Electrospun chitosan/halloysite nanocomposites

Electrospun nanocomposite membranes of chitosan/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were prepared by electrospinning process. Solutions of 4 wt% chitosan dissolved in acetic acid (50%) mixed with 0, 2 and 5 wt% HNTs were prepared. Electrospinning conditions including the applied electric field voltage and the needle to collector distance were optimized at the range of 18-20 KV and 5 cm, respectively. Tensile properties of final chitosan/HNT membranes which measured by a microtensile rig showed that tensile stress (TS), elastic modulus (E) and elongation at break (Eb) of the electrospun membranes increased by adding 5 wt% HNTs while Eb decreased at 5 wt% compared to membranes with 2 wt% HNTs. TS and E of membranes with 2 wt% HNTs were not increased noticeably however TS of membranes at 5 wt% was 1.6 times higher than membranes without HNTs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy test was carried out to analysis the chemical interactions of the chitosan/HNT membranes. Biodegradable and natural origin of both chitosan and halloysite, the high strength fibrous structure of the chitosan/HNT membranes, simultaneous ability of halloysite and chitosan for sustained release of encapsulated drugs can make these membranes good candidates for a wide range of applications including tissue engineering, drug delivery and packaging.