Wei M., Kang B., Sung C., Mead J.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell, US
Keywords: electrospinning phase separation blend morphology
Nanofibers of polybutadiene/polycarbonate blends were electrospun from polymer solutions. The effect of composition on the resulting internal morphology of the nanofibers was studied using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). When the composition ratio of PB/PC blends was larger than 75/25, a co-continuous structure was formed, but when composition ratio of PB/PC blends was changed to 25/75, a core-sheath structure was formed. The effect of type of polymer in the blend on the phase morphology was also investigated. The solubility of the components in the electrospinning solvent was found to play a critical role in phase morphology of nanofibers. Larger solubility differences in components of the blend favor the formation of core-sheath structures, while smaller solubility differences lead to co-continuous structures.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2004 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: March 7, 2004
Pages: 375 - 378
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Nanoparticle Synthesis & Applications
ISBN: 0-9728422-9-2