Abstract

In this study, ramie fibers were used to fabricate nanomembranes, which are expected to be able to filter micron/nano-sized particles. The ramie fibers were processed into cellulose pulp and processed into cellulose acetate. Ramie cellulose acetate is the basic material for making nanomembranes through an electrospinning process. Nanomembrane characterization was carried out using FTIR, thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Keyence microscopy and tensile strength. Observation of the diameter of the fibers on the nanomembrane using a polarizing microscope indicated that the higher the electrospinning voltage, the higher the fiber production; however, there was a decrease in the number of fibers with smaller diameters. Meanwhile, cellulose acetate (CA) nanomembranes with the addition of Zn (5%) produced nanomembranes with better performance, where the tensile strength is 2 times and the elongation was 3.5 times compared to the CA nanomembrane itself. In addition, it also has indications of water- and fire-resistant properties as well as possible antimicrobial properties (needs further testing) on the nanomembrane. Thus, CA - Zn based nanomembrane may have potential as a filter in medical masks and firefighting masks.

Key words: Ramie fiber, cellulose acetate, zinc acetate, nanomembrane, electrospinning.