Processing and properties of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/carbon nanofibre composite mats and films obtained by electrospinning and solvent casting

Composite materials based on poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and carbon nanofibres (CNFs) were processed by solvent casting and electrospinning. The main objective was to investigate the effects of the CNFs on the microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of the PCL matrix composites processed by two different routes. The hybrid materials obtained with different CNF content (1, 3 and 7 wt%) were analysed by electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA) and mechanical testing. The composite films showed a good dispersion in the PCL matrix while electrospun samples were consisted of homogeneous and uniform fibres up to 3 wt% CNFs with average fibre diameter ranged between 0.5 and 1 mu m. Composite films and mats revealed an increased crystallization temperature with respect to the neat PCL matrix. Mechanical properties of solvent cast films and electrospun mats were assessed by uniaxial tensile tests. A stiffness increase was achieved in PCL films depending on the CNF content, while mechanical properties of mats were only slightly affected by CNF introduction.