Methods for preparing and orientating biopolymer nanofibres and a composite material comprising the same

Abstract

Methods for preparing and orientating nanofibers and a composite material including the same. Some methods for preparing a composite material with orientated nanofibers may include providing a nanoporous material; dissolving a natural or synthetic polymer, —in a solvent; pressing or drawing the polymer solution through pores of the nanoporous material whereby nanofibers are formed within said material; mixing the nanofibers with a matrix material; orientating or partially orientating the nanofibers within the matrix material by applying an electric and/or magnetic field; depositing the nanofibers-matrix mixture with the orientated or partially orientated nanofibers onto a substrate surface. The nanofibers may be oriented locally different in various areas/layers of the composite material, resulting in a composite material with locally independent mechanical properties.

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