Fabrication and Characterization of Polylactic Acid and Polylactic Acid/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Nanofibers Through Centrifugal Spinning

Authors

Richard Patlan, University of Texas-Pan American

Date of Award

12-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Karen Lozano

Second Advisor

Dr. Arturo Fuentes

Third Advisor

Dr. Horacio Vasquez

Abstract

Biocompatible polymer nanofibers hold great potential in the biomedical engineering field. Their biodegradable nature and enhanced properties could help solve a wide array of health related problems, particularly in the areas of tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and biosensor design. The novel ForcespinningTM method allows the production of submicron fibers without many of the drawbacks found in electrospinning, while also providing a substantial increase in fiber production. The aim of the study was to utilize this method to fabricate non-woven nanofibrous mats composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic acid/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite fibers. The morphology, thermal properties, and crystalline structure of the resulting nanofibers were then characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).

Comments

Copyright 2012 Richard Patlan. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/fabrication-characterization-polylactic-acid/docview/1289101835/se-2

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American