Role of molecular weight of atactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in the structure and properties of PVA nanofabric prepared by electrospinning

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 93; no. 4; pp. 1638 - 1646
• Main Authors: Lee, Joon Seok, Choi, Kyu Ha, Ghim, Han Do, Kim, Sam Soo, Chun, Du Hwan, Kim, Hak Yong, Lyoo, Won Seok
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.08.2004; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; electrospinning; Exact sciences and technology; molecular weight; nanofabric; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymer industry, paints, wood; process parameter; PVA; Technology of polymers; Polyvinylalcohol; Electrical conductivity; Vinyl acetate polymer; electrospinning; PVA; molecular weight; nanofabric; Physical properties; process parameter; Atactic polymer; Solution polymerization; Saponification
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.20602

Atactic poly(vinyl alcohols) (a‐PVAs) having number‐average degrees of polymerization [(Pn)s] of 1700 and 4000 were prepared by the solution polymerization of vinyl acetate, which was followed by the saponification of poly(vinyl acetate) to investigate the effects of molecular weights of a‐PVA on the characteristics of electrospun a‐PVA nanofabrics. A‐PVA nanofabrics were prepared by electrospinning with controlling the process parameters including the electrical field, conductivity, tip‐to‐collector distance, and solution concentration. Through a series of characterization experiments, we identified that the molecular weight of a‐PVA had a marked influence on the structure and properties of nanofabrics produced. That is, the higher the molecular weight of PVA, the superior the physical properties of PVA nanofabric. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1638–1646, 2004