Poly-L-lactide nanofibers by electrospinning – Influence of solution viscosity and electrical conductivity on fiber diameter and fiber morphology

Abstract Poly-L-lactide (PLA) fibers were obtained by electrospinning of PLA / dichloromethane solutions. Formation of beaded fibers combined with decreased fiber diameters were observed for low PLA concentrations in solution. Increase of the electrical conductivity by addition of pyridinium formiate (PF) caused a significant reduction of bead formation. The electrospinning of dilute PLA / PF / dichloromethane solutions resulted in PLA nanofibers. Systematic variations clearly identified the solution viscosity and the electrical conductivity at otherwise fixed parameters (surface tension, molecular weight, electrode geometry, electrical field, etc.) as crucial parameters for the formation of beads upon electrospinning of PLA / dichloromethane solutions.