The effect of solvent on the properties of nanofibres obtained by electrospinning from a mixture of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and polyaniline

This study presents a successful attempt to replace chloroform as a solvent with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) to prepare a spinning fluid that also contained poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and polyaniline (PANI). Polymer solutions both in chloroform and TFE were examined. Fibres were produced from the solutions by electrospinning. Then they were characterized in terms of morphology (SEM) and spectroscopic properties (UV–vis), their thermal properties were examined using DSC, their thickness was measured as was their resistance and contact angle. The fibres obtained using the new solvent differ strongly both in their morphology and thermal and spectroscopic properties; they also exhibit interesting electrical and hydrophilic properties.

► Obtained potentially biodegradable, electrically conductive nanofibres.
► TFE is a good solvent for PANI and PHB.
► The received composite fibres are hydrophilic and have improved thermal resistance.
► PANI in nanofibres retains the conformation expanded coil.