple novel green nanofibre by using H2O2-assisted water soluble chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (WSCHT/PVA) in the presence of water as an eco-friendly solvent. The effect of various process parameters on the mean fibre diameter was investigated based on the Taguchi L9 ([Math Processing Error]) orthogonal array experimental design. Optimal process parameters were determined using the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio of diameter according to the ‘smaller-the-better’ concept. Accordingly, the smallest fibre diameter observed was 122 nm and it was yielded at solution concentration of 10%; a voltage of 16 kV; a flow rate of 0.7 mL h−1; and a collection distance of 8 cm. The implications of a green environmentally sustainable material impact on a number of diverse end uses.