Preparation of electrospun high molecular weight chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) composite nanofibers

Nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning a mixture of high molecular weight chitosan(concentration of 3%) and poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO) at a ratio of 3∶1 in 50% aqueous acetic acid.To further improve the spinnable properties,surfactants of different charge were added at concentrations well above their critical micellar concentrations.The morphology and interaction of the composite nanofibers were characterized by Scanning Electronic Microscope(SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum(FTIR) images,respectively.Tensile test were measured to assess the mechanical properties of the composite nanofibrous membrane in glutaraldehyde treatments.The study revealed that PEO is beneficial to the spinning properties.The composite solutions containing micellar solutions of surfactants enhanced the spinnability through modifying the molecular bond of the mixed solution and lowering its viscosity.Glutaraldehyde treatments improved the mechanical properties of the composite nanofibrous membrane.The presence of anionic-cationic surfactant resulted in the formation of smooth and high strength nanofibers.