Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica/Nylon Nanocomposite Fibers via Electrospinning

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (KCC-1) were synthesized following by their addition to a nylon 6 polymeric solution. The nanocomposite fibers have been produced by electrospinning of the above suspension containing polymer solution and silica particles. The applied voltage for electrospinning of composite was optimize to be in the range of 14-20kV. The physical properties of the prepared KCC-1 were investigated using SEM and BET/BJH analysis that revealed uniform spherical shape particles with a mean diameter of 304 nm, surface area of 584 m2g-1 and mean pore diameter of 9.4 nm. SEM image of nanocomposite fibers represent relatively uniform fibers with average fiber diameter of about 220 nm containing uniformly distributed the spherical silica particles.