Development of high strength composite using electrospinning technique

Little is understood on mechanisms used by nature in designing materials with high strength and toughness from weaker constituents. Nanostructured materials found in nature such as bones are composites of proteins and bio-minerals and are found to possess superior mechanical properties in comparison to its constituent phases. These composites are found to have protein molecules confined between the layers of the ceramic platelets. Using this bio-inspired concept, electrospinning technique is explored to fabricate high strength composite fibers for tissue engineering applications. Structural mimicking and bio-duplication of the protein guided mineralization can be obtained by dispersing bioceramic particles on the electrospun fibers. This study demonstrates that the fiber guided architectural composites possess higher tensile strength than the filler dispersed composite obtained using conventional extrusion technique. Thus, an in-depth understanding of fracture toughness and deformation behavior of such fiber guided architectural composites can offer fascinating prospects for development of strong composites.

Autorentext

The author earned his Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering at University of Akron. Currently, he is working as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at University of Sydney. His research interest includes electrospinning of polymer fibers and their applications in tissue engineering.