Size-Dependent Elastic Modulus and Core-Shell Characteristics of Electrospun PCL Nanofibers

Summary

Thinner electrospun fibres are not simply smaller versions of thicker ones - they are stiffer. This study quantifies that relationship for polycaprolactone, showing a clear inverse trend between fibre diameter and Young's modulus, evidence of surface and confinement effects that become significant at the nanoscale. Two theoretical models are used to interpret the data, and the fibres are found to have a core-shell structural character. For anyone designing a scaffold, it means diameter is a mechanical design parameter, not just a morphological outcome.

Authors & Affiliations

• Muhammad A. Munawar Corresponding

  Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
• Fritjof Nilsson

  Division of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
• Dirk W. Schubert

  Institute of Polymer Materials, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Linari Electrospinning Systems

Topics

Materials