Abstract
This study focuses on possible applications of polystyrene in the medical field. Nonwoven fiber mats were produced through electrospinning, using limonene or, as control, the conventionally used ethyl acetate. Subsequently, different types of dilutions were tested. Electrospinning (ES) was performed with different parameters to study the effect upon the fibrous materials resulted, in view of obtaining structures with high porosity and a specific desired morphology. Thin fibers were obtained using both solvents, with fibers average diameter of 1.98-2.58 mm for limonene and 8.87-13.81 mm for ethyl acetate. The obtained various materials are a result of the different solvent densities, surface tensions and polymer concentrations. Best quality fibers, when using limonene, were obtained for 35 % polystyrene, while when using ethyl acetate the high quality fibers were obtained for 60 % polystyrene in solution. The mats morphology and structure were compared and analyzed through optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. This study proposes the fabrication of nonwoven fibrous mats from polystyrene using a natural, economical, biocompatible and environmentally friendly solvent that can successfully replace the common and toxic solvents in medical applications involving wound dressing or tissue reconstruction. Keywords: electrospinning, limonene, polystyrene, ethyl acetate, wound dressings