Characterization of polymer nanofibers coated by reactive sputtering of zinc

The surface properties of polymer nanofibers are of importance in various applications. In this work, electrospun polyamide nanofibers were used as substrates for creating functional nanostructures on the nanofiber surfaces. The surface functionalization of polymer nanofibers was made by reactive sputtering of zinc (Zn). The surface structures of the sputter-coated nanofibers were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). AFM results revealed the formation of functional coatings on the nanofiber surface. A full energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) mounted on the ESEM confirmed the chemical compositions of the nanofiber surfaces. The electrical conductivity and light transmittance of the functional nanofibers were also investigated. The results indicated that the nanofibers deposited with zinc films significantly improved the surface conductivity and the reactive sputter coating of zinc oxide obviously enhanced the ultra-violet absorption.