Polycarbonate nanofibers can be prepared in to nonwoven mats using electrospinning. The fibers can be made with diameters ranging from 50 nanometer to 2 micrometer. These mats may offer great potential for applications composites, filters, textiles and batteries. This research deals with the incorporation of nanocrystalline cellulose in the polycarbonate nanofibers. Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) has dimensions in the range of 5 to 100nm. The dispersion of NCC and polycarbonate in a suitable solvent for electrospinning is very challenging. DMSO, THF, DMF and chloroform were investigated. Along with the type of solvent, the methodology (sonication, temperature) applied to the preparation of the NCC-polycarbonate dispersions also affects the stability of the electrospinning process. The type of dispersion (solvent, concentrations) is affected by the electrospinning parameters (voltage, gap distance). In conclusion, a suitable combination of parameters is necessary for controlling the diameter of nanofiber of polycarbonate containing NCC.

Application of nanocrystalline cellulose in polycarbonate nanofibers prepared by electrospinning

245th National Meeting (2013)

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