Laser Irradiation of Silica-PAN Composite Nanofibers

Laser surface treatment of materials has several advantages over other conventional processes [1]. It finds applications in surface preparation of polymers to improve their adhesiveproperties [2],create super hydrophobic polymers [3] and enhance wetting properties [4]. It also becomes a valuabletechnology to fabricate micro and sub micro-meter surface structures[5]. Among numerous polymeric materials, nanofibers have exceptional properties such as large surfacearea per unit volume, long length and uniform diameter [6].The applications of nanofibers could be greatly enhancedby producing nanofibers with novel compositions and morphologies [7]. In this work laser treatment is used to modify the smooth surface area of Silica-PAN composite nanofibers