An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection
Abstract In this manuscript, a borate ester solution, as a precursor, is prepared by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and boric acid (BA). The precursor is then electrospun to form nanofibers. However, the addition of BA has a negative effect on the spinning behavior by changing the conductivity. T...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley-VCH
2023-11-01
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| Series: | Macromolecular Materials and Engineering |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202300150 |
| _version_ | 1797627959116300288 |
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| author | Mücahid Özcan Cengiz Kaya Figen Kaya |
| author_facet | Mücahid Özcan Cengiz Kaya Figen Kaya |
| author_sort | Mücahid Özcan |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract In this manuscript, a borate ester solution, as a precursor, is prepared by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and boric acid (BA). The precursor is then electrospun to form nanofibers. However, the addition of BA has a negative effect on the spinning behavior by changing the conductivity. The solution's quality is enhanced through use of additives such as glycerol, sodium chloride, and acetic acid. The effect of additives on the viscosity and conductivity of solutions, and their spinning behavior, is investigated. By adjusting electrospinning process variables and solution properties, nanofibers are produced. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis is performed to identify the formation of borate ester as a result of the reaction between PVA and BA. Thermal analysis is used to characterize the thermal stability of the fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to examine the fiber morphology and diameter distribution. The findings are used to determine the best viscosity–conductivity windows for the production of electrospun borate ester nanofibers. Finally, the ability of optimized nanofibers to capture neutrons is evaluated using an Am‐Be neutron source and a BF3 detector set up. The results of the measurements indicate that the incorporation of BA into PVA nanofibers can enhance their neutron shielding capabilities up to 7.3%. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T10:31:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-95b982953a4148fe9c3d0da70f16a36c |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1438-7492 1439-2054 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T10:31:52Z |
| publishDate | 2023-11-01 |
| publisher | Wiley-VCH |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Macromolecular Materials and Engineering |
| spelling | doaj.art-95b982953a4148fe9c3d0da70f16a36c2023-11-14T16:49:30ZengWiley-VCHMacromolecular Materials and Engineering1438-74921439-20542023-11-0130811n/an/a10.1002/mame.202300150An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal ProtectionMücahid Özcan0Cengiz Kaya1Figen Kaya2Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy Yıldız Technical University Davutpasa Campus Istanbul 34200 TurkeyDepartment of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy Yıldız Technical University Davutpasa Campus Istanbul 34200 TurkeyDepartment of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy Yıldız Technical University Davutpasa Campus Istanbul 34200 TurkeyAbstract In this manuscript, a borate ester solution, as a precursor, is prepared by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and boric acid (BA). The precursor is then electrospun to form nanofibers. However, the addition of BA has a negative effect on the spinning behavior by changing the conductivity. The solution's quality is enhanced through use of additives such as glycerol, sodium chloride, and acetic acid. The effect of additives on the viscosity and conductivity of solutions, and their spinning behavior, is investigated. By adjusting electrospinning process variables and solution properties, nanofibers are produced. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis is performed to identify the formation of borate ester as a result of the reaction between PVA and BA. Thermal analysis is used to characterize the thermal stability of the fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to examine the fiber morphology and diameter distribution. The findings are used to determine the best viscosity–conductivity windows for the production of electrospun borate ester nanofibers. Finally, the ability of optimized nanofibers to capture neutrons is evaluated using an Am‐Be neutron source and a BF3 detector set up. The results of the measurements indicate that the incorporation of BA into PVA nanofibers can enhance their neutron shielding capabilities up to 7.3%.https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202300150borate esterelectrospinningnanofibersneutron shielding |
| spellingShingle | Mücahid Özcan Cengiz Kaya Figen Kaya An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection Macromolecular Materials and Engineering borate ester electrospinning nanofibers neutron shielding |
| title | An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection |
| title_full | An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection |
| title_fullStr | An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection |
| title_full_unstemmed | An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection |
| title_short | An Optimization Study for the Electrospun Borate Ester Nanofibers as Light‐Weight, Flexible, and Affordable Neutron Shields for Personal Protection |
| title_sort | optimization study for the electrospun borate ester nanofibers as light weight flexible and affordable neutron shields for personal protection |
| topic | borate ester electrospinning nanofibers neutron shielding |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/mame.202300150 |
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