Fabrication and optimization of processing parameters of 2D/3D arrays of composite PET electrospun nanofibrous webs

Abstract

Pristine and functional carbon nanofillers reinforced composite nanofibrous web of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have been fabricated by the horizontal needle-based electrospinning technique. The nano materials are used to introduce the multi functionalities, like electrical conductivity, thermal stability and multiple adsorption sites. The nanocomposite nanofibrous webs are produced by mixing various weight percentages of 2D and 3D nanofillers in the matrix polymer solution. The micro structural morphologies, thermal stability, tensile strength of PET as well as the functional groups of nanofillers surface are optimized for making the 2D/3D assemblies multifunctional. The hybrid nanofibrous web is characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, universal testing machine, gel permeation chromatography and fourier transformed infrared spectrometer respectively. It has been found that the range of mean diameter of nanofibres lies between 165 nm and 272 nm due to the differential viscosity of nanofillers reinforced polymeric solution. The detailed structure-property studies are carried out on the reinforced functional PET nanofibres for various strategic applications.