[Studies on the morphology and structure of electrospun poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)/soya protein isolates fibers]

Ultra-fine Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/soya protein isolates fibers were prepared via electrospinning technique. The structure and morphology of the electrospun fibers were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal analysis (DSC-TGA) and optical micrographs. The effects of melt stability, concentration,electrical potential and the distance between the spinning tip and the collector upon the morphology of electrospun fibers were also discussed. The results showed that glycerin was surface active agent in the melt PHB/soya protein blends. It was also found that electrospinning process promotes the crystallation ,which may be caused by the orientation of molecule chains due to electrical force stretching.