Electrospinning of Poly(lactic acid): Theoretical Approach for the Solvent Selection to Produce Defect-Free Nanofibers

In this study an integrated methodology was proposed for the selection of solvent systems to produce electrospinnable solutions that form defect-free poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers with narrow diameter distributions. The solvent systems were chosen using a thermodynamic approach, combined with electrical and rheological property criteria. More specifically, the three step methodology includes (1) initial choice of solvent by solubility evaluation to meet thermodynamic criteria, (2) electrical properties, that is, conductivity and dielectric constant adjustment by using solvent mixtures to meet electrical property criteria, and (3) critical entanglement concentration (Ce) determination by viscosity measurements, supported by elastic and plastic moduli measurements, followed by concentration adjustment to meet rheological criteria. All three criteria need to be met to ensure defect-free nanofiber morphology. The methodology was demonstrated using PLA solutions that were characterized in terms of thermodynamic properties, conductivity, surface tension, and viscosity measurements. These data were analyzed and related to the nanofiber morphology and diameter as determined from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Measurements of the elastic (G') and the plastic (G '') moduli of PLA solutions showed a sharp increase of G' at the chain entanglement concentration. (C) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.