Preparation and characterization of nanofibrous mats to enhance the anti-viral properties of nonwoven fabrics in medical sectors

This work suggests the preparation of antiviral nonwoven textile to be used in the medical sectors, namely, surgical gowns, bed sheets, and face masks. This was achieved by the preparation of nanofibrous mats (NFM), of different polymers with potential antiviral characters, on nonwoven polypropylene (PP) fabric. NFMs were prepared by electro-spinning of different polymer composites in formic acid using nozzle-less electro-spinneret. Chemical and physical properties were carried out for the prepared nanofibrous mats using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). The morphological structure of the electro-spun NFM was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared NFMs were characterized by measuring their nanofiber diameter, porosity, thickness, and air permeability. The influence of different polymers were statistically analyzed using One-way ANOVA, also Tukey Honest Significant Difference test (Tukey post hoc test) was measured. The radar chart was evaluated to determine the best behavior of samples. The results and analyses exhibited enhanced antiviral activity for the PP nonwoven fabric and the results which agreed with comfort properties introduced by the radar chart.