Centrifugally spun PHBV micro and nanofibres

- PHBV fibres were fabricated through centrifugal spinning for the first time.
- Ultrafine fibrous mats produced quickly and efficiently, fibre production rate of 11 km min-1 at highest spin speed.
- Fibre physical-mechanical properties were dependent on PHBV concentration, spin speed, and spinneret to collector distance.
- Best mechanical properties achieved through spinning the 25% w/v solution at 9000 r min-1.

This paper reports the first study on centrifugal spinning of PHBV fibres. Fibres were spun from solution using a range of polymer concentrations, spin speeds and spinneret to collector distances. A PHBV polymer concentration of 25% w/v spun at 9000 r min− 1 produced the highest quality fibres, with fibre diameters predominantly in the 0.5-3 μm range. The rate at which fibre could be produced at the 9000 r min− 1 spin speed and with a spinneret to collector distance of 39.2 cm was equivalent to 11 km of fibre per minute per needle. Average fibre strengths of 3 MPa were achieved, together with average moduli of 100 MPa, indicating that the fibres had higher strength but lower stiffness than electrospun PHBV. The productivity and mechanical properties achieved, together with the excellent biocompatibility of PHBV, means that these fibres have potential for application in a range of biomedical applications.

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