Analysis of structure of electrospun nonwoven mats from pure PCL nano/micro fibres

Abstract

Electrospinning is a simple technique for the production of nano to micro scale fibers. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is biocompatible aliphatic polyester with many possible medical applications. PCL nanofibres, produced by electrospinning, could provide new characteristics that are of interest for medical applications. The aim of this study is to estimate the influence of solvents, solution concentrations, stirring duration of polymer solution and distance between the electrodes on structure of electrospun with "NanospiderTM" equipment PCL mats. To electrospun mats from PCL is possible, when PCL polymer is dissolved in chloroform or tetrahydrofuran solvents. It was investigated that structure of the electrospun nonwoven mats from PCL nano/microfibers depends on the concentration of polymer solution. Stirring duration of PCL solution only insignificant influences the structure of PCL electrospun mats. The distance between electrodes does not have influence on the diameter of electrospun PCL nano/ microfibers, but has influence on structure of electrospun mats.