Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1529628 Materials Science and Engineering: B 2011 6 Pages PDF
Abstract

The fibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning have great advantages, such as high porosity and high specific surface area. However, low mechanical strength of electrospun membranes has been one of the most difficult technical problems to overcome, resulting in negative impact on the application. In this paper, the heat-assisted compression approach was employed to improve the mechanical performances of electrospun poly(l-lactide)(PLLA) membranes, especially in tensile strength. It is found that the electrospun PLLA membranes crystallize in α form and strong fiber-to-fiber linkages occurred with the aid of heat and compression. The tensile properties including tensile strength and modulus of membranes treated with a press at 6 MPa and a temperature at 60 °C (80 °C and 100 °C) increased by more than 100% compared with those of the as-electrospun membranes.

► PLLA electrospun membranes were treated by the heat-assisted compression method. ► Strong fiber-to-fiber linkages occurred after post-treatment. ► The tensile properties of the treated membranes enhanced.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
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