Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-<i>co</i>-3-Hydroxyvalerate) Self-Reinforced Composites via Solvent-Induced Interfiber Welding of Nanofibers
Pejman Heidarian, Shazed Aziz, Peter J. Halley, Tony McNally, Ton Peijs, Luigi‐Jules Vandi, Russell J. Varley
Abstract
-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) by utilizing the self-reinforcing effect of β-phase-induced PHBV electrospun nanofiber mats. This involves electrospinning combined with low-temperature postspun vapor solvent interfiber welding. Scanning electron microscopy imaging confirmed fiber alignment, while XRD diffraction revealed the presence of both α and β crystalline phases under optimized electrospinning conditions. The resulting composite exhibited significant improvements in mechanical properties attributed to the formation of more perfectly structured α and β polymorphs and enhanced interfacial adhesion of electrospun nanofibers after vapor solvent treatment. This approach offers entirely recyclable and biodegradable materials, presenting the potential for a new family of sustainable bioplastics.