Synthesis and employment of PEGDA for fabrication of superhydrophilic PVDF/PEGDA electrospun nanofibrous membranes by in-situ visible photopolymerization

A methodology for the synthesis of light curable poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) is described. PEGDA synthesis was confirmed using H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, and infrared spectroscopy. The resin was used for fabrication of the superhydrophilic PVDF/PEGDA nanofibrous membrane in a single processing step. For the in-situ photo cross-linking reaction during electrospinning process, the electrospinning apparatus was equipped with a visible light source. Degree of conversion of double bonds during electrospinning process and interaction between the two polymers were investigated by FT-IR spectrum. To determine the potential applications of the as-prepared the membranes in wastewater treatment, parameters such as morphology, hydrophilicity and water resistance were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength, static water contact angle (WCA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results showed that PVDF/PEGDA (40/60) nanofibrous membrane is superhydrophilic and insoluble in water.