Enhancing mechanical properties of Electrospun Cellulose Acetate Fiber Mat upon Potassium Chloride exposure

Cellulose acetate (CA) based biomaterials are being used as substrates for bone ingrowth applications due to their non-toxic and non-irritant nature coupled with optimum morphology and stiffness. Electrospinning with additives and/or post-treatment has emerged as a viable protocol to improve the mechanical properties of CA further and expand its utility. Herein, we highlight the role of potassium chloride (KCl) in association with air-drying to enhance the elastic modulus and tensile strengths of CA fiber mats. Salt aggregation between fibers was observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). However, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates the interactions between K+ ions and acetyl groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) study suggests the retention of CA structure in the CA-KCl mats and the excess presence of KCl. The increase in KCl concentration (from 2 to 6%) boosts the elastic modulus to 176 MPa (52 times than pure CA) and tensile strength to 1.2 MPa (9 times than pure CA). Indeed, the presence of K+ ions offers osteoconduction to fiber mats, and thus the outcome has potential in bone tissue engineering.