Fabrication and characterization of PEBA fibers by melt and solution electrospinning

Abstract

Poly(ether-block-amide), often abbreviated as PEBA, is a novel polymer which is a combination of polyamide and poly ether group. The present study aimed at the fabrication of PEBA fibers by both melt and solution electrospinning. The effects of process parameters of both electrospinning techniques on fiber diameters and morphology were researched. The obtained fiber substrates were characterized for their morphology, changes in chemical composition, thermal properties, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity. Optimum results (as minimum average fiber diameter of 1.92 ± 3.31 µm) in case of melt electrospinning were obtained at tip-to-collector distance (TTCD) of 60 mm, voltage 20.0 kV, collector speed 55 rpm, and melt temperature 270 °C, whereas in case of solution electrospinning TTCD of 200 mm distance and voltage of 20 kV yielded the lowest average fiber diameter of 0.37 ± 0.34 μm. Keywords: PEBA, Melt electrospinning, Solution electrospinning, Hydrophobic membranes