Modulating the Mechanical Properties of Electrospun PHB/PCL Materials by Using Different Types of Collectors and Heat Sealing

Abstract

Two-component fibrous materials based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB, Tm = 160 °C) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL, Tm = 60 °C) were successfully fabricated by dual-jet electrospinning of their separate spinning solutions. The desired alignment of the fibers that compose PHB/PCL mats was achieved by using three types of rotating collectors—drum (smooth), blade and grid. Additional fiber alignment in the direction of collector rotation was achieved by rotating at 2200 rpm. Moreover, the selected concentration of PCL spinning solution resulted in fibers with spindle-like defects along their length. Thus, “segment” sealing of the PHB (high-melting) fibers by the molten PCL (low-melting) fibers/defects sites was achieved after heating the PHB/PCL mats above the melting temperature (Tm) of PCL. The surface morphology, thermal behavior and mechanical properties of the PHB/PCL mats before and after thermal treatment were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical tests. The results indicated that regardless of the cutting direction of the specimens (0° or 90°), thermal treated PHB/PCL mats reveal enhanced mechanical properties. Therefore, this work provides an easily feasible route for the fabrication of electrospun PHB/PCL mats with tunable mechanical properties and improved performance.

Electrospinning of PCL-Based Blends: Processing Optimization for Their Scalable Production

“…PCL-MCC exhibited the characteristic peak of PCL as well as an increase in the intensity of the shoulder at around at 2θ = 22.5° due to the introduction of cellulose, which increased its intensity with an increasing amount of MCC [ 39 ]. PCL-PHB electrospun mats displayed two small peaks corresponding to the typical reflection peaks of PHB at 2θ = 13.6° and at 2θ = 16.9° [ 31 , 33 ], which are particularly evident in the PCL90-PHB10 mat due to the higher amount of PHB.…”

“…Another more recent strategy was reported in 2020, in which the mechanical properties of electrospun PHB/PCL mats were modulated by studying different setup configurations (drum, blade and grid collector) in the electrospinning technique and incorporating post-processing thermal treatment. They improved the mechanical properties of the mats by heating near the melting temperature of PCL crystal, enabling the crosslinking of the fibers while preserving the fibrous structure [ 33 ].…”

Development of an Electrospun Patch Platform Technology for the Delivery of Carvedilol in the Oral Mucosa

“…The main bands observed in the PCL and PCL/CVD spectra were attributed to CH 2 vibrations at 2946, 2870, and 2821 cm −1 whilst C=O and C–O–C stretching can be seen at 1720 cm −1 , at 1238 cm −1 , and 1161 cm −1 , respectively [ 37 ]. PHB and PHB/CVD samples showed their characteristic bands at 1718 cm −1 , which is related to C=O stretching vibrations.…”

Effects of the shapes and addition amounts of crosslinking reagents on the properties of poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate/poly(caprolactone) blends

“…9 Furthermore, for the non-woven textile application of PHB, the fiber form of PHB and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) blend was fabricated by electrospinning to obtain a blend with enhanced mechanical properties. 10 In addition, melt extruded PHB/PCL blends with hollow fibers have been fabricated for application in tissue engineering owing to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability. 11 The thermal and impact properties of melt-processed PHB/PCL blends manufactured using a twin-screw co-rotating extruder and an injection mold have been investigated.…”

“…In addition, to improve the food packaging application of PHB, in a previous study, PHB was plasticized with medium‐molecular‐weight poly(ethylene glycol) via improved melt processing to obtain a blend with balanced properties 9 . Furthermore, for the non‐woven textile application of PHB, the fiber form of PHB and poly(caprolactone) (PCL) blend was fabricated by electrospinning to obtain a blend with enhanced mechanical properties 10 . In addition, melt extruded PHB/PCL blends with hollow fibers have been fabricated for application in tissue engineering owing to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability 11 .…”