Abstract
The electrospinning of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer with a vinyl acetate content of 28 wt.% is limited due to the solubility of the copolymer in standard laboratory conditions. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer that can be electrospun easily. However, PLA has limited applicability because it is brittle. Blends of these polymers are of interest in order to obtain new types of materials with counterbalanced properties originating from both polymeric compounds. The fibers were electrospun on a water surface from a solution mixture containing various weight ratios of both polymers using a dichloromethane and acetone (70:30 v/v) mixture as solvent. The morphologies of the prepared non-woven mats were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the chemical composition was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The fibers’ thermal properties and stability were examined, and the mechanical properties were tested. The results showed that the strength and flexibility of the blend samples were enhanced by the presence of PLA.
Highlights
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a random copolymer, consisting of ethylene and vinyl acetate (VAc) units
The VAc content has two major effects that influence the properties of EVA copolymers; disruption of the crystalline regions formed by the polyethylene segments of the copolymer and the overriding effect of VAc content resulting from the polar nature of the acetoxy side chain [2]
As was found in the first experiment, the electrospinning of pure EVA with vinyl acetate content 28 wt.% is highly difficult in standard laboratory conditions
Summary
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a random copolymer, consisting of ethylene and vinyl acetate (VAc) units. While the polyethylene units are partially crystalline and stiff, the amorphous vinyl acetate units are flexible and soft. EVA is commercially available, with VAc content varying from 3 to 50 wt.% [1]. The VAc content has two major effects that influence the properties of EVA copolymers; disruption of the crystalline regions formed by the polyethylene segments of the copolymer and the overriding effect of VAc content resulting from the polar nature of the acetoxy side chain [2]. EVA copolymers are transparent, flexible materials with high tensile strength. The disadvantages of EVA copolymers are a reduced chemical resistance compared to LDPE, and reduced barrier properties and creep resistance [1]
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