Partially Transformation of Zinc Nitrate to Zinc Compounds on PVC Nanofibers at Low Temperature Heat Treatment and Investigation of the Products’ Optical Properties

Zinc compounds are photoactive material and they are incorporated into the material to differentiate the optical properties of the material. PVC/Zn(NO3)2 (polyvinyl chloride /zinc nitrate) composite precursor nanofibers were produced by electrospinning by dissolving PVC and Zn(NO3)2 in the electrospinning solution together. As-spun nanofibers are treated with aqueous NaOH and then stayed at 80°C for one hour to partially convert Zn(NO3)2 to zinc compounds in/on the PVC nanofibers. Nanofibers have been investigated in terms of morphological, chemical, thermal and optical properties. An increase in transmittance values was observed at the nanofibers after thermal treatment due to the ratio of Zn(NO3)2 in the precursor PVC/ Zn(NO3)2 nanofibers, and a decrease in reflectance values was observed. The produced fine nanofibers and nanofiber coated surfaces could be potentially used to coat drapery fabrics, where controllable light transmission is required