Effect of crystallization process on the electrical, and piezoelectric properties of PLA scaffolds

Abstract

This paper investigates the fabrication and characterization of piezoelectric properties in electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The aim is to enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of the scaffolds to mimic native tissues. Thermo-mechanical processing techniques, including post-processing under various temperature, weight, and time conditions, are employed to modify the scaffolds. The effects of these processing parameters on the morphological, piezoelectric, and crystalline properties of the PLA scaffolds are examined. The scaffolds exhibit partially parallel beadles fibers with varying degrees of alignment and thickness, depending on the applied post-processing parameters. These morphological features play a crucial role in enhancing the piezoelectric properties of the scaffolds. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses demonstrate that thermo-mechanical processing promotes the formation of the α crystalline phase and increases the degree of crystallinity in the PLA scaffolds. The crystalline phase and orientation of the fibers are influenced by the applied weight, time, and temperature during post-processing. Furthermore, the study examines the electrical conductivity and ferroelectric properties of the PLA scaffolds. The results indicate enhanced piezoelectric properties in the scaffolds, as evidenced by the measured output voltages. However, ferroelectric behavior is not observed due to the absence of crystal symmetry in PLA.