Preparation and characterization of cellulose acetate–Fe2O3 composite nanofibrous materials

Cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose acetate–Fe2O3 composite nanofibrous materials were successfully prepared via the electrospinning technique. The composite materials were fabricated by the electrospinning of CA solutions with dispersed Fe2O3 nanoparticles. A mixture of N,N-dimethylacetamide and acetone was used, in all cases, as the polymer solvent. The Fe2O3 nanoparticles were dispersed, in 20% (w/v) CA solution, at concentrations varying between 1.4% and 4.5% (w/v). The influence of Fe2O3 concentration on the thermal behavior (glass transition and thermal stability) of the material was examined by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Also the influence of Fe2O3 concentration on the size and morphology of the fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For the explanation of the obtained results, viscosity and conductivity measurements were carried out. In general, fairly uniform composite fibrous structures with enhanced properties were prepared, for potential use in separation processes or in biomedical applications.