Structure and morphology optimization of PMMA/silica electrospun composite fiber

Silica/poly(methyl methacrylate) grafting composites(SiO2/PMMA) with different grafting/crosslinking structures and PMMA resin were firstly mixed and then dissolved in N,N-dimethyl foramide(DMF),the resulting high polymer solution was electrospun into corresponding composite fibers.The effects of electrospinning process and formulation on the structure and morphology of the composite fibers were investigated using 3D-POM,SEM,TEM,etc.It was found that SiO2/PMMA/DMF high polymer solution with the simple-grafted silica(graft percentage of 484.4%) has better spinnability.A series of submicron PMMA/SiO2 composite fibers prepared under optimal conditions have regular morphology,and smooth surface,with fiber diameter and silica content adjustable in a wide range.Silica is evenly dispersed inside the fibers and this high dispersibility is not limited by the fiber diameter and silica content.