Synthesis and air permeability of electrospun PAN/PVDF nanofibrous membranes

Electrospun nanofibers present well-design membranes for filtration applications. In this study, the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) bicomponent nanofibers was reported for air filtration application. Polymer concentration effect on the morphology of PAN/PVDF nanofibers was investigated and 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% PVDF were examined. PVDF amount influences the morphology, diameter, and thermal stability of the fibers. Morphological results revealed that beadless PAN/PVDF nanofiber was obtained and the diameter of the PAN/PVDF nanofibers decreased with the increasing amount of PVDF. However, at 30 wt% beads formation on the fibers was begun to observe. Optimum conditions to obtain uniform and beadless PAN/PVDF nanofibers were determined as 20 wt% PVDF concentration. The air permeability tests of PAN/PVDF nanofibers containing 20 wt% PVDF indicated that these nanofibrous membranes are appropriate materials for air filtration applications.