Evaluation of polycaprolactone nanofibers' spinnability using green solvent systems by solution blow spinning (SBS)

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a promising alternative to produce fibrous matrices for a wide range of applications, such as packaging and biomedical devices. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester commonly used for spinning. The usual choices for producing PCL solutions include chlorinated solvents (CS), such as chloroform. However, the high toxicity of CS makes it difficult for biological and green applications. This work evaluates the influence of two less toxic solvents, acetic acid (AA) and acetone (Acet), and their mixtures (AA/Acet) on the properties of PCL fibers produced by SBS. The results showed that Acet does not cause degradation of the PCL chains, in opposition to AA. Furthermore, adding acetone to the acetic acid tended to preserve the size of PCL chains. It was not possible to produce fibers using PCL in 100% acetone. However, the AA/Acet mixture allowed the efficient production of PCL fibers. The proportion of Acet and AA in the mixture modulated the fiber morphology and orientation, making it possible to use this green solvent system according to the desired application.

Automated summary

This study evaluates the influence of using acetic acid, acetone, and their mixture as solvents on the properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers produced by solution blow spinning (SBS). The results show that acetone does not cause degradation of PCL chains, unlike acetic acid. Additionally, the AA/Acet mixture enables efficient production of PCL fibers, and the proportion of acetic acid and acetone in the mixture can modulate the fiber morphology and orientation.