Effect of Nanoclay on the Electrospinning of Poly(ε-caprolactone)

Nanofiber mats of poly(ε-caprolactone)/nanoclay nanocomposites werefabricated by electrospinning. The effects of the solution concentrationand the nanoclay content of nanocomposite materials on the finalnanofiber structure were investigated. Morphology and diameter of the nanofiberswere studied using optical and scanning electron microscope. It was observed that thepoly(ε-caprolactone) at concentration of 5% to 8% could be electrospun into thefibrous structure. The results showed that the presence of the nanoclay promoted thecreation of fibrous structures in comparison with the poly(ε-caprolactone) withoutnanoclay. On the other hand, increasing the nanoclay content resulted in a loweraverage fiber diameter. Shear viscosity and conductivity of the solutions were alsoreported. The presence of nanoclay increased conductivity and shear viscosity of thesolutions. Formation of the nanofibers and decrease in their diameters are discussed onthe basis of shear viscosity and conductivity of electrospun solution. This electrospunnanofiber could be used for tissue engineering application.