Preparation of fibers with nanoscaled morphologies: Electrospinning of polymer blends

Abstract

Abstract The aim was to prepare fibers with diameters below the micrometer range characterized by specific bulk morphologies and surface topologies. Such materials are of interest for various applications including reinforcement, sensors or filtration as well as the formation of functional tubes by the use of fiber templates. We were able to manufacture highly structured submicrometer fibers by electrospinning from ternary solutions using polylactide (PLA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as polymer model components. Co‐continuous phase morphologies resulted from phase separation processes taking place during fiber formation. In a subsequent step, specific surface topologies or fine pores were generated by selective removal of one of the components.