Natural-synthetic hybrid polymers developed via electrospinning: the effect of PET in chitosan/starch system

Int J Mol Sci. 2011;12(3):1908-20. doi: 10.3390/ijms12031908. Epub 2011 Mar 16.

Abstract

Chitosan is an amino polysaccharide found in nature, which is biodegradable, nontoxic and biocompatible. It has versatile features and can be used in a variety of applications including films, packaging, and also in medical surgery. Recently a possibility to diversify chitosan properties has emerged by combining it with synthetic materials to produce novel natural-synthetic hybrid polymers. We have studied structural and thermophysical properties of chitosan + starch + poly(ethylene terephthalate) (Ch + S + PET) fibers developed via electrospinning. Properties of these hybrids polymers are compared with extant chitosan containing hybrids synthesized by electrospinning. Molecular interactions and orientation in the fibers are analyzed by infrared and Raman spectroscopies respectively, morphology by scanning electron microscopy and thermophysical properties by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Addition of PET to Ch + S systems results in improved thermal stability at elevated temperatures.

Keywords: PET; chitosan; electrospinning; molecular interactions; natural-synthetic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Chitosan / chemistry*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Starch / chemistry*
  • Temperature
  • Thermogravimetry

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Starch
  • Chitosan