Posted April 21, 2014
By Seshadri Ramkumar
LUBBOCK, TEXAS – Texas Tech University researchers have developed single-layer, breathable nanowebs using green electro-spinning process.
The team of interdisciplinary researchers involved in fiber science, chemistry and toxicology developed a homopolymer single layer porous nanoweb for bioengineering applications.
The process involved water soluble poly (vinyl alcohol) and resulted in the development of standalone nanofiber webs. The process was devoid of any organic solvents and used heat cross-linking to obtain a stronger single layer nanoweb that can be handled for subsequent processes and treatments.
Environmentally benign single-layer, breathable nanowebs developed
The aim of the relatively environmentally friendly process was to avoid the use of cross-linking agents and functionalizing chemicals to obtain a stronger nanoweb.
Heat cross-linked single layer nanowebs were good enough for handling and testing of their tensile and water transport properties. The nanowebs were about 250 nm in diameter.
Nanowebs developed that are devoid of organic solvent residues can find a myriad of applications such as cell and tissue culture scaffolds, protective clothing liners and air filters.
This work was recently published in the Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar is professor of Countermeasures to Chemical and Biological Threats, Nonwovens & Advanced Materials at Texas Tech.
Seshadri Ramkumar