Statistical optimization for preparing nanofibrous mats of polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) blends by solution blow spinning

Abstract

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is used to make poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) blend nanofibers and study the effect of process parameters on their formation. A 34–1 fractional factorial statistical model with three levels and four factors was applied. The factors included the concentration of PVP (wt%) in the PBAT polymer matrix, pressurized air pressure (psi), working distance (cm), and feed rate (ml h−1). The linear and quadratic effects were analyzed using a Pareto chart and verified in a well-adjusted response surface model. The PVP concentration and working distance had a significant effect on the production of nanofibers. The nanofibrous mats were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and had a mean diameter ranging from 164 to 656 nm. A higher concentration of PVP and a shorter working distance resulted in lower mean fiber diameter. In addition, X-ray diffraction revealed an increase in the degree of crystallinity of the nanofibrous PBAT due to a greater degree of packing among the polymer molecules. However, the addition of PVP to the polymer matrix is associated with a reduction in the degree of crystallinity of the nanofibrous mat.