Mechanical properties of nylon 6,6 nanofiber membranes

Nylon 6,6 nanofiber membranes were produced by electrospinning technique and mechanical properties of the nylon 6,6 membranes prepared with different solvent systems were investigated. Nylon 6,6 solutions were prepared by dissolving nylon 6,6 in the solvent system of formic acid/trifluoroethyl alcohol with the ratios of 50/50, 75/25 and 100/0 (v/v). Results showed that solvent type has a pronounced effect on average fiber diameters and mechanical properties. Increasing formic acid led to lower average fiber diameters and enhanced mechanical strength. The nylon 6,6 membrane prepared by using formic acid exhibited the tensile strength of about 20 MPa with the average fiber diameter of about 400 nm.