Journal of Textile Research ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (02): 51-60.doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20240802901

• Fiber Materials • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Melt-blown process and structural characterization of bio-typha polylactic acid medical protective materials

ZHAO Ke1, ZHANG Heng1(), CHENG Wensheng2, ZHEN Qi3, BU Qingyun1, CUI Jingqiang2   

  1. 1. College of Intelligent Textile and Fabric Electronics, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 451191, China
    2. Henan Tuoren Medical Device Research Institute Co., Ltd., Xinxiang, Henan 453400, China
    3. College of Fashion Technology, Zhongyuan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan 451191, China
  • Received:2024-08-19 Revised:2024-10-18 Online:2025-02-15 Published:2025-03-04
  • Contact: ZHANG Heng E-mail:m-esp@163.com

RichHTML

20

PDF (PC)

31

Abstract:

Objective Medical protective materials serve as the last defense line for the safety of medical and healthcare personnel. A densely packed micro-porous structure with high directional alignment plays a significant role in preventing the penetration of liquids. This paper reports a study on the structural design of the melt-blown microfibrous material inspired by the typha, and experimentally analyzes the lophotrichous structure parameters and medical protective performance of this material. The aim is to achieve a green and efficient medical protective material.

Method In this study, we utilized polylactic acid (PLA) modified by paraffin wax (PW) blending as the primary material, and fabricated lophotrichous structural PLA microfibrous membranes via the in-situ drawing melt-blown process. Simultaneously, the sample structures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we conducted experimental analyses on the medical protective performance using liquid contact angle measuring instrument, fully automatic hydrostatic pressure tester, and W3-type cup method water vapor permeability tester.

Results In terms of micro-morphology, the PLA microfibrous fabrics exhibited a lophotrichous high-orientation structure along the direction of the stretching force. This structure provided orientation for liquid rolling on its surface. Moreover, an increase in the drafting ratios and the PW mass caused reduction in fiber diameter distribution and orientation angle distribution of the samples, providing a dense, porous structural foundation for easy liquid rolling on the surface. Concurrently, the characteristic parameters of the lophotrichous structure, such as the microfibers ratio, the oriented distribution, and feature spacing, were characterized by the features of PLA microfibrous fabrics with a fiber diameter less than 3 μm and an orientation angle less than 30°. A quadratic regression equation was established to describe the variation of these lophotrichous structural parameters with process parameters which had a confidence level of 0.97. The results indicated that when the drafting ratios was 3.0, the microfibers ratio increased to 18.88%, and the longitudinal static contact angle and static water pressure increased to 147° and 2 721 Pa, respectively. Compared to samples with the PW mass of 1%, the inclination angle and water vapor permeability of the PW-5% sample decreased by 48.36% and 10.35%, respectively. As the drafting ratios increased from 1.8 to 3.0, the oriented distribution in the samples increased from 35.01% to 63.24%, while the horizontal static contact angle and static water pressure increased from 140° and 2 083 Pa to 155° and 2 597 Pa, representing increases of 10.71% and 24.68%, respectively.

Conclusion The PLA microfibrous membranes with a lophotrichous highly oriented structure, prepared using the in-situ drawing melt-blown process, have tremendous application potential in the medical protective field. Among these, the PLA microfibrous fabrics, due to their dense pore structure, exhibit superior liquid barrier properties and outstanding biodegradability, meeting the requirements as green and efficient medical protective materials. This offers reference for the structural design of medical protective materials.

Key words: typha, biomimetic structure, polylactic acid, melt-blown, in-situ drafting, medical protection, nonwoven

CLC Number: 

  • TS174

Fig.1

Schematic diagram of preparation of PLA microfibrous fabrics via in-situ drawing melt-blown process"

Tab.1

Main parameters of in-situ drawing melt-blown process"

设备 特征参数 温度/℃
螺杆挤出机 一区温度 185
二区温度 215
三区温度 225
计量泵 转速为4 r/min 225
熔喷模头 喷丝孔直径0.25 mm,长径比10∶1 225
罗茨风机 热风压力为40 kPa 225
其它 接收距离为18 cm —
牵伸比例为1.8、2.4、2.6、2.8和3.0 —

Fig.2

Surface SEM images of typha(a) and PLA microfibrous fabrics(b)"

Fig.3

Microfibers ratio structural characteristics of PLA microfibrous fabric samples. (a) Surface SEM image of PW-1%; (b) Surface SEM image of PW-5%; (c) Diameter distribution curves of samples with different PW mass; (d) Microfibers ratio curves of samples with different PW mass; (e)Microfibers ratio curves of samples with different drafting ratios"

Fig.4

Three-dimensional spatial surface response of microfibers ratio"

Fig.5

Surface SEM images and orientation angle distribution curves of samples prepared at different drafting ratios"

Fig.6

Oriented distribution curves of samples with different drafting ratios"

Fig.7

Three-dimensional spatial surface response of oriented distribution"

Tab.2

Feature spacing of PLA microfibrous fabric samples"

样品编号 特征间距/μm 样品编号 特征间距/μm
PW-1% 6.67 Q1.8 7.25
PW-2% 5.53 Q2.4 5.17
PW-3% 4.43 Q2.6 4.12
PW-4% 3.85 Q2.8 3.67
PW-5% 2.39 Q3.0 2.22

Fig.8

Three-dimensional spatial surface response"

Fig.9

Water contact angle curves of PLA microfibrous fabrics with different PW mass(a) and drafting ratios(b)"

Fig.10

FT-IR spectra of PLA microfibrous fabrics"

Fig.11

Liquid rolling behavior of PLA microfibrous fabrics. (a) Schematic diagram of droplet rolling; (b) Practical image of droplet rolling; (c) Optical photographs of various types liquid; (d) Rolling curves of PW-5% sample; (e) Inclination angle curves of samples with different PW mass; (f) Inclination angle curves of sample with different drafting ratios"

Tab.3

Waterproof and breathable property of PLA microfibrous fabrics"

样品编号 耐静水压/
Pa		 透湿率/
(g·m-2·(24 h)-1)
PW-1% 2 075 2 114
PW-2% 2 322 2 105
PW-3% 2 574 2 090
PW-4% 2 635 2 040
PW-5% 2 721 1 895
Q1.8 2 083 2 193
Q2.4 2 112 2 121
Q2.6 2 311 2 082
Q2.8 2 358 2 012
Q3.0 2 597 1 983
[1] LIN Yanyan, WANG Chao, MIAO Dongyang, et al. A trilayered composite fabric with directional water transport and resistance to blood penetration for medical protective clothing[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2022, 14(16): 18944-18953.
[2] SU Xiaolong, JIA Chao, XIANG Hengxue, et al. Research progress in preparation, properties, and applications of medical protective fiber materials[J]. Applied Materials Today, 2023.DOI: 10.1016/J.APMT.2023.101792.
[3] ZHANG Heng, CAO Yang, ZHEN Qi, et al. Facile preparation of PET/PA6 bicomponent microfilament fabrics with tunable porosity for comfortable medical protective clothing[J]. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2022, 5(7): 3509-3518.
doi: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00447 pmid: 35793521
[4] 安琪, 付译鋆, 张瑜, 等. 医用防护服用非织造材料的研究进展[J]. 纺织学报, 2020, 41(8): 188-196.
AN Qi, FU Yijun, ZHANG Yu, et al. Research progress of nonwovens for medical protective gar-ment[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2020, 41(8): 188-196.
[5] JENSEN M G, O'SHAUGHNESSY P T, SHAFFER M, et al. Simple fabrication of an electrospun polystyrene microfiber filter that meets N95 filtering facepiece respirator filtration and breathability standards[J]. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2023.DOI: 10.1002/APP.53406.
[6] YU Han, LI Chunying, TANG Haida, et al. An experimental study on the resuspension characteristics of evaporation residues of human exhaled droplets on medical clothing[J]. Building and Environment, 2023.DOI: 10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2023.110365.
[7] LI Jiahao, GUO Zhiguang, LIU Weimin. Biomimetic superhydrophobic materials construct from binary structure: a review on design, properties, and applications[J]. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 2023.DOI: 10.1002/ADMI.202201847.
[8] LIN Chang, HUANG Yufang, LI Xiao, et al. Fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces inspired by ″stomata effect″ of plant leaves via swelling-vesiculating-cracking method[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2020.DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.125935.
[9] SUIINDIK Z H, ADOTEY E, KYDYRBAY N, et al. Formulating superhydrophobic coatings with silane for microfiber applications[J]. Eurasian Chemico-Technological Journal, 2024, 26(2): 53-60.
[10] ZHANG Dong, JI Jinchao, YAN Chengtao, et al. Research advances in bio-inspired superhydrophobic surface: bridging nature to practical applications[J]. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 2024.DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2024.05.051.
[11] NEDJMA Mamine, NEDJOUD Grara, FADILA Khaldi, et al. Determination of the toxic effects of heavy metals on the morpho-anatomical responses of the leaf of Typha latifolia as a biomonitoring tool[J]. Plants, 2024.DOI: 10.3390/PLANTS13020176.
[12] XIONG Chengdong, QUAN Zhenzhen, ZHANG Hongnan, et al. Hierarchically tunable structure of polystyrene-based microfiber membranes for separation and selective adsorption of oil-water[J]. Applied Surface Science, 2020.DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2020.147400.
[13] ZHANG Yi, LI Yifu, TAN Zhongchao. Development of adjustable high-to low-adhesive superhydrophobicity using aligned electrospun fibers[J]. Langmuir, 2023, 39(45): 15986-15996.
[14] QIN Zixuan, ZHANG Heng, ZHAI Qian, et al. Flexible polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol@erucamide microfibrous packaging with ordered fiber orienta-tion[J]. Journal of Polymer Research, 2024.DOI: 10.1007/s10965-024-03888-7.
[15] ALEXANDER M Bier, MICHAEL Redel, SCHUBERT D. Model to predict polymer fibre diameter during melt spinning[J]. Advances in Polymer Technology, 2023.DOI: 10.1155/2023/7983819.
[16] 翟倩, 张恒, 赵珂, 等. 仿生竹节纤维基加湿材料的叠层设计及其导湿快干性能[J]. 纺织学报, 2024, 45(2): 1-10.
ZHAI Qian, ZHANG Heng, ZHAO Ke, et al. Laminated design and water quick-drying performance of biomimetic bamboo-tube fibrous humidifying mate-rials[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(2): 1-10.
[17] ANITA Roth-Nebelsick, WILFRIED Konrad, MARTIN Ebner, et al. When rain collides with plants: patterns and forces of drop impact and how leaves respond to them[J]. Journal of Experimental Botany, 2022, 73(4): 1155-1175.
doi: 10.1093/jxb/erac004 pmid: 35038724
[18] MAHESH C Dubey, DAMBARUDHAR Mohanta. Coexisting superhydrophobicity and superadhesion features of Ziziphus mauritiana abaxial leaf surface with possibility of biomimicking using electrospun micro-fibers[J]. Physics of Fluids, 2024.DOI: 10.1063/5.0176596.
[19] 孟娜, 王先锋, 李召岭, 等. 熔喷非织造布的驻极技术研究进展[J]. 纺织学报, 2023, 44(12): 225-232.
doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20220701302
MENG Na, WANG Xianfeng, LI Zhaoling, et al. Research progress in electret technology for melt-blown nonwovens[J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2023, 44(12): 225-232.
doi: 10.13475/j.fzxb.20220701302
[20] MENDOZADUARTE MÓnica Elvira, ESTRADAMORENO Iván Alziri, LÓPEZMARTÍNEZ Erika Ivonne, et al. Effect of the addition of different natural waxes on the mechanical and rheological behavior of PLA: a comparative study[J]. Polymers, 2023.DOI: 10.3390/POLYM15020305.
JU Zehui, BROSSE Nicolas, HOPPE Sandrine, et al. Thermal and mechanical properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified lignin/polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites[J]. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024.DOI: 10.1016/J.IJBIOMAC.2024.129997.
[21] ZHANG Li, XU Jian, HU Zhiqing, et al. Antireflective superhydrophobic and robust coating based on chitin nanofibers and methylsilanized silica for outdoor applications[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2024.DOI: 10.1021/ACSAMI.4C05778.
[1] ZHANG Rui, YE Suxian, WANG Jian, ZOU Zhuanyong. Preparation and performance of all-fabric iontronic flexible pressure sensor [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 113-121.
[2] LI Fengchun, SUN Hui, YU Bin, XIE Youxiu, ZHANG Dewei. Preparation of covalent organic framework/viscose spunlaced nonwoven fabrics and adsorption properties for dyestuff [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 170-179.
[3] WANG Rongrong, ZHOU Zhou, FENG Xiang, SHEN Ying, LIU Feng, XING Jian. Preparation and properties of porous sound absorption materials made from polyester/ethylene-propylene fibers [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(02): 61-68.
[4] YE Kongmeng, QIN Zixuan, KANG Guitian, LI Sai, HAN Dexiao, ZHANG Heng. Flash spinning-hydroentangling process of high-density polyethylene microfibrous tarpaulin and its waterproof and permeable performance [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(01): 25-33.
[5] ZUO Hongmei, GAO Min, RUAN Fangtao, ZOU Lihua, XU Zhenzhen. Preparation and mechanical properties of MXene-graphene oxide modified carbon fiber/polylactic acid composites [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2025, 46(01): 9-15.
[6] XIAO Xin, LI Wei, LU Run, JIANG Huiyu, LI Qing. Scouring and bleaching of cotton nonwoven fabrics using plasma-assisted hydrogen peroxide activation system [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 118-127.
[7] XIA Meng, CHENG Yue, LIU Rong, LI Dawei, FU Yijun. Application of Prussian blue coated nonwoven materials in bacterial detection [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 166-171.
[8] LIU Xia, WU Gaihong, YAN Zihao, WANG Cailiu. Preparation and properties of intelligent phase change thermoregulated polylactic acid fiber membrane [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 18-24.
[9] XU Qiuge, GUO Xun, DUO Yongchao, WU Ruonan, QIAN Xiaoming, SONG Bing, FU Hao, ZHAO Baobao. Preparation and performance of high shrinkage polyester/polyamide 6 hollow pie-segmented spunbond needle-punching nonwovens [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 41-49.
[10] OU Zongquan, YU Jinchao, PAN Zhijuan. Spinning of photochromic polylactic acid/polyhydroxybutyrate blend fiber and its structure and properties [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(12): 9-17.
[11] LI Han, WANG Haixia, ZHANG Xu, LIU Liping, LIU Xiaokun. Preparation and thermal management performance of thermoregulated fabric based on polyvinyl butyral/polyethylene glycol coaxial nanofiber membrane [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(11): 37-45.
[12] ZHANG Rui, YING Di, CHEN Bingbing, TIAN Xin, ZHENG Yingying, WANG Jian, ZOU Zhuanyong. Preparation and properties of carbon nanotube modified three-dimensional fiber-mesh nonwoven sensors [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(11): 46-54.
[13] XIAO Yuan, TONG Yao, HU Cheng'an, WU Xianjun, YANG Leipeng. Preparation of all-fabric flexible piezoresistive sensors based on conductive composite coating [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(10): 152-160.
[14] LIU Wenlong, LI Haoyi, HE Dongyang, LI Changjin, ZHANG Yang, MA Xiuqing, LI Manyi, YANG Weimin. Melt-blown process of low-density polyethylene and its nonwovens properties [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(10): 31-38.
[15] LU Daokun, WANG Shifei, DONG Qian, SHI Naman, LI Siqi, GAN Lulu, ZHOU Shuang, SHA Sha, ZHANG Ruquan, LUO Lei. Construction of MXene-based conductive fabrics and their multifunctional applications [J]. Journal of Textile Research, 2024, 45(09): 137-145.
Viewed
Full text


Abstract

Cited
  Shared   
  Discussed   
No Suggested Reading articles found!
京ICP备14006648号
Copyright 2021 © Editorial office of Journal of Textile Research
Supported by Beijing Magtech Co.Ltd