Enhanced compatibilization and orientation of polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin composite fibers using carbon nanotubes

Abstract Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/gelatin composite fibers containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) had been prepared by wet‐spinning method. A remarkable increase of tensile strength of the PVA/gelatin fibers was achieved by adding small amount of CNT. The mechanism of reinforcement has been studied using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), 2D wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (2D‐WAXD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM showed a decreased gelatin domain size by adding CNTs, suggesting a possible compatibilization effect between PVA and gelatin. On the other hand, an increased crystallinity and degree of orientation of PVA/gelatin fibers has been observed by adding CNTs. Thus, the increased compatibilization, crystallinity and degree of orientation in PVA/gelatin/CNTs composite fibers should be the reasons for the observed increase of mechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008