Reinforcement of Polymeric Submicrometer‐sized Fibers by Microfibrillated Cellulose

To improve their mechanical properties, biodegradable network‐forming microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is introduced into PEO fibers by an electrospinning (e‐spinning) procedure. The influence of MFC is investigated with respect to e‐spinning process parameters as well as morphological and mechanical properties of the fibers. The determination of the Young's modulus is established using both macro‐tensile testing procedures of aligned fiber patches and AFM on single fibers. Highly filled fiber systems are obtained, showing an enhancement of Young's modulus by a factor of up to ten compared to pure PEO fibers. The morphological investigations reveal fibers with circular cross‐sections incorporating homogeneously dispersed MFC within the polymer matrix. The introduction of MFC has no relevant effect on processing and the appearance of the fiber. magnified image