Statistical optimization of nanofiber filter containing carbon nanotube

In this research work, the ability to use nanofibrous membrane as an absorbent filter was investigated. For this purpose, electrospinning of polyamide 6 (PA6) in formic acid was performed at different concentrations and the effect of polymer concentration, voltage and needle-to-tip distance on the morphology of the fibers was evaluated using the statistical method of response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the results of the statistical analysis, the optimal sample was selected with the minimum average fiber diameter (111 nm) at a concentration of 10% PA6, a voltage of 20 KV and a distance of 20 cm. Then, the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNT) incorporation into the fibers (at different percentages of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5%wt) was studied. The porosity test showed an increase in the porosity of the samples with the addition of CNT. The results of the tensile test revealed that the maximum tensile strength and elongation up to the breaking point were obtained for the fibers containing 0.1% CNT. FTIR spectra depicted the characteristic peaks of amides and amine groups in PA6. Thermal analysis (TGA) showed that thermal stability increased with the addition of CNT. Finally, in the spectrophotometric test, the absorption of dye by the nanofibrous membrane was observed by prolonging time.