Abstract: Nanofibers with core-shell structure and fiber membrane based on sacha inchi oil/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) emulsion were prepared by emulsion electrospinning. The conductivity and viscosity of the emulsion were measured by conductivity meter and viscometer and the morphology and structure of the nanofiber membrane were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmittance electron microscopy (TEM). The emulsion composition and electrospinning parameters were optimized. Thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to explore the interactions between the components of the fiber membrane. The surface hydrophilicity of the fiber membrane was determined by contact angle measurement and the mechanical strength was measured with a tensile strength tester. The results showed that the optimal emulsion composition was determined as follows: PVA concentration, 14% (m/m); and mass ratio of sacha inchi oil to PVA to Tween-80, 5:14:1, and the optimal spinning conditions were spinning voltage 25 kV, receiving distance 18 cm, and feeding rate 1.0 mL/h. Under these conditions, nanofibers with average diameter of 570 nm were obtained exhibiting good morphology and uniform distribution. The results of FTIR and thermal analysis showed that the fiber film successfully encapsulated sacha inchi oil and showed good thermal stability at temperatures below 330 ℃. The fiber film had good hydrophilicity. The results of mechanical properties showed that the addition of the oil could improve the tensile properties of the nanofiber films.

Key words: sacha inchi oil; electrospinning; polyvinyl alcohol; nanofiber; core-shell structure