TiO₂ nanorods coated onto nylon 6 nanofibers using hydrothermal treatment with improved mechanical properties

Well-aligned arrays TiO₂ nanorods were deposited onto electrospun nylon 6 (N6) nanofibers. The complete coverage of individual fiber surfaces with TiO₂ nanorods occurred in a very short time using a cost effective hydrothermal technique. The results demonstrate that organic molecule substrates have a considerable influence on nucleation and precipitation mechanism and uniform distribution behaviors of TiO₂ onto N6 nanofibers surface with good interfacial adhesion between the components. N6 decorated with large number TiO₂ nanorods showed good hydrophilicity. Significant improvement in mechanical properties like tensile strength and modulus of the TiO₂/N6 composite membrane mats in comparison to the pristine N6 mats was observed by applying just 2h reaction process. The resultant TiO₂/N6 spider-net like composite mat with good hydrophilicity may be a potential candidate for future water filter applications, and its improved mechanical will also make it a potential candidate for protective clothing.