Preparation and Characterization of PLA-PEO Bicomponent Fibers with Porous-Smooth Surface by Co-electrospinning

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) bicomponent fibers with porous and smooth surface on different side of the same fibers were fabricated by co-electrospinning technique. Specific solvent systems were used deliberately to induce pore formation on PLA phase. The results showed that the porous-smooth surface fibers were obtained using PLA-PEO flow rate ratio of 0.75:0.25 to 0.25:0.75 ml/hr. While, Fiber size decreased with decrease in PEO concentration and PEO flow rate ratio, the applied voltage had small effect on fiber size change. After PEO phase removal via selective dissolution with water, the C-shape PLA fibers with porous surface was generated.