Effect of Feed Rates on the Structure and Performance of Core-Shell Composite Fibers of PLLA-Gelatin

摘要

Core-shell structured composite fibers of PLLA-Gelatin were prepared by a facile coaxial electrospinning process,allowing fordirectly coating gelatin (shell component) onto poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA,core component) fibers.We investigated the effect of feed rates of the nonelectrospinnable outer layer solution of gelatin on the resultant fiber morphology and mechanical performance.The core-shell structure and morphology of the composite fibers were examined by optical fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Chemical composition of these composite fibers was verified through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).It was found that increasing feed rates of the outer layer gelatin solution gave rise to decreased diameters of both the composite fibers and the corresponding inner PLLA layers.Mechanical performance in terms of tensile testing of the PLLA-Gelatin non-woven showeda declined tendency in tensile strength of the composite fibers with increasing the shell layer solution feed rates.