Effects of electrospinning parameters on the properties of PCL-TrGO composite membranes

Abstract

In the present work, the effects of electrospinning parameters on the morphological and mechanical properties of polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TrGO) were studied. TrGO was obtained through the modified Hummers method. PCL, TrGO and acetone were used to prepare the solutions. The polymer-acetone ratio was 10% w / v and the polymer-TrGO ratio was 1% w / w. The membranes were prepared under the following parameters: flow (3 ml / hl and 6 ml / h), voltage (10 kV and 15 kV) and distance from the collector to the tip (10 cm and 15 cm). The morphology of the samples was observed by means of a scanning electron microscope and an optical microscope, and the resistance tests were carried out with a Universal Machine. The presence of more beads was evident in the samples with a flow rate of 3 ml / h, this affected the mechanical properties of the membranes. The largest diameters were obtained for samples with a flow rate of 6 ml / h. A negative effect on the final stress was observed for the membranes obtained with a distance of 15 cm. Dry fibers before reaching the collector can be the cause.

Keywords

• electrospinnig
• fibers
• nanocomposites
• thermally reduced graphene oxide
• mechanical properties