Development and characterization of polyvinylpyrrolidone/boric acid nanofibers via electrospinning

This study investigates the effect of boric acid (BA) loading on the structure and properties of polyvinylpyrrolidone-potassium iodide (PVP-KI) composite nanofibers. Nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning 7 wt% PVP solutions in ethanol with different BA contents. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed nanoscale fiber formation, with optimized parameters reducing bead defects. Structural characterization was performed using FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC. T Electrical conductivity, measured by the four-point probe method, ranged from 4.5 x 10-5 to 3.5 x 10-(3) S/cm. Mechanical tests revealed that BA incorporation affected crosslinking and flexibility. Systematic evaluation showed that BA significantly influenced morphology, conductivity, and mechanical performance. The enhanced conductivity and flexibility of BA-loaded nanofibers highlight their potential for smart textile applications.