Nano and Submicrometric Fibers of Poly(D,L-Lactide) Obtained by Solution Blow Spinning: Process and Solution Variables

Nano and submicrometric fibers of poly(D, L-lactide) (PDLLA or PLA) were spun from solutions using a solution blow spinning (SBS) apparatus. Fiber morphology and diameter were investigated by scanning electron microscopy as a function of polymer concentration, feed rate, and air pressure. A more systematic understanding of the SBS process parameters was obtained, and a quantitative relationship between these parameters and average fiber diameter was established by design of experiments and response surface methodology. It was observed that polymer concentration played an important role in fiber diameter, which ranges from 70 to 2000 nm, and its distribution. Lower polymer concentration tended to increase the formation of bead-on-string structures, whereas smooth fibers were formed at higher concentrations. Fiber diameter tended to increase with polymer concentration and decrease with feed rate. Based on these results, optimal conditions could be obtained for solution-blow spun fibers. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 3396-3405, 2011