Processing and characterization of electrospun nanofibers from poly(lactic acid)/trimethylchitosan blends

Abstract

In this study the production of biodegradable nanofibrous structures of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blended with the water-soluble salt trimethylchitosan (TMC) was investigated by using the electrospinning process. Different concentrations of PLA (8 and 10% w/v) and TMC (0.5, 1, and 2% w/v) were prepared and spun. The morphology, diameter and structure of PLA/TMC blended nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle measurements. Images obtained from SEM showed that the blended nanofibers display a uniform and smooth morphology without bead formation. The diameters of the fibers were affected by the presence of chitosan derivative, decreasing from 264 to 184 nm when the TMC addition was 20% (w/w). FTIR and XRD results indicate strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the molecules of PLA and chitosan derivative, with reduction in the crystallinity, thermal stability and hydrophobicity as TMC content increases in the blend.