Macromol. Mater. Eng. 7/2010

Abstract

Cover: The image shows electrospun fibers based on poly(lactic acid)/polyaniline blends with diameters from 90 to 1000 nm. The structural characteristics of the fibers are compared to cast films by scanning electron microscopy, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, and atomic force microscopy. It is found that the electrospinning process governs the crystal structure of the fibers and strongly affects blending properties. Further details can be found in the article by Paulo H. S. Picciani,* Eliton S. Medeiros, Zhongli Pan, Delilah F. Wood, William J. Orts, Luiz H. C. Mattoso, and Bluma G. Soares .

Assessment of mechanical performance, thermal stability and water resistance of novel conductive poly(lactic acid)/modified natural rubber blends with low loading of polyaniline

“…This suggested an improvement in thermal stability of PLA/LNR/PANI. The higher temperatures of T g and T m for PLA/LNR/PANI could be related to the presence of PANI in the PLA matrix restricting the mobility of PLA chains because of the occurrence of hydrogen bonds, as reported by Li et al and Picciani et al The presence of functional groups of hydroxyl and others was investigated using the FTIR spectra of PANI, PLA/LNR and PLA/LNR/PANI as shown in Figs (b) and (c). Theoretically, NH absorption band appeared at around 3500–3300 cm −1 and OH absorption band at around 3650–3200 cm −1 .…”

“…Picciani et al . claimed that an increase of PANI content in PLA matrix increased the glass transition temperature ( T g ) and melting temperature ( T m ) values which indicates the restriction of the mobility of PLA chains and the improvement of thermal stability by the presence of PANI component in PLA matrix …”

“…These studies ascertained that with assistance of these fillers, the mechanical and thermal properties could be improved effectively. Regarding investigations of PLA/PANI, most work has been on the use of electrospun or electrospinning technique . According to Picciani et al ., PLA/PANI fiber blends were fabricated using electrospinning technique at low composition of PANI from 1.6 to 5.6 wt% .…”

“…Despite many reports regarding the fabrication and properties of PLA‐based blends and composites, it is worth noting that this study appeared to be new approach that focuses on the melt‐blending of PLA/LNR/PANI with the aid of a vigorous ultrasonic treatment. In this current work, the aim was to analyze the effect of PANI powder at low loading (0.03–0.11 wt%) on the electrical conductivity, thermal stability and mechanical and water absorption properties of PLA/LNR blends.…”

Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Silver Nanodendrites Implemented in Polylactide‐Thiacalix[4]arene Copolymer for the Electrochemical Determination of Tryptophan

“…Polymers are often used in the assembly of electrochemical sensors as mechanical supports and inert matrix for physical entrapment of other modifiers. Among other materials, polylactic acid has been described for stabilization of the Au nanoparticles , preparation of composite materials with carbon nanotubes and polyaniline and for assembling polyelectrolyte complexes . Copolymers of lactic and glycolic acids have found application in implantable glucose biosensors .…”