Grzegorz Szparaga

Investigation of the Influence of PLA Molecular Structure on the Crystalline Forms (α’ and α) and Mechanical Properties of Wet Spinning Fibres

In this paper, the influence of the molecular structure of polylactide (PLA)—characterised by its molar mass and content of d-lactide isomer—on the molecular ordering and α’–α form transition during fibre manufacturing by the wet spinning method is described. Fibres were studied by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of the fibres were determined. This study also examines the preliminary molecular ordering and crystallisation of PLA fibres at various draw ratios. The performed experiments clearly show the dependence of the molecular ordering of PLA on the molar mass and d-lactide content during the wet spinning process. The fibres manufactured from PLA with the lowest content of d-lactide and the lowest molar mass were characterised by a higher tendency for crystallisation and a higher possibility to undergo the disorder-to-order phase transition (α’ to α form). The structural changes in PLA explain the observed changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained fibres.

Molecular and Supramolecular Changes in Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) and Polybutylene Succinate Adipate (PBSA) Copolymer during Degradation in Various Environmental Conditions

In this paper, the influence of the various degradation conditions, on the molecular and supramolecular structure of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA) copolymer during degradation is described. The experiment was carried out by the use of injection molded samples and normalized conditions of biodegradation in soil, composting and artificial weathering. Materials were studied by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) detection and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of the samples were determined. The performed experiments clearly show difference impacts of the selected degradation conditions on the macroscopic, supramolecular and molecular parameters of the studied aliphatic polyesters. The structural changes in PBS and PBSA explain the observed changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the obtained injection molded samples.

New generation butyric-acetate copolymer of chitin (BOC) fibres with ceramic HAp and TCP nanoadditives for the manufacture of fibrous composite materials

An investigation was made of the effect of basic spinning process parameters on the structure and properties of butyric-acetate copolymer of chitin (BOC) fibres. It was found that, considering the resulting tenacity of 20.3 cN/tex simultaneously with high water sorption and retention properties, it is favourable for the BOC fibre spinning process to be carried out with 1 % HAp or TCP nanoadditive. Furthermore, when 3 % of the HAp or TCP nanoadditive is incorporated into the BOC fibre material, no significant changes in the crystal structure occur compared with fibres without the nanoadditives, formed in similar conditions. Analysis of the porous structure and the properties of the surface of BOC fibres with HAp or TCP nanoadditive shows that the parameters are favourable for their medical application.

Glycolide/L-Lactide Copolymer (PGLA) Fibers Formed by Wet Spinning from Solution and Modified with Ceramic Nanoadditives

Abstract The paper presents the results of research into glycolide/L-lactide copolymer (PGLA) fiber formation by wet spinning from solution. The selected process conditions led to fibers with a specific tensile strength of more than 35 cN/tex. Furthermore, ceramic nanoadditives such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were used to obtain fibers with osteoconductive properties. It was found that the ceramic nanoadditives reduced the specific strength of fibers (to 24 cN/tex for β-TCP and to 27 cN/tex for HAp). The paper also presents wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) evaluation of the supramolecular structure of the fibers as well as their porosity parameters and microscopic structure. The obtained fibers were woven into a textile fabric with potential applications in biomedical engineering.

Fabrication of Pure Electrospun Materials from Hyaluronic Acid

The aim of the research was to develop optimal conditions for manufacturing materials based on hyaluronic acid by the electrospun method. The studies were composed of three stages: the process of selection of the optimal solvent (mixture of solvents), the molecular weight of hyaluronic acid, and the concentration of biopolymer in the spinning solution. The influence of variable parameters on the rheological properties of the spinning solutions and electrospinning trails was tested. Depending on the electrospinning regime applied, the fibers obtained were characterised by a diameter of the order of 20 to 400 nm. As a result of the development works presented, an optimal molecular weight of the polymer, its concentration and system of solvents were determined, together with process parameters, ensuring a stable electrospinning process and relatively homogeneous nanofibers. Additionally studies on the residues of solvents used during electrosun formation were done and parameters of drying of the final materials were examined. This approach (verification of the presence of organic solvent residue in the nanofibrous formed) is important for the suitability of nanofibres as scaffolds for regenerative medicine. This study provides an opportunity for the understanding and identification of process parameters, allowing for predictable manufacturing nanofibers based on natural biopolymers, which makes it tremendously beneficial in terms of customisation.

The Effect Of Sodium Alginate Concentration On The Rheological Parameters Of Spinning Solutions

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the rheological properties of solutions of two types of sodium alginate in water. Rheological studies were carried out to determine the rheological properties of the spinning solutions. Polymer solutions of different concentrations were obtained. Based on the preliminary research of the concentrations of solutions, the proper n and k parameters were selected in order to obtain fibre by wet spinning from solution method. For selected concentrations of polymer solutions, the calcium alginate fibres were obtained.