The Influence of Photoinitiator on the Characteristics of Electrospun Poly (vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Based Nanofibers

Abstract

Poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) based nanofibers have non-toxic, compatible and antimicrobial properties that can be used in various applications. This research focused on the impact of benzophenone (BP) as a photoinitiator on the characteristics of electrospun PVA/CS based nanofibers. The electrospun PVA/CS nanofibers were crosslinked by the combination of immersion in glutaraldehyde (GA) solution and UV light irradiation with/without the addition of BP. The influence of BP was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and pure water permeability analysis. The results showed that the average diameter and swelling degree of photocrosslinked nanofibers were decreased, while the pure water flux increased due to BP addition. FT-IR data confirmed that the BP was successfully blended with the presence of ketones group peak on 1655 cm-1. The change in morphology was observed by SEM investigations.