Synthetic biodegradable polymer matrix composites including bioactive ceramic phases are being increasingly considered for use as tissue engineering scaffolds due to their improved physical, biological and mechanical properties. Cellulose acetate composite fibers were prepared by electro-spinning of cellulose acetate doped with from 2.5 to 40 vol.% hydroxyapatite nano powder. The structure of the electro-spun web varied depending on the solvent types. The cross-linked morphology between fibers was obtained by the addition of benzyl alcohol. In this study, the effect of the spinning dope composition and the filler concentration on the morphology of electro spun cellulose acetate fibers was evaluated. The mechanical properties of the electro-spun single fiber were measured using a Thermo Mechanical Analyzer (TMA). The tensile strength of electro-spun fibers depended on the filler content.

Keywords: Cellulose acetate, Hydroxyapatite, Electro-spinning, Tensile test, Hybrid composites.