Influence of VGCF Concentration on Properties of Biodegradable Fibers Based on Poly (Lactide Acid)

Using a twin-screw microextruder, fibers based on polylactide and vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCF) with orientational stretching by 4 and 6 times were obtained. It was shown that VGCF doesn't influence on thermal properties of composite fibers based on PLA. Also, evenly dispersion of VGCF in PLA matrix was observed using by SEM. The electrically conductive and deformation-strength properties of composite fibers were investigated depending on the concentration of the filler and the degree of orientational stretching of the polymer. It is shown that with the introduction of low concentrations of VGCF (about 1 wt%) and with the use of an additional high-temperature orientational stretching of the polymer by a factor of 4, it is possible to create composite polylactide fibers with improving mechanical strength and electro-scattering properties. Also, it was shown that fibers with orientation drawing in 6 times save their electro-scattering properties after cyclic load equal to 50% of breaking load during 24 hours in liquid medium.