Nanocomposite Fibers Electrospun from Biodegradable Polymers

Abstract

Cellulose fibrils were prepared by sulfuric hydrolysis and incorporated into dimethylfomamide (DMF) by ultrasonicaiton to obtain a stable suspension. The morphology of cellulose nanofibrils in DMF was studied by TEM and the results indicated that cellulose nanofibrils were able to disperse into DMF. Nanocomposite fibers were electrospun from PLA-cellulose nanofibrils/DMF suspension at elevated temperature and collected as randomly oriented non-woven fabrics. Effects of the cellulose nanofibril content on the electrospun non-woven fabrics on the fabric physical properties and morphology were studied. As the concentration of cellulose (on the weight of PLA) increased, the uniformity of the electrospun nanocomposite fibers changed. Crystallinity of the electrspun non-woven fabrics was determined by wide angle diffraction (XWRD). The addition of cellulose nanofibrils increased the crystallinity of the electrospun PLA non-woven fabrics.