Characterization of polymer nanofibers coated by rea

The surface properties of polymer nanofibers are of importance in various applications.
In this work, electrospun polyamide nanofibers were used as substrates for creating functional
nanostructures on the nanofiber surfaces. The surface functionalization of polymer
nanofibers was made by reactive sputtering of zinc (Zn). The surface structures of the
sputter-coated nanofibers were examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and environmental
scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). AFM results revealed the formation of
functional coatings on the nanofiber surface. A full energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX)
mounted on the ESEM confirmed the chemical compositions of the nanofiber surfaces. The
electrical conductivity and light transmittance of the functional nanofibers were also investigated.
The results indicated that the nanofibers deposited with zinc films significantly
improved the surface conductivity and the reactive sputter coating of zinc oxide obviously
enhanced the ultra-violet absorption. 扫描探针显微镜(SPM/AFM/STM)