Do electrospun polymer fibers stick?
Adhesion between electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers was directly measured in a cross-cylinder geometry using a nanoforce tensile tester. The surface roughness of fibers was determined by an atomic force microscope (AFM), and the structural factors were characterized by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). "Pull-off" force was found to be in the order of 10(-6) N, and the adhesion energy was 190 +/- 7 mJ/m(2). Adhesion increases with decreasing fiber radius. The experimental data are analyzed by the classical Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) contact mechanics model. The study provides fruitful insights into future development of bio-inspired adhesives and devices.
Shi
Qiang
Q
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325-3903, USA.
Wan
Kai-Tak
KT
Wong
Shing-Chung
SC
Chen
Pei
P
Blackledge
Todd A
TA
D004563:Electrochemistry; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone