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Hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile‐ blend ‐soy protein hydrogel fibers: a study of structure and dynamic pH response
Author(s) -
Yu Liwei,
Gu Lixia
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymer international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.592
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1097-0126
pISSN - 0959-8103
DOI - 10.1002/pi.2493
Subject(s) - polyacrylonitrile , soy protein , swelling , materials science , elongation , scanning electron microscope , chemical engineering , microstructure , hydrolysis , fiber , polymer chemistry , electrospinning , polymer , composite material , chemistry , ultimate tensile strength , organic chemistry , biochemistry , engineering
BACKGROUND: The introduction of protein into polyacrylonitrile artificial muscle systems has been shown to be a good way to achieve quicker and better responses. This research work mainly focused on the structure and dynamic pH response of hybrid hydrolyzed polyacrylonitirile‐ blend ‐soy protein (H‐PAN/SP) hydrogel fibers. RESULTS: The micro‐morphology and swelling/shrinking kinetics of H‐PAN/SP hydrogel fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and elongation/contraction experiments with different fiber diameters, concentration of crosslinker and temperature. The results revealed good consistency between Tanaka–Fillmore theory and the surface morphology of the multi‐porous microstructures of the fibers. In addition, the crosslinking density and temperature had a great impact on the pH response of the hydrogel fibers, consistent with Flory–Huggins theory. Hydrogel fibers with a high content of soy protein showed an excellent and stable pH response. CONCLUSION: Studies of dynamic elongation and contraction behavior assist in the understanding and control of the pH response of H‐PAN/SP hydrogel fibers. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry