Cellulose–Polyvinyl Alcohol–Nano-TiO2 Hybrid Nanocomposite: Thermal,Optical, and Antimicrobial Properties against Pathogenic Bacteria

Cellulose fiber-reinforced composite has received great attention due to the high strength, stiffness, biodegradability, and renewability of the excellent natural biomaterials. Cellulose nanofibers for the development of organic–inorganic hybrid composite is relatively new filed of research. Cellulose macro and nanofibers can be used as reinforcement in the hybrid composite because of improved mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, morphological, and biological properties. The hybrid nanocomposites were synthesized by an in situ sol–gel process in the presence of coupling agent. The sol–gel process has definitely proven its potential by providing the synthesis of various functional organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposites through an in situ sol–gel process. The hybrid nanocomposites have been prompted by the ability to control the morphology of final materials. The photoluminescence spectral studies indicate that the emission shifts toward higher wavelength (326–532?nm) accompanied by a reduction in impurity centers with increasing concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol)–TiO₂ and hybrid nanocomposite. The final nanostructured TiO₂ hybrid nanocomposites with particle size ranging from 0.32 to 20?nm were characterized by Field -emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM) analysis. Furthermore, cellulose–poly(vinyl alcohol)–nano-TiO₂ hybrid composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, UV, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FE-SEM–EDX, Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and FE-TEM analysis. The different analysis results of the hybrid composite indicate the optical transparency, optical properties, T_g, crystallinity, thermal stability, and controlled morphology of hybrid nanocrystalline composites. Finally, the cellulose–poly(vinyl alcohol)—nano-TiO₂ hybrid nanocomposites were tested against pathogens such as Gram-positive Bacteria Bacillus cereus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli for antimicrobial activity. These results show that the hybrid composite exhibited excellent antimicrobial properties against pathogens.     

Facile synthesis of water-soluble luminescent mesoporous Tb(OH)3@SiO2 core-shell nanospheres

Luminescent mesoporous Tb(OH)₃@SiO₂ core-shell nanospheres were synthesized through W/O microemulsion process at ambient temperature. The negatively charged silica favors a coating of the positively charged Tb³⁺ composite. Thus, silicon layer was adsorbed on the surface of Tb(OH)₃ groups to form Tb-O-Si through electrostatic interaction. X-ray diffraction, field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared, UV/Visible, and photoluminescence spectroscopies were applied to examine the phase purity, crystallinity, surface morphology, and optical properties of the core-shell nanospheres. The FE-TEM results have revealed typically ordered mesoporous characteristics of the material with monodisperse spherical morphology in a narrow size distribution. The luminescent mesoporous core-shell nanospheres exposed remarkable splitting with broadening in the emission transition ⁵D₄ → ⁷F₅ (543 nm). In addition, the luminescent mesoporous core-shell nanospheres emit strong green fluorescence (from Tb³⁺) in the middle of the visible region under 325 nm (3.8) excitation. The luminescent mesoporous Tb(OH)₃@SiO₂ core-shell nanospheres can therefore be exploited as fluorescent probes in biomarkers or biolabeling, optical sensing, and drug delivery system. Further, these nanospheres could have potential use as scattering layers in dye-sensitized solar cells.     

Structural,Dielectric Permittivity and Optical Characteristics of Casting Poly Vinyl Alcohol/Calcium Nickel Aluminate Nanocomposite Films

Triplex hybrid nanofiller (CaNiAl₂O₅) have been synthesized by sol-gel method and its nanocomposite (NC) films were incorporated with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to probe morphological behaviors and dispersion of CaNiAl₂O₅ in PVA matrix. In order to probe the microstructure X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR were performed on PVA/CaNiAl₂O₅ NCs. Based on the results of both XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the average particle size of the CaNiAl₂O₅ lies in the range 7–15 nm. The current (I) – voltage (V) behaviors were studied using LCR-meter at room temperature. The dc-conductivity increases with increasing in both CaNiAl₂O₅ at different voltages. The dielectric constant exhibits higher values at lower frequency and increases with nanoparticle (NP) loading due to increase in polarization particles in polymer matrix. The ac conductivity tends to increase with increase frequency and NPs content. The cyclic voltammetric data indicate the NC with 8wt% NPs exhibit higher specific capacitance as compared with PVA. The optical constants of the NCs were evaluated from UV-Visible spectra. The band gap energies has a blue shift from 4.4 eV (PVA) to 2.8 eV (PVA/8wt% CaNiAl₂O₅), whereas refractive index (RI) and the optical conductivity of NCs increased with an increasing in NPs content.     

Preparation of PANI–PVA composite film with good conductivity and strong mechanical property

The polyaniline (PANI)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) conductive composite films [doped with hydrochloride (HCl), dodecylbenzene sulphonic acid and amino sulphonic acid (NH₂SO₃H) aqueous solution] were synthesised by ‘in situ’ polymerisation, and their conductivities were compared. Among these composite films, HCl–PANI–PVA composite film possessed the highest conductivity that reached 1360?S·m^??1 [w_(PVA)?=?40%]. Meanwhile, the effects of PVA content, HCl concentration, oxidant ammonium persulphate (APS) dosage, reaction time and film drying temperature on tensile strength of the HCl–PANI–PVA composite films were studied. The tensile strength of the film was improved greatly due to effective mixture of PANI and PVA. When the PVA content was 40%, C_(HCl)?=?1.0?mol·L^??1, reaction time was 4.0?h, n_(APS)/n_(aniline)?=?1.0 and film drying temperature was 80°C, and the tensile strength of the HCl–PANI–PVA composite film reached the maximum of 60.8?MPa. At the same time, the structure of composite materials was characterised and analysed through ultraviolet spectrum and SEM.     

Effect of TeO2 on Near‐Infrared Emission from Bismuth Centers in Borogermanate Glasses

Bi‐doped xTeO₂–(60?x)GeO₂–15B₂O₃–20MgO–5Al₂O₃ glasses were prepared by the conventional melt‐quenching method and their absorption and fluorescence spectra were characterized. Broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission from Bi centers centered around 1240 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 250 nm was observed, and the position of the emission peak strongly depends on the excitation wavelength. Increasing TeO₂ concentration results in the strong coloration of the glass, leading to the reduction and finally, complete quenching of the NIR emission. Based on Raman, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission microscopy observation, the coloration of the glass at high TeO₂ concentration can be ascribed to the precipitation of elemental Te nanoparticles of around 3–8 nm, which effectively suppresses the NIR emission by reabsorption. The precipitation of Te nanoparticles in an oxide glass may find novel applications in photonics and relevant fields.     

ZnO nanocrystallites/cellulose hybrid nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning and solvothermal techniques and their photocatalytic activity

ZnO nanocrystallites have been in situ embedded in cellulose nanofibers by a novel method that combines electrospinning and solvothermal techniques. Zn(OAc)₂/cellulose acetate (CA) precursor hybrid nanofibers with diameter in the range of 160–330 nm were first fabricated via the electrospinning technique using zinc acetate as precursor, CA as the carrier, and dimethylformamide (DMF)/acetone(2 : 1) mixture as cosolvent. The precursor nanofibers were transformed into ZnO/cellulose hybrid fibers by hydrolysis in 0.1 mol/L NaOH aqueous solution. Subsequently, these hybrid fibers were further solvothermally treated in 180°C glycerol oil bath to improve the crystallite structure of the ZnO nanoparticles containing in the nanofibers. The structure and morphology of nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. It was found that hexagonal structured ZnO nanocrystallites with the size of ～ 30 nm were dispersed on the nanofiber surfaces and within the nanofibers with diameter of about 80 nm. The photocatalytic property of the ZnO/cellulose hybrid nanofibers toward Rhodamine (RhB) was tested under the irradiation of visible light. As a catalyst, it inherits not only the photocatalytic ability of nano‐ZnO, but also the thermal stability, good mechanical property, and solvent‐resistibility of cellulose nanofibers. The key advantages of this hybrid nanofiber over neat ZnO nanoparticles are its elasticity, dimensional stability, durability, and easy recyclability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis of Octa(maleimidophenyl) silsesquioxane–SiO2/TiO2 Hybrid Nanocomposites: Adsorption Behavior for the Removal of an Organic Methylene Blue Dye and Antimicrobial Activity against Pathogens

In this study, a sol–gel process was used to prepare hybrid nanocomposite consisting of octa(maleimidophenyl) silsesquioxane-silica/titania (maleimide–POSS (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes)–SiO₂/TiO₂) to use in methylene blue (MB) adsorption and as an antibacterial agent. The structure, surface, and morphological characteristics were confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The optical and thermal stabilities were studied by conducting UV–visible and thermogravimetric analysis–differential scanning electron calorimetry analysis. The experimental results showed a maximum dye adsorption capacity of 92% achieved using 0.5?g of hybrid nanocomposite after 2.5?h at pH 9. We also investigated the effect that the adsorbent dosage, pH, and contact time had on the removal efficiency of the MB dye in aqueous solution. The recycling experiment showed a good adsorption capacity of the MB dye, even after five repeated cycles. Furthermore, the hybrid nanocomposite was tested against pathogenic bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nanocomposite was observed to be highly sensitive to E. coli, B. cereus, and P. aeruginosa, as confirmed by the size of the zone inhibition.     

Effect of nano-SiO2 on the compatibility of PVA/RSF blend

A series of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/regenerated silk fibroin (RSF)/nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO₂) blend films were prepared by solution casting method, in which nano-SiO₂ was obtained via sol?Cgel process. The structure, properties, and morphology of the films related to the compatibility were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). XRD peaks of PVA/RSF/nano-SiO₂ (1.0?wt?%) blends decreased in intensity indicated that formation of PVA and RSF crystal lattices was hindered by nano-SiO₂ particles. FTIR spectroscopy analysis of PVA/RSF/nano-SiO₂ films confirmed that both Si?CO?CC linkage and hydrogen bonding were formed among PVA, RSF, and nano-SiO₂. SEM showed that there was no obvious phase separation in PVA/RSF/nano-SiO₂ (1.0?wt?%) film although small uniform blur particles can still be found. In addition, TEM showed nano-particles were well dispersed through the PVA/RSF polymer matrix. Besides, the observed shift in glass transition temperatures (T _g) and improvement in thermal properties of composite films suggested the enhanced compatibility due to interfacial bonding and intermolecular interactions. Therefore, these results indicated that the compatibility of PVA/RSF was improved effectively by the addition of nano-SiO₂.     

In situ synthesis of ZrB2–ZrC–SiC ultra-high-temperature nanocomposites by a sol–gel process

ABSTRACT

ZrB₂–ZrC–SiC is one of the ultra-high-temperature ceramic composites with excellent properties. In this research, high-purity ZrB₂–ZrC–SiC nanopowders were synthesised using a carbothermal reduction reaction at a relatively low temperature (1370°C) from cost-effective zirconium(IV) chloride by a sol–gel method. The effect of heat treatment temperature on the synthesis of ZrB₂–ZrC–SiC composite powder was studied. X-ray diffractometry results showed that the phases ZrB₂, β-SiC and ZrC were synthesised at 1370°C. The mean crystallite sizes for each of the phases were calculated using the Scherrer method. The specific surface area for the sample calcined at 1370°C was 81.479?m²?g^?1. SEM observation revealed that the particles had a size lower than 250?nm. Backscattered electron image and map analysis with scanning electron microscopy showed that a suitable phase homogeneity was achieved, as confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.     

Fabrication and NO2 gas sensing performance of TeO2-core/CuO-shell heterostructure nanorod sensors

TeO₂-nanostructured sensors are seldom reported compared to other metal oxide semiconductor materials such as ZnO, In₂O₃, TiO₂, Ga₂O₃, etc. TeO₂/CuO core-shell nanorods were fabricated by thermal evaporation of Te powder followed by sputter deposition of CuO. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that each nanorod consisted of a single crystal TeO₂ core and a polycrystalline CuO shell with a thickness of approximately 7 nm. The TeO₂/CuO core-shell one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures exhibited a bamboo leaf-like morphology. The core-shell nanorods were 100 to 300 nm in diameter and up to 30 μm in length. The multiple networked TeO₂/CuO core-shell nanorod sensor showed responses of 142% to 425% to 0.5- to 10-ppm NO₂ at 150°C. These responses were stronger than or comparable to those of many other metal oxide nanostructures, suggesting that TeO₂ is also a promising sensor material. The responses of the core-shell nanorods were 1.2 to 2.1 times higher than those of pristine TeO₂ nanorods over the same NO₂ concentration range. The underlying mechanism for the enhanced NO₂ sensing properties of the core-shell nanorod sensor can be explained by the potential barrier-controlled carrier transport mechanism.

PACS

61.46. + w; 07.07.Df; 73.22.-f     

Effects of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) content on preparation of novel thiol-functionalized mesoporous PVA/SiO2 composite nanofiber membranes and their application for adsorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution

Thiol-functionalized mesoporous poly (vinyl alcohol)/SiO₂ composite nanofiber membranes and pure PVA nanofiber membranes were synthesized by electrospinning. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) indicated that the PVA/SiO₂ composite nanofibers were functionalized by mercapto groups via the hydrolysis polycondensation. The surface areas of the PVA/SiO₂ composite nanofiber membranes were >290 m²/g. The surface areas, pore diameters and pore volumes of PVA/SiO₂ composite nanofibers decreased as the PVA content increased. The adsorption capacities of the thiol-functionalized mesoporous PVA/SiO₂ composite nanofiber membranes were greater than the pure PVA nanofiber membranes. The largest adsorption capacity was 489.12 mg/g at 303 K. The mesoporous PVA/SiO₂ composite nanofiber membranes exhibited higher Cu²⁺ ion adsorption capacity than other reported nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of the PVA/SiO₂ composite nanofiber membranes was maintained through six recycling processes. Consequently, these membranes can be promising materials for removing, and recovering, heavy metal ions in water.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetite/Polyvinyl Alcohol Core–Shell Composite Nanoparticles

Magnetite (Fe₃O₄)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) core–shell composite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a coprecipitation of ferrous and ferric chloride followed by coating with PVA. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy, Zeta potential measurements, UV–Vis spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). The average particle size was 13 nm. The presence of characteristic functional groups of PVA around the core of magnetite nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy while the amount of PVA (%) bound to it was estimated by TGA analysis. Zeta potential measurements made by dispersing dilute sonicated samples in a Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS pH 7.4) confirmed that the particles were negatively charged. The stability and retention of the coating material PVA in PBS (pH7.4) over a period of time were substantiated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Room‐temperature magnetic measurements were made with a VSM which demonstrated the superparamagnetic nature of the particles with higher saturation magnetization of 56.41 emu/g. Furthermore, in vitro cytocompatibility testing of Fe₃O₄/PVA core–shell composite nanoparticles was carried out on human cervix cancer cells. This confirmed a 97% cell viability with no significant cytotoxicity and thereby substantiated their biocompatibility.     

The optical properties of PVA/TiO2 composite nanofibers

The electrospun nanofibers emerge several advantages because of extremely high specific surface area and small pore size. This work studies the effect of PVA nanofibers diameter and nano‐sized TiO₂ on optical properties as reflectivity of light and color of a nanostructure assembly consisting polyvinyl alcohol and titanium dioxide (PVA/TiO₂) composite nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technique. The PVA/TiO₂ composite spinning solution was prepared through incorporation of TiO₂ nanoparticles as inorganic optical filler in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution as an organic substrate using the ultrasonication method. The morphological and optical properties of collected composites nanofibers were highlighted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflective spectrophotometer (RS). The reflectance spectra indicated the less reflectance and lightness of composite with higher nanofiber diameter. Also, the reflectance and lightness of nanofibers decreased with increasing nano‐TiO₂ concentration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Photosensitive antibacterial and cytotoxicity performances of a TiO2/carboxymethyl chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite hydrogel by in situ radiation construction

Nano‐TiO₂/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ternary nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared by freezing–thawing cycles and electron‐beam radiation with PVA, CMCS, and nano‐TiO₂ as raw materials. The presence of nano‐TiO₂ nanoparticles in the composite hydrogels was confirmed by thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images also illustrated that the TiO₂/CMCS/PVA hydrogel exhibited a porous and relatively regular three‐dimensional network structure; at the same time, there was the presence of embedded nano‐TiO₂ throughout the hydrogel matrix. In addition, the nano‐TiO₂/CMCS/PVA composite hydrogels displayed significant antibacterial activity with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as bacterial models. The antibacterial activity was demonstrated by the antibacterial circle method, plate count method, and cell density method. Also, with the Alamar Blue assay, the cytotoxicity of the composite hydrogel materials to L929 cells was studied. The results suggest that these materials had no obvious cytotoxicity. Thus, we may have developed a novel, good biocompatibility hydrogel with inherent photosensitive antibacterial activity with great potential for applications in the fields of cosmetics, medical dressings, and environmental protection. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44150.     

Fabrication of highly monodisperse CeO2@poly(methyl silsesquioxane) microspheres and their application in UV‐shielding films

Highly monodisperse CeO₂@poly(methyl silsesquioxane) (PMSQ) microspheres were successfully prepared by a facile chemical precipitation technique. The structures and properties of CeO₂@PMSQ were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. We confirmed that the PMSQ microspheres were uniformly coated by CeO₂ nanoparticles, with about an 8 nm crystallite diameter. Then, CeO₂@PMSQ was incorporated into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to fabricate PVA/CeO₂@PMSQ composite films by the casting of homogeneous solutions. The thermal and optical properties of the composite films were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis and UV–visible spectroscopy. The results show the high UV‐shielding efficiency of the composites: for a film containing 2.5 wt % CeO₂@PMSQ microspheres, about 80% UV light at wavelengths between 200 and 360 nm was absorbed, whereas the optical transparency in the visible region still remained very high. The addition of CeO2@PMSQ microspheres improved the thermal stability of the PVA films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45065.     

Fourier transform infrared study of polypyrrole–poly(vinyl alcohol) conducting polymer composite films: Evidence of film formation and characterization

The electrochemical preparation of polypyrrole (PPY)–poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) conducting polymer composite films on an indium–tin oxide glass electrode from an aqueous solution containing a pyrrole monomer, a p‐toluene sulfonate electrolyte, and a PVA insulating polymer is reported. The prepared PPY–PVA composite films were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and conductivity measurements. The FTIR study showed that the composite of PPY and PVA formed through bond formation between PVA and the p‐toluene sulfonate dopant anion. The conductivity data of PPY–PVA showed that with increasing PVA concentration in the pyrrole solution, the conductivity of the prepared PPY–PVA film increased up to a certain level due to an increase in conjugation length, and later, it decreased with further increases in the PVA concentration in the solution due to a decrease in conjugation length. This was supported by the FTIR band intensity I₁₅₆₀/I₁₄₈₀. The TGA results show that the PPY–PVA polymer composite film was thermally more stable than the PPY film. A shielding effectiveness of 45.6 dB was exhibited by the PPY–PVA composite film in the microwave frequency range. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4107–4113, 2006     

Fabrication and characteristics of graphene oxide/nanocellulose fiber/poly(vinyl alcohol) film

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), PVA/nanocellulose fiber (CNF), and PVA/CNF/graphene oxide (GO) films were prepared simply by casting stable aqueous mixed solutions. FTIR investigation indicated that hydrogen bonding existed between the interface of GO and PVA‐CNF. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that GO was uniformly dispersed in PVA‐CNF matrix. Introducing CNF into PVA caused a significant improvement in tensile strength, and further incorporating GO into PVA/CNF matrix led to a further increase. The tensile strength of the neat PVA film, PVA/CNF composite, and PVA/CNF/GO film (0.6 wt % GO) was 43, 69, and 80 MPa, respectively. Moreover, when incorporating 8 wt % CNF into PVA matrix, O₂ permeability and water absorption decreased from 13.36 to 11.66 cm³/m²/day and from 164.2% to 98.8%, respectively. Further adding 0.6 wt % GO into PVA/CNF matrix resulted in a further decrease of permeability and water absorption to 3.19 cm³/m²/day and 91.2%, respectively. Furthermore, for all composite samples, the transmittance of visible light was higher than 67% at 800 nm. CNF and GO‐reinforced PVA with high mechanical and barrier properties are potential candidates for packaging industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45345.     

Excellent antimicrobial properties of mesoporous anatase TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 composite films

Optically transparent, crack-free, mesoporous anatase TiO₂ thin films were fabricated. The Ag/TiO₂ composite films were prepared by incorporating Ag in the pores of TiO₂ films with an impregnation method via photoreduction. The as-prepared composite films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectronic spectra (XPS) and N₂ adsorption. The release behavior of silver ions in the mesoporous composite film was also studied. Moreover, the antimicrobial behaviors of the mesoporous film were also investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The antibacterial activities of the composite films were studied by a fluorescence label method using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a model. The as-prepared mesoporous TiO₂ films showed much higher antimicrobial efficiency than that of glass and commercial P25 TiO₂ spinning film. The facts would result from the high surface area, small crystal size and more active sites for the mesoporous catalysis. After the doping of Ag, a significant improvement for the antimicrobial ability was obtained. To elucidate the roles of the membrane photocatalyst and the doped silver in the antimicrobial activity, cells from a silver-resistant E. coli were used. These results indicated that Ag nanoparticles in the mesoporous were not only an antimicrobial but also an intensifier for photocatalysis. The as-prepared mesoporous composite film is promising in application of photocatalysis, antimicrobial and self-clean technologies.     

Synthesis,antimicrobial, and release behaviors of tetracycline hydrochloride loaded poly (VInyl alcohol)/chitosan/ZrO2 nanofibers

Tetracycline hydrochloride loaded poly (vinyl alcohol)/chitosan/ZrO₂ (Tet‐PVA/CS/ZrO₂) hybrid nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning technique. The representative weight ratio of PVA/CS at 3 : 1 was chosen to fabricate drug carrier PVA/CS/ZrO₂ nanofibers. The drug carrier showed a decrease in average diameter with the increase of ZrO₂ content at given conditions, and the nanofibers were uneven and interspersed with spindle‐shape beads with ZrO₂ content at 60 wt % and above. The networks linked by hydrogen and Zr–O–C bonds among PVA, CS, and ZrO₂ units resulted in the improving of thermal stability and decreasing of crystallinity of the polymeric matrix. Moreover, the incorporation of ZrO₂ endowed the fibers with ultraviolet shielding effect ranged from 200 to 400 nm. The Tet loading dosage had no obvious effect on the morphology and size of the medicated nanofibers at Tet content below 8 wt %, but interspersed with spindle‐shaped beads when Tet content increased to 10 wt %. The Tet‐PVA/CS/ZrO₂) nanofibers showed well controlled release and better antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and the Tet release from the medicated nanofibers could be described by Fickian diffusion model for M_t /M_∞< 0.6. These medicated nanofibers may have potential as a suitable material in drug delivery and wound dressing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42506.