Abstract
Unlike conventional spin methods, electrospinning is capable of yielding fibers with sub-micron range diameters and high specific surface areas. In this study a Bisphenol-A polycarbonate was electrospun using two solvents: Chloroform and a 1:1 mixture of Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and Dimethylformamide (DMF). The morphological features of the electrospun polycarbonate fibers have been studied as a function of the solvent used and also as a function of the processing voltage. The studies were conducted using the SEM, TEM and Scion image analysis program. The results indicate that the morphological features of the fiber such as fiber diameter, diameter-distribution, internal structure and the Bead density variation with voltage are dependent on the solvent used. Electrospun polycarbonate fibers also exhibit a “Raisin like” puckered structure. However, such a feature is independent of the solvent used, and could enhance the functional efficiency of an electrospun material when used in an area-based application. In addition, studies on crazing of bulk polycarbonate and the surface features of electrospun polycarbonate fibers have been conducted. Results indicate that crazing of bulk polycarbonate results in surface damage and features that are also seen on the surface of electrospun polycarbonates.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
H. Fong, I. Chun and D. H. Reneker, Polymer 40 (1999) 4585.
I. Chun, Fine Fibers Spun by Electrospinning Process from Polymer Solutions and Polymer Melts in Air and Vacuum: Characterization of Structure and Morphology on Electrospun Fibers and Developing a New Process Model, Doctoral Dissertation, The University of Akron, 1995.
J. M. Deitzel, J. Kleinmeyer, D. Harris and N. C. Beck Tan, Polymer 42 (2000) 261.
J. Doshi, The Electrospinning Process and Applications of Electrospun Fibers, Doctoral Dissertation, The University of Akron, 1994.
D. H. Reneker, A. L. Yarin, F. Fong and S. Koombhongse, J. Appl. Phys. 87(9) (2000) 4531.
A. F. Spivak, Y. A. Dzenis and D. H. Reneker, Mechanics Research Communications 27(1) (2000) 37.
Y. M. Shin, M. M. Hohman, M. P. Brenner and G. C. Rutledge, Polymer 42 (2001) 9955.
P. Gibson, H. Schreuder-Gibson and D. Rivin, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 187/188 (2001) 469.
K. Senecal, D. Ziegler, J. He, R. Mosurkal, H. Schreuder-Gibson and L. Samuelson, in Proceedings of MRS Fall 2001 Meeting, edited by S. C. Moss, BB9.5, Vol. 708.
X. Wang, S.-H. Lee, C. Drew, J. Kumar, K. J. Senecal and L. Samuelson, in Proceedings of MRS Fall 2001 Meeting, edited by S. C. Moss, BB10.44, Vol. 708.
K. J. Pawlowski, J. Su, D. L. Raney, E. J. Siochi, J. S. Harrison and G. L. Bowlin, in Proceedings of MRS Fall 2001 Meeting, edited by S. C. Moss, HH3.34, Vol. 711.
K. Kim, W. Chen, M. Yu, S. Zhong, D. Fang, B. Hsiao, B. Chu and M. Hadjiargyrou, in Proceedings of MRS Fall 2001 Meeting, edited by S. C. Moss, GG4.5, Vol. 711.
D. G. Powell, “Medical Applications of Polycarbonate,” Medical Plastics and Biomaterials Magazine, Sept. 1998.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Krishnappa, R.V.N., Desai, K. & Sung, C. Morphological study of electrospun polycarbonates as a function of the solvent and processing voltage. Journal of Materials Science 38, 2357–2365 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023984514389
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023984514389