This research investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of Morus alba combined with polylactic acid in comparison with other natural fibers. The study uses three different fiber and PLA compositions - 20%, 30...This research investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of Morus alba combined with polylactic acid in comparison with other natural fibers. The study uses three different fiber and PLA compositions - 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively - to produce composite materials. In addition, another composite with the same fiber volume is treated with a 4% NaOH solution to improve mechanical properties. The composites are processed by twin-screw extrusion, granulation, and injection molding. Tensile strength measurements of raw fibers and NaOH-treated fibers were carried out using a single-fiber tensile test with a gauge length of 40 mm. It was observed that the NaOH surface treatment increases the resistance against tensile loading and exhibited improved properties for raw fiber strands. The diameter of the fibers was measured using optical microscopy. During this research, flexural tests, impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and heat deflection temperature measurements (HDT) were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite samples. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of NaOH-treated Morus alba-reinforced polylactic acid outperform both virgin PLA samples and untreated Morus alba samples.展开更多
Objective To investigate the role of poly-lactic acid and agarose gelatin in promoting the functional recovery of the injured spinal cord. Methods Poly-lactic acid （PLA） or agarose was embedded in the space between ...Objective To investigate the role of poly-lactic acid and agarose gelatin in promoting the functional recovery of the injured spinal cord. Methods Poly-lactic acid （PLA） or agarose was embedded in the space between two stumps of the hemisectioned spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry was used to show astroglia proliferation and the infiltration of RhoA-positive cells. Locomotor activity recovery was evaluated by testing the function of hindlimbs. Results Astroglias and RhoA labeled non-neuronal cells accumulated in the area adjacent to the implant, while the number of RhoA-posirive cells was decreased dramatically in the absence of implant. Animals implanted with agarose gelatin recovered more quickly than those with PLA, concomitant with a higher survival rate of the neurons. Conclusion Both PLA and agarose gelatin benefited the recovery of spinal cord after injury by providing a scaffold for astroglia processes. Modulation of the rigidity, pore size and inner structure of PLA and agarose gelatin might make these biodegradable materials more effective in the regeneration of the central nervous system （CNS）.展开更多
Nowadays, recycled paper is broadly used due to environmental reasons. Furthermore, the addition of starch as a dry strength additive improves the properties of recycled paper. Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA), a product from b...Nowadays, recycled paper is broadly used due to environmental reasons. Furthermore, the addition of starch as a dry strength additive improves the properties of recycled paper. Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA), a product from bio-refinery process, has recently been shown to act as a promising strength additive that could be used in combination with starch to further improve the strength of paper. In this study, the use of PLA of three molecular weights (MW) in combination with four different starches was investigated. Three recycled pulps from different origins, with the kappa number of 27.9 to 66 were used. Paper handsheets were made, and selected paper properties were tested. The results indicate that handsheets properties were influenced by the MW of PLAs, the type of starch used, and the lignin content of the pulp. The paper handsheets made from lignin-rich pulp (pulp A, kappa number 66), combined with 0.1% medium MW PLA (PLA_1) and 0.9% cationic starch containing 0.43% N gave the highest improvement for tensile strength, wet tensile strength, air and water resistance. This result verifies that a higher kappa number pulp has better attraction to the hydrophobic PLA. Moreover, the higher charge cationic starch led to higher tensile strength due to the increase of affinity to the anionic fiber surface. Interestingly, results show that amphoteric starch is a promising substitute for high cationic charge starch when combined with the medium MW PLA to improve tensile strength of paper. This study demonstrated that a starch-PLA blend represents a promising approach in improving properties of recycled paper.展开更多
Composite nanofiber membranes based on biodegradable poly(lactic acid)(PLA) and cellulose nanofibrils(CNF) were produced via electrospinning. The influence of CNF content on the morphology, thermal properties, and mec...Composite nanofiber membranes based on biodegradable poly(lactic acid)(PLA) and cellulose nanofibrils(CNF) were produced via electrospinning. The influence of CNF content on the morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of PLA/CNF composite nanofiber membranes were characterized by field scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA), respectively. The results show that the PLA/CNF composite nanofibers with smooth, free-bead surface can be successfully fabricated with various CNF contents. The introduction of CNF is an effective approach to improve the crystalline ability, thermal stability and mechanical properties for PLA/CNF composite fibers. The Young's moduli and tensile strength of the PLA/CNF composite nanofiber reach 106.6 MPa and 2.7 MPa when the CNF content is 3%, respectively, which are one times higher and 1.5 times than those of pure PLA nanofiber. Additionally, the water contact angle of PLA/CNF composite nanofiber membranes decreases with the increase of the CNF loading, resulting in the enhancement of their hydrophilicity.展开更多
The effects of selected printing parameters on the fire properties of additively produced composites from neat polylactic acid(PLA)and wood/PLA filaments were investigated.The reaction to fire of the 3D-printed specim...The effects of selected printing parameters on the fire properties of additively produced composites from neat polylactic acid(PLA)and wood/PLA filaments were investigated.The reaction to fire of the 3D-printed specimens was tested according to the ISO 5660-1 cone calorimeter test method.The results showed that the properties of the specimens when exposed to fire were significantly affected by the incorporation of wood flour into the PLA filament.It was also interesting that PLA specimens had much better reactions to fire than the wood/PLA specimens.Time to ignition was found to be much longer in the 3D-printed PLA specimens.Although the maximal heat release rate was a little higher in the PLA than the wood/PLA specimens,the duration of HRR was longer for the wood/PLA specimens.The initial mass of the specimens was smaller in the wood/PLA composites,but during the radiant heat exposure the mass typically decreased slower than in the PLA specimens.展开更多
In order to improve the thermal properties of polylactic acid（PLA） filament,nano-SiO_2 was applied to mix with PLA,then they were spun as composite filament by melt-spinning.The dispersion of nano SiO_2 and the frac...In order to improve the thermal properties of polylactic acid（PLA） filament,nano-SiO_2 was applied to mix with PLA,then they were spun as composite filament by melt-spinning.The dispersion of nano SiO_2 and the fracture surfaces of filaments were studied by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）.The properties of composite filament,such as orientation degree,mechanical properties,and surface friction properties,were analyzed.The thermal performances of composite filament were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry（DSC） and thermo gravimetric analysis（TGA）.The results showed that the nano-SiO_2 modified by 5% KH-550 could disperse evenly and loosely in nano-scale,and 1 wt% and 3 wt% nano-SiO_2 dispersed throughout PLA evenly.As the quantity of nano-SiO_2 increased,the properties of composite filament,such as orientation degree,friction coefficient,thermal decomposition temperature,and glass transition temperature,increased more or less.The breaking tenacity increased when 1 wt% SiO_2 was added in PLA,but declined when 3 wt% SiO_2 was added.展开更多
In order to improve the thermal properties of polylactic acid( PLA) master batch,the nano-SiO2 was applied to mixing with PLA. The structure and thermal properties of the composite master batches were studied. The res...In order to improve the thermal properties of polylactic acid( PLA) master batch,the nano-SiO2 was applied to mixing with PLA. The structure and thermal properties of the composite master batches were studied. The results showed that the nano-SiO2 modified by 3% coupling agent KH-570 could be dispersed evenly in PLA in small scale. The thermal decomposition temperature of composite master batches increased by 6. 20-10. 80 ℃, the glass transition temperature increased by 0. 22-5. 16 ℃,and the heat enthalpy at the glass transition temperature increased by 0. 574-2. 437 J /g,compared with pure PLA. The composite master batch possessed superior thermal stability and heat resistance.展开更多
At present,the clinical reconstruction of the auricle usually adopts the strategy of taking autologous costal cartilage.This method has great trauma to patients,poor plasticity and inaccurate shaping.Three-dimensional...At present,the clinical reconstruction of the auricle usually adopts the strategy of taking autologous costal cartilage.This method has great trauma to patients,poor plasticity and inaccurate shaping.Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology has made a great breakthrough in the clinical application of orthopedic implants.This study explored the combination of 3D printing and tissue engineering to precisely reconstruct the auricle.First,a polylactic acid(PLA)polymer scaffold with a precisely customized patient appearance was fabricated,and then auricle cartilage fragments were loaded into the 3D-printed porous PLA scaffold to promote auricle reconstruction.In vitro,gelatin methacrylamide(GelMA)hydrogels loaded with different sizes of rabbit ear cartilage fragments were studied to assess the regenerative activity of various autologous cartilage fragments.In vivo,rat ear cartilage fragments were placed in an accurately designed porous PLA polymer ear scaffold to promote auricle reconstruction.The results indicated that the chondrocytes in the cartilage fragments could maintain the morphological phenotype in vitro.After three months of implantation observation,it was conducive to promoting the subsequent regeneration of cartilage in vivo.The autologous cartilage fragments combined with 3D printing technology show promising potential in auricle reconstruction.展开更多
文摘This research investigates the mechanical and thermal properties of Morus alba combined with polylactic acid in comparison with other natural fibers. The study uses three different fiber and PLA compositions - 20%, 30%, and 40% respectively - to produce composite materials. In addition, another composite with the same fiber volume is treated with a 4% NaOH solution to improve mechanical properties. The composites are processed by twin-screw extrusion, granulation, and injection molding. Tensile strength measurements of raw fibers and NaOH-treated fibers were carried out using a single-fiber tensile test with a gauge length of 40 mm. It was observed that the NaOH surface treatment increases the resistance against tensile loading and exhibited improved properties for raw fiber strands. The diameter of the fibers was measured using optical microscopy. During this research, flexural tests, impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and heat deflection temperature measurements (HDT) were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite samples. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of NaOH-treated Morus alba-reinforced polylactic acid outperform both virgin PLA samples and untreated Morus alba samples.
文摘Objective To investigate the role of poly-lactic acid and agarose gelatin in promoting the functional recovery of the injured spinal cord. Methods Poly-lactic acid （PLA） or agarose was embedded in the space between two stumps of the hemisectioned spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry was used to show astroglia proliferation and the infiltration of RhoA-positive cells. Locomotor activity recovery was evaluated by testing the function of hindlimbs. Results Astroglias and RhoA labeled non-neuronal cells accumulated in the area adjacent to the implant, while the number of RhoA-posirive cells was decreased dramatically in the absence of implant. Animals implanted with agarose gelatin recovered more quickly than those with PLA, concomitant with a higher survival rate of the neurons. Conclusion Both PLA and agarose gelatin benefited the recovery of spinal cord after injury by providing a scaffold for astroglia processes. Modulation of the rigidity, pore size and inner structure of PLA and agarose gelatin might make these biodegradable materials more effective in the regeneration of the central nervous system （CNS）.
文摘Nowadays, recycled paper is broadly used due to environmental reasons. Furthermore, the addition of starch as a dry strength additive improves the properties of recycled paper. Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA), a product from bio-refinery process, has recently been shown to act as a promising strength additive that could be used in combination with starch to further improve the strength of paper. In this study, the use of PLA of three molecular weights (MW) in combination with four different starches was investigated. Three recycled pulps from different origins, with the kappa number of 27.9 to 66 were used. Paper handsheets were made, and selected paper properties were tested. The results indicate that handsheets properties were influenced by the MW of PLAs, the type of starch used, and the lignin content of the pulp. The paper handsheets made from lignin-rich pulp (pulp A, kappa number 66), combined with 0.1% medium MW PLA (PLA_1) and 0.9% cationic starch containing 0.43% N gave the highest improvement for tensile strength, wet tensile strength, air and water resistance. This result verifies that a higher kappa number pulp has better attraction to the hydrophobic PLA. Moreover, the higher charge cationic starch led to higher tensile strength due to the increase of affinity to the anionic fiber surface. Interestingly, results show that amphoteric starch is a promising substitute for high cationic charge starch when combined with the medium MW PLA to improve tensile strength of paper. This study demonstrated that a starch-PLA blend represents a promising approach in improving properties of recycled paper.
基金Funded by the Outstanding Young Scientific Research Personnel Training Plan in Colleges and Universities of Fujian Province(No.GY-Z160146)the Research Fund of Fujian University of Technology(Nos.GY-Z15091,GY-Z160121)+2 种基金the External Cooperative Projects of Fujian Province(No.2018I0001)the Young Teachers Education Research Project(No.JAT170377)Fujian Province Undergraduate Training Program for Innovation and Entrepreneurship(No.201810388048)
文摘Composite nanofiber membranes based on biodegradable poly(lactic acid)(PLA) and cellulose nanofibrils(CNF) were produced via electrospinning. The influence of CNF content on the morphology, thermal properties, and mechanical properties of PLA/CNF composite nanofiber membranes were characterized by field scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM), differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis(DMA), respectively. The results show that the PLA/CNF composite nanofibers with smooth, free-bead surface can be successfully fabricated with various CNF contents. The introduction of CNF is an effective approach to improve the crystalline ability, thermal stability and mechanical properties for PLA/CNF composite fibers. The Young's moduli and tensile strength of the PLA/CNF composite nanofiber reach 106.6 MPa and 2.7 MPa when the CNF content is 3%, respectively, which are one times higher and 1.5 times than those of pure PLA nanofiber. Additionally, the water contact angle of PLA/CNF composite nanofiber membranes decreases with the increase of the CNF loading, resulting in the enhancement of their hydrophilicity.
基金would like to thank the Slovenian Research Agency for financial support within the scope of the program P4-0015,as well as BI-CN/18-20-016:Study on the functional properties and thermal safety performance of wood materials and adhesives for 3D printing technology.
文摘The effects of selected printing parameters on the fire properties of additively produced composites from neat polylactic acid(PLA)and wood/PLA filaments were investigated.The reaction to fire of the 3D-printed specimens was tested according to the ISO 5660-1 cone calorimeter test method.The results showed that the properties of the specimens when exposed to fire were significantly affected by the incorporation of wood flour into the PLA filament.It was also interesting that PLA specimens had much better reactions to fire than the wood/PLA specimens.Time to ignition was found to be much longer in the 3D-printed PLA specimens.Although the maximal heat release rate was a little higher in the PLA than the wood/PLA specimens,the duration of HRR was longer for the wood/PLA specimens.The initial mass of the specimens was smaller in the wood/PLA composites,but during the radiant heat exposure the mass typically decreased slower than in the PLA specimens.
基金Funded by the Shanxi Province Science Foundation for Youths of China[Nos.2014021020-2 and 2015021076]the Shanxi Province Higher School Science and Technology Innovation Project[No.2015125]+2 种基金the Project of Taiyuan University of Technology[Nos.2013T0202013T0212013T022]
文摘In order to improve the thermal properties of polylactic acid（PLA） filament,nano-SiO_2 was applied to mix with PLA,then they were spun as composite filament by melt-spinning.The dispersion of nano SiO_2 and the fracture surfaces of filaments were studied by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）.The properties of composite filament,such as orientation degree,mechanical properties,and surface friction properties,were analyzed.The thermal performances of composite filament were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry（DSC） and thermo gravimetric analysis（TGA）.The results showed that the nano-SiO_2 modified by 5% KH-550 could disperse evenly and loosely in nano-scale,and 1 wt% and 3 wt% nano-SiO_2 dispersed throughout PLA evenly.As the quantity of nano-SiO_2 increased,the properties of composite filament,such as orientation degree,friction coefficient,thermal decomposition temperature,and glass transition temperature,increased more or less.The breaking tenacity increased when 1 wt% SiO_2 was added in PLA,but declined when 3 wt% SiO_2 was added.
基金Shanxi Province Science Foundation for Youths,China(No.2014021020-2)the Projects of Taiyuan University of Technology,China(Nos.2012L074,2013T020,2013T021,and 2013T022)Shanxi Province College Students Training Program,China(No.2013067)
文摘In order to improve the thermal properties of polylactic acid( PLA) master batch,the nano-SiO2 was applied to mixing with PLA. The structure and thermal properties of the composite master batches were studied. The results showed that the nano-SiO2 modified by 3% coupling agent KH-570 could be dispersed evenly in PLA in small scale. The thermal decomposition temperature of composite master batches increased by 6. 20-10. 80 ℃, the glass transition temperature increased by 0. 22-5. 16 ℃,and the heat enthalpy at the glass transition temperature increased by 0. 574-2. 437 J /g,compared with pure PLA. The composite master batch possessed superior thermal stability and heat resistance.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81171731)the Project of Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau(Nos.2021-YF05-01619-SN and 2021-RC05-00022-CG)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Project of Tibet Autonomous Region(Nos.XZ202202YD0013C and XZ201901-GB-08)the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(No.2022YFG0066)the 1·3·5 Project for Disciplines of Excellence,West China Hospital,Sichuan University(Nos.ZYJC21026,ZYGD21001 and ZYJC21077).
文摘At present,the clinical reconstruction of the auricle usually adopts the strategy of taking autologous costal cartilage.This method has great trauma to patients,poor plasticity and inaccurate shaping.Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology has made a great breakthrough in the clinical application of orthopedic implants.This study explored the combination of 3D printing and tissue engineering to precisely reconstruct the auricle.First,a polylactic acid(PLA)polymer scaffold with a precisely customized patient appearance was fabricated,and then auricle cartilage fragments were loaded into the 3D-printed porous PLA scaffold to promote auricle reconstruction.In vitro,gelatin methacrylamide(GelMA)hydrogels loaded with different sizes of rabbit ear cartilage fragments were studied to assess the regenerative activity of various autologous cartilage fragments.In vivo,rat ear cartilage fragments were placed in an accurately designed porous PLA polymer ear scaffold to promote auricle reconstruction.The results indicated that the chondrocytes in the cartilage fragments could maintain the morphological phenotype in vitro.After three months of implantation observation,it was conducive to promoting the subsequent regeneration of cartilage in vivo.The autologous cartilage fragments combined with 3D printing technology show promising potential in auricle reconstruction.
