Preparation and properties of PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA/silk sericin (SS) and PVA/SS/AgNPs (nano-silver) solutions have been prepared, and the nanofibres are produced by electrospinning technology. The nanofibres are then tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the morphology of 7-11 wt% PVA nanofibres is fine and smooth. With the increase in SS and AgNPs contents, the average diameter of PVA/SS and PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres is increased. The FTIR spectra and XRD patterns of PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres with different mass ratios have the similar regular curves. The intensity of the infrared peak of PVA/SS/AgNPs composite nanofibres weakens at 837, 1087, 1648 and 2914 cm(-1) with the increase in AgNPs; the intensity of the diffraction peak gradually increases at 13.1o and weakens at 19.09 degrees. This may be due to the reason that Ag interacts with PVA and SS molecules. The findings are of great significance for the development of nano-scale antibacterial fibres.