Abstract:
Electrospinning is the most promising mechanism to draw polymer fibers in the micrometer to
nanometer domain. In this technique, one can interplay with different processing parameters as
well as solution parameters to draw variable fibers depending upon their applications. PLA is a
thermoplastic, biodegradable, biocompatible polymer utilized to draw nanofibers through
electrospinning. These fibers when functionalized with silver nanoparticles have a wide spectrum
of applications such as filtration, biomedical, and tissue engineering.
In this study, the electrospinning mechanism was studied on both homemade and commercial
electrospinning setup. PLA and silver nanoparticles incorporated PLA micro and nanofibers were
manufactured. The aim is to optimize the electrospinning parameters and to fabricate fiber mats
suitable for applications in filtration.
To sustain the electrospinning process smoothly, binary solvent systems were utilized to make a
homogenous PLA electrospinning solution. Different amount of PLA polymer was added in
solvents until desired results were achieved. Silver nanoparticles were made in situ during solution
preparation. After optimization, silver nanoparticles loaded PLA nanofibers at different
concentrations were electrospun. UV-VIS and DRS spectroscopy was done to confirm the
presence of silver nanoparticles in the sample. SEM images showed the presence of uniform
nanofibers. EDS was done to identify the elemental composition. Optical profilometry of
nanofibers was done to check the thickness profile of derived fibers. It was observed that the
thickness of nanofibers was reduced by the addition of silver nanoparticles. FTIR shows the
functional groups present and XRD was done to determine the crystalline structure of fabricated
fibers.
