Mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of oriented electrospun nanofibers of zein/poly(ε-caprolactone) composites

Different ratios of zein/poly(ε-caprolactone)(PCL) composite nanofibers were prepared by oriented electrospun techology to enhance toughness and ductility of zein. The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PCL in the blends was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile mechanical properties of zein/PCL blending systems were studied via texture analyzer. The fluorescence micrographs, polarized light micrographs, and water contract angle tests were also measured and discussed. The results show that the Avrami equations are applicable to describe the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of the PCL in the blend systems. The mechanical properties of these nanofibers were significantly improved by the interlocked morphology of co-continuous phases and partially miscible two-phase systems. The films of zein/PCL blending systems with a hydrophilic surface do not dissolve in water and have excellent toughness and ductility. This is very favorable for its application in biodegradable materials and food packing materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2151–2159, 2018.