Investigation of Structure‐Processing‐Property Relationships in Solution Blow‐Spun PLA Nanofiber Mats

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Abstract
Herein, we have comprehensively investigated the properties of solution blow‐spun nonwoven nanofiber mats. Three nonidentical polylactic acid (PLA) concentrations in conjunction with two different solution flow rates and gas pressures were set as experimental parameters. Rheological data showed that entanglement concentration (C e ) is 8% (w/v) with a dynamic viscosity of 102.4 mPa.s, while overlap concentration (C * ) is 4.6% (w/v). A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was utilized to investigate nanofiber diameter and its distribution. The 10% (w/v) PLA/chloroform concentration and 40 mL/h polymer flow rate with 40 psi gas pressure synthesized 259.8 ± 161.2 nm fibers, which showed better statistical distribution and mechanical characteristics (Young's modulus, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation at break). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to analyze thermal stability, glass transition temperature (T g ), melting point temperature (T m ), crystallization temperature (T c ), and degree of crystallinity (χ c ). Bulk PLA depicts higher T c and χ c compared to the mats. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum revealed additional peaks from the fabricated nanofiber mats, which were justified further with nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR) shifts. 3D surface topography was analyzed with a confocal laser microscope. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's HSD were performed for statistical significance analysis ( p < 0.05).
Funding Information
  • ADAPT - Centre for Digital Content Technology
  • National Science Foundation (OIA#2242812)
  • National Science Foundation (CBET#2340867)

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