Abstract
Nanofibre mats of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) and nanometre silver (Ag) colloids have been fabricated by an electrospinning method in aqueous solutions. Since PVA is a water soluble and biocompatible polymer, it is one of the best materials for preparation of electrospun antibacterial nanofibre mats. WBPU was used as a filler to enhance the properties of homopolymer nanofibre. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed a uniform distribution of silver in the fibres. In anti-bacterial tests, the PVA/WBPU/Ag composite nanofibres showed excellent anti-bacterial performance, indicating practical uses as a new preservative. Moreover, the PVA/WBPU/Ag nanofibres showed improved thermal properties.