(99b) Phase Separation Behavior In The Electrospun Fibers Of Polymer Blends

The electrospinning of polymer blends can be applied to combine the advantage of each component. The phase separation behavior within the electrospun fibers of polymer blends determines the mechanical property, porosity and surface functionalization of the as-spun fiber mat. This research investigated the micro-phase separation behavior of PMMA/PEO blends with different molecular weight and weight ratio of these two components during electrospinning. By extracting PEO with water from the as-spun fiber mat, the microphase separation could be observed, which can also be used to form porous-structured PMMA submicron fibers for higher surface area and porosity, or potential drug delivery and filtration applications. X-ray photoelectron microscopy was also applied to investigate the surface content of PMMA.