Mechanical reinforcement of continuous flow spun polyelectrolyte complex fibres

Authors

Alberto J. Granero, University of Wollongong
Joselito M. Razal, University of WollongongFollow
Gordon G. Wallace, University of WollongongFollow
Marc in het Panhuis, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

26316

Publication Details

Granero, Alberto J., Razal, J. M., Wallace, G. G. and in het Panhuis, M. H. (2009). Mechanical reinforcement of continuous flow spun polyelectrolyte complex fibres. Macromolecular Bioscience, 9 354-360.

Abstract

A simple continuous flow wet-spinning method to achieve mechanical reinforcement of the two oppositely charged biopolymers chitosan and gellan gum is described. The mechanical properties of these biopolymers are influenced by the order of addition. Using a facile method for mechanical reinforcement of gellan gum/chitosan fibers resulted in increases in Young's modulus, tensile strength, and toughness. Spinning gellan gum into chitosan resulted in the strongest fibers. We show that our fibers can provide a mechanical alternative for bio-fibers without the need of cross-linking. It is demonstrated that the fibers become ionically conducting in the presence of water vapor.

Grant Number

ARC/FF0669110

Grant Number

ARC/DP0987503