Preparation and characterizations of multifunctional PVA/ZnO nanofibers composite membranes for surgical gown application

Herein, we developed the multifunctional; antibacterial, ultraviolet rays (UV) protected and self-cleaning surgical gown by blending of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with poly vinyl alcohol (PVA). For this objective, ZnO NPs were blended in three different concentrations: 5 wt%, 7 wt% and 9 wt% in 10 wt% of PVA solution. The morphology of resultant nanofibers was observed under scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope and these studies showed the bead-free nanofibers and good dispersion of nanoparticles on nanofibers. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscope was used for chemical interactions, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) was used for analyzing the crystalline structure, agar diffusion plate method was used for antibacterial activity and it showed the effective response of bacteria killing. UV transmission analysis was done by Ultraviolet transmission analyzer, photo-catalytic activity was done by the solar simulator, stress–strain behavior was studied by tensile strength, and water contact angles measurements were done by contact angle meter. On the behalf of characterization results, PVA/ZnO nanofibers were exhibited the desired objectives for the surgical gown. This multifunctional surgical gown is beneficial for medical surgeon against the bacteria, stains and UV blocking to save his/her life.