Poly(glycolic acid) Nanofibers via Sea‐Island Melt‐Spinning

Abstract

Poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) nanofibers are prepared via the high‐speed sea‐island melt‐spinning process for the first time. Poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) is chosen as the matrix (the “sea” phase) because of its superior spinnability and compatibility with PGA. The process includes melt‐spinning of PLLA/PGA blends at 1.0–2.5 km min−1, hot‐drawing of the as‐spun blend fibers (optional), and dissolving the PLLA phase in chloroform. At an optimal blend ratio, the process is readily conducted, producing ultrafine, uniform, and well‐aligned PGA nanofibers with high degrees of molecular orientation. Studies on morphology evolution of the blends reveal that the PGA phase presents initially as microgranules in the melt blends, breaks into nanogranules in the extruded filaments, and eventually deforms into nanofibers in the as‐spun and drawn fibers. The nanofibers show nearly constant diameters independent of take‐up speed, pointing to phase compatibility dominated mechanism which can be used to establish a viable and flexible production process.

A Review on Melt-Spun Biodegradable Fibers

“…This due to the avoidance of polymer incompatibilities and the preservation of mechanic strength and recyclability/degradability, which tend to become more complex as the num PGA has been applied for biomedical applications, e.g., surgical sutures, due to its excellent biodegradability [118]. So far, many commercial products such as Dexon ® , Maxon™, Polysorb™, and Vicryl ® are known on the market [237]. More information about the biomedical applications of PGA can be found elsewhere [123].…”

“…However, the removal of LDPE presented a significant challenge. In another work by Huang et al [237], PLA/PGA blend fibers were produced to extract PGA nanofibers via dissolving PLA matrix in Chloroform. The same approach has been used by You et al [238] on electro-spun PGA/PLA nanofibers.…”

“…Some examples, e.g., biodegradable trimmerline (GreenLine), biodegradable artificial grass (GreenBlade), horticulture twine (GreenTwine), marine degradable mussel socks, and dolly rope, are shown in PGA has been applied for biomedical applications, e.g., surgical sutures, due to excellent biodegradability [118]. So far, many commercial products such as Dexon Maxon™, Polysorb™, and Vicryl ® are known on the market [237]. More information abo the biomedical applications of PGA can be found elsewhere [123].…”

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile/hydroxyapatite composite nanofibrous membranes for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solutions

“…A large number of technologies (i.e., template synthesis, sea-island spinning, and phase separation) have been developed rapidly to produce nanofibrous membranes. [22][23][24] Among these methods, electrospinning is a convenient and continuous approach to produce nanofibrous membranes with a high specific surface area and high porosity. [25][26][27][28][29][30] Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) has been widely used as an electrospun membrane because of its good spinnability, low toxicity, and chemical stability.…”

Polypropylene/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Blends Compatibilized with Kaolinite Janus Hybrid Particles and Their Transformation into Fibers

“…For textile industries, the melt spinning provides an availability of fabricating fibers from biphasic polymers. , The related technology (e.g., twisting, knitting, weaving) can be applied with melt-spun fibers, playing an essential role in all corners of the industry. To best of our knowledge, there is no study on the application of Janus particles in melt spinning until now.…”