Synergistic Effect and Characterization of Graphene/Carbon Nanotubes/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate Nanofibrous Membranes Formed Using Continuous Needleless Dynamic Linear Electrospinning

In this study, a self-made continuous needleless dynamic linear electrospinning technique is employed to fabricate large-scale graphene (Gr)/carbon nanotubes (CNT)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) nanofibrous membranes. The synergistic effect of Gr and CNT fillers in the PVA/SA membrane...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ting-Ting Li, Yanqin Zhong, Mengxue Yan, Wei Zhou, Wenting Xu, Shih-Yu Huang, Fei Sun, Ching-Wen Lou, Jia-Horng Lin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-05-01
Series:Nanomaterials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/9/5/714
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Summary:In this study, a self-made continuous needleless dynamic linear electrospinning technique is employed to fabricate large-scale graphene (Gr)/carbon nanotubes (CNT)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate (SA) nanofibrous membranes. The synergistic effect of Gr and CNT fillers in the PVA/SA membrane is explored in depth by changing the volume ratio (<i>v</i>/<i>v</i>) of Gr and CNT as 10:0, 8:2, 6:4, 4:6, 2:8, and 0:10. Microstructure, functional group, conductivity, and hydrophilicity of PVA/SA/Gr/CNT membranes was characterized. Results show that the linear electrode needleless electrospinning technique can be spun into 200-nm diameter fibers. The PVA/SA/Gr/CNT fibrous membrane has good hydrophilicity and thermal stability. A Gr/CN ratio of 6:4 possessed the optimal synergistic effect, which showed the lowest surface resistivity of 2.53 &#215; 10<sup>3</sup> &#937;/m<sup>2</sup>. This study will provide a reference for the large-scale preparation of nanofibrous membrane used as a artificial nerve conduit in the future.
ISSN:2079-4991