Electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver nanoparticle/carbon nanotube multi-composite nanofiber mat: Fabrication, characterization and evaluation of thermal, mechanical and antibacterial properties

Multi-composite nanofiber mats composed of poly(vinyl alcohol), silver nanoparticle and carbon nanotube were fabricated by electrospinning method. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction investigations supported the coexistence of silver nanoparticle, carbon nanotube and poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix in which silver nanoparticle and carbon nanotube were well distributed. The study showed that the thermal stability was enhanced by silver nanoparticle and carbon nanotube each, while carbon nanotube also increased tensile strength of the multi-composite. It was also found that the fabricated poly(vinyl alcohol)/silver nanoparticle composite nanofiber mat demonstrated antibacterial activity, which was intensified due to inclusion of carbon nanotube.