EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SOLVENT SYSTEMS ON FIBER MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTY OF ELECTROSPUN PCL NANO FIBERS

Abstract

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is biocompatible aliphatic polyester with many possible applications in the medical field. Porous electrospun Polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were produced through a non-solvent induced phase separation mechanism, using binary solvent systems with different properties. The effect of single and binary solvent systems on the fiber size and surface morphology were investigated. Dichloromethane (DCM) was used as a good solvent in mixtures with a poor solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), in order generate to pores on the fiber surface. The effect of polymer concentrations (12%, 14% and 16%) w/v and solvents ratios (9:1, 7:3 and 5:5) v/v were investigated on nanofiber formation. During electrospun fiber production, the flow rate was 0.12mL/h, the distance between needle and collector was 15cm and the applied voltage was 12kV. SEM micrographs showed successfull production of PCL nanofibers with different solvents. With increasing the polymer concentration and changing the ratio of the solvents porous PCL electrospun nanofiber was produced. In binary solvent systems 16% PCL polymers and (7:3) % solvents ratio solution make even, beads free, smooth and porous PCL electrospun fiber. Combining the inherent properties of the PCL matrix with the characteristic of nanofibrous mats, result in promising materials that can be suitable for different applications, including biomedical applications. The advantages of nanofibrous structures include large surface area, small diameter of pores and high porosity, which make them of great interest in different applications. Porous electrospun fiber is better for cell development.