Abstract
This study was conducted as a first step in obtaining eco-friendly fibres for medical applications using a synthesised oligomer poly(glycerol succinate) (PGSu) as an additive for synthetic poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly (L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL). The effects of the oligomer on the structure formation, morphology, crystallisation behaviour, and mechanical properties of electrospun bicomponent fibres were investigated. Nonwovens were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical testing. The molecular structure of PLLA fibres is influenced by the presence of PGSu mainly acting as an enhancer of molecular orientation. In the case of semicrystalline PLCL, chain mobility was enhanced by the presence of PGSu molecules, and the crystallinity of bicomponent fibres increased in relation to that of pure PLCL. The mechanical properties of bicomponent fibres were influenced by the level of PGSu present and the extent of crystal formation of the main component. An in vitro study conducted using L929 cells confirmed the biocompatible character of all bicomponent fibres.
Highlights
In the last few years, interest in new green hyperbranched polyesters (HBPEs) has grown rapidly.HBPE-derived renewable biomonomers are suitable as plasticisers due to their simultaneous effectiveness and low migration from a polymer matrix [1]
The presented data were calculated as average values
The oligomer of Poly(glycerol succinate) (PGSu) was synthesised in a nonsolvent polycondensation process according to
Summary
In the last few years, interest in new green hyperbranched polyesters (HBPEs) has grown rapidly.HBPE-derived renewable biomonomers are suitable as plasticisers due to their simultaneous effectiveness and low migration from a polymer matrix [1]. Poly(glycerol succinate), poly(glycerol succinate-co-maleate), poly(glycerol adipate), poly(glycerol-co-diacid), and poly(glycerol sebacate) have been synthesised to support the development of new bio-based HBPEs for various applications [3,4,5,6]. Poly(glycerol succinate) (PGSu) is one of the examples of polyesters obtained from glycerol and dicarboxylic acids such as adipic, sebacic, or succinic acid [7]. PGSu is synthesised from two bio-based monomers—glycerol and succinic acid (Figure 1). Glycerol is a major by-product of the biodiesel industry. Succinic acid is a product derived from the fermentation process of biomass resources, and its production has been developed on an industrial scale [9]. To synthesise biodegradable polyesters from glycerol and succinic acid, bulk polycondensation in the absence of a solvent and a catalyst is used.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
