Self-supporting electrospun PHB and PHBV/organoclay nanocomposite fibrous scaffolds

Here we report the preparation of novel electrospun poly (beta-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxy butyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/organo-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanocomposite fibrous scaffolds. The incorporation of OMMT particles leads to significant amorphization of the deposited fibrous scaffolds and greatly improves the mechanical parameters. The addition of 5 wt% OMMT in the 12 wt% PHBV solution leads to predominant electrospinning and self-supporting 3D network fibrous scaffold formation. In the case of electrospun PHB mats, the addition of OMMT particles leads to significant reduction of average fiber diameter and formation of surface clay filled pore structure. (c) 2018 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.