Structure and physical properties of gelatin fibers prepared by gel‐spinning in ethylene glycol

Abstract

AbstractGelatin fibers were produced by gel‐spinning using ethylene glycol as the solvent. Gelation conditions, drawing temperature, and draw ratio were studied. Physical properties of the fibers were characterized by mechanical tests, thermal analysis, X‐ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical strength of the fibers increased with increased draw ratio. The gelatin fiber prepared by extrusion of the gelatin (15 wt %)/ethylene glycol into methanol at −20°C and drawn up to seven times its original length at 5°C had the highest tensile strength (405 MPa), a Young's modulus of 11 GPa, and a storage modulus of 7.9 GPa at 200°C. Remarkable differences were observed between the morphology of the undrawn and the drawn fibers. The results show that a gelatin fiber with very good mechanical properties can be prepared using ethylene glycol as the dispersion medium. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012