A novel method for preparation of cross-linked PEGDA microfibers by low-temperature photopolymerization

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) microfibers by low-temperature photopolymerization. The morphology and diameter, water absorption property, and thermal stability of the obtained fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), swelling test in water and thermogravimetry (TG), respectively. The results indicated that the diameter of obtained fibers lay in the submicro-/micro-scale within the range of 0.5-10 μm. The suitable PEGDA concentration for the fabrication of microfibers by low-temperature photopolymerization was less than 0.5 wt%. The fiber diameter and water absorption ratio became larger as the concentration of PEGDA increased, and thermal stability of the fibers was also enhanced as the increase of PEGDA concentration owing to the increased cross-linking density. This approach has the potential to be applied to a much wider range of monomers or crosslinkable biopolymers to satisfy the needs of different applications.