Optimization of the Electrospinning Conditions by Box-Behnken Design to Prepare Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Chitosan Crosslinked Nanofibers

摘要

Electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan nanofibers had their solution and process parameters optimized using a Box-Behnken design and desirability function. Four factors (applied voltage, flow rate, distance tip-to-plate and amount of chitosan) were varied to produce electrospun mats with a low fiber diameter. An empirical model was developed for each response using response surface methodology (RSM), which revealed that flow rate had no significant influence on the assessed responses. With desirability function, the optimal conditions to produce the nanofibers were applied voltage of 13.1 kV, 30% chitosan concentration and distance tip-to-plate of 10 cm. The fiber diameter and standard deviation were 196.5 ± 28.3 nm, compared to the predicted values of 185.9 ± 26.8 nm. The desirability function allied with Box-Benhken design proved themselves important tools to predict process parameters for the development of nanofibers. The mats were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde for 24 h and 48 h and presented good water stability and enhanced mechanical properties.