Antibacterial and Flame Retardant Properties of Ag-MgO/Nylon 6 Electrospun Nanofibers for Protective Applications

Abstract

Electrospun nanofibers are researched for protective applications. Ag nanoparticles promote antibacterial properties and MgO enhances fire retardancy. The main objective of this research was to develop Ag/MgO/Nylon 6 electrospun nanofibers that are scarcely reported. Nanofibers were synthesized using formic acid and acetic acid solvents and collected on cotton fabric. Nylon 6 in 20 wt% along with MgO in 3–5 wt% and AgNO 3 in 0.25–0.75 wt% was used for electrospinning. Nanofibers of diameter 35–55 nm with no beads were obtained for MgO (5%)–AgNO 3 (0.5%)/Nylon 6. Bacterial reduction of 88% for MgO (3%)–AgNO 3 (0.25%)/Nylon 6 against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and 54% against Escherichia coli was achieved. Nanofibers of MgO (3%)–AgNO 3 (0.25%)/Nylon 6 and MgO (4%)–AgNO 3 (0.5%)/Nylon 6 were rated V-0 in vertical burning test. Least burning rate of 1.56 mm/s corresponded to nanofibers of MgO (3%)–AgNO 3 (0.25%)/Nylon 6 in horizontal burning test. Energy Dispersive X ray (EDX) confirmed the presence of Mg, O, and Ag. Fourier Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the stretching of O–H and CH 2 .