Electrospun poly (lactic acid) -cotton core-shell yarns: Processing, morphology, and mechanical properties

Abstract

In this study, aiming to improve the mechanical performance of the Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-based nanofibrous structures, the electrospinning method was employed to develop twisted yarns with core-shell structure. Within this process, a conventional ring-spun cotton yarn fed to the electrical field, where nanofibers covered it by a certain orientation owning to the twisting procedure. This approach combines the excellent biological and physical-mechanical properties of cotton with outstanding features of the PLA nanofibers for biomedical applications. The effects of the core and shell structures on the ultimate properties of the electrospun core-shell yarns were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that relatively uniform and bead-free fibers with smooth surfaces were formed. SEM images also confirmed that the nanofibers were arranged around the core with a specific angle to the axis (with the angle range of 8–44 based on the twisting rate) to constitute a twisted core-shell yarn. The diameter of the electrospun yarns decreased (∼ 22%) by increasing the twist rate. The influence of the core on the mechanical behavior of core-shell yarn are also discussed. Improvements in mechanical performance of core-shell yarns were generally perceived at low twist levels of the core yarn (αe = 2.8), and electrospun shell (40 rpm).

Preparation of biodegradable polypropylene carbonate-polylactic acid core yarn by electrospinning and its antibacterial finishing

“…With the progress of science and technology and the improvement of living standards, the demand for textiles is no longer limited to warmth and insulation, but extends to higher requirements for textile functionality, such as antibacterial, antimite, healthcare, and waterproof and moisture permeable properties (Cai et al, 2012;Chung and Lee, 2014;Rodriguez et al, 2014;Kong and Yang, 2021;Maleki et al, 2022). Since 2020, public health events triggered by epidemics have become the focus of global health and safety issues.…”