Electroblowing of poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibres—effect of hydroxyapatite precursors

Abstract Fibre production can be conducted using a variety of techniques, including electrospinning and electroblowing. These techniques require strict control of different parameters, such as the voltage, presence of fillers, viscosity, and airflow rate (for electroblowing). At the end of the process, fibres with different morphologies are obtained. Poly-1,1-difluoroethene (PVDF) is a polymer with excellent potential for fibre applications due to its properties, including good piezoelectricity, biocompatibility, and pyroelectricity. These attributes make PVDF suitable for biomedical applications. Other applications include conventional and hybrid nanogenerators, sensors, and potentially future green energy sources. To achieve a high production rate of fibres, parameter control must be sufficient to obtain fibres with the required characteristics at the spinning process. In this study, Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ·4H 2 O and triethyl phosphate (TEP) were used as precursors at the hydroxyapatite (HAp) production within a polymeric solution to increase the PVDF fibre production rate and change morphology. The analysis techniques of X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy mechanical tensile test, and viscosity analysis were employed to observe the effect of the HAp precursor solution on the fibre’s final properties. The addition of 5% and 10% of the solution containing these two precursors dissolved in ethanol (EtOH) increased the fibre diameter from 0.2 µm (without precursors) to 1.1 µm (5% of precursors) and 1.6 µm (10% of precursors). Additionally, the distribution of fibres on the collector became more uniform, suggesting a change in the fibre's electrical charge. These results demonstrate improved control of PVDF fibre production using a solution tailored for biomaterial purposes. Graphical abstract